Honda CR-V: 2018 Vs. 2020 - Which Is Better?
What's up, car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of compact SUVs to compare two popular models: the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020. If you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and family-friendly ride, you've likely got the CR-V on your radar. But with a couple of model years between them, you might be wondering what's changed and which one is the better pick for your needs. Let's break it down, guys, and figure out which CR-V reigns supreme!
The Exterior: Subtle Evolutions in Style
When you first glance at the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020, you'll notice that Honda didn't exactly reinvent the wheel. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because the CR-V has always sported a handsome and practical design. The 2018 model, part of the fifth generation that debuted in 2017, already had a more mature and sculpted look compared to its predecessors. It features clean lines, a confident stance, and that signature Honda grille that screams "speaks" volumes about its brand identity. The headlights are sharp, and the taillights wrap elegantly around the rear, giving it a modern and aerodynamic profile. It’s a design that ages well, and honestly, it still looks great on the road today. The 2018 CR-V offered a good balance of ruggedness and refinement, making it a solid choice for both city driving and weekend adventures. You get a decent amount of ground clearance, which is always a plus when you encounter less-than-perfect roads or need to navigate through light snow. The overall proportions are well-managed, ensuring it doesn't feel too bulky while still offering ample interior space. The wheel designs also contributed to its overall appeal, ranging from practical alloys to sportier options depending on the trim level. It's a design that prioritizes function without sacrificing form, a hallmark of Honda engineering.
Now, let's talk about the Honda CR-V 2020. While not a full redesign, the 2020 model received some key exterior tweaks that give it a slightly more aggressive and contemporary edge. The front fascia got a refresh, with a more prominent grille and redesigned headlights that adopt a sleeker, more assertive look. The front bumper also saw some minor adjustments, enhancing its overall presence. Around the back, the taillights received subtle updates, often with updated LED elements, maintaining that distinctive CR-V silhouette. The wheel designs were also refreshed for 2020, offering new patterns and finishes that complement the updated styling. These changes, while not drastic, contribute to a more sophisticated and modern appearance. It's like putting on a fresh pair of shoes – it just makes the whole outfit look a bit sharper. The 2020 CR-V continues to offer that same practical wheelbase and body style, ensuring it retains its excellent cargo capacity and passenger room. The side profile remains largely the same, which is good because it's a proven and effective shape. However, the subtle updates to the front and rear really do make the 2020 model feel a bit more current and perhaps a touch more premium. If you're someone who appreciates the little details and likes to stay on top of automotive trends, these subtle evolutions might just tip the scales in favor of the 2020 model. It's a testament to Honda's ability to refine an already successful formula, making minor adjustments that have a noticeable impact on the vehicle's overall aesthetic appeal and road presence. The added visual flair in the 2020 CR-V aims to capture a slightly broader audience, appealing to those who seek a compact SUV that doesn't just serve its purpose but also makes a stylish statement.
Interior Comfort and Tech: Where the Real Differences Lie
Step inside the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020, and you'll start to feel the nuances that separate these two. The 2018 CR-V already impressed with its spacious and well-thought-out cabin. Honda is known for maximizing interior space, and the 2018 CR-V is a prime example. You've got generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it incredibly comfortable for long road trips or just daily commutes. The materials used are generally good quality, giving it a solid and durable feel. The dashboard layout is intuitive and driver-focused, with easy-to-reach controls. The infotainment system, while functional, was pretty standard for its time. Depending on the trim, you'd get a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were definitely welcome additions for seamless smartphone integration. The seating is supportive, and the overall ambiance is one of practical comfort. Cargo space is also a huge win for the CR-V, with a cavernous rear cargo area that can easily swallow strollers, groceries, camping gear, or whatever else life throws at you. The rear seats fold down flat, creating an even larger, more versatile space for hauling bigger items. It’s the kind of interior that just works for families and active individuals, offering flexibility without feeling cramped. The ergonomics are spot on, ensuring that the driver feels in control and comfortable behind the wheel for extended periods. Storage solutions are also abundant, with plenty of cubbies and pockets to keep essentials organized and within easy reach.
Fast forward to the Honda CR-V 2020, and while the fundamental layout remains the same – because, again, it’s a great layout – there are some notable upgrades, particularly in the tech department. The infotainment system received a boost. The 2020 model generally features a more responsive and refined touchscreen interface. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still standard on most trims, the overall user experience is smoother. Honda also made efforts to improve the sound system quality on certain trims, offering a more immersive audio experience. Another big improvement for the 2020 model, especially for those in colder climates, is the introduction of a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across all trims, which we'll get to later, but it also impacted the interior features. More importantly, the 2020 CR-V often comes with more standard safety features thanks to the Honda Sensing suite being more widely available. This includes things like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These aren't just fancy gadgets; they're genuinely helpful features that add a layer of safety and reduce driver fatigue. The cabin materials might see minor enhancements in texture or finish, contributing to a slightly more upscale feel. The overall cabin remains just as spacious and practical as the 2018 model, which is a huge plus. The focus for the 2020 refresh was clearly on refining the user experience through technology and safety. It’s about making your drive not only comfortable but also smarter and safer. The seats continue to provide excellent comfort and support, and the overall visibility from the driver's seat remains superb, a characteristic that Honda consistently nails. The addition of features like a heated steering wheel on higher trims also adds a touch of luxury that wasn't as prevalent in the 2018 model. It’s these subtle yet significant upgrades that make the 2020 CR-V feel like a more modern and connected vehicle.
Performance and Fuel Economy: Under the Hood Insights
Let's get down to what makes these SUVs tick: their performance. In the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020 comparison, the engine options are a key differentiator, especially when you look at the base models. The 2018 CR-V came with a choice of two engines. Most trims were powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a respectable 184 horsepower. This engine is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery, perfectly adequate for everyday driving. However, higher trims, like the EX-L and Touring, boasted a more potent 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower. This turbocharged engine offered a bit more pep, especially in terms of low-end torque, making acceleration feel quicker and more responsive. Both engines were paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which Honda has refined over the years to provide a more natural driving feel, minimizing that dreaded "rubber band" effect sometimes associated with CVTs. The ride quality in the 2018 CR-V is excellent. It strikes a great balance between comfort and handling. The suspension soaks up bumps and road imperfections effectively, providing a smooth and quiet cabin experience. Steering is light and precise, making maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. For an SUV, it handles surprisingly well, with minimal body roll when cornering. Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine was typically around 26 MPG city and 32 MPG highway, while the 1.5-liter turbo nudged that up slightly, often achieving around 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. These are solid numbers for the class, making the CR-V an economical choice for daily driving. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) option was available on most trims, providing added confidence in slippery conditions, though it did come with a slight penalty in fuel economy. The 2018 CR-V truly offered a versatile performance package, catering to those who prioritize comfort and efficiency but still appreciate a bit of driving dynamism.
Now, for the Honda CR-V 2020, Honda made a significant move towards standardization. The 2020 model removed the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine option for most markets and made the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard across all trims. This means every 2020 CR-V, from the base LX to the top-tier Touring, comes with that 190-horsepower turbo engine. This is a fantastic upgrade for anyone who wants a bit more oomph from their compact SUV, even at the entry level. You get that same responsive acceleration and better low-end torque that characterized the turbo engine in the 2018 higher trims. Paired with the same refined CVT, the driving experience is consistently peppy and efficient. The fuel economy saw a slight improvement, with the 2020 model often achieving around 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway for front-wheel-drive models, and slightly less for AWD versions. These figures are competitive and reinforce the CR-V's reputation as a fuel-efficient SUV. The ride and handling characteristics remain largely unchanged, meaning you still get that supremely comfortable and composed ride that the CR-V is famous for. Honda didn't mess with a winning formula here. The suspension is well-tuned for a blend of comfort and agility, and the steering remains accurate and engaging. The availability of AWD also continues, offering that extra peace of mind for drivers in varied weather conditions. The standardization of the turbo engine is arguably the biggest performance-related upgrade for the 2020 CR-V, providing a more engaging driving experience across the board without sacrificing fuel efficiency. It shows Honda's commitment to offering a more powerful and refined powertrain as standard, making the 2020 model a compelling choice for those who want a bit more performance without compromise. The focus on the turbo engine also aligns with modern automotive trends, emphasizing smaller, more efficient, yet powerful turbocharged units.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road
Safety is paramount for any car buyer, and the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020 both score well, but the 2020 model takes a significant leap forward in standard safety tech. The 2018 CR-V was already a safe vehicle, earning top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. It came equipped with a suite of airbags, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a solid structure designed to protect occupants. However, many of the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were reserved for higher trim levels. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking were typically found on EX-L and Touring models. While these features were excellent, their limited availability meant that many 2018 CR-V owners might not have had access to them unless they opted for the pricier trims. This is where the 2020 model truly shines. Honda made a conscious decision to expand the availability of its Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies. For the 2020 CR-V, Honda Sensing became standard on all trim levels. This is a huge deal, guys! It means that even the base LX model of the 2020 CR-V comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. This dramatically increases the safety quotient across the entire lineup. These systems work together to help prevent accidents, reduce their severity, or simply make driving less stressful. For instance, adaptive cruise control can maintain a set distance from the car ahead, easing the burden on long highway drives, while lane-keeping assist gently nudges the vehicle back into its lane if it starts to drift. Forward collision warning alerts you to potential frontal impacts, and automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes if you don't react in time. The 2020 CR-V also typically includes a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert as standard on most trims, further enhancing situational awareness. The combination of a robust physical structure and advanced electronic safety aids makes the 2020 CR-V an incredibly secure choice for families and individuals alike. It signifies Honda's commitment to prioritizing occupant safety and making advanced safety features accessible to a broader range of buyers, not just those opting for the top-tier models. The consistent application of these technologies across the board is a significant improvement and a major selling point for the 2020 model.
Which One Should You Choose? The Verdict!
So, we've dissected the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020, and it's clear both are fantastic compact SUVs. The 2018 Honda CR-V remains a compelling option, especially if you're looking for a great value on the used market. It offers excellent practicality, a comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. You still get a well-built interior, ample cargo space, and Honda's legendary reliability. If you can find one with the 1.5-liter turbo engine and aren't too fussed about having the absolute latest tech or all the safety features standard, the 2018 is a smart buy. It's the reliable workhorse that has served many families well.
However, the 2020 Honda CR-V really steps up its game and, for many, represents the smarter long-term investment. The standard 1.5-liter turbo engine across all trims means you get a more engaging driving experience and better fuel efficiency right from the base model. The biggest win, though, is the standard Honda Sensing suite of safety features on every single trim. This makes the 2020 CR-V significantly safer and more technologically advanced across the board. The subtle exterior styling updates also give it a slightly fresher look. If your budget allows, the 2020 CR-V offers a more modern, safer, and slightly more powerful package that's harder to ignore. It's the evolution of an already great SUV, refined to meet the demands of today's drivers for connectivity, safety, and performance. The peace of mind that comes with having advanced safety tech standard on every model is, for many, worth the price difference. Plus, that standard turbo engine just makes daily driving a bit more fun!
Ultimately, the best choice between the Honda CR-V 2018 vs 2020 depends on your priorities and budget. If value and solid performance are key, the 2018 is a winner. If you want the latest safety tech, a more standard turbocharged engine, and a slightly more refined experience, the 2020 model is likely your best bet. Happy car hunting, everyone!
