2021 Honda CR-V Reviews

There was a time when Honda was considered by some (and itself) to be the Japanese version of BMW. Sporty, prestige cars that were distinctive and high-end. How things changed.Frankly, Honda lost its mojo somewhere around the turn of the century, and while there have been glimpses of that former aspirational brand, many of Honda’s products in the meantime have been cannon-fodder stuff. And into that mix, you could probably toss the CR-V.It’s not that the CR-V was a bad car, just that it lacked the old sparkle. The fifth generation of the CR-V SUV failed to change that perception or Honda’s unenviable sales trajectory.A shift to Thailand production didn’t help, either, and somehow the CR-V has struggled along. Which is not to say it isn’t worth a look as a used-car buy, because in terms of ride quality, cabin fit and finish and interior space relative to its exterior dimensions it’s still a Honda. In other areas, not so much…Dubbed internally the 'RW' series CR-V, this car was available in Australia in a bewildering range of models and driveline layouts. That started with the entry-level VTi which was a five-seater, front-wheel drive variant. The range then moved up to the better equipped VTi-S, still with five seats, but a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The range-topper was the VTi-LX which was a five-seater and AWD only and then, just to confuse us, Honda also dropped the VTi-L into showrooms with its FWD platform but seven seats.Which ever variant you bought you got the same powertrain; a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Unless, of course, you bought the most affordable model which Honda quietly slipped into showrooms in 2019. Called the Vi, this was a stripped-out version designed to get a car on to the market at under $30,000, As a result, the turbo engine was dropped in favour of a gutless, low-tech SOHC 2.0-litre, four-cylinder with but 113kW. Add the same CVT auto and you had a recipe for humdrum.

One of the first medium SUVs launched back in 1997, the Honda CR-V (for Compact Recreational Vehicle) has evolved over five generations into a capable, versatile and refined family crossover proposition. Though not the cheapest, the VTi is one of the most compelling in its segment, since it combines safety, space, comfort and practicality with willing turbo performance, at an affordable price.

In the ever-popular realm of mid-size SUVs, potential buyers are spoilt for choice across a variety of price points. Refreshed ranges are becoming available as fast as demand seems to be growing for them.The Honda CR-V VTi-LX all-wheel drive (AWD) tops the current CR-V line-up and has a near-$50k price-tag to match. Is it actually worth that much?

The new Honda CR-V VTi L7 has those coveted two spare seats in the boot, plus a bit of a new look inside and out. It's also stepped up the advanced safety, but has it stepped it up enough?

The Honda CR-V Vi 2021 model is the entry-level grade in the range priced from just $30,490 (MSRP) - but crucially, it misses out on a lot of the stuff you’ll probably not only want, but also could need.

The Honda CR-V 2021 range is still seven models strong, but there are some big changes for the majority of them - a sizeable upgrade in standard safety technology. But there are still some missing items compared to the best in the class, so do the CR-V's other redeeming features help it stay competitive against the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5?

The Honda CR-V VTi 2021 model is the first of the versions you really ought to consider if you’re thinking about a CR-V. It is priced at $33,490 (MSRP).

If you’re after a budget-focused seven seater, the Honda CRV VTi 7 2021 model could be right up your alley. It’s priced from $35,490 (MSRP), just $2000 more than the five seater VTi below it.

A newly added nameplate for the 2021 Honda CR-V range is the VTi X, which slots in at $35,990 (MSRP) and offers a five-seat layout with a few additional features. The VTi X essentially replaces the old VTi-S model.

The first version in the Honda CR-V 2021 range to get all-wheel drive is the VTi L AWD, which has a list price of $40,490 (MSRP). That’s quite a tall ask for an AWD model, considering you can get a Forester for almost $9000 less.