Deciding between mid-tier SUV trims can be tough, but analyzing the 2020 honda crv ex vs exl specs reveals exactly where your hard-earned dollars deliver the most value. At Vroomdan, we help drivers skip overpriced dealer upgrades by uncovering the mechanical truths of these popular haulers. If you want to bypass frustrating glitches and discover the incredible hidden CR-V features that many owners don’t know about, let’s dive in.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
Dead fob fix · Global window down trick · The hidden folding picnic table · Walk Away Auto Lock · and 11 more.
▶ Read Now — Show Me Everything
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Trim Comparisons: We break down the actual luxury upgrades you receive when stepping up to the EX-L package.
- Mechanical Breakdown: A direct examination of the shared turbo powertrain, chassis configurations, and fuel efficiency metrics.
- Practical DIY Solutions: Easy methods to reboot frozen infotainment screens and resolve battery drain issues at home.
- Smart Buying Advice: How used market pricing shifts the value proposition between these two popular trims.
Decoding the 2020 Honda CRV EX vs EXL Specs and Pricing
Choosing a mid-level SUV can spark real financial stress of overpaying for a trim upgrade that you might not even fully utilize.
To make the smartest choice, we must compare the 2020 honda crv ex vs exl directly by matching their feature sets.
The 2020 honda crv ex serves as the gateway to premium features in the CR-V lineup.
It sits comfortably above the basic 2020 honda crv lx by offering heated seats, a sunroof, and Honda Sensing active safety features.
Meanwhile, the upscale 2020 honda crv exl introduces upscale luxury items designed to elevate daily commuting comfort.
When studying the 2020 crv ex vs exl specs, the core differences boil down to interior materials and convenience tech.
The EX-L replaces the standard EX cloth seats with leather-trimmed seating surfaces.
It also upgrades the manual tailgate to a programmable power-operated system.
Additionally, the EX-L adds a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an 8-speaker audio setup.
When they were brand new, the MSRP gap between these two trims was roughly $2,500.
Today, analyzing the used market via 2020 honda crv kbb reveals that this gap has narrowed significantly to about $1,000 to $1,500.
This depreciation curve makes the luxury features of the EX-L highly attractive to second-hand buyers.
Let’s look closely at the honda crv ex l vs ex 2020 specs comparison table below:
| Feature Component | 2020 Honda CR-V EX Trim | 2020 Honda CR-V EX-L Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Surfaces | Durable Premium Cloth | Plush Leather-Trimmed Seats |
| Rear Cargo Access | Manual Liftgate | Power Tailgate with Height Program |
| Front Passenger Seat | 4-Way Manual Adjustment | 4-Way Power Adjustment |
| Rearview Mirror | Manual Day/Night Pivot | Auto-Dimming Electronic Mirror |
| Audio Performance | 180-Watt System (6 Speakers) | 180-Watt System (8 Speakers) |
| HomeLink System | Not Available | Standard Integrated Remote |
If you regularly transport family or haul gear, the power tailgate alone can bring absolute relief of solving a hands-full loading struggle in a rainy parking lot.
But before you make a final decision, we must examine the oily bits underneath the sheet metal.
The 1.5L Turbo Powertrain and Mechanical Similarities
From a mechanic’s perspective, there is no difference between ex and exl crv 2020 specs when looking inside the engine bay.
Both models utilize the direct-injected L15B7 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine.
This engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of pep for highway merging.
It routes power through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that mimics traditional gear shifts during hard acceleration.
According to the official Honda Service Manual, both trims utilize identical steel-belt CVTs designed for maximum fuel efficiency.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, while Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with an Intelligent Control System was optional.
The EPA fuel economy ratings are stellar for a compact crossover, coming in at 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for FWD configurations.
Opting for the heavier AWD system drops those figures slightly to 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
This shared engineering means you will experience the exact same ride quality, cabin noise levels, and handling dynamics in either vehicle.
However, we must address some known issues like oil dilution that can affect the 5th gen crv engine when driven short distances in freezing climates.
ASE Certified Mechanics recommend ensuring the vehicle has received the official product update software fix to optimize engine warm-up times.
Electrical Architecture: Troubleshooting Infotainment and Battery Drain
The electrical systems on both trims are highly integrated, which can sometimes lead to head-scratching issues for DIYers.
Both models feature the standard 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When comparing the 2020 crv ex vs ex l specs, the core electronics hardware remains identical, though the EX-L routes signals to two extra tweeters.
A common complaint registered on the CR-V Owners Club is a frozen display screen or a system that refuses to connect to your phone.
Instead of scheduling an expensive dealer diagnostic visit, you can manually reboot the infotainment system right from the driver’s seat.
Simply press and hold the audio system power button for approximately ten seconds until a reboot prompt appears on the screen.
This simple trick clears the system cache and resolves most minor software glitches on the spot.
Another issue that plagues some owners is premature battery failure, which often stems from parasitic keyless entry system draw.
If your engine cranks slowly on cold mornings, it is wise to test your battery using an OBD-II scanner capable of reading battery state-of-charge Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Upgrading to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) equivalent AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery can prevent these annoying electrical gremlins entirely.
Mechanic-Approved Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Value
To preserve the resale value of either trim, following a strict preventative maintenance schedule is absolutely critical.
The CVT fluid is highly sensitive to heat and shearing forces over time.
Honda’s Maintenance Minder system will display code “3” when it is time to replace the transmission fluid.
We recommend replacing this fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, especially if you routinely drive in stop-and-go traffic.
Always utilize genuine Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid, as aftermarket fluids can cause belt slippage and eventual internal transmission failure.
Additionally, keeping an eye on the cabin air filter is a simple task that saves major dealership labor markup fees.
This filter sits directly behind your glove box and takes less than three minutes to replace without using any specialized tools.
By taking care of these simple service items yourself, you can keep your CR-V running like new while keeping cash in your pocket.
Critical DIY Mistakes to Avoid on Your 5th Gen CR-V
When working on a modern SUV, a minor slip-up can quickly turn into a costly repair job.
One common mistake is using the wrong engine oil viscosity during routine oil changes.
The 1.5L turbo engine strictly requires premium 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil to protect the sensitive turbo bearings.
Using heavier oil like 5W-30 can reduce fuel economy and trigger check engine lights due to variable valve timing issues.
Another major trap is neglecting to properly reset the Maintenance Minder system after completing service work.
Failing to reset the system causes the vehicle’s onboard computer to lose track of actual oil life and filter wear metrics.
Lastly, never disconnect the battery cables while the vehicle’s ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
Doing so can cause sudden electrical voltage spikes that damage fragile computer modules or corrupt the navigation software.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, both models feature the same acoustic insulation package and active noise cancellation technology.
Any perceived difference in cabin noise is typically caused by tire wear or tire brand differences rather than trim construction.
While physically possible, retrofitting the OEM power liftgate to an EX trim is incredibly complex and cost-prohibitive.
It requires installing new wiring harnesses, power struts, rear body sensors, and programming the main body control module.
According to current market research, a used 2020 honda crv ex vs exl specs comparison reveals a used price gap of $1,000 to $1,500.
This makes the leather-equipped EX-L trim an exceptional value choice for pre-owned buyers looking for premium cabin features.
Yes, both models come standard with the complete Honda Sensing suite of active driver assistive technologies.
This includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Ultimately, both trims offer reliable performance and incredible family utility.
Ready to get the most out of your SUV? Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.