2021 Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V highlights
Customer reviews
5 out of 5
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5
Pros
- 1.5-liter turbo engine is powerful and efficient
- Standard equipment levels are comprehensive across the entire range
Cons
- Hybrid is not as fuel-efficient as key rivals in real-world use
- Touchscreen interface is difficult to use
Mileage (EPA estimate)
28 city, 34 highway, 30 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2021 Honda CR-V holds strong and steady as a compact crossover SUV
If you're looking for a compact crossover SUV, the CR-V shouldn't be ignored. Honda made some big updates to the CR-V last year, so it enters 2021 without any significant changes. Not that it needed any because the CR-V has always offered generous standard equipment. Even the base LX comes with features that rivals might offer only in higher trim levels, including Honda Sensing®, which bundles a number of driver aids into a single package. All CR-Vs, with the exception of the Hybrid, come powered by a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine mated to an automatic transmission. All have standard front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available as an option.
The CR-V has a family-friendly appeal thanks to its huge interior space, which can accommodate five people and luggage. It has some neat cubby storage solutions, too, while the rear seats fold and tip easily should you need to haul bigger loads. A Mazda CX-5 is slightly more engaging to drive, and the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are appealing alternatives, but no rival offers quite the well-rounded abilities of the CR-V. Trim choices remain the same. The generously equipped LX is followed by the EX, EX-L, and Touring. The EX is a compelling choice thanks to a number of added convenience features, but if you want leather upholstery you'll need the EX-L. The Touring, meanwhile, benefits from improved audio equipment, LED headlights, and integrated navigation.
All Honda CR-V years
New for 2021
- The CR-V is available in a new trim called the Special Edition.
- Parking Sensors features are now available as options on select trims.
Explore Honda CR-V details
EX 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
Optional Features
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive type
2WD
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
190
Torque (ft-lbs)
179
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14
Wheelbase
104.8"
Overall length
182.1"
Width
73"
Height
66.1"
Leg room
F 41.3"/R 40.4"
Head room
F 38"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P235/60HR18
Rear tires
P235/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Honda CR-V
1. Comfortable cabin
The 2021 CR-V has a roomy cabin that accommodates five passengers quite comfortably, including adults. The front seats provide good support and cushioning for longer trips, while the rear seatbacks recline for added adjustability. With 40.4 inches of rear-seat legroom, taller passengers will appreciate the 2021 CR-V's stretch-out space. The wide front and rear door openings also provide plenty of clearance to easily enter and exit the cabin or buckle children into car seats. Heated front seats (EX and higher), leather upholstery (EX-L and higher), and a moonroof (EX and higher) enhance this SUV's upscale atmosphere.
2. Enticing engines
If you're shopping for a small SUV that's powerful yet frugal, the CR-V's engine options will leave you impressed. A 190-hp 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder comes standard on all 2021 models and returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.
3. Compliant ride
A hallmark of the 2021 CR-V is the SUV's smooth and quiet ride. Whether driving over rough surfaces or slicing into sharp turns, the CR-V remains connected to the road with its composed handling and precise steering. The available Real Time AWD™ system also inspires confidence to power through challenging weather conditions. For trips both long and short, the 2021 CR-V delivers a comfortable on-road experience that you and your passengers won't be quick to forget.
4. Plenty of cargo space
The 2021 Honda CR-V has a generous cargo area that swallows up camping gear, luggage, and more. With all seats in place, you'll have 39.2 cu-ft of storage, but stowing the second row expands capacity to 75.8 cu ft (gas models). The easy fold-down 60/40-split rear seatbacks offer a variety of configurations to accommodate whoever or whatever you're transporting that day. Throughout the cabin, the 2021 CR-V also boasts many nooks and crannies to store smaller items, including a deep center console with a sliding tray to conceal valuables.
5. Driver-Focused tech
Plentiful driver aids on the 2021 CR-V provide peace of mind when transporting your most precious cargo. EX and higher trims include a blind-spot information system that offers extra assistance when changing lanes, while the cross-traffic monitor uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the side while you're in reverse. There's a standard multi-angle rearview camera that enhances visibility with normal, top-down, and wide views. The 2021 Honda CR-V Touring also includes a navigation system with voice recognition, so you can find your way without taking your eyes off the road.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Honda CR-V, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that seats five people. It's available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive and comes with a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine. That gives the 2019 RAV4 with front-wheel drive an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined fuel economy.
Full of personality and 34 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2017-2019 Ford Escape is ready for adventure. You have a choice of three engines, with the base-model 2.5L four-cylinder engine making 168 hp with a six-speed automatic transmission. With the optional 179-hp turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine and FWD, the 2017-2019 Ford Escape gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The 2017-2019 Ford Escape S includes these features:
Rearview camera
Six-speaker sound system
4.2-inch touchscreen with USB charge port
Power windows and doors
A visually pleasing SUV inside and out, the 2017-2019 Mazda CX-5 offers excellent refinement and comfort. Power comes from a 187-hp, 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. Inside, the impressive interior has room for up to five passengers and 30.9 cubic feet of trunk space for luggage. Not only that, but the 2017-2019 Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine can also do some light hauling, with an estimated towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2017-2019 Mazda CX-5 include:
Air conditioning with pollen filter
Seven-inch touchscreen with HD Radio™, Bluetooth® capability, and integrated apps
Steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal reliability rating
RepairPal gave the Honda CR-V an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Honda CR-V 4th out of 27 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda CR-V2021 Honda CR-V trims
More about the 2021 Honda CR-V
Color options
Exterior colors:
Aegean Blue (EX, EX-L, Touring)
Crystal Black Pearl
Lunar Silver
Modern Steel
Obsidian Blue Pearl
Platinum White Pearl (Premium Color)
Radiant Red (Premium Color)
Sonic Gray Pearl (Premium Color; EX, EX-L, Touring)
Interior details
Seating for five passengers
75.8 cu-ft of maximum cargo volume (gas models)
Heated front seats (EX and higher trims)
Easy fold-down 60/40-split rear seatbacks
Rear-seat heater ducts
Safety rating
The 2021 Honda CR-V received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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