2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended seamlessly with other compact crossovers in the market. Its styling was almost indistinguishable from competitors, with a similar "daylight opening" side window shape. While the CR-V had a few unique details like its grille and some chromed plastic features, it wasn't a vehicle people bought for its exterior looks. The color options were limited, especially for the base LX trim, which only offered black, silver, and white. The interior featured black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with higher trims adding wood panels and more chrome for a modern look. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid looked almost identical to its gas-only counterpart, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and a unique rear bumper. Inside, it featured different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status and power distribution. The Hybrid's steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard AWD, the Hybrid had a price range of $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, which we tested, included features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. Despite some fake wood trim, the interior was comfortable and well-appointed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-speed thrills but for smooth and steady acceleration. All nine trims featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. This performance was competitive within its class, though not exceptional. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, but it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's unitized body structure and MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link rear setup offered decent handling and ride quality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selected based on driving conditions. The Hybrid also offered three driver-selected modes: Econ, Sport, and EV. Despite the added 194 pounds from the battery pack, the Hybrid maintained a low center of gravity and 8.2 inches of ground clearance. It delivered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving only 33.7 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the tailgate could be manually operated, power-operated, or hands-free. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was practical and spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid also excelled in carrying people and cargo. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite this, it remained practical and versatile for everyday use.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system ranged from a 180-watt system with six speakers in the Special Edition and EX trims to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the Touring trim. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and rear, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its 7-inch touchscreen. It lacked a tuning knob and had slow startup times. Voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential for voice commands. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and quick-charging USB ports for the rear seats. However, the infotainment system's performance and user experience were subpar compared to competitors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid also came with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. Additionally, it included blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, ensuring it was a safe choice for families.