The new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid will give a boost to Honda’s SUV sales with its all-wheel -drive (AWD), standard features, and two-battery hybrid system. The CR-V Hybrid, which went on sale in China and Europe last year, is Honda’s first electrified SUV in the United States. Introduced to the U.S. in 1997, the base model Honda CR-V is now in its fifth generation.
The CR-V, which has had a long-run as one of the top-selling SUVs in its class, retains a 45.2% resale value after the first place, Subaru Forrester, according to Kelly Blue Book. Competitors include the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Nissan Rogue Hybrid, and its chief rival, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD.
Toyota’s best-selling hybrid, the RAV4, is the closet competitor with AWD. However, the 2020 CR-V offers competitive pricing and more standard features. The 2020 CR-V Hybrid starts at $28,870 for the base LX trim, slightly less than a base LE RAV4 Hybrid at $29,470 MSRP.
The CR-V Hybrid does lag slightly behind its two main rivals on fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. The all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 is rated at 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway, while the Ford Escape Hybrid front-wheel-drive averages 44 mpg city/37 mpg and 43 mpg city/37 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive option.
The new Honda CR-V Hybrid has an EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg city/35 mpg highway, compared to the standard gasoline-powered CR-V AWD, which gets 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
The CR-V Hybrid shares a retuned version of the two-motor hybrid propulsion system from the Honda Accord Hybrid, but with improved efficiency and performance. Sitting underneath the hood is a 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that generates 212 horsepower, and a small 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that is quiet and smooth.
The CR-V Hybrid uses an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and can run at higher speeds on electric power for an extensive period before the gasoline engine kicks in. Additionally, the transition from gasoline to battery power is seamless.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid, which operates in four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, and EV, can run on all-electric in the EV mode at lower speeds. It also becomes very assertive in the sports mode.
Regenerative braking is an essential factor in electric vehicles because it helps recharge the battery. Honda did a great job of improving the smoothness and effectiveness of braking in the CR-V Hybrid. Coasting and braking during stops are less intrusive than in many other Hybrids I’ve driven.
The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist features come standard in the CR-V Hybrid, which includes collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping alerts, and departure assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian sensing, and adaptive cruise control.
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Honda Accord
The 2020 Acura MDX Defines Space and Comfort
The 2020 Acura MDX, which is the first three-row luxury SUV to enter the market, continues its reputation for reliability and high resale value. The 2020 Acura MDX family of vehicles offers a host of design, technology and safety packages for its gas and hybrids models.
The 2020 Acura MDX, which was the first luxury SUV to offer seven-passenger seating, also holds the lead as the top selling three-row luxury SUV of all-time
Since 2001, the Acura MDX has been earning customer loyalty for its comfort and performance. It has held on to its competitive advantage over the years by adding the newest safety, technology, and design features. The third generation MDX, which was introduced in 2014, has expanded that list of configurations and options.
Consumers can now choose between five different types of MDX packages, which are named MDX Standard, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, or Entertainment. The Standard, Technology and Advance come standard with front-wheel-drive (FWD). All models can be equipped with Acura’s Super-Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD), which significantly improves handling on all types of road conditions. The Technology and Advance versions can be equipped with a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
I tested the 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec model that included the Tech package. The A-Spec, which was introduced at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, includes the Super Handling AWD suspension, and design enhancements.
The exterior has a more aggressive look that includes black and chrome accents, redesigned front bumpers, LED fog lights, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was given new gauges, sport seats, carbon fiber trim, sport pedals, and a thicker steering wheel with paddle shifters.
The Tech Package includes voice navigation, AcuraLink Communication System, HD radio, remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, traffic detection monitors and parking sensors.
The Acura MDX offers two engine types: The Standard and Technology comes with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder that generates 290 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and an electric motor that gets 257 horsepower. It uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The price range for the 2020 Acura MDX starts at $44,500 and tops out at $60,150 MSRP. The estimated fuel averages are 23 mpg on the FWD models, 22 mpg on the SH-AWD, and 27 mpg combined on the Sport Hybrid. The A-Spec version started at $54,900 with a $995 destination charge.
For more reviews on the latest new cars and trucks, go to www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network