Honda CR-V 2021 review

The Honda CR-V has long been a favorite in the offices of CarsGuide, but there's always been a small caveat hanging over the midsize SUV lineup—it all boils down to a lack of active safety technology.

With the facelift of the 2021 Honda CR-V that's been sort of resolved, and in this review we'll cover the changes that have been made, from expanding the Honda Sensing safety tech suite to styling changes inside. and comes out for an updated lineup. 

In the end, we will try to take stock of whether the 2021 Honda CR-V lineup update puts this model back in competition with the Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan and Toyota RAV4. 

The 2021 Honda CR-V range isn't too different from the previous one, but there are some big changes here. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

2021 Honda CR-V: VTI LX (awd) 5 Seats
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.5 L turbo
fuel type	Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	7.4l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$41,000

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

As part of the refreshed 2021 lineup, the CR-V has undergone a number of name changes, but is still available in seven variants, from five to seven seats, either front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (all-wheel drive). Wearable models have gone from $2200 to $4500 - read our original pricing story to see why.

The line-up is opened by the Vi, which remains the only non-turbo model in the lineup (any CR-V with VTi in the name indicates turbo), and it is also the only CR-V without Honda Sensing. lux. More on this in the security section below.

The prices shown here are manufacturer's list price, also known as MSRP, RRP, or MLP, and do not include travel expenses. Go shopping, we know there will be discounts on departure. 

The Vi model is priced at $30,490 plus travel expenses (MSRP), more expensive than the pre-facelift model, but this version with 17-inch alloy wheels and cloth seat trim now features a 7.0-inch touchscreen. system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual-zone climate control. This version also has a Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB ports, a digital instrument cluster with a digital speedometer, and a four-speaker sound system. It has halogen headlights and LED daytime running lights, as well as LED taillights. A rear view camera is also installed there.

If the CR-V is Apple Carplay or Android Auto.

Step up to the VTi for $33,490 (MSRP) and you get a turbocharged engine (details below) plus keyless entry and push button start, extra four speakers (eight total), extra 2 USB ports ( just four). , trunk lid, tailpipe trim, adaptive cruise control and Honda Sensing Active Safety Kit (details below).

The CR-V has keyless entry and push button start. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

The VTi 7 is new to the lineup and is essentially a more economical version of the old VTi-E7, currently priced at $35,490 (MSRP). In comparison, the VTi-E7 used to have leather trim, a power driver's seat, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The new VTi 7 costs $1000 more than the old car, lacks all of those items (now cloth trim, 17-inch wheels, manual seat adjustment), but has a safety kit. It adds third-row seats with air vents, as well as two additional cup holders and a curtain airbag, as well as third-row top cable hooks in the trunk floor. However, he misses the cargo curtain.

The next model in the pricing tree is VTi X, which replaces VTi-S. This $35,990 (MSRP) offering adds security tech and a hands-free tailgate, as well as automatic headlights, automatic high beams, a leather steering wheel, and starting in this class you get Honda's LaneWatch side camera system in place of traditional blind spot monitoring system and built-in Garmin GPS navigation. It's the first class in the line to get 18-inch wheels, plus it has standard rear parking sensors as well as front parking sensors.

The VTI L7 is equipped with a large panoramic glass sunroof. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

VTi L AWD is the first step in the line of all-wheel drive vehicles. It essentially replaces our previous choice, the VTi-S AWD, but costs more. The VTi L AWD is $40,490 (MSRP), but adds a few pluses over the models below, including leather-trimmed seats, power driver's seat adjustment with two memory settings, and heated front seats.

The VTi L7 (MSRP $43,490) gets rid of all-wheel drive but gets a third row of seats, plus the good stuff mentioned in the VTi L, plus privacy glass, a large panoramic glass sunroof, LED headlights, and LED fog lights. wireless phone charger. It also gets automatic wipers and roof rails, as well as paddle shifters. 

The top-of-the-line VTi LX AWD is a pretty expensive proposition at $47,490 (MSRP). In fact, it's $3200 more than before. It is a five-seat vehicle and compared to the VTi L7 added items such as heated exterior mirrors, automatic up/down windows for all four doors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front passenger seat adjustment, leather-wrapped shift knob, digital DAB. radio and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The VTi LX AWD has 19-inch alloy wheels.

To be fair, the estimates are pretty confusing, but luckily Honda doesn't charge extra for the colors available in the CR-V lineup. Two new shades are available - Ignite Red metallic and Cosmic Blue metallic - and the choice offered depends on the class. 

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Styling changes are fairly minimal compared to the pre-facelift model. Well, this is certainly the case if you just take a look at the 2021 Honda CR-V.

But take a closer look and you'll realize that there were actually quite a few notches and folds here and there, with the overall effect being subtle but worth it in terms of visual upgrades.

The CR-V boasts subtle but useful visual enhancements. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

The front gets a new bumper design that almost looks like it has a silver mustache at the bottom of the bumper, and above it there's also a new blacked-out front grille.

In profile, you'll notice the new alloy wheel design - ranging from 17 on the base machine to 19 on the top version - but otherwise the side view is very similar, except for a slight trim at the bottom. doors.

At the front there is a new darkened grille.

At the rear, there are similar minor bumper changes with the addition of accents at the bottom of the fascia, and there are also now darker tinted taillights and dark chrome tailgate trim. Models with the VTi prefix also get a new tailpipe shape that looks a bit more solid than before.

There aren't many big changes inside, but it's not too bad. The CR-V's cabin has always been one of the most practical in its class, and that hasn't changed with this update. Check out the interior photos below to see for yourself. 

At the rear, there are similar minor bumper changes.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

One of the main reasons we've always been fans of the current generation Honda CR-V in CarsGuide is its practical interior. This is arguably the best mid-size SUV for young families in this part of the market.

That's because he prioritizes space and comfort, the practicality and convenience of a cabin, over things like excitement and the wow factor. 

Of course, there is a slight problem with this - rivals like the RAV4 prove that you can do both things well. But the CR-V is unabashedly enjoyable and well-sorted in terms of practicality. It's really a pragmatic choice in this part of the market.

Up front, there's a smart center console section that's been reimagined for this update, with easier-to-reach USB ports and, on trims equipped with them, a cordless phone charger. There are still good-sized cup holders and a removable tray section that allows you to customize the console storage however you want - check out how much I got in there in the video above.

Honda prioritizes space and interior comfort, practicality and convenience. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

There are also good sized door pockets with bottle holders and a decent glove box. It's very thoughtfully designed, and the materials are good too - the VTi LX model I rode had padded door and dashboard trim, and the leather seats are comfortable and well adjustable. I have also driven a CR-V with cloth seats and the quality is always top notch.

Flaws come in the "oooo" department. The CR-V still has a small 7.0-inch media screen - some rivals have much larger displays - and while it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a volume knob, it's still a little hectic in terms of performance. And from time to time, too, slowly reacts.

Plus, while there's a climate button and a fan speed button, as well as dials for adjusting the temperature, you'll still have to swipe across the screen to control whether the air conditioner is on or off, as well as what ventilation is active. Strange. 

There is a really neat trick in the back seat. The doors open almost 90 degrees, which means parents loading their kids into child seats will be able to access the back row much easier than some competitors (we're looking at you, Mr. RAV4, with your tight-hinged doors). Indeed, the openings are huge, which means that access for people of all ages is quite easy.

And the second row seat is great too. Someone my height (182 cm/6'0") has enough room to sit in their driver's seat with enough room for their knees, toes and shoulders to be comfortable. Only the height above your head is in question, if you take a CR-V with a sunroof, and even that is not scary.

The space in the second row is excellent. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

If you have children, the outboard seats have ISOFIX child seat anchor points and three top tether anchor points, but unlike most competitors, they actually mount to the ceiling above the trunk, not to the back of the second row seat. Opt for a seven-seater and you'll have the same problem, but the third-row seats add a couple of top cable points installed in the rearmost trunk floor. 

The outer seats have ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

Seven-seater versions of the CR-V have sliding second-row seats, making headroom even cramped. Five-seat CR-Vs have a second row that folds 60:40. All models have a fold-down armrest and cup holders in the second row, as well as door pockets large enough for large bottles and map pockets on the backs of the front seats.

If you opt for the three-row CR-V, you get rear-row vents and cup holders. In the photo VTi L7.

I tested a seven-seat CR-V before the facelift and found that the third-row seat was better reserved for smaller passengers. If you opt for the three-row CR-V, you'll also get rear-row vents and cup holders.

Get a seven-seat car and all three rows of seats are used, there's 150 liters (VDA) of trunk. In the photo VTi L7.

The amount of luggage offered for the CR-V also depends on the seat configuration. If you opt for a five-seat vehicle such as the VTi LX model, you get 522 liters of cargo volume (VDA). Get a seven-seat car and five-seat boot space is 50L less (472L VDA) and when using all three rows of seats, boot space is 150L (VDA). 

The VTi LX model has a cargo volume of 522 liters (VDA).

If that's not enough for a roof rack - and it won't be if you're leaving with all seven seats - you might want to consider a catalog of accessories for roof rails, roof racks, or a roof box.

The amount of luggage offered for the CR-V depends on the seating configuration. The photo shows a five-seater VTi LX AWD.

Thankfully, all CR-Vs come with a hidden full-size alloy spare tire under the boot floor.

All CR-Vs come with a full-size alloy spare tire under the boot floor.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

There are two engines available in the Honda CR-V lineup, one for the base Vi and one for all models with a VTi badge. 

The Vi engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 113 kW (at 6500 rpm) and 189 Nm of torque (at 4300 rpm). The transmission for the Vi is an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front wheel drive (2WD/FWD) only.

The VTi models in the line are equipped with a turbo engine. According to Honda, this is what the "T" now stands for in the CR-V world. 

The VTi models in the line are equipped with a turbo engine. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

This engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit with 140 kW (at 5600 rpm) and 240 Nm of torque (from 2000 to 5000 rpm). It is available mated to a CVT automatic transmission, and a choice of FWD/2WD or all-wheel drive (AWD).

If you want a diesel, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid version of the CR-V, you're out of luck. There is also no EV/Electric model. It's all about petrol here. 

Towing capacity for the CR-V is 600kg for unbraked trailers, while braked towing capacity is 1000kg for seven-seat versions and 1500kg for five-seat models.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Combined fuel consumption varies depending on which model you choose from the CR-V range.

The Vi's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine is very power hungry, consuming a claimed 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers.

The fuel consumption of a VTi engine varies by model, seat and transmission (2WD or AWD). The entry-level VTi FWD consumes a claimed 7.0L/100km, while the VTi 7, VTi X and VTi L7 consume 7.3L/100km and the VTi L AWD and VTi LX AWD claim 7.4L/100km.

All CR-V models come with a 57 liter fuel tank. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

When testing the top model VTi LX AWD - in city, highway and open road driving - we saw that the fuel consumption at the pump is 10.3 l / 100 km. 

All CR-V models come with a 57 liter fuel tank. Even turbocharged models can run on regular 91 octane unleaded gasoline.

Even turbocharged models can run on regular 91 octane unleaded gasoline. Pictured is a VTi LX AWD.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

Fit for purpose. This sums up the experience of driving the 2021 Honda CR-V, which is unashamedly a family car and drives like a family car should.

That is, it is not as exciting or powerful as some rivals. If you want the thrill of driving, you might not even want to look in this segment, at least not at this price point. But I'll put it this way: overall, the CR-V offers a competitive midsize SUV driving experience if you value comfort and overall ease of driving.

The CR-V drives like a family car should. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

The CR-V's turbo engine delivers decent pulling power over a wide rev range, and while we often criticize CVT automatic transmissions, the automatic system used here makes good use of the turbo's torque range, meaning it accelerates reasonably smoothly and responds reasonably quickly. when you put your foot down. There is very little lag to contend with when accelerating the roll, but it starts off quite well from a standstill.

The CR-V turbo engine delivers decent pulling power over a wide rev range. In the photo VTi L AWD.

The engine is a little noisy under hard acceleration, but overall the CR-V is quiet, refined, and enjoyable - there's not too much road noise (even on 19-inch VTi LX AWD wheels) and wind roar is minimal, too. 

Overall, the CR-V is quiet, refined and enjoyable. In the photo VTi L7.

The steering in the CR-V has always been something special - it has a very quick action, is well weighted and provides good precision without necessarily giving the driver a lot of feel and feedback. This is great when you park because it takes very little effort to turn the wheel.

The steering is excellent when you park. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

There have been changes to the 2021 Honda CR-V's suspension, but you'll be hard-pressed to pick them up - it still rides comfortably and almost never gets frustrated over bumps (only sharp edges at lower speeds cause some clunkiness, and that's based on the VTi LX drive AWD with large 19" wheels and Michelin Latitude Sport 255/55/19 low profile tires).

The suspension is tuned for softness as a priority. In the photo VTi X.

Don't get me wrong - the suspension is set to be soft as a priority, so you have to contend with body roll in corners. For family buyers, the driving experience is good, although those looking for driving pleasure may want to consider a Tiguan or RAV4.

Explore the Honda CR-V in 3D.

Check out the CR-V on a hiking adventure.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10

The Honda CR-V was awarded a five-star ANCAP crash test rating in 2017, but given the rapid change in safety oversight protocols, it wouldn't get that today - even with wider adoption of the Honda Sensing safety package. those.

Models starting with the VTi variant are now equipped with Honda Sensing's suite of active safety technologies. Previously, only five-seat all-wheel-drive models were eligible for the technology, but now there has been some level of democratization of the safety specification, with 2WD models and seven-seat CR-Vs now getting the technology. 

In 2017, the Honda CR-V received a five-star ANCAP crash test rating.

All CR-V models with VTi in the name are now equipped with Forward Collision Avoidance System (FCW) with Collision Avoidance System (CMBS) that combines into a form of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) that operates at speeds above 5 km/h and can detect pedestrians too. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) can help you stay in the center of your lane using a camera to follow the road markings - it works at speeds from 72 km/h to 180 km/h. There's also a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that can vibrate the steering wheel if it thinks you're leaving your lane before turning the car back (gently) and applying the brakes - it works at the same speeds as LCA system.

There's also adaptive cruise control that works between 30 and 180 km/h, but below 30 km/h, the proprietary Low Speed ​​Follow system accelerates and brakes while maintaining a safe distance. However, it will not automatically resume if you come to a complete stop.

While the safety gear list is an improvement on the CR-V lineup in a broader sense, this update still leaves it far behind best-in-class safety technology. It's not designed to detect cyclists, and it lacks a traditional blind spot monitoring system - instead, only some models in the lineup feature a LaneWatch camera system (VTi X and up), which just isn't as good as a true blind spot system. There is also no rear cross traffic warning and no rear AEB. Surround / 360 degree camera is not available in any class.

This update is still far behind best-in-class security technology. In the photo VTi X.

The fact that Honda hasn't taken the opportunity to install a safety system on all models in the CR-V lineup is confusing and disappointing. You were so close, Honda Australia. So close. 

At least the CR-V has plenty of airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtains), and yes, seven-seat models get proper third-row airbag coverage as well.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

The Honda CR-V comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage brand warranty, which is par for the course in this segment.

There is an option to extend the warranty plan to seven years, which also includes roadside assistance during that period, but you must pay for it. Not if you buy Kia or SsangYong.

The brand has a five-year/unlimited kilometer warranty. Pictured is the VTi LX AWD.

Honda asks owners to service their cars every 12 months/10,000 km, which is shorter than many competitors (annually or 15,000 km). But the cost of maintenance is low, at $312 per visit for the first 10 years/100,000 km - just note that this amount does not include some consumables. 

Worried about Honda CR-V issues - be it reliability, issues, complaints, transmission issues, or engine issues? Go to our Honda CR-V problems page.

Verdict

The refreshed Honda CR-V lineup is certainly an improvement on the model it replaces, as the wider adoption of safety technology makes it a more viable option for more potential customers.

But the fact is that the 2021 Honda CR-V update still doesn't expand the midsize SUV's safety features enough, and many competitors have improved it in many ways. And if you're a family shopper, then safety is definitely paramount, right? Well, if that's you, maybe check out the aforementioned competitors - the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan, and Subaru Forester - all of which are better than the CR-V in one way or another.

If you don't think you need those extra safety features, or you just love the practical and thoughtful interior design of the CR-V, there's definitely something to be said for the 2021 version compared to earlier models. And in that range, I'd say the choice would be the VTi 7 if you need three rows, or the VTi for those who only need five seats.