If you’re searching for a reliable, compact crossover, don’t overlook the 2021 Honda CR-V. The trusted midsize SUV offers a spacious cabin and innovative safety features as standard. Although the two available drivetrains aren’t as aggressive as they could be, drivers will enjoy a smooth ride and attractive fuel economy.
The interior innovations in the base model should provide enough oomph for technology buffs. As usual, models with higher-end trim levels receive the snazziest tech features. If you’re in the market for a dependable family SUV from a reputable manufacturer, the 2021 Honda CR-V should be high on your list of possibilities.
What is the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V, an import, is a two-row compact SUV that is often compared to imports like the Toyota Rav4 and the Subaru Forester. The CR-V is an exceptional vehicle that offers a comfortable ride, ample space for storage and passengers, impressive fuel economy, and an affordable price tag.
If you were hoping to see significant upgrades in the new crossover, you will be disappointed. Honda overhauled the vehicle in 2020, and the new edition offers much the same features. Fortunately, that 2020 overhaul included substantial improvements of the safety features and a powerful turbocharged engine that new compact SUV buyers will appreciate.
Although the design of this crossover is not ground-breaking, it maximizes fuel efficiency and promotes stable performance. The rear stands noticeably higher before tapering down to show off the front end and last year’s new and improved headlights. The base model stands on 17-inch wheels; more premium trim levels are equipped with 18-inch wheels or 19-inch wheels.
What’s Under the Hood of the 2021 Honda CR-V
The Japanese automaker stays true to its 2020 model by pairing the popular 1.5-litre, turbocharged engine with a chain-driven, continuously variable automatic transmission in the 2021 CR-V. With this combination, the compact SUV can produce 190 horsepower while offering seamless shifting.
If you plan to use the crossover as a hauling vehicle, you should know that it’s rated for 1,500 pounds. It outranks one of the most significant competitors in its class, the 2021 Nissan Rogue, which supports only 1,350 pounds.
The gasoline powertrain is available in two options, including two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Here’s how the fuel economy numbers stack up in terms of gas mileage in the city, on the highway, and both combined :
Two-wheel drive: 28/34/30 miles per gallon
All-wheel drive: 27/32/29 miles per gallon
An alternative drivetrain is also back in the 2021 CR-V Hybrid. It utilizes a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to boost its horsepower to 212. The hybrid model blows its gas-powered counterparts out of the water, earning respectable mpg ratings of 40/35/38.
What About the Interior of the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The stylish interior of this model offers an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Its clean and modern look is complemented by straightforward, easy-to-learn function controls. The contemporary cabin has room for five passengers and features an easy fold-down 60/40 split rear back seat to provide impressive cargo volume.
The base-level LX trim vehicle comes standard with manual cloth seating that blends well with the interior features. The premium submodels include heated electric seats that can be heated and feature an attractive leather trim. Other advanced options in higher-end cabin offerings include a push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, and ambient lighting.
The Technology of the 2021 Honda CR-V
For 2021, the CR-V is offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Attractive options like a moonroof, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto assistant systems, and heated seats are included in the EX, EX-L and Touring builds. Although the basic LX package offers several bells and whistles, the Touring edition has the most innovative features.
The LX model includes a five-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth audio support, hands-free calling, and a radio data system in the base trim.
In the more expensive submodels, the infotainment module is a more substantial seven-inch touchscreen with HD radio and smartphone integration. The CR-V Touring features the most elaborate setup: Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation, wireless phone charging, and a 330-watt audio system with nine speakers, including a subwoofer.
The manufacturer also incorporates high-tech innovation in its available safety features on the CR-V compact SUV. All models include the Honda Sensing suite, which provides potentially life-saving technology:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Models like the EX, EX-L, and Touring include the standard features and a Blind Spot Monitoring System with Cross Traffic Monitor. These innovations make driving busy roadways safer by offering assistive driving software to reduce the risk of accidents.
Our Take on the Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V is a good choice for anyone who needs a spacious crossover SUV. The impressive interior offers plenty of room for families who need storage space for vacationing and daily living. Although its turbocharged engine doesn’t feature the greatest possible horsepower or support the towing of massive loads, the compact vehicle is efficient for light-duty hauling.
If you are adamant about eco-friendly dependability and saving a few loonies on gasoline, the fuel economy offered by the CR-V Hybrid makes it a suitable all-wheel-drive SUV. Keep in mind that for 2021, Honda eliminated the hybrid option from its LX lineup. If you’re thinking of buying this partly electric vehicle, the price tag will be in line with its premium trim levels.
The cutting-edge safety features that Honda includes as standard equipment mean that the CR-V is an excellent model for teenagers as they get used to driving. Thanks to its exceptional space and protective software, the compact SUV is an ideal for any family garage.
