U.S.A to get new hybrid option for 2020 Honda CR-V

America's best-selling crossover gets a major boost with the introduction of the 2020 Honda CR-V, sporting freshened styling, new features and upgraded powertrains - including a new CR-V Hybrid.

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid is the first electrified SUV from the Honda brand in America, joining the Accord and Insight as the third electrified Honda manufactured in the U.S.A as the company moves to apply its advanced two-motor hybrid-electric system to all of its core U.S.A models in the years ahead.

Major upgrades to the 2020 CR-V include bolder front and rear styling, redesigned wheels, and standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology previously available only on EX and above trims.

All non-hybrid 2020 CR-V models are now powered by the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine, which was previously available only in EX and above trims. The 2020 CR-V will go on sale at Honda dealerships in the U.S.A in the third quarter of 2019, followed by the launch of the all new CR-V Hybrid in early 2020.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid promises substantially improved fuel efficiency while maintaining the CR-V's award-winning balance of interior space, driving dynamics and comfort.

The car's advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain, shared with the current Accord Hybrid, combines two electric motors with a 2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson cycle engine which operates at more than 40% thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine.

Honda's two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission for smooth and seamless power delivery similar to a pure electric vehicle, and boasts a broad range of electric-only operation. The compact intelligent power unit, containing the hybrid battery pack and its control systems, is mounted under the cargo floor, allowing the new CR-V Hybrid to retain excellent cargo utility coupled with a 60/40 split rear seatback with a flat load floor.

Peak total system horsepower is now 209bhp, up from 187bhp, along with an anticipated 50% increase in the EPA city fuel economy rating compared to the petrol-powered only CR-V.

The CR-V Hybrid also marks the first application of all-wheel drive to Honda's two-motor hybrid system in the U.S.A. When available traction is low, an electronic clutch activates, sending the appropriate level of power from the electric motor to the rear wheels.

With the 2020 model year, all Honda CR-Vs also now come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning and pedestrian sensing capability as well as Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist.

CR-V Hybrid models will also benefit from a new Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System designed to increase awareness by pedestrians when travelling under only electric power. A speaker mounted in the front bumper generates a distinct audible alert that varies in volume depending on vehicle speed and is easily noticeable to pedestrians, but nearly inaudible to the driver or passengers under most circumstances.