Honda’s critical rival to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 has been given a facelift for 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, 13/10/20 11:30am: Full specifications for the 2021 Honda CR-V are now available on Honda Australia’s website. We’ve updated our story.
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 over the next 12 months as Honda moves from its current sales setup to a smaller, head-office-run dealer network and shrunken model range.
The new CR-V will start touching down in VTi X, VTi L AWD, VTi L7, and VTi LX AWD guises, followed by the Vi, VTi, and VTi 7.
Pricing
- CR-V Vi: $30,490
- CR-V VTi: $33,290
- CR-V VTi 7: $35,490
- CR-V VTi X: $35,990
- CR-V VTi L AWD: $40,490
- CR-V VTi L7: $43,490
- CR-V VTi LX AWD: $47,490
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
Two engines are available in the CR-V. The base engine, only offered on the cheapest model, is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder offering 113kW and 189Nm, mated with a CVT transmission.
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 bigger, non-turbocharged 2021 Honda CR-V engine is the thirstier option.
It returns 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle, while the smaller 1.5-litre engine offers claimed economy of 7.0L/100km.
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-keeping assist, although it is available on the rest of the range as part of the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance functions.
Dimensions
The 2021 Honda CR-V measures up at 4635mm long, 1855mm wide and 1679mm tall, with a 2660mm wheelbase.
Boot space is listed at 522L with the rear seats in place, and 1084L with them folded – or 936L in seven-seat models.
Standard Equipment
A full equipment list for each model isn’t yet available. We’ll update this article once this information becomes available.
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
- Non-adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Full-sized alloy spare wheel
Moving to the VTi or VTi 7 adds:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping 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 powered driver’s seat
Moving to the VTi L7 brings:
- Wireless phone charging
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rain-sensing windscreen 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 gearshift knob
Servicing
Servicing takes place every 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.
Each of the first 10 services is priced at $312, which means the first five years of maintenance costs a total of $1560 regardless of which model you select.
The CR-V is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
