2020 Honda CR-V
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 143–190 hp
- Transmission
- CVT, e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 40 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,311–3,483 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 62% better than the average 2020 small SUV (23.5 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints444 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 141 for similar models — most often about the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking.
- 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Honda CR-V is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (40 city / 35 highway), 62% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 444 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.
What changed for 2020
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 30 to 38
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 CR-V →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Alliston, Ontario · Greensburg, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 CR-V configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,483 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,311 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 / 35 / 38 | +62% | $1,750 | 234 |
| CR-V FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 294 |
| CR-V AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +23% | $2,300 | 305 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Honda CR-V SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2020 Honda CR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |


Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Honda CR-V (this car) | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (9)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Dec 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V844000 · 106,030 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cable routed outside of the body frame is missing a fuse on the power circuit, which can allow the battery cable to short circuit or overheat during a crash.
- Risk
- An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the battery cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FGB.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 27, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V524000 · 5 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Mar 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V158000 · 448,613 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
- Risk
- An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · May 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V380000 · 212 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
- Risk
- An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Module › Software · Dec 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V798000 · 27,838 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.
Structure › Frame And Members · Dec 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V865000 · 358 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
- Risk
- A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R6M.
Not every 2020 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 78 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Engine — 62 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 57 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Honda CR-V. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CR-V years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 CR-V | 40 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 177 |
| 2025 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 290 |
| 2024 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 481 |
| 2023 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 633 |
| 2022 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 348 |
| 2021 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 444 |
| 2019 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,107 |
| 2018 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 2,161 |
| 2017 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 1,777 |
| 2016 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 394 |
| 2015 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 670 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →