Everything about About 2021 Honda CRV, Should You Buy This?
When you go out to buy a crossover, you have many options on the plate. They range from Japanese to American to Germans. But if you’re in the market for a reliable crossover that’s easy on your pocket, the options become scarce. One of the crossovers that range high in this list is the Honda CR-V, and it has been one of the older contenders for Honda in this competitive market. With the sales charts recording a figure upwards of 384,000 in 2019 alone, the CR-V is one pancake of a crossover. Well, the sales are still going strong with more than a quarter-million CR-Vs sold in 2020! Now, we aren’t saying that this is the best sales figure in the segment. The Toyota RAV4 surpasses the figures easily, with more than 350,000 units sold in this year alone! Apart from the RAV4, the CR-V also locks its horns against the Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue.
What’s in store for 2021?
For the newer model year, the CR-V transitions unchanged, mostly. There are some tweaks made to the interior and exterior but they’re insignificant. The only thing that is different than the 2020 model year is the moderate hike in the pricing. All this means that you still have that old (not really) and trusted Japanese recipe for a smooth and comfortable drive at a hiked price, all thanks to inflation.
What lies under the hood?
Under the bonnet lies the same 4-pot 1.5L in-line engine which rewards the driver with a very modest 190 horses and 179 lb-ft of pulling power, sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels, through a continuously variable tranny (CVT). Because of the CVT, all the pulling power is available at just 2000 rpm. Although the 2021 CR-V isn’t launched yet we all know that under the skin, it is the 2020 model year. So, we don’t really expect the 2021 model year to be much different than the previous model year.
As for the 2020 model year, when you’re driving in town, it provides a great view out of the windshield. The A-Pillars aren’t thick which helps in reducing the blind-spot. The same is the story with the rear window, which proves to be helpful while parking. The steering is light, brakes are sharp, and the CVT is very nice for coasting around town. The suspension is very smooth and comfortable over bumps and undulations.
On the highway, the CR-V’s cabin is intruded by road noise and wind noise which proves to be a bit tiring after a while. The engine responds alright to the sudden surge of acceleration but also cause a racket inside the cabin. In the curves, the CR-V handles securely enough and feels planted but doesn’t feel sharp.
The in-line 4 on the CR-V is good for 28 miles a gallon in the city, 34 on the highway, and 30 combined which is a good figure for a crossover like this. Also, the tank can hold up to 14 gallons of gas.
What trims do we get?
Honda offers the CR-V in four flavors: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. We don’t have exact pricing for the 2021 model year but expect the trims to start from approximately $26,500 and stretch all the way up to $35,000. These prices have the hike accounted for. The CR-V is one such crossover that is loaded with features even from the base model. Let’s explore what all do we get in the various trims:
Trims | LX | EX | EX-L | Touring |
MSRP (est.) | $26,500 | $29,000 | $31,500 | $35,000 |
Key Features | LED headlights | Adds to/replaces features of the LX | Adds to/replaces features of the EX | Adds to/replaces features of the EX-L |
Automatic climate control | Remote engine start | Heated steering wheel | Unique LED headlights | |
Keyless ignition and entry | Heated front seats | Leather upholstery | Integrated navigation system | |
Four-speaker audio system | Eight-speaker audio system | 18-Watt Audio System with 8-speakers | Nine-speaker premium audio system | |
5-inch central infotainment display | 7-inch touchscreen display | Power-adjustable passenger seat | Wireless smartphone charging | |
USB port | Heated side mirrors | Power liftgate | Front and rear parking sensors | |
Honda Sensing Safety and Driver-Assist suit | Power driver's seat with memory settings | Ambient interior lighting | Roof rails | |
18-inch Alloy Wheels | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility | 19-inch alloy wheels | ||
Auto High-Beam Headlights | Dual-zone automatic climate control | Hands-free liftgate | ||
6-way manual adjustable driver's seat | Remote engine start |
There is a lot on offer for the $$ the CR-V demands. But if you feel greedy and want more, Honda has got you covered with all the different accessories on offer! also nice of Honda is the fact that they’ve made their driver assistance suite available from the lowest rim itself!
How’s the safety on the CR-V like?
Honda has equipped the CR-V with Honda Sensing Safety and Driver-Assist suit from the base model itself, which is very impressive as far as safety is concerned. Some of the safety techs on offer are:
Blind Spot Information system (BSI): This will alert the driver when it senses a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
Cross Traffic Monitor: This feature will alert the driver of any vehicle that approaches the car while reversing.
Multi-Angle Rear View Camera: A standard feature on all the trims, the multi-angle rearview camera gives you 3 viewing options – normal, top-down, and wide – for a clearer view while reversing.
LED automatic headlights: This will help in lighting up the path in front of you but use less energy than normal LEDs. Also, you need not worry about accidentally leaving the LEDs on!
Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS): This system will automatically apply the brakes on the CR-V if it senses that a frontal collision is unavoidable.
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDMS): This system will sense if the car has crossed over lanes without signaling and will alert the driver of the same. If the driver doesn’t respond to the warnings, it will provide steering assistance or provide braking assistance to get the car back into the lane.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V worth the $$?
The 2021 Honda CR-V is the perfect daily companion for someone who is more into daily commutes rather than spirited driving. Apart from being a smooth in-town car with ample engine, the CR-V will also provide you with good mileage and low maintenance. The looks are sharp and muscular and will appeal to anyone who is in the market for a reliable crossover!