Overview
HONDA final up to date the CR-V for the 2021 mannequin 12 months, added refreshed styling, extra normal tools, and improved security expertise throughout the vary.
The mannequin underwent a light value hike on the similar time however continues to be one of many extra reasonably priced contenders within the SUV vary – one thing that’s certain to alter when the brand new mannequin arrives throughout the subsequent 12-18 months, assuming the most recent Civic and HR-V are something to go by.
Which is likely one of the causes this look again at one among Honda’s favourites is so vital. Making that call to “pull the set off” on the present mannequin may prevent hundreds of {dollars} – whereas additionally putting you behind the ‘wheel of an eminently sensible and habitable mid-size SUV.
The CR-V vary begins at $30,490 and tops out at $47,490 for the VTi-LX all-wheel drive (AWD) on take a look at.
Honda’s most up-to-date replace endowed the CR-V with new bumpers and grille, dark-tinted tail-light lenses, and darkish chrome garnishing. Ignite Pink paint, as pictured, additionally joined the ranks again in 2021, alongside Cosmic Blue.
As earlier than, the bottom mannequin Vi is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – the one naturally aspirated mill within the vary – good for 113kW of energy and 189Nm of torque, all despatched to the entrance wheels through a constantly variable transmission (CVT).
Larger trim traces rating a 140kW/240Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder powerplant with drive despatched to both the entrance or all 4 wheels – relying on the variant – through the identical CVT as the bottom mannequin.
There may be additionally a protracted listing of amenity and expertise goodies provided for the worth together with heated leather-based seats, 17-inch alloys, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wi-fi cellphone charging, dual-zone local weather management, a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, reversing digital camera, electrical park brake, Bluetooth cellphone and audio streaming, tyre-pressure monitoring, LED headlights and a handsfree powered tailgate.
Importantly, greater grade CR-Vs additionally embody the Honda Sensing security suite with ahead collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane maintain help, highway departure mitigation and adaptive cruise management. The Honda CR-V scored a five-star ANCAP security ranking when final assessed in 2017.
Driving Impressions
It’s very nice to spend time with a present era car forward of the arrival of its successor – particularly when that car is a related and regular vendor with rather a lot left to supply consumers.
Regardless of its age, the CR-V VTi-LX AWD on take a look at continues to be a classy car that exhibits a top quality of meeting many in its phase lack … although arguably there are components of the cabin that lack the ‘fashionable look’ now we have come to anticipate. There’s a noticeable absence of large display screen screens and touchscreen controls contained in the CR-V.
Although that isn’t altogether a foul factor – and when you think about the amenity and practicality the CR-V affords its occupants, we expect few consumers will fortunately make the compromise.
The CR-V affords a helpful cargo space with fold-flat seating that’s excellent for the occasional journey to the Huge Inexperienced Shed or that Swedish furnishings firm. It’s a theme that continues elsewhere within the cabin the place versatile and beneficiant storage abounds, as if the designers actually cued into the way in which household consumers use their mid-size SUV … let’s hope this diploma of pragmatism continues within the new mannequin.
Contemplating its design age, the CR-V is a really properly pieced collectively car that is freed from rattles and squeaks, the one noises of any observe within the cabin coming from the highway and tyres when travelling at freeway speeds. It’s spacious and affords comfy seating for longer stints on the ‘wheel – and what we firmly consider is likely one of the finest hip factors within the phase.
Honda’s 1.5-litre mill does a good job of hauling the automotive down the highway, however we reckon the two.0-litre VTEC Turbo unit could be higher once more. Nonetheless, the constantly variable transmission is properly matched to the engine’s torque band and is fast to react when climbing hills or pulling out to overhaul.
We sampled the CR-V over our ordinary mixture of city and peri-urban roads, taking in busy commuter visitors and meandering again roads to check not solely the car’s efficiency and gas financial system – which averaged 8.4 litres per 100km – but additionally its dynamic capabilities and experience consolation.
And now we have to say the experience consolation of the CR-V is superb – particularly when seen in opposition to among the “sportier tuned” choices that now pose as household transport. On the lumpy roads of the Macedon Ranges the Honda’s suspension maintained its composure properly, cornering with confidence and by no means fumbling for grip.
That mentioned, you possibly can hear the suspension working when it’s actually put to the take a look at, although we expect most consumers will likely be good sufficient to separate the aural enter in opposition to that from the steering wheel and the seat of their pants.
However maybe it’s these drivers – or consumers cross-shopping the CR-V in opposition to its newer contemporaries – that can recognise the dearth of finesse the steering and pedal field affords. The CR-V doesn’t fairly have the velocity and fluidity of response discovered elsewhere within the line-up, and though it does steer properly, you’ll have to work in your reward.
There may be highway really feel to be discovered, however it’s extra subdued than now we have expertise in additional fashionable EAPS setups. If a refined and finally extra correct steering SUV is in your procuring listing, then maybe the next-generation CR-V will likely be a better option for you.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re trying to snap up a dependable and sturdy household hauler that’s just about assured to give you years of trouble-free motoring, then it’s price including the CR-V to subsequent weekend’s take a look at drive listing – particularly if perform takes precedence in your busy life-style.
