Honda CR-V 2021 review: Is the new safer SUV a match for the Toyota RAV4?

The Honda CR-V has been a long-time favourite in the CarsGuide offices, but there’s always been a bit of a caveat hanging over the mid-size SUV range - it all came down to a shortage of active safety technology.
With the 2021 Honda CR-V facelift that has been addressed - to a degree - and in this review we’ll cover off the changes that have been made, from an expansion of the Honda Sensing suite of safety tech, to the styling changes inside and out for the updated model range.
At the end we’ll try and sum up if the Honda CR-V 2021 range update has brought this model back into contention against the likes of the Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan and Toyota RAV4.
As part of the 2021 updated range, the CR-V saw a number of name changes, but there are still seven variants available, ranging from five to seven-seaters, and with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices are up across the carryover models by between $2200 and $4500 - read our original pricing story to see why.
Opening the range is the Vi, which carries over as the only model in the range without the turbo engine (any CR-V with VTi as part of its name indicates turbocharging), while it’s also the only CR-V without the Honda Sensing safety suite. More on that in the safety section below.
The prices seen here are the Manufacturer’s List Price, also known as MSRP, RRP or MLP, and don’t include on-road costs. Shop around, we know there will be drive-away deals.
The Vi model lists at $30,490 plus on-road costs (MSRP), which is more expensive than the pre-facelift model, but this version - which has 17-inch alloy wheels and cloth seat trim - now runs a 7.0-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual-zone climate control. This version also has Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, 2x USB ports, a digital instrument cluster with digital speedometer, and a four speaker sound system. It has halogen headlights and LED daytime running lights, as well as LED tail-lights. There’s a reversing camera fitted, too.
The updated Honda CR-V range is certainly an improvement on the model it replaces, with the wider spread of safety tech now making it a more viable option for more potential customers.
But the fact of the matter is that the 2021 Honda CR-V update still doesn’t go far enough in expanding the safety spec of the midsize SUV, and multiple competitors better it in many ways. And if you’re a family buyer, then safety is surely a high priority, right? Well, if that’s you, maybe consider those aforementioned rivals - the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, VW Tiguan and Subaru Forester - all of which best the CR-V in some way or another.
If you don’t think you need those additional safety items, or you’re just sold on the practical and thoughtful cabin design of the CR-V, there’s certainly something to be said for the 2021 version over the earlier models. And in this range, I’d say the pick would be the VTi 7 if you need three rows, or the VTi for those only needing five seats.
Visit our Honda CR-V hub: carsgui.de/2w263IL
Check out our pricing and specs story: carsgui.de/2JSFrpO
Intro 00:00
Design 01:16
Pricing 02:31
Interior 04:41
Safety 08:15
Engine specs 09:43
Fuel use 10:12
Ownership 10:54
Driving 11:34
Verdict 14:20
CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive
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[@ClairdACDC]

I drove basically EVERY mid size suv under $45 000. Bought the CR-V and dont regret it for a second. Its comfortable, quiet, handles well and steers well. The technology is fine and all the driving aids and features work spot on without being intrusive. Radar cruise is twice as good as the one in a Kluger. Front room is so much bigger than RAV-4. Resale and reliability is excellent. Yeah - its not fast but dont buy a SUV if you want fast performance. If you want comfort and quietness in a car this is very very hard to beat for under $45 000...... ( CR-V VTi-X )

[@jaffarbaqi]

I think you are just spoiled by the CRV goodness that you are taking it for granted. No other vehicle in its class matches it in ride quality and overall drive and steering feel. Furthermore, it's not short on space, power, ease of use, and reliability. I'd give it 8.5. I don't own a CRV, nor am I Honda fan boy. Thank you for the review.

[@JohanSchmidt]

Nice review - I especially like the explanation of the different models

[@kashemalam]

Best Honda CRV review ever.

[@munecaeburro]

9:24 that's the thing that I miss in the CRV. Should be included in the basic trim like the Mazda CX5

[@syyeung]

decent review, except that I don't need to be reminded about the links if I watch in YT every 30 seconds

[@mtiken]

Anytime honda crv. Not Mazda cx5. I feel very suffocated inside cx5. Honda is so airy. The big transmission tunnel in cx5 is a big no no.

[@paulhenry913]

US versions have BSM and RCTA standard. Upgrade the tires to something premium and you have a great car for about 30k (AWD version)

[@roddaniels1809]

Great review. I've driven the new CRV once and I agree with everything you said. Good but not great. Drove well but Honda need to stop banging on about "convenience" features if they want to fend off the Koreans. These types of things are a given these days and should be mentioned but not made the main selling points.

[@ashiqurrahman6984]

Fuel consumption is bit wrong information as i am owning one last 1.8 years. On highway, if u drive constantly, it will shows lowest 5.9l/100km. On suburban drive it is from 6.9lt/100km to 8.4lt/100km. Over 10lt/100km if u drive on sports mode all time. So, for better mileage, use u95 petrol at least and do not drive on economy or sports mode. Just D and u drive. Overall, its a nice car and u will love steering. Literally u can turn with one finger. So smooth.

[@chenhonglin108]

Concerning abt interior noises like tyre noise and wind noise while driving, is this a big problem? (want to order one but unable to test Drive one due to personal reason) )

[@351tgv]

where did the Ford Escape review go?

[@bevpipes]

Did I miss this valuable info?? Not all 2016 Honda Cr-v models have a navigation system. I have listened and read several sites and did not pick this up.

[@blackcyborg009]

The CRV for Australia is made in Japan? Or Thailand?

[@ahmadluthfi6185]

Is this the passion Red colour???

[@joergr82]

Outdated infotainment, no hybrid, no diesel. Great car but lacks modern advances.

[@RaY_77W]

Your wrong cuz there is a diesel and hybrid😂

[@funfunyo7523]

@@RaY_77W not in Australia

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Does the top spec have LEDs with active shadowing?

[@sandypangle8280]

Went out and bought a 2018 Honda CRV. Several of these cars were recalled due to a steering issue with a torque sensor under Service Bulletin 18-103. They clearly stated in their recall that this was a "safety issue." My car had the same issue but was barely out of the warranty and the good folks at Honda Corporate Customer Service refuse to repair it. This leaves me holding a $2,837.00 repair bill for a car with known recalls. Yup!!!! They really care about the safety of the folks who buy their cars. I could kick myself for jumping brands but now that I know what the value of customer safety is to Honda, I will never buy another one! I wanted to enlighten everyone on how Honda corporate stands behind their vehicles.

[@anthonydoherty6232]

Nice review but a lot of advertisements inserted

[@elieschitour3498]

nice

[@ukaszsz2193]

is this 2021 cr-v any quieter than 2019 model ?

[@chenhonglin108]

Same i want to ask

[@leftylinky8826]

Any Aussies experiencing the oil dilution issue?

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

11:55 what's that SUV alternative then at this price range?

[@carsguide]

Try a Mazda CX-5 2.5 turbo! Cheers Matt

[@taffyftwpocoyoftl7937]

The panoramic sunroof i isn’t a wow factor, it’s a bit small.

[@mitjed]

I have a new crv, its large, but when you want to open the sunroof, it only takes half of the mirror. But at the back, it does looks cool.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

1,700kg.. It's pretty beefy. Could do with a bit more torque or a diet. Will be good soccer mum transport in the far lighter base spec.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

That's what I like about the new Ford escape - it's bigger but lighter than the old model!

[@elieschitour3498]

cool

[@funfunyo7523]

Wrong about most things in the line up for 2021 and pricing is way off its like u went off the 2019 specs

[@RonNie-ws3hj]

Honda CR-V need a new design.

[@akhil3699]

Did Honda solve the problem of Oil Dilution problem in the best 1.5 turbo engine. The best engine is in the base 2 liter engine

[@vincewant6325]

Which version has the 2 litre engine sorry

[@matthewdunn7321]

All that so called safety stuff like blind spot monitoring etc is useless. Just learn how to drive properly and head check, like what motorcyclists and heavy vehicle drivers do

[@mitjed]

I think not so, I find the blind spot monitoring useful as my third view, for instance, when I wanted to turn left in a highway and I am distracted by the car in front of me as its too slow, most likely might ignore the left sidemirror and crash into the car coming from the left. The blind spot helps you avoid that. Its also useful to see incoming bicycle or motorcycle traffic.

[@JFomo]

Is this the guy from Car Expert 🤭

[@cjmasters3704]

I thought the same thing and had to check haha. The guy from Car Expert is Paul Maric. I only just realised they are two different people 😄😄

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

No this guy looks nothing like Seth MacFarlane

[@carsguide]

No, but Matt and Paul did used to work together at a different site.

[@aaranan.s8419]

The base engine is the best. Honda's 1.5L turbocharged engines are having oil dilution issues.

[@edwardgarde924]

Mainly in the US and China where the climate reaches -5 degrees in winter but not here in Australia!

[@tonyelsom]

Crap, all Turbos suffer from oil dilution, but it is not a problem in Australia due to our climate and distances we drive.

[@robertblaney5033]

Honda still has oil dilution problems with the 1.5 liter turbo charged engine ( the software fix they did is a bandaid ) The Rav 4 has a tried & true normally aspirated engine that will far outlast a turbo. Honda has a CVT transmission. The RAV4 has an 8-speed automatic ( RAV4 wins again )

[@mrrossie]

RAV 4 also comes with a CVT transmission.

[@ClairdACDC]

No oil dilution problems in warmer countries. CRV has much more space over the rav and a far better gearbox. Honda V-Tec turbo engines are one of the best engines ever and so much smoother than the toyota.........

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Thanks for reminding me this has a CVT. Taken off the shopping list.

[@ppp8488]

Big Deal

[@mdabdussamad7499]

Fain

[@studiodingli4875]

When will Honda fire their design Stylist ? For ten years now I watched my 2010 CRV pleasantly streamlined design deteriorate into fussy non aesthetic and unco-ordinated afterthought body details that get uglier each year. Seriously Mr. Honda, now showing a square sided under bonnet detail?? Look at MG or Hyundai styling, Mr. Honda and learn. Apart from your mean accessories inclusion, this, and messy looks will tempt me to look elsewhere. I don't like your new Turbo, it's smaller and working harder, and fuel consumption is unimpressive. My 2010 CRV gives steady 7L/100k highway and 11L/100k suburbs. But I thank you for the reliability, not even having to change a light bulb in 10 years.

[@mitjed]

I don't like the 2010 crv back, its looks like a honda stream with big lights. The new crv's actually looks macho and better than the old ones.

[@gregrobinson2394]

So you can open the rear doors wide enough to bash into other cars in the car park. Should be able to chip the paint off in no time!

[@Fitzaism]

This presenter always does a good job of telling us about the cars he presents, in an professional way, imo. Unlike one of his clownish and childish colleagues. It was easy to work out from this presentation that the Honda CRV is starting to get left behind when compared to the competition. Especially the competition coming at it from the Chinese manufacturers like SAIC and the Koreans (Hyundai and Kia). A decade ago, Honda would have been my 1st choice in an SUV. Now, no way.

[@munecaeburro]

You got a point, but The real competition is Rav4, CX5 or Subaru Forester.

[@twong6531]

in desperate need for a total exterior & interior...the old girlfriend just refreshed her lipstick, YAWN

[@jaffarbaqi]

Mine is starting to understeer a little.

[@fljlandi]

Looks so, sooo old already

[@solid7468]

Ugliest facelift ever

[@mitjed]

Not really, looks macho.

[@DarkKnight-tt7sz]

Its outdated and ancient