Buying a used 2020 Honda CR-V makes a lot of sense for several reasons. The design hasn’t changed much over the last few years, meaning a 2020 model will give you almost all the same features as a 2022 CR-V.
The CR-V is roomy, with a massive cargo hold and rear seat, and its proven turbocharged engine is spritely and fuel-efficient. Need something with better fuel economy? The 2020 CR-V Hybrid gets 40-mpg city and 35-mpg highway, and when new, cost less than a comparative Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with the CR-V’s excellent marks for reliability and strong resale. Nor will you find fault with Honda’s impressive Certified Pre-Owned program that extends the powertrain warranty to 7-years or 100,000 miles and the new vehicle limited warranty to 4-years or 48,000 miles.
2020 Honda CR-V LX and Hybrid LX
Contrary to popular belief, an entry-level trim isn’t always a stripped-down model intended only for penny pinchers and first-time buyers. Take the 2020 Honda CR-V LX, for example. It comes nicely equipped with features that, just ten years ago, would be considered a luxury.
The CR-V LX uses the same engine and transmission as its more expensive siblings, a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic helps maximize power and fuel economy and works well in this application. The Hybrid LX uses a 2.0-liter gas engine and dual electric motors for a combined output of 212 horsepower.
All-wheel drive is available on the gas model and standard on the hybrid.
Standard equipment for the CR-V LX starts with 17-inch alloy wheels, two-speed variable windshield wipers, power mirrors, a rear window wiper/washer with heated wiper zone, auto on/off headlights, and remote keyless entry. Mechanical features include an electronic parking brake, hill start assist, and an Eco Assist feature that helps the driver maximize fuel consumption by driving less aggressively.
A lengthy list of interior features includes automatic climate control, an auto up/down power driver’s window, adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
Cloth fabric covers the seats, including a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with folding center armrest and a 6-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat. Other easily overlooked conveniences include sliding sun visors, a center console storage bin with a sliding armrest, a conversation mirror with sunglass holder, and cargo compartment lights.
A 160-watt stereo with four speakers makes up the CR-V LX’s standard audio system. It’s connected to a 5-inch color display screen with a rearview monitor. The system includes Bluetooth streaming and Active Noise Cancellation, which uses the car’s speakers to counteract the obtrusive engine and exhaust noise.
As for safety, the LX is impressively armed. Along with the required anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and full complement of airbags, the LX comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists. The group includes automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
A standard driver attention monitor warns the driver they’re not paying attention to the road, while a maintenance reminder system helps owners keep up with required maintenance. Also onboard is a tire pressure monitor, low fuel and low oil indicators, and idle stop/start that shuts down the engine when temporarily stopped at a traffic light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The Hybrid LX is identically equipped but replaces the compact spare with a tire repair kit. The hybrid also has an acoustic alert system (makes noise so pedestrians can hear it when running in full electric mode) and a few cubic feet less cargo space.
The 2020 CR-V LX is tow rated to just 1,500 pounds.
In a typical used car market, a good condition, low-mileage 2020 Honda CR-V LX would sell for between $21,000 and $23,500, with a private party sale being the least expensive option.
However, due to the current shortage of new cars, we see used car prices jump dramatically, sometimes going for more than when the vehicle was new. In the 2020 CR-V LX’s case, prices range from a low of $23,500 to a high of $28,000, the latter being about $3,000 more than the LX cost when new. Expect to add another $1,000 for an all-wheel-drive model and around $2,500 for the hybrid.
A glance at the Autotrader classified can help locate CR-V’s for sale nationwide, making it easier to make price comparisons. For example, the same LX for sale in Los Angles might be far more expensive than one for sale in a rural part of New Mexico, meaning it might be worth a day’s drive to save a few thousand dollars. See 2020 Honda CR-V LX models for sale and See 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid LX models for sale
2020 Honda CR-V LX includes:
- Automatic emergency braking – can detect and warn of a possible front-end collision. If the driver fails to respond, the system can slow or stop the vehicle before a crash occurs.
- Automatic high-beam headlights – automatically activate in low light conditions. When sensing approaching traffic, the system will automatically dim the high beams.
- Automatic climate control – set the desired interior temperature and the LX’s automatic climate control does the rest.
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel – makes it easy to find the best driving position regardless of seat position.
2020 Honda CR-V EX and Hybrid EX
If we were shopping for a used 2020 CR-V, the EX is the trim we’d pick. Even with inflated prices, it’s still a good deal, and it includes enough equipment to satisfy most needs.
Adding to the LX’s standard equipment, the EX brings 18-inch alloy wheels, body-colored door handles and rear spoiler, tinted rear privacy glass, a security alarm system, and fog lights.
EX buyers will enjoy a power sunroof, heated side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, lighted vanity mirrors, and heated front seats. The driver gets a 12-way power seat, including 4-way power lumbar support. Honda’s Smart Entry proximity key with walk-away auto-locking allows remote start of the vehicle while keeping it locked. It can also remotely lower the windows and open the sunroof using only the key fob.
The EX’s audio includes a 180-watt amp powering six speakers. A 7-inch touch screen hosts Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HondaLink services, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Also included in the mix are HD Radio, SMS text message ability, and two USB charge ports for the rear seat area. Active guidelines that turn with the vehicle are added to the standard rearview monitor.
On the driver-assist front, the EX gains a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Hybrid EX includes all the EX features plus 5-LED fog lights.
Ordinarily, a 2020 Honda CR-V EX would hold its value well, selling for just a few thousand dollars below its original MSRP. However, due to the post-pandemic slump in new car production, prices for a used 2020 CR-V EX are skewed to the upside, with many dealers asking the same or more than when the car was new.
Looking at the Autotrader classifieds show a wide range of prices that vary by region. On the whole, a low mileage 2020 CR-V EX in good condition ranges from a low of around $26,000 to a high closing in on $29,000. All-wheel drive adds another $1,000 to $1,500, again depending on region, and the Hybrid EX another $2,500 or so.
A private party sale will usually save you money, but it appears the word is out on used car prices, and even private party prices are well above the norm. To make matters worse, many dealerships are offering big bucks for private party sales that meet their criteria (low mileage, good condition), making it even harder to buy from the previous owner. See 2020 Honda CR-V EX models for sale and See 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX models for sale
2020 Honda CR-V EX includes:
- 12-way power driver’s seat – with 4-way power lumbar, makes it easy to find the perfect driving position.
- Blind-spot monitor – monitors the lanes on either side of the CR-V and alerts the driver when a vehicle is driving in their blind spot.
- Smart Entry – with the proximity key fob in pocket, one need only approach the vehicle to unlock the doors and activate the push-button start.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allows full integration of an Apple or Android smartphone into the CR-V’s infotainment system, giving access to the user’s apps, music, maps, and messages.
2020 Honda CR-V EX-L and Hybrid EX-L
Think of the EX-L as an EX with a slightly upgraded interior. Above the EX’s standard equipment, the EX-L adds leather seating, a 4-way power passenger seat, a power rear liftgate, two-position memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Also included are Homelink remote garage and security system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and two additional speakers for a total of eight.
The Hybrid EX-L and gas EX-L are identically equipped
Like the EX, a used 2020 Honda CR-V EX-L is going to cost more than it did before the pandemic-induced new car shortage. Before the price hike, a 2020 EX-L in good condition with low mileage would sell between $27,000 and $29,000, depending on location and transaction type (private party, dealer, or CPO).
However, a look through the Autotrader classifieds shows prices for a used 2020 CR-V EX-L running the gamut from a low of around $27,000 to as much as $31,000. Adding all-wheel drive pushes the price up about another $1,000, and the hybrid model another $1,500 over that. See 2020 Honda CR-V EX-L models for sale and See 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX-L models for sale
2020 Honda CR-V EX-L includes:
- Leather upholstery – adds a touch of elegance to the CR-V interior and functionality as leather is much easier to clean than cloth.
- Power rear liftgate – makes it easy to open the rear liftgate, such as when your arms are full.
- 4-way power passenger seat – while not as versatile as the driver’s seats, it’s still a nice feature for the passenger.
- Two-position memory – allows two drivers to pre-set their seat and mirror position via a set of buttons on the door.
2020 Honda CR-V Touring and Hybrid Touring
At the top of the CR-V pecking order is the luxurious Touring trim, the CR-V for those who want all the bells and whistles, even though some might be redundant or outdated.
Building off the EX-L, the Touring adds a motion-activated rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, satellite-linked navigation, and a 330-watt, nine-speaker premium audio system. Also included with the Touring are rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, roof rails, and ambient lighting.
The Touring Hybrid adds rear parking sensors.
Pricing for a used 2020 Honda CR-V Touring is a bit skewed at the moment. The shortage in new cars caused by the worldwide microchip shortage has driven up used CR-V prices to what they cost when new.
Book values for a private party 2020 CR-V Touring in good condition and with 20,000 miles ranges between $34,500 and $36,800. However, a quick look through the Autotrader classified shows pricing closer to $31,000 to $34,000, depending on the region.
All-wheel-drive models add another $1,000 to $1,500, and the hybrid about another $1,500 over the AWD gas model. See 2020 Honda CR-V Touring models for sale and See 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring models for sale
2020 Honda CR-V Touring includes:
- Motion-activated rear liftgate – kick your foot under the CR-V’s rear bumper, and the power rear liftgate automatically opens.
- Satellite Navigation – can get you anywhere you need to go, responding to voice input or typed-in commands. Standard HD Digital traffic allows the navigation to re-route around traffic jams.
- Heated steering wheel – allows you to keep a comfortable grip on the wheel without the discomfort that comes with grasping leather at sub-freezing temperatures.
- Wireless charging pad – frees you from using wires and a USB port to charge your phone. Place the device on the pad, and the battery charges automatically (requires a phone compatible with wireless charging).
Related: 2021 Honda CR-V: Choosing the Right Trim
See a review of the 2020 Honda CR-V from KBB.
