2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Acura MDX had long been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment, largely due to a lack of competitive alternatives. Until 2018, rivals like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 were more expensive, while the Infiniti QX60 had a droning drivetrain. Lexus only recently added a third row to the RX, but it was cramped and barely functional. However, the landscape was changing with new entrants like the BMW X7, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GX80, and Lincoln Aviator, along with improved offerings from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

Despite the increasing competition, the 2019 MDX continued to impress with continuous improvements since 2017. The introduction of the Sport Hybrid version, a facelift, and upgrades to the infotainment system were notable enhancements. For 2019, the MDX added a racy A-Spec Package trim level, improved interior materials, an adaptive damping suspension with the Advance Package, and transmission modifications to address shifting issues. The A-Spec trim, with its unique visual elements and sporty interior, offered a compelling package for buyers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, was visually and dimensionally identical to its gasoline counterpart. The hybrid model featured subtle exterior differences like blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badging, and a hidden exhaust. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed for brake regeneration adjustments. The hybrid's driving modes included Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport, with EV mode offering limited electric-only driving.

The CR-V Hybrid's interior was largely unchanged from the gasoline model, maintaining the same dash and multi-function center console. The hybrid's cargo capacity was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, but it still offered competitive space. The hybrid's fuel efficiency was a significant improvement over the gasoline model, with EPA ratings of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. However, it ranked third among hybrid competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 in terms of fuel economy.

The 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The A-Spec and Advance Package versions featured 20-inch wheels with 265/45 tires. The optional SH-AWD system, required for the A-Spec Package, provided torque-vectoring AWD, thicker stabilizer bars, and improved weight distribution.

For driving enthusiasts, the MDX Sport Hybrid was highly recommended. It combined a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total system output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The Sport Hybrid also featured a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an adaptive damping suspension, offering superior performance and better city fuel economy.

During testing, the MDX A-Spec demonstrated quick acceleration and a satisfying engine sound. The 2019 transmission updates resolved previous issues with the 9-speed automatic. The MDX offered multiple driving modes, including Sport, Comfort, and Normal, with well-weighted steering and accurate response. Despite some brake rumbling and smoke during aggressive driving, the MDX maintained a firm but comfortable ride quality.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric generator/starter motor, and a propulsion motor. This setup eliminated the need for a conventional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch. The hybrid system produced 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, compared to the gasoline model's 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.

The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was a significant improvement, with EPA ratings of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. During testing in Tucson, Arizona, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg in city driving. The hybrid's EV mode allowed for limited electric-only driving, but it frequently switched out of EV mode. The CR-V Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with good steering feel and on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2019 Acura MDX offered a comfortable and practical interior. The front seats provided excellent cushioning and support, with a wide center armrest for added comfort. The GPS-linked triple-zone climate control system kept passengers happy, and the second-row seat was spacious for both adults and children. Storage was abundant, especially with the Advance Package's second-row captain’s chairs.

However, the third-row seat was less comfortable and suitable for occasional use. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 38.4 cubic feet, with additional storage under the cargo floor. With the second-row seats folded, the MDX offered 68.4 cubic feet of space. When all seats were in use, cargo space was limited to 15 cubic feet.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity due to the battery pack beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. While this was a reduction from the non-hybrid model, the CR-V Hybrid still provided more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered slightly more space with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Despite the reduced cargo space, the CR-V Hybrid maintained passenger comfort with more overall space than its competitors. It offered better front headroom and rear legroom compared to the Escape and RAV4 hybrids. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a configurable center console bin with a sliding cover for larger items. However, the armrest's locking mechanism was too loose, causing it to slide unexpectedly.

The 2019 Acura MDX received an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improved graphics, and better responsiveness for the lower display screen. However, the dual-screen setup remained problematic. The top display screen handled navigation, smartphone projection, and vehicle settings, operated via buttons and a knob on the dashboard. The bottom touchscreen controlled the radio and secondary climate functions, with a power/volume knob but no tuning knob.

The voice-recognition system was unreliable, often misinterpreting commands. The small screen sizes and low resolution were also drawbacks. Acura was expected to replace this system with the True Touchpad Interface in future models, which would be a significant improvement.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims added more features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top Touring trim offered navigation, wireless device charging, and a premium audio system.

The CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system had its frustrations, such as the lack of haptic feedback and complicated procedures to disable the automatic beep sound. The instrument panel provided useful information but required navigating through various menus, which could be distracting while driving.

The 2019 Acura MDX earned impressive crash-test ratings, with the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems standard on all trims. The Technology Package added a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with Acceptable ratings for headlight performance and child safety seat anchor accessibility. The Jewel Eye LED headlights were highly effective, and AcuraLink Connect services offered features like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies was standard, including automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.