2020 Honda CR-V Sport Vs Touring: Which Trim Reigns Supreme?

by Alex Braham 61 views

Hey everyone! So, you're eyeing the 2020 Honda CR-V, huh? Smart choice! This compact SUV is a total crowd-pleaser, known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. But here's the kicker: deciding between the Sport and Touring trims can be a real head-scratcher. Both offer a ton of cool features, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. In this deep dive, we're going to break down everything you need to know about the 2020 Honda CR-V Sport vs Touring, so you can confidently pick the one that's perfect for YOU. We'll cover everything from performance and features to pricing and overall value. By the end, you'll be armed with all the info you need to make the right decision. Let's get this comparison started!

Performance and Handling: Under the Hood

Alright, let's kick things off by talking about what's under the hood. In terms of performance, both the 2020 Honda CR-V Sport and Touring trims share the same engine: a peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine cranks out a respectable 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to maximize fuel efficiency. Both trims are available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, so you can choose the setup that best suits your driving needs and local climate. Now, while the engine and transmission are the same, there can be subtle differences in the driving experience depending on the trim level. The Touring trim might feel a tad more refined, thanks to its added sound insulation, which helps to keep road noise at bay, making for a quieter ride. But honestly, the Sport and Touring, when it comes to performance, is almost identical. Both trims offer a comfortable and composed ride. The CR-V is known for its balanced handling, making it a breeze to navigate city streets and highways alike. The steering is light and responsive, and the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road. And lets not forget fuel economy, both the Sport and Touring trims deliver excellent gas mileage, making them easy on your wallet. Expect to get around 28-30 mpg in the city and 34-35 mpg on the highway, depending on your driving habits and whether you opt for FWD or AWD. Overall, when it comes to performance, the 2020 Honda CR-V Sport and Touring trims are pretty evenly matched. You're getting a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience regardless of which one you choose.

Interior and Features: What's Inside Counts

Now, let's move on to the interior and features, where the differences between the Sport and Touring trims really start to shine. Stepping inside the 2020 Honda CR-V, you'll immediately notice the spacious and well-designed cabin. Honda has always been known for its practicality, and the CR-V is no exception. Both the Sport and Touring trims offer a comfortable and accommodating interior, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them ideal for long drives. Now let's talk about the features. The Sport trim comes standard with a decent array of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features like Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim, however, takes things up a notch, adding a host of premium features. Inside the Touring, you'll find a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, a premium audio system, a built-in navigation system, and a wireless phone charger. Other notable Touring features include leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power tailgate. The materials inside the Touring trim are also slightly upgraded, with more soft-touch surfaces and a more upscale feel. The infotainment system in the Touring trim is also superior, offering a more intuitive interface and a richer feature set. While the Sport trim's infotainment system is perfectly functional, the Touring's larger screen and added features provide a more enjoyable and user-friendly experience. In terms of cargo space, both trims offer ample room for your luggage, groceries, or weekend gear. The CR-V boasts a generous cargo area, with plenty of space behind the rear seats. The rear seats also fold down easily, providing even more cargo capacity when needed. Overall, the 2020 Honda CR-V Touring clearly offers a more premium and feature-rich experience. If you prioritize comfort, convenience, and technology, the Touring trim is the way to go. However, the Sport trim still offers a well-equipped and practical interior, making it a great value for the price.

Safety: Keeping You Protected

Safety is a top priority for Honda, and both the Sport and Touring trims of the 2020 CR-V come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. As mentioned earlier, both trims include Honda Sensing, which is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) designed to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Honda Sensing includes features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front; lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane; and lane-keeping assist, which gently steers the vehicle back into its lane. Both trims also come standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The Touring trim adds a few extra safety features, such as front and rear parking sensors, which help you to avoid obstacles when parking; and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic monitor, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and warns you of approaching traffic when backing up. Both the Sport and Touring trims of the 2020 Honda CR-V have received excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both organizations have consistently awarded the CR-V high marks for its crashworthiness and overall safety performance. The IIHS has even given the CR-V its Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest honor that the organization bestows. So, in terms of safety, you can rest assured that both the 2020 Honda CR-V Sport and Touring trims offer excellent protection. Both come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The Touring trim adds a few extra features for added peace of mind, but either trim is a safe and reliable choice.

Pricing and Value: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

Alright, let's talk about the money, because, let's face it, that's a big factor for most of us! The 2020 Honda CR-V Sport is typically the more affordable option, with a starting price that's several thousand dollars less than the Touring trim. This makes the Sport a great value for those who are looking for a well-equipped and reliable SUV without breaking the bank. You're still getting a lot of features and a great driving experience for the price. The Touring trim, on the other hand, commands a higher price tag. This is because it includes a host of premium features that aren't available on the Sport. While the Touring trim is more expensive, it also offers a higher level of luxury and convenience. When it comes to the overall value, it really depends on your priorities and budget. If you're looking for the best possible value and you don't need all the bells and whistles, the Sport trim is a fantastic choice. You're getting a lot of car for your money, and you won't be disappointed. However, if you're willing to spend a little extra for a more premium experience, the Touring trim is worth considering. The added features and upgrades make it a more luxurious and enjoyable vehicle to own and drive. Resale value is another important factor to consider. The Honda CR-V is known for its excellent resale value, meaning that you'll likely get a good return on your investment when you decide to sell or trade it in. Both the Sport and Touring trims are likely to hold their value well, so you don't have to worry about losing a ton of money down the road. Ultimately, the best trim for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for the most affordable option with a good balance of features, the Sport trim is a great choice. If you want a more luxurious and feature-rich experience, and you're willing to pay a premium for it, the Touring trim is the way to go. Consider what features are most important to you, how much you're willing to spend, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Doing your research and figuring out the best value for your hard-earned money will pay dividends in the long run.

Which Trim is Right for You?

So, after all this info, which trim should you choose? Let's recap:

  • Choose the Sport if:

    • You're on a budget and want a great value.
    • You don't need all the extra features.
    • You prioritize practicality and reliability.

  • Choose the Touring if:

    • You want a more luxurious and feature-rich experience.
    • You appreciate premium features like leather upholstery and a premium audio system.
    • You want the latest technology and convenience features.

Ultimately, the 2020 Honda CR-V is a fantastic compact SUV, and you can't really go wrong with either the Sport or Touring trim. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a great driving experience! Happy CR-V hunting, guys!