No doubt, the ongoing version of the CR-V is one of the best compact crossovers on the market. Since the 2020MY brings numerous changes and updates, the upcoming model won’t be much different. However, the Japanese automaker will include some unique features to keep the 2021 Honda CR-V equally attractive to the customers.
The CR-V is the company’s most popular model in the United States. One of the most popular vehicles in the whole segment. You have to love the spacious, comfortable cabin, flawless interior design, and appealing look. On top of that, the CR-V is the Green Car Journal’s 2020 Green SUV of the Year.
2021 Honda CR-V Changes
2021 Honda CR-V will include a new powertrain system, and you can expect some minor adjustments for the exterior. Of course, the higher trim level will receive more updates than the base model, but all in all, there won’t be anything drastically different. Honda will updates the already existing element, to keep the model fresh and with recognizable clean styling. Well, let’s see what the CR-V has to offer, in terms of design.
You’ll notice that the compact crossover features a new front face. Also, the headlights are brand-new. The bumper is slightly redesigned as well. The grille looks more prominent than before. At the back, we can see remodelled taillights as well. Anyhow, since the CR-V went through a severe redesign last year, we don’t expect anything sii+milar for the next couple of years. As for the color palette, the customers can choose between White Diamon, Lunar Silver (which is a metallic hue), Crystal Black, and Basque Red.
Interior Design
The same case is with the exterior of the 2021 Honda CR-V. The cabin was always one of the strong points of Japanese vehicles. Well, besides the 2020MY updates, the new model brings minor tweaks for the center stack and console. Other than that, everything is pretty much the same as on the ongoing version, The dash comes with a simplistic design, but it’s efficient. The whole cabin delivers an upscale feel and an impressive level of comfort. Dare to say; the CR-V provides the best cabin in the entire segment.
Furthermore, both rows provide generous space, even for the taller passengers. Honda’s compact crossover will be able to accommodate up to five adult passengers. The diver’s position is excellent, and the CR-V provides excellent visibility. On top of that, the driver’s seat comes with a 12-was power-adjustable system. The cargo offers 39.2 cubic feet of space, while with the rear seats up it expands to 75.8 cubic feet.
Engine Specs
All versions of 2021 Honda CR-V will use an efficient 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. The good-old 2.4-liter four-cylinder mill won’t be available anymore. The 1.5-liter unit produces 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. With that power, the CR-V provided outstanding driving dynamics, probably the best in class. Furthermore, the engine will be connected to the CVT, which simulates the traditional shift of the automatic transmission.
On top of that, this refined CVT produces less noise than the older versions. Also, the upcoming compact crossover will be very fuel-efficient – the CR-V return 28 mpg in the city, and 34 mpg on the highway.
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The most significant update for the 2021MY is the refinement of the hybrid powertrain. The CR-V Hybrid will carry on the same design language as an ongoing model, but the performance will be tuned a bit. Therefore, expect even better results form the Hybrid version. Well, the configuration is very similar to the one you can find in the Accord sedan.
In other words, under the hood of the CR-V Hybrid is a combination of a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Same as the regular model, the Hybrid comes with a CVT. As for the fuel economy, the precise figures are still unknown. However, Honda claims that the upcoming model will be able to return 42 mpg in the city. Well, that’s slightly higher than the competition, like let’s say Toyota RAV4 which returns 41 mpg.
Release Date and Price
2021 Honda CR-V will be available for bookings in the last quarter of the year. Still, the sales will start in the Spring of 2021. The compact crossover will be available on four trims: LX, EX, EX-L, and top-line Touring. As for the price, the base CR-V LX starts will start slightly higher than the ongoing model – at $26,700.
Next, the EX comes for $27,600 (FWD), and $29,000 if you want AWD setup. The EX-L will have a price tag of $30,350 ($31,550 AWD). The range-topping Touring model will start at around $33,500. Lastly, the base version of the CR-V Hybrid will cost $28,900. The destination charge is included in the price for each trim level. The forthcoming Honda vehicle will compete against Nissan Rogue, VW Tiguan, and Toyota RAV4.