2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it had evolved into a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, offering a plethora of powertrains and personalization options. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, showcased a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was a practical and functional crossover, blending in with its competitors in terms of styling. It offered eight color options, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant colors reserved for higher trims. The CR-V's interior was modern, with angular seats and a choice of cloth or leather depending on the trim. While it didn't stand out in terms of looks, it provided a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers, with a focus on practicality over aesthetics.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, came with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered smooth acceleration and predictable cornering, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, comparable to other vehicles in its class.

The Range Rover's air suspension featured a kneel mode for easier access, but the second-row seating was less comfortable, lacking thigh support and adjustability. Despite its luxurious features, storage space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet of luggage volume and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The Honda CR-V excelled in practicality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It featured a power tailgate on higher trims, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free version. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, providing additional cargo-carrying options.

The Range Rover's technology included three digital displays and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive. The SUV also featured a head-up display, touch-sensing steering wheel controls, and a waterproof Activity Key wristband. The iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The Honda CR-V offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims except the base LX, which had a 5-inch screen. Higher trims featured upgraded audio systems, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional packages for additional driver aids. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard on all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.