Interested in a Honda CR-V?

    Honda’s critical rival to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 has been given a facelift for 2021, while fixed pricing comes into effect from July 1, 2021.

    The CR-V has a tweaked exterior and revised model line-up, with more standard equipment at the bottom end of the range and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists on all 1.5-litre turbocharged models.


    UPDATE, 03/03/21: Honda has upped prices on the updated CR-V after its launch late in 2020. The updated price list is below.

    UPDATE, 14/07/21: We’ve updated our article with the new fixed drive-away pricing under Honda’s Price Promise.


    Entry-level Vi models still miss out on Honda Sensing, however, which means base buyers don’t get autonomous emergency braking.

    Along with revised equipment levels, the CR-V debuts a new naming structure for Honda. Vi models are powered by the entry-level, non-turbocharged petrol engine, VTi models run with a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit.

    All seven-seat models now have a 7 in their name, and all-wheel drive has been added to the model designation on relevant cars.

    Outside, the 2021 CR-V has new bumpers, a new grille design and accents, and a range of new wheel designs. The colour palette has also expanded.

    Honda has redesigned the centre console for 2021, with more easily accessible storage and a wireless phone charging pad for VTi L and VTi LX AWD models.

    The base Vi gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

    The VTi L7 has also gained LED headlights, LED fog lights, and privacy glass.

    The CR-V is already a critical cog in the Honda Australia line-up, but its role will grow as Honda moves from its current sales setup to a smaller, head-office-run dealer network and shrunken model range.

    Pricing

    • 2021 Honda CR-V Vi: $35,300
    • 2021 Honda CR-V VTi: $38,300
    • 2021 Honda CR-V VTi 7: $40,300
    • 2021 Honda CR-V VTi X: $41,200
    • 2021 Honda CR-V VTi L AWD: $45,500
    • 2021 Honda CR-V VTi L7: $48,700
    • 2021 Honda CR-V VTi LX AWD: $53,200

    All prices are drive-away.

    Engines

    The 2021 Honda CR-V is available with a choice of two engines.

    The base engine, only offered on the cheapest model, is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder producing 113kW of power and 189Nm of torque, mated with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

    The other engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. Although it’s smaller than the base engine, the turbocharged motor offers 140kW and 240Nm.

    It’s also paired with a CVT as standard, and front- or all-wheel drive options are available.

    Fuel Economy

    The 2021 Honda CR-V uses 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle in VTi guise, 7.3L/100km in the VTi 7, VTi X and VTi L7, 7.4L/100km in the VTi L AWD and VTi LX AWD, and 7.6L/100km in the Vi.

    It runs on 91RON regular unleaded fuel and has a 57L fuel tank.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 Honda CR-V measures up at 4635mm long, 1855mm wide and 1679mm tall, with a 2660mm wheelbase.

    In five-seat CR-V models, there’s 522L of cargo space. This expands to 1084L with the second row folded when measured to the window.

    In seven-seat models, there’s 150L of cargo space. Fold the third row and this expands to 472L, and fold the second row and there’s 936L measured to the window.

    The Honda CR-V has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg in five-seat models and 1000kg in seven-seat models.

    Servicing and Warranty

    Servicing takes place every 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.

    From July 1, 2021, the first five services are capped at $125. That means the CR-V costs just $625 to service over the first five years, down from $1560 previously.

    The CR-V is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    Safety

    The CR-V has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, on the back of testing conducted in 2017.

    Base Vi models miss out on autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, although it is available on the rest of the range as part of the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance functions.

    The Honda Sensing suite also includes adaptive cruise control and lane- and road-departure warning. LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring is standard on the VTi X and up.

    There are standard front, front-side and curtain airbags, and the curtain airbags extend to the third row in seven-seat models.

    Standard Equipment

    Standard equipment on the base CR-V Vi includes:

    • Dual-zone climate control
    • 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
    • Two USB ports
    • Halogen headlights
    • Cruise control
    • Reversing camera
    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Full-sized alloy spare wheel
    • Tyre pressure monitoring

    Moving to the VTi or VTi 7 adds:

    • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Road departure mitigation
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Centre console 12V power
    • Auto walk-away door locking
    • Keyless entry and start
    • Boot luggage cover
    • Four USB ports

    The VTi X gains:

    • Hands-free power tailgate
    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Automatic headlights
    • Hands-free powered tailgate
    • Leather-trimmed steering wheel
    • Satellite navigation with traffic updates
    • High-beam support
    • Camera-based blind-spot monitoring
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • 18-inch alloy wheels

    The VTi L AWD features:

    • Leather seats
    • Heated front seats
    • Eight-way power driver’s seat

    Moving to the VTi L7 brings:

    • Wireless phone charging
    • LED headlights and fog lights
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Privacy glass

    The range-topping VTi LX AWD packs:

    • 19-inch alloy wheels
    • Heated door mirrors
    • Auto up/down for all windows
    • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
    • Leather-wrapped shifter
    • LED headlights with active cornering lights
    • Four-way power passenger seat
    • DAB+ digital radio

    Colours

    The 2021 Honda CR-V Vi is available in the following finishes:

    • Platinum White pearlescent
    • Lunar Silver metallic
    • Modern Steel metallic

    All other CR-V models offer these additional finishes:

    • Ignite Red metallic
    • Cosmic Blue metallic
    • Crystal Black pearlescent
    • Brilliant Sporty Blue metallic
    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

    Buy and Lease
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers