Makes›Honda›CR-V›2020

2020 Honda CR-V

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

Honda CR-V
Pictured: Honda CR-V e-HEV Elegance AWD (VI) – f 14072024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine190 hp1.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine143 hp2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
TransmissionCVT · e-CVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

EXEX-L

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD180.7 in72.8 in66.1 in104.7 in63 / 63.8 in3,483 lb58/42
4dr SUV FWD180.7 in72.8 in66.1 in104.7 in63 / 63.8 in3,311 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CR-V Hybrid AWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive40 / 35 / 38+62%$1,750234
CR-V FWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 34 / 30+17%$2,250294
CR-V AWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive27 / 32 / 29+23%$2,300305
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.5 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Honda CR-V SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2020 Honda CR-V SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Honda CR-V SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Honda CR-V SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Honda CR-V SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2020 Honda CR-V SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Honda CR-V (this car)38 MPG★★★★★9
2020 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★6
2020 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Mazda CX-528 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan25 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

444Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
25Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
20Injuries reported
17,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking78
Engine62
Electrical System57
Air Bags51
Unknown Or Other48
Fuel/Propulsion System48
Steering46
Service Brakes43
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 624/12: 425/01: 725/02: 525/03: 525/04: 225/05: 825/06: 1125/07: 825/08: 725/09: 1025/10: 525/11: 325/12: 626/01: 326/02: 526/03: 1326/04: 1226/05: 926/06: 826/07: 926/08: 1526/09: 1026/10: 924/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 15

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 78 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  3. Engine — 62 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 57 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 CR-V40–Not rated00
2026 CR-V40184.6 inNot rated2177
2025 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★6290
2024 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★5481
2023 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★8633
2022 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★6348
2021 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★5444
2019 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★81,107
2018 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★52,161
2017 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★71,777
2016 CR-V29179.5 inNot rated3394
2015 CR-V29179.5 inNot rated3670

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →