2020 HONDA CR-V | 5J6RW2H8XLA019966

Body Styles

The CR-V is a five-door compact crossover SUV with a modern and functional design. The 2017 redesign introduced a more sculpted and angular body, featuring a bold front grille, wing-shaped LED daytime running lights, prominent wheel arches, and a rising window line. A distinctive rear light signature with tall taillamps and a subtle spoiler gives it a recognizable look from the back. Higher trims like Touring added chrome accents, roof rails, and dual exhaust outlets, while the overall design maintained Honda’s focus on practicality, visibility, and aerodynamic efficiency.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“CR-V” is commonly understood to mean “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” though Honda has also referred to it as “Compact Recreational Vehicle.” The name reflects its positioning as a small SUV designed for family utility, urban flexibility, and casual adventure, balancing comfort and capability.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The CR-V was offered in a wide variety of sophisticated and earthy tones such as Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Radiant Red, and Sonic Gray Pearl (on later trims). Touring and Black Edition trims introduced more contrast elements like gloss-black wheels, smoked grille finishes, and darkened trim. Chrome detailing on the grille, side windows, and rear bumper differentiated upper trims from base models.

Inside, the CR-V featured a clean, horizontal dashboard design with high-mounted screens and intuitive controls. Materials ranged from durable fabric on LX and EX trims to soft-touch surfaces and perforated leather on EX-L and Touring. Interior color themes included black, ivory, and gray, with woodgrain or brushed aluminum accents depending on the trim. The Touring trim included ambient lighting, a digital gauge cluster, wireless charging, and a panoramic audio experience with the 9-speaker premium system. Rear seats reclined and folded flat, while cargo space led the segment at up to 75.8 cubic feet (2,146 liters) with seats down.

Wheels ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on base trims to 18- and 19-inch split-spoke or machine-finished wheels on higher trims. Sportier trims had black wheels or contrast inserts. The overall stance was upright and athletic, and the wheel designs complemented the CR-V’s balanced, no-nonsense aesthetic.

Top Expensive Options

• Touring Trim Package (Navigation, LED Headlights, Power Tailgate): $4,000+
• AWD System with Intelligent Control: $1,400
• Leather-Trimmed Seats with Heating and Power Adjustment: $1,200
• Honda Sensing Safety Suite (Standard after 2018): Included
• Wireless Phone Charging Pad (Touring): $350
• 9-Speaker Premium Audio System with Subwoofer: $750
• Power Moonroof with Tilt Function: $1,000
• Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Motion Sensor: $600
• Navigation with HD Traffic and Voice Control: $900
• Remote Engine Start and Smart Entry System: $500

vs Competitors

The CR-V competed with the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester. Compared to the RAV4, it offered a more spacious cabin and smoother ride, though it lacked hybrid options early on. The Mazda CX-5 handled better but offered less rear-seat and cargo space. Against the Rogue and Tucson, the CR-V had superior performance, interior quality, and long-term reliability. The Forester matched the CR-V in space and traction but not refinement or drivetrain smoothness. The CR-V’s reputation for reliability, comfort, and real-world usability made it a favorite among both families and solo drivers across markets.

Fun Fact

The fifth-generation CR-V was Honda’s best-selling vehicle in North America for several consecutive years. In 2019, it became the first Honda SUV to sell over 5 million units globally, cementing its status as one of the most trusted and successful compact crossovers of all time.