At Vroomdan, we understand that finding the perfect family SUV can feel like navigating an absolute minefield of options, specs, and prices. If you are eyeing a used 2020 honda crv ex, you want to know if it is truly worth your hard-earned money or if it will leave you stranded on the highway. The mid-cycle refresh brought major upgrades, but before you sign the paperwork, you must learn about a few hidden CR-V features that many owners do not know about.
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
- A thorough look at the core engine performance, fuel economy metrics, and real market pricing.
- Critical technical bulletins, parasitic battery draw, and common 1.5L turbo engine troubleshooting.
- A breakdown of the active driver assist suite and blind spot monitoring capabilities.
- DIY friendly fluid guidelines and simple maintenance hacks to save thousands of dollars.
Crucial Overview: 2020 Honda CRV EX Specs, Used Pricing, and Features
Finding a reliable vehicle should not cost an absolute fortune.
The 2020 Honda CR-V EX sits comfortably in the sweet spot of the fifth-generation lineup.
Comparing midrange features to the base 2020 honda crv lx, the differences are night and day.
Let us look closely at the core 2020 honda crv ex specs to understand what you are paying for.
Under the hood, Honda replaced the old 2.4-liter engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine.
This motor delivers a punchy 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
This power is handled by a smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
For those comparing trims, a complete breakdown is in our guide on honda crv lx vs ex 2020 specs.
In terms of fuel economy, the front-wheel-drive model gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Choosing all-wheel-drive drops those numbers slightly to 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Standard alloy wheels measure 18 inches in diameter.
These wheels utilize 235/60R18 all-season tires for maximum grip.
Let us now address the crucial topic of the 2020 honda crv ex price on today’s pre-owned market.
According to current market data, a clean title model typically sells between $21,000 and $25,000.
Compare this to the higher-tier 2020 honda crv exl and the premium 2020 honda crv touring models to see if you need the extra luxury.
Check the current 2020 honda crv kbb valuation before making an offer to any dealer.
The interior of the EX trim introduces heated front seats and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
A power sunroof comes standard to let in natural light.
The 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
You also get four USB ports distributed throughout the front and rear cabin.
The cargo space offers 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row.
Folding the rear seats down flat expands that volume to 75.8 cubic feet.
This design makes it easy to load heavy luggage without straining your back.
For hybrid buyers, the hybrid drivetrain is also available on this trim level.
The hybrid version uses a 2.0-liter engine paired with two electric motors to generate 212 horsepower.
It raises city fuel economy to an impressive 40 mpg.
The battery pack is hidden safely under the cargo floor.
| Feature | FWD Model | AWD Model |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 190 hp |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 28/34 mpg | 27/32 mpg |
Addressing Known Mechanical Issues in the honda crv ex 2020
Even the most reliable family SUVs can suffer from annoying mechanical issues and electronic glitches.
If you own a honda crv ex 2020, you might encounter a sudden and incredibly frustrating dead battery.
Many owners in the CR-V Owners Club report severe parasitic battery drain that leaves them stranded in cold weather.
This issue is often caused by outdated body control module software failing to go to sleep.
Dealerships will often charge you hundreds of dollars for a simple diagnostic scan.
Before you pay them, check if your vehicle is eligible for Honda’s technical service bulletins regarding battery replacement.
Another common complaint with the 1.5-liter engine in this 5th gen crv is oil dilution.
This happens when unburnt fuel leaks past the piston rings into the engine oil during short winter trips.
You can prevent this serious issue by taking your car on longer highway drives.
Always smell your dipstick during weekly checks to ensure it does not smell of gasoline.
The turbocharger wastegate can also stick on rare occasions.
A sticking wastegate causes a sudden loss of acceleration and triggers a check engine light.
Mechanics can diagnose this by scanning for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) using an OBD-II scanner.
If you experience this, check if it is covered under Honda’s extended powertrain warranty.
Regularly changing your engine coolant will prevent the turbocharger from overheating.
Advanced Safety Technologies in the 2020 crv ex
Keeping your family safe on busy roads is your absolute top priority.
Fortunately, the 2020 crv ex comes standard with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of active driver assistance systems.
This impressive safety package includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which can apply the brakes automatically.
It also features Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) to keep you from accidentally drifting off the pavement.
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) uses an advanced camera mounted behind the rearview mirror.
If you find the steering wheel vibrations annoying, you can easily adjust the sensitivity settings.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow makes tedious bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic completely stress-free.
This tech operates beautifully, but keeping the sensor emblem on the front grille clean is crucial.
Dirt, snow, or heavy rain can block the radar sensor and cause the system to shut down.
The EX trim also adds a Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with a Cross Traffic Monitor.
This system alerts you with a visual indicator in the side mirrors if a vehicle is in your blind spot.
The multi-angle rearview camera provides three different viewing angles for maximum visibility.
You can choose between a normal view, a wide view, and a top-down view.
This makes parallel parking incredibly simple.
Practical DIY Maintenance and Cost-Saving Tips
Performing basic maintenance at home is the best way to stop throwing money away at the dealership.
Changing your engine oil in a used 2020 honda crv ex is incredibly straightforward.
The engine requires 3.7 quarts of premium 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil.
Make sure to use a high-quality oil filter to keep your turbocharger clean.
You should also inspect and replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 miles to keep your air smelling fresh.
Replacing this filter yourself takes less than two minutes and requires absolutely zero tools.
Doing this simple task at home will easily save you fifty dollars in labor fees.
Remember to write down every service date in your records to preserve your vehicle’s resale value.
Checking your tire pressure monthly is another easy way to maximize fuel efficiency.
Set your tire pressure to the recommended PSI listed on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
You should also rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even tread wear.
This simple rotation will extend the life of your tires by several years.
Overcoming Common DIY Mistakes on Your Honda
Making small mistakes during maintenance can lead to painful repair bills down the road.
Never use cheap generic fluids when flushing your transmission or cooling system.
Honda vehicles are incredibly sensitive and require genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid II for the rear differential.
Using the wrong differential fluid will cause a loud groaning noise when making tight turns.
Another common mistake is over-tightening the oil pan drain plug.
Always use a torque wrench and tighten the plug to exactly 30 lb-ft to avoid stripping the aluminum threads.
Be extremely gentle when removing the plastic clips on the engine cover to avoid breaking them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reboot my frozen HondaLink infotainment system?
If your screen freezes, hold down the physical audio power button for ten seconds.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to reboot the system.
Select yes to clear the cache and restore normal operation instantly.
Does the 2020 CR-V EX have a timing belt or a timing chain?
The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine uses a durable timing chain instead of a belt.
This chain is designed to last the entire lifespan of the engine under normal driving conditions.
Regular oil changes are vital to keep the chain properly lubricated and prevent premature wear.
Is the 2020 Honda CR-V EX good in the snow?
Yes, models equipped with the Real Time AWD system offer fantastic traction in winter conditions.
The system automatically sends power to the rear wheels the moment it detects front-wheel slip.
Upgrading to dedicated winter tires will make your winter driving completely safe and worry-free.
“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
Conclusion
The 2020 Honda CR-V EX offers an exceptional balance of modern specs, pricing, and active safety tech.
Team Vroomdan is always here to help you save money.
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 secrets.
Disclaimer: Always consult your official Honda Owner’s Manual before performing any DIY modifications. Information provided is for educational purposes and depends on specific vehicle model years, trim levels, and individual modifications.