New Honda CR-V now available as a hybrid

Already one of America’s most popular vehicles, the 2020 Honda CR-V has become even more appealing with the availability of a hybrid power plant that allows the crossover to achieve compact-car efficiency.

Assembled in Greensburg, Ind., the new hybrids are part of the CR-Vs redesign, which includes styling upgrades as well as advanced safety equipment across the lineup.

“The hybrid model offers the best of both worlds,” said Brandon Wilson, a sales consultant at Basney Honda in Mishawaka. “It gives the ride height and roominess of the CR-V with the gas mileage of the Civic.”

The new CR-V is powered by either a 190-horsepower, 1.5L turbocharged four cylinder with front-wheel or all-wheel drive or a 212-horsepower hybrid power plant that comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Wilson said the hybrid power plant is the same tried and true system that has been used for the Accord for a number of years. Even with its fuel-sipping efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid is still capable of carrying up to 68.7 cubic feet of cargo.

“Our most popular vehicle just became more desirable,” said Wilson, adding that supplies are expected to be tight over the next few months as production ramps up at the plant.

With a five-star rating for crash safety, all CR-Vs come with anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and brake assist. Even with its fuel-sipping efficiency, the CR-V is capable of carrying up to 68.7 cubic feet.y and traction control, a rearview camera with guidelines, hill start assist and an electric parking brake with brake hold.

Other standard features include forward collision warning with collision-mitigation braking, road departure and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the EX and above.

Both the turbocharged four cylinder and the hybrid come in four trim levels.

The LX comes with full power accessories, auto-off headlights, active noise cancellation, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with cruise and infotainment controls, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a 5-inch display screen, Bluetooth, Pandora capability and more.

Besides the additional safety features, the EX adds heated outside mirrors, a moonroof, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, remote start, rear privacy glass, keyless entry with push-button start, fog lights, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The EX-L tacks on leather upholstery, a power tailgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 12-way power driver’s seat and a four-way power passenger seat while the Touring further offers LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, driver memory functions, wireless phone charging, satellite radio and navigation.

The Basney showroom, located at 3820 N. Grape Road, Mishawaka, is open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.