Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Honda CR-V
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2020 Honda CR-V earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Honda CR-V's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.8/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $27,376–$34,984, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Honda CR-V sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Honda CR-V as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2020 Honda CR-V ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $27,376 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 24%.
$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which CR-V Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Honda CR-V scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 8.0 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Honda CR-V (7 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Structure / Frame and members 05/12/2019 · 19V865000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly
manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
Seat belts / Front / Buckle assembly 09/03/2023 · 23V158000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle…
Equipment / Other / Labels 27/07/2023 · 23V524000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information.…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2020 Honda CR-V that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Honda CR-V
Is the 2020 Honda CR-V reliable?
We rate the 2020 Honda CR-V's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda CR-V have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Honda CR-V worth buying?
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 93% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Honda CR-V cost?
The 2020 Honda CR-V starts at $27,376 and ranges up to $34,984 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which CR-V years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 CR-V model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.2/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2020 Honda CR-V have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Honda CR-V are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Structure, Fuel system, gasoline, Seat belts, Equipment (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda CR-V
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More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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