2020 Honda CR-V Engages Beast Mode at the L.A. Auto Show

Redesigned and undomesticated, the 2020 CR-V is tricked out to go out. 

To celebrate their 60th anniversary, Honda put on banner displays at this year’s L.A. Auto Show. The automaker has shown their evolution with beautiful vintage rides, as well as show us what we can expect in the future. It’s all amazing, and it’s all Honda. Along the lines of new and next, we spotted his custom 2020 CR-V overlander build.

Overlanding has become increasingly popular, it represents the perfect way to escape and conquer the wild. Overlander vehicles are tough-as-nails, adaptable rigs that can tear it up off-road.

To be a true overlander, Honda had to take the 2020 CR-V off its leash. It gave the SUV a number of modifications. A main cornerstone of overlanding is being self-reliant. To that end, the rig is loaded with extras.

It includes a 1.5-inch lift, off-road side steps, Safari-style front bumper with skidplate, rear swinging tire gate, and a modular roof rack; all by Jsport,

It rides on KMC 17-inch off-road wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires.

Without a doubt, one of the nicest details is the topographic map exterior. A cool reminder of why we love traveling, and where we want to go next.

The 2020 CR-V has Honda Genuine Accessories custom black badging, rear seatback protectors, a black matte front grille, and all-season mats.

Additional lighting by Baja Designs was added to the front bumper, roof basket, and in back-up lighting in the rear.

There is ample cargo space, and accommodates a mountain bike as well as all the camping gear you could think of. It’s rough, it’s tough, and it is able to climb rocks and kick up dust.

Sturdy and resilient, this barbarian can handle, well, anything. Choosing a CR-V as the base vehicle was a smart choice. It offers inside comfort and amenities, cool and useful on-board tech, plus a host of safety features. Plus, it brings the heat performance-wise.

We think it was an inspired build, and we’d love to take it away for a road trip. It was really clever seeing a CR-V as an effective overlanding vehicle. We don’t often use this word when it comes to the CR-V, but this is truly badass.

L.A. Auto Show will be ongoing until December 1. So check back in for more from the floor.

Photos: Michael S. Palmer for Honda-Tech

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Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.