2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$30,560 to $36,350

Original MSRP

6.3
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(17 reviews)

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Comfortable

  • Quiet cabin

Cons

  • Fuel economy is underwhelming

  • Outdated technology

  • Uninspired styling

6.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
3/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
9/10
Cost-effectiveness
4/10
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Test Drive Review summaryImage

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid is everything most people claim to want in a new vehicle, but it falls short in several critical areas.

Emotion drives your choice in a new car, truck, or SUV. You say you want reliability, safety, practicality, and efficiency. Then you buy the vehicle you think is the best looking, or comes in the right color combination, or gives you the biggest thrill, or makes a statement about your success. After all, you want your new set of wheels to look good on you, in addition to all that other boring stuff. The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid compact SUV is all about the boring stuff. And it doesn't look half bad, either.
7/10

Honda added its two-motor hybrid powertrain to the CR-V for the 2020 model year. At the same time, all CR-Vs got a freshening, including updated styling, improved interior storage, standard Honda Sensing safety technology, and available wireless smartphone charging. A handful of new paint colors also debuted last year.

For the 2021 model year, nothing changes. But that doesn't mean improvements aren't necessary, as we shall see.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid looks much like the standard gas-only variants. You get "Hybrid" badges, of course, and blue Honda logos. The LED fog lights have a more sophisticated design, and the rear bumper is different. Otherwise, nothing calls out the fact that you're driving the fuel-sipping version of the CR-V, which is also more powerful and arguably more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline version.

Inside, the CR-V Hybrid has different trim and comes with unique instrumentation that shows battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The paddles on the CR-V Hybrid's steering wheel also manage the regenerative braking system, not the transmission.

Honda offers the CR-V Hybrid in EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, and they all have standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranges between $30,560 and $36,350—a $1,200 premium over equivalent gas-only models with AWD.

Upgrading from EX trim to the EX-L adds leather upholstery, a better sound system, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and more. Touring trim equips the SUV with larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, a premium sound system, parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power liftgate, among other features.

Our test vehicle arrived in Touring trim and wore extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint, which has a tinge of blue sparkle. Ivory leather decorated the cabin, presenting a rich two-tone contrast against the black upper panels and carpets. All CR-V Hybrids suffer the indignity of fake wood that looks nothing like the real thing.

No further upgrades were on the test vehicle, which cost $37,920 MSRP, including the mandatory $1,175 destination charge.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 25, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Write a review
User rating:
by Raymond B
Jul 30, 2024
Reasonable price and options available for the vehicle Jul 30, 2024
by Kaitlin L
May 02, 2024
Quiet, roomy, versatile, and great for the gas mileage! May 02, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 29, 2024
A lot of features along with great gas mileage. Roomy and comfortable.Feb 29, 2024

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Pricing

Original MSRP
$30,560 to $36,350
Price range
$25,589 to $27,568
Average price on CG
$25,589
YoY price change
$27,568 to $25,589

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.89

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.3 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 181 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 135 · Electric Motor Torque: 232 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 143 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 129 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: HondaLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 13 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.89

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.3 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 181 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 135 · Electric Motor Torque: 232 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 143 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 129 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 13 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · Watts: 330

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.89

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.3 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 181 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 135 · Electric Motor Torque: 232 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 143 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 129 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 13 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (3)