Despite Kermit the Frog's admonition that "...it's not easy being green," I think Honda has figured out a way to do just that. Sorry, Kermit! Green Car Journal has just announced that the 2020 Honda CR-V and all-new CR-V Hybrid have been named Green SUV of the Year. This is the second time the CR-V has been so honored and the sixth time a Honda vehicle has won the award.
Green Car Reports editor and publisher Ron Cogan notes that the "Honda CR-V is already efficient as a conventionally powered model and well established as a driver favorite." And with the addition of the CR-V Hybrid into the mix with its superior two-motor system, the selection of the CR-V was an easy one.
The freshened-up for 2020 conventionally-powered CR-V has been on sale since October with new exterior touches and interior components including Honda's excellent suite of sensing technology and driver safety features extending down to all trims. The LX also benefits from a more powerful 1.5 liter turbocharged inline-4 engine in place of the naturally aspirated 2.4 liter unit.
The CR-V Hybrid will hit dealer lots sometime in early 2020. This is Honda's first hybrid powered SUV, and with positive early reviews, Honda expects it to be its best-selling hybrid in a stable that includes the Accord Hybrid, Insight Hybrid, and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. Given the popularity of SUV's and the early success of its competitor, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, they might just be right.
Like the conventionally-powered CR-V, the 2020 Hybrid includes Honda Sensing Technology on all trim levels. She'll be equipped with Honda's excellent two-motor hybrid system found on the Accord and Insight with AWD and LED lights standard on all models. Driving modes include a Sport, Econ, and EV Drive setting.
On the inside, the Hybrid benefits from an easy fold-down split-rear seat and an available hands-free access power tailgate. Options also include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration and a Wireless Phone Charging system. I don't know about you but green sounds pretty good to me! Buckle up.
(via Honda)