The 2021 Honda CR-V continues to stand as one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. With its refined design, spacious interior, and impressive performance, it remains a strong contender in its segment. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a commuter car, or an all-around reliable SUV, the 2021 Honda CR-V offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and technology that makes it a standout choice for many drivers.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Engine Options for the 2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes with two engine options: the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and the upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is the most commonly chosen option, providing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine strikes a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for daily driving and long trips alike.
The base engine, while less powerful, offers a smooth driving experience and decent acceleration. However, the turbocharged engine takes the lead in providing more robust performance, especially when merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines.
Fuel Efficiency of the 2021 Honda CR-V
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2021 Honda CR-V excels, making it an economical choice for drivers who prioritize saving on fuel costs. The front-wheel-drive models equipped with the turbocharged engine offer an impressive 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version delivers 27 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. The 2.4-liter engine, although less efficient, still offers a solid performance with reasonable fuel economy.
Interior Features and Comfort
Spacious Cabin with Premium Features
One of the standout features of the 2021 Honda CR-V is its spacious and comfortable interior. This compact SUV provides plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, making it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently transport large items. With seating for five passengers, the Honda CR-V offers ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, making long drives more comfortable for everyone.
The cabin is designed with high-quality materials, giving it a more upscale feel compared to many other vehicles in this class. The front seats are supportive and well-cushioned, while the rear seats also provide plenty of comfort, even for adults. Additionally, the rear seatbacks fold down flat to increase cargo space, offering up to 75.8 cubic feet of storage space when the seats are down.
Infotainment and Technology
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base trim, which is upgradeable to a larger 9-inch screen on higher trims. The infotainment system is intuitive and features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. For those who prefer a more luxurious setup, higher trims offer a premium audio system for enhanced sound quality.
Additional features include a USB port, satellite radio, and a rearview camera. Higher trims also offer wireless charging and additional USB ports, ensuring that all passengers stay connected and powered up on long trips.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Honda Sensing Suite of Safety Features
Honda has equipped the 2021 Honda CR-V with its standard suite of safety features, known as Honda Sensing. This system includes a range of driver-assistive technologies designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Some of the key features of Honda Sensing include:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
These features make the 2021 Honda CR-V one of the safest vehicles in its class, earning it high marks in crash tests. It is also equipped with standard driver and passenger airbags, as well as side-impact airbags and stability control.
Crash Test Ratings
The 2021 Honda CR-V performed admirably in crash tests, receiving high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest possible score. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 CR-V a five-star overall safety rating, which further highlights the vehicle’s commitment to keeping drivers and passengers safe on the road.
Driving Experience and Handling
Smooth Ride and Responsive Handling
The 2021 Honda CR-V delivers a smooth and composed ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. Whether you’re driving on city streets or navigating winding country roads, the CR-V provides a comfortable and stable driving experience. The steering is precise, and the suspension effectively absorbs bumps and rough patches, ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers.
While it’s not as sporty as some of its competitors, the CR-V offers enough agility to make it an enjoyable vehicle to drive. The turbocharged engine provides a good balance of power, making highway merging and passing effortless.
All-Wheel Drive Option
For those who live in areas with inclement weather or require a vehicle that can handle light off-roading, the 2021 Honda CR-V offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The AWD system enhances the vehicle’s traction and stability, providing peace of mind during snowy or rainy conditions.
Pricing and Trims
Available Trims for the 2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V is available in four different trims: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The base LX trim comes with a host of standard features, including the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Honda Sensing safety suite, and a rearview camera. Moving up to the EX trim adds features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The EX-L trim offers a more luxurious feel with leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an upgraded sound system. The top-tier Touring trim includes all the features of the EX-L, along with additional perks like a 9-inch touchscreen, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a navigation system.
Pricing Overview
The 2021 Honda CR-V offers a competitive price range, starting at approximately $25,000 for the base LX trim. The EX trim is priced around $27,000, while the EX-L and Touring trims range from $29,000 to $33,000. The price increases as you move up to higher trims, but the CR-V remains one of the more affordable options in its class when compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue.
FAQs
What engine options are available for the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Does the 2021 Honda CR-V have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, Apple CarPlay is standard on the EX trim and above.
How fuel-efficient is the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V offers up to 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway with the turbocharged engine.
What is the price of the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V starts at around $25,000, with higher trims reaching up to $33,000.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V safe?
Yes, the 2021 Honda CR-V received high marks in crash tests and comes standard with Honda Sensing safety features.
The 2021 Honda CR-V is an exceptional compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and safety. Its efficient fuel economy, spacious interior, and advanced safety features make it an excellent choice for families, commuters, and anyone in need of a reliable and versatile vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a car for weekend adventures, the CR-V delivers on all fronts.