Honda’s CR-V has proven to be a safe and sensible family SUV for several generations, and that’s no different on the current version.
Where practicality and reliability are concerned, it remains hard to beat, while the introduction of a hybrid model in recent years has added a more efficient option to the range.
For 2021 it’s also benefited from a number of updates to improve it further, including a retuned suspension setup, more standard equipment and light styling revisions to refine it further.
So if you’re looking at a new Honda CR-V, here’s what you need to know…
What powertrains are available?
Honda decided to ditch diesel on its latest CR-V, with the only powertrain options available today being a hybrid and a regular petrol option.
Let’s start with the latter, which uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit producing 171bhp and 220Nm of torque. It’s available with both a manual and CVT automatic gearbox, and is able to go from 0-60mph in just under 10 seconds. Honda also claims it will return 38.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of 166g/km. All-wheel-drive is available, too, alongside the standard front-wheel-drive setup.
Then there’s the hybrid, which is a 2.0-litre petrol-electric setup that produces 181bhp and 242Nm of torque. It’s both quicker and better on fuel than the standard petrol, with Honda saying it will reach 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds, along with returning 42.2mpg, with low CO2 emissions of 120g/km. All versions come with an e-CVT automatic gearbox, though front- and four-wheel-drive options remain available.
What trim levels are offered?
A choice of five grades are available on the latest CR-V, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
S – from £27,340 (petrol) / £30,880 (hybrid)
All CR-V models come with plenty of standard equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an electric parking brake, keyless entry and start, climate control and electric lumbar support for the driver. An impressive array of safety equipment is also included, such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist.
SE – from £29,200 (petrol) / £32,950 (hybrid)
Upgrading to the SE brings automatic wipers, dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch touchscreen with Garmin satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. You also get front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, leather steering wheel and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
SR – from £33,120 (petrol) / £35,270 (hybrid)
SR versions bring extra style thanks to their roof rails while also adding leather upholstery, heated front seats and a heated windscreen. Blind spot monitoring and cornering lights are also included.
Sport Line – from £35,270 (hybrid only)
Those looking for style will like the Sport Line, which is just offered on the Hybrid. On top of the SE it features black 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports styling kit, smoked rear lights and black door mirrors.
EX – from £35,830 (petrol) / £39,840 (hybrid)
At the top of the range, the EX is available just in all-wheel-drive guise and comes brimmed with equipment, adding a full-length sunroof, head-up display and a heated steering wheel. Elsewhere, you get an electric driver’s seat, heated rear seats, an electric boot and wireless smartphone charging.
What about personalisation?
You might not expect the CR-V to be a car that’s offered with plenty of personalisation opportunities, but it might actually surprise. There’s a broad choice of colours – including shades such as Crystal Red and Agate Brown pearl – as well as a choice of leather interior colours.
A range of style packs are also available, with the Aero Pack, for example, bringing a sportier look thanks to revised bumpers, running boards and a tailgate spoiler. These options can also be configured separately, too.
Enquire on a new Honda CR-V
