Pros
- Honda reliability & resale
- Spacious interior & cargo area
- KBB 2020 Best Buy Award
- Hybrid model being introduced
- Honda Sensing suite of driver assists
Cons
- Base model lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Few options on each trim limit personalization choices
- 1,500-pound towing limit
What’s New this year?
- No significant changes compared to 2020 model
KBB Editors’ Overview
The Honda CR-V is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy. Backing up that statement is a trophy case overflowing with accolades, including the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award that garners it the benchmark in its segment.
Ingredients for the CR-V’s recipe for success include a decades-long history of reliability and high resale value, easy and efficient driving manners, practicality, and among the roomiest interiors in its class. And it all comes at a price tag that’s digestible to everyday buyers.
Last year was a big one for the CR-V, highlighted by the debut of a 40 mpg hybrid and the standardization of the Honda Sensing safety suite and a turbo engine in all gasoline-only models. The 2021 Honda CR-V carries over and is as appealing as ever.
But being king of the hill also makes you an easy target. The Toyota RAV4, the CR-V’s archrival, has just introduced a plug-in hybrid model, while Nissan has an all-new Rogue waiting in the wings that promises to bring more technology to the table.
How Much Does the 2021 Honda CR-V Cost?
We expect the 2021 Honda CR-V to start just over $25,000 for the base LX model, plus a destination fee of $1,120. The better-equipped EX should be under $28,000. Adding leather and the other amenities, the EX-L will top $30,000, while a top-line CR-V Touring edition is over $33,000. Adding AWD is an extra $1,500.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is estimated to start around $28,000. That is only around $1,200 more than a base CR-V with AWD (which is standard on the Hybrid). Similarly, each trim of the hybrid should carry that slight premium over its gasoline twin with AWD. Given the potential savings in fuel costs over the years, we think the CR-V Hybrid is a highly enticing value.
At these prices, the new CR-V is less expensive than the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4, while others in this hot segment, such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape, start slightly lower. Subaru’s Forester is slightly less expensive and comes standard with AWD and the EyeSight driver-assist system.
Before buying, be sure to check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying. Another aspect the CR-V has going for it is high resale value. It has traditionally held its value very well, and we expect the same of the 2021 CR-V.
Driving the 2021 Honda CR-V
All standard Honda CR-V models now use a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). We like this plucky little powertrain as it offers excellent fuel economy and ample torque, helping it feel livelier than its 190-horsepower rating might suggest. It can’t match the performance of the turbocharged Ford Escape and Kia Sportage, but the CR-V has never been about blistering speed. In the CR-V, acceleration builds steadily, with the continuously variable transmissions (CVT) simulating stepped gear changes that mimic a traditional automatic.
The engine pulls well, even when performing low-speed passing maneuvers. It’s a much more satisfying experience than you’ll get from behind the wheel of a Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. The CR-V’s steering is nicely assisted, with enough feedback to make it enjoyable when the road starts to wind. The ride is compliant, softer than most, but also less jarring. That said, if you’re looking for a more sporty compact-crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape or Kia Sportage is probably going to be more to your liking.
Even more tempting is the new Honda CR-V Hybrid, which pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electrified 2-motor system. In addition to being the most efficient CR-V with its 40 mpg EPA rating, it’s also more potent than the standard gasoline model with 212 horsepower. The CR-V Hybrid’s acceleration is similar to that of the conventional model, but it’s quieter thanks to the ability to operate in electric-only mode at city speeds. When the powertrain transitions to the gasoline engine, the handoff is seamless. The hybrid powertrain is among the smoothest and most refined we’ve experienced in an SUV. We also like its linear brake feel and steering-wheel-mounted paddles that enable you to tailor how much regenerative braking you want.
Favorite Features
HONDA SENSING SAFETY SUITE
Standard on all 2021 Honda CR-V models, this suite of safety systems and driver assists includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, auto high beams plus adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
HYBRID MODEL
Honda has been making hybrids for decades, but the CR-V Hybrid that debuted for 2020 is the first U.S.-spec Honda hybrid with all-wheel drive, too. In addition to having that standard, it has more power and the expected higher efficiency than the standard model. Yet it’s only about $1,200 more than an AWD gasoline model.
2021 Honda CR-V Interior
The 2021 Honda CR-V’s 2-row/5-passenger interior space really is one of its best attributes — impressive given that the previous generation was already among the most spacious in its class. In addition to its above-average ability to hold people and gear, the latest CR-V’s space is easy to use. The 60/40-split rear seats fold with a simple pull of a lever, and the rear cargo area has a 2-tier setup in which the floor can be flat or set lower to keep objects secure. EX and above models have a pair of useful rear USB ports to keep mobile devices juiced. Up front is the CR-V’s familiar and enviable seating position that is comfortable and provides a good view out. This stuff may sound mundane, but trust us – over years of driving, it adds up daily appreciation.
For the most part, hybrid CR-V models are much the same. Differences include buttons for the transmission instead of a lever, and hybrid-specific drive-mode buttons and digital gauge cluster. Most importantly, it retains much of the standard model’s cargo capacity. The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid has 33.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, vs. a respective 39.2/75.8 cubic feet for the standard model.
2021 Honda CR-V Exterior
Last year Honda gave a slight freshening to the CR-V crossover. It updated the front end, highlighted by a new bumper and blackout grille as well as larger openings for the fog lights. EX, EX-L, and Touring trims get new round LED fog lights, with the EX trims riding on new 18-inch wheels and the Touring rolling on 19s.
Though still unmistakably a CR-V, Honda’s best-selling SUV is slightly more muscular. It has a long, wide stance and some very aggressive wheel designs. Ground clearance is a respectable 7.8 inches for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 8.2 inches for all-wheel drive. This is especially good news for CR-V owners who will contend with snow and other foul weather.
The CR-V Hybrid models have some minor distinctions. They include 5-LED fog lights on EX trims and higher, a blue Honda badge and hybrid badging, and a slightly revised rear bumper with hidden exhaust.
2021 Honda CR-V Standard Features
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The least expensive Honda CR-V LX includes Honda Sensing, single-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, cruise control, and a 4-speaker/160-watt audio system with a 5-inch color screen and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
Most buyers will likely opt for the EX, which includes rear privacy glass, a 12-way-power driver’s seat with 4-way-power lumbar, dual-zone climate control, moonroof, push-button start, heated front seats and 7-inch-display audio/infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible. Also standard are heated side mirrors, variable wipers, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, LED fog lights, and auto up/down power front windows.
2021 Honda CR-V Options
Major options come by climbing trims. Step up to the EX-L, and you gain leather seating, a power tailgate, 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, HomeLink universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 8-speaker audio system.
Top-line Touring models add a hands-free tailgate, navigation, LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails, a heated steering wheel, wireless charge pad, dual chrome exhaust outlets, and a 9-speaker/330-watt premium audio system. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims of the 2021 Honda CR-V, and standard on the CR-V Hybrid.
2021 Honda CR-V Engine
The Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder good for 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, the latter coming on at a very low 2,000 rpm. Highway fuel economy is estimated at 34 mpg on front-drive models, with the AWD version giving up just 2 mpg. Also, it’s helpful to know that the CR-V’s turbocharged engine runs quite contentedly on regular unleaded gasoline.
The standard CVT automatic features a Sport mode for added responsiveness, although the CR-V has no illusions of being sporty. In both front- and all-wheel-drive models, towing is limited to just 1,500 pounds.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Total output is 212 horsepower, and the hybrid has all-wheel drive standard (it’s optional on the gasoline-only models). The hybrid uses an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission (eCVT) and has the ability to run on electricity alone at lower speeds. Otherwise, the CR-V Hybrid operates similarly to the conventional gasoline model. There’s no plugging in; just get in and go. Its best benefit is better fuel economy. It doesn’t quite reach the levels of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid, but does attain an estimated 40 mpg in the city.
1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring)
190 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
179 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 28/34 mpg (FWD), 27/32 mpg (AWD)
2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder, dual electric motor
212 horsepower total
232 lb-ft of torque total
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 40/35 mpg
Which Model is Right for Me?
2021 Honda CR-V LX
1.5-liter turbocharged engine
Honda Sensing
Automatic climate control
Easy Fold 60/40-split rear seat
Bluetooth
2021 Honda CR-V EX
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Integration
Power sunroof
12-way-power driver’s seat
7-inch display audio
Heated front seats
2021 Honda CR-V EX-L
Leather-trimmed interior
Power tailgate
Power-adjustable passenger seat
8-speaker/180-watt sound system
2021 Honda CR-V Touring
Hands-free power tailgate
LED headlights with auto-on/off
330-watt premium audio system
Navigation system
Heated steering wheel
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid LX
Similar to standard LX, plus:
All-wheel drive
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX
Similar to standard EX, plus:
All-wheel drive
5-LED fog lights
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX-L
Similar to standard EX-L, plus:
All-wheel drive
Heated steering wheel
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring
Similar to standard Touring plus:
All-wheel drive
Front and rear parking sensors
2021 Honda CR-V Safety Technology
Honda Sensing
Standard on all 2021 Honda CR-Vs, this impressive suite bundles frontal-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Standard on all but the base LX, these systems keep an eye on areas outside the driver’s field of view and warn if an impending collision might occur. The blind-spot monitor keeps track of cars approaching from the rear on either side and will alert with a lighted icon embedded in the side mirrors. Rear cross-traffic alert works when the car is in reverse, warning of left or right approaching cross traffic.
Automatic High-Beam Headlights
Another standard feature, automatic high beams help the driver see better on dark roads. It engages at speeds over 25 mph when the headlights are set to Auto.
People Also Ask
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a good car?
Yes. In fact, it’s among the best. Even among the crowded field of compact crossovers, the CR-V reigns. The 2020 model won the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award in its segment.
Will the Honda CR-V be redesigned in 2021?
No. The CR-V got a mild freshening for the 2020 model year and carries over for 2021.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a safe SUV?
Yes. Among compact-crossover SUVs, the CR-V is one of the safest, earning a 5-Star crash-test rating from the government and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes standard with a full suite of active safety systems called Honda Sensing.
Where is the 2021 Honda CR-V made?
The Honda CR-V is made in America. Specifically, it is built at Honda’s factory in Greensburg, Indiana.
August 15, 2020 at 03:00AM
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2021 Honda CR-V First Review - Kelley Blue Book
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