The Honda CR-V is the brand’s representative in the fast-selling compact SUV class where the recently redesigned Toyota RAV4 dominates sales. Honda refreshed its best-selling model for the 2020 model year and it had the RAV4’s values in mind while was doing the job. The updated CR-V brought the hybrid version while ditched the non-turbo engine. Honda also sharpened the look of the popular CR-V for the 2020 model year with some new interior details introduced as well. Following the steps of the class-leader Honda also equips every version with the suite of active safety systems.
With the recent refresh and addition of the hybrid version, the CR-V will continue the battle with the classmates without significant upgrades until the next redesign. So, the 2021 Honda CR-V is expected to return on the stage almost unchanged. There will again be some mixing in the equipment organization and new color options should appear. Honda will likely offer a new appearance package or special edition version to keep attention on the model.
2021 Honda CR-V: Performance, Efficiency
Honda announced the electrification of its entire light truck range a few years ago and the brand’s best-seller introduced the hybrid version for the 2020 model year. A good decision was also the discontinuation of the base, non-turbo engine.
The 2021 Honda CR-V will continue to live on the recent mid-cycle updates and will return with turbocharged and hybrid powertrains.
A 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine will deliver good acceleration and efficiency. This engine makes 190 hp and peak torque of 179 lb-ft. The CR-V combines this engine with smooth continuously variable transmission while buyers will choose between the front- and all-wheel drive.
When combined with the front-wheel drive the turbo-4 powered CR-V should return 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Switching to the all-wheel drive will reduce efficiency to 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
If the efficiency is the priority, the recently added CR-V hybrid promises as much as 50 percent better fuel economy than the conventionally powered versions. The CR-V hybrid uses the setup from the Accord sedan called the two-motor hybrid system. The system combines an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, with a claimed thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent, and two electric motors. The combined output is 212 hp and the model has the all-wheel-drive capability provided by the clutch which engages when the slip of the wheels is detected and the electric motor sends the torque to the rear wheels.
2021 Honda CR-V: Styling
As part of the recent mid-cycle update, the Honda CR-V went on the face surgery and the result is a sharpened styling. Thanks to the recent refresh, the model has a bolder grille and new fog lights. The rear benefits from the darkened taillights and the model received also dark chrome trim. Honda introduced also new wheel designs and color options for the recent mid-update.
The 2021 Honda CR-V will continue to live on these upgrades while Honda could add a new appearance package or special edition version to keep the focus on the model.
Interior, Equipment:
Honda made also some modifications in the CR-V’s cabin for the recent update and added more standard equipment. The 2021 version will repeat the current form.
The next CR-V will again come with the 7-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility. Buyers will also get Honda Sensing Safety suite in every version where are systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
The Honda CR-V will also be available with the navigation, HD radio, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, rear USB charging ports, heated seats, premium sound system and more. The CR-V hybrid will have a unique increment cluster with additional information such as brake regeneration and power flow.
2021 Honda CR-V: Release, Price
The 2021 Honda CR-V will go on sale in fall 2020. The price of the model won’t change much. The model should be available from around $25, 000.
The CR-V competes against the names such as the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Chevy Equinox. The perennial class leader is the recently redesigned Toyota RAV4 while Nissan was spotted recently testing the new-gen Nissan Rogue.