The 2020 Honda CR-V lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor battery and oil consumption issues reported. At $23,275 to $33,000, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best compact SUVs available on the market.
Is the 2020 Honda CR-V a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Honda CR-V since they have great reliability ratings paired with the latest safety tech. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, low ownership costs, along with the efficient engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are great, seating is very comfortable, cargo space is also better than many other small SUVs on the market.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 CR-V. Stay away from models from 2015–2016 which have transmission issues. Models from 2017–2022 are more dependable long-term.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is only average from the standard 4-cylinder engine, which focuses more on efficiency rather than performance.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 CR-V is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 420 miles of range out of the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $53 cheaper than average at $169 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2020 Honda CR-V is an expensive compact SUV, although slow depreciation paired with low ownership costs makes it a great value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda CR-V?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Honda CR-V is one of the best small SUVs in the world with its roomy cabin and high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the CR-V at 4.1/5, praising the comfortable suspension at highway speeds, but doesn’t like the difficult touchscreen.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the CR-V a 4.1/5, enjoying the standard Honda Sensing features, but owners don’t like the low 1,500-pound towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Honda CR-V Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Honda CR-V include dead batteries, excessive oil consumption, along with the automatic braking system engaging too often. Overall, these problems are similar to a lot of other small SUVs, leading to average repair costs as a CR-V ages.
Dead batteries are the most widespread complaint from 2020 CR-V owners in the first 5,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by excessive electrical draw while the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the electrical draw costs around $100, and fixing it costs $50 to $100, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem mentioned by some 2020 Honda CR-V owners at around 2,500 miles. Usually oil consumption is in the normal ranges. We recommend owners check the oil around every 1,000 miles and top it off as needed. Some engines consume more oil to prevent wear and tear.
The automatic braking system engaging too often also shows up on some CR-V models in the first 1,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by a dirty front braking sensor. Often simply cleaning the sensor fixes the problem. Some owners have also had the sensor replaced under warranty when the issues show up so early.
There are three recalls on the 2020 Honda CR-V, which is similar to some other small SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers an improper fuel gauge reading, Honda will replace the fuel tank on affected models for free. Other recalls include the rear frame, which only affects 358 models, and a seat belt buckle, which may not latch. Honda will fix both of those problems for free as well.
How Long Will the 2020 Honda CR-V Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Honda CR-V can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $387 per year.
As a used 2020 Honda CR-V reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel evaporative canister for $400, timing belt costing $550, along with the vehicle speed sensor which costs $275.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic in the entry-level Honda CR-V with a standard 5-inch central display screen. An optional upgrade includes a larger 7-inch touchscreen which adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Safety technology is excellent for a compact SUV offering standard features including:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Road departure mitigation
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Is the 2020 Honda CR-V a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Honda CR-V is a good value since it offers a lot of features and reliability for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,275 to $33,000, making it more than a Kia Niro or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $25,150 to $34,850. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda CR-V?
There are four models of the 2020 Honda CR-V offered, from the base LX all the way through to the more luxurious Touring. The CR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- 5-Inch Central Display
- Automatic Climate Control
- Honda Sensing Suite of Safety Features
- Four-Speaker Sound System
EX is a step up, adding:
- Alloy Wheels
- Sunroof
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Push-Button Start
- Keyless Entry
- Heated Front Seats
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
EX-L adds features including:
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Liftgate
- Eight-Speaker Audio System
Touring is the flagship model which has:
- Premium Leather Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- LED Headlights
- Integrated Navigation
- Nine-Speaker Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Honda CR-V?
The engine found in the 2020 Honda CR-V is an average turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder which makes 190 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is decent, taking 7.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Honda CR-V Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda CR-V?
The 2020 Honda CR-V is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for both short commutes and long road trips. Its well-cushioned seats provide ample support for occupants, with seating for up to five people.
The cabin is thoughtfully designed, with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers in both the front and rear rows. The CR-V also features a quiet ride, effectively isolating passengers from road noise and vibrations. Also, its user-friendly infotainment system, automatic climate control, and numerous available comfort features such as heated seats, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat contribute to a pleasant driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Honda CR-V Have?
The 2020 Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that offers an impressive amount of cargo volume for its size. It provides a versatile cargo area with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.
If you need more room for larger items, the 60/40-split rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo capacity to a generous 75.8 cubic feet. This ample storage, combined with its well-designed interior, makes the 2020 Honda CR-V a practical choice for families, road trips, and everyday driving.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Honda CR-V was introduced for the 2017 model year.
2015: CVT transmission introduced, new 7-inch touchscreen, upgraded engine.
2016: New SE model introduced, security system added to the LX model.
2017: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2018: Same features as the 2017 model
2019: No major changes.
2020: Standard 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, additional safety features, minor exterior styling changes.
2021: No changes from earlier years.
How Does the Honda CR-V Compare to the Competition?
The Honda CR-V is among the best compact SUVs for 2020 since it’s more reliable than some of the competition while offering a lot of the latest safety technology across the entire lineup.
The Toyota RV4 is another small SUV available for around $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are slightly higher on the Toyota RAV4, while the Honda CR-V offers a more comfortable interior. We recommend the Toyota RAV4, although both are very good compact SUVs worth test driving.
The Kia Sorento is a competitor available for about $1,500 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Kia Sorento, while the Honda CR-V offers better long-term reliability ratings. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it will last longer with fewer anticipated mechanical problems as it ages.