2021 Honda CR-V

Available with front- or all-wheel drive and with gas or gas-electric hybrid power, the 2021 CR-V is Honda's best-selling model. It's also the fifth best-selling vehicle — car, truck, or SUV — in the U.S. Along with the Toyota RAV4, it's a top-selling entry in the fast-expanding compact-SUV segment. The current fifth-generation Honda CR-V was introduced in 2017 and is expected to be replaced by an all-new version for the 2022 model year.

The CR-V is a sensible choice for smart buyers. Its appeal lies in its clean and understated design, peppy and fuel-efficient powertrain, agreeable ride, handling balance, and long list of standard features. And, yes, the Subaru Forester does boast off-road chops and the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento high-tech infotainment and extensive driver-assistive content. But what the CR-V does offer is a likable balance of comfort, fuel efficiency, and utility at an attractive price point.

Gas-powered CR-Vs roll with a perky 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo teamed with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 1.5-liter turbo runs on regular unleaded fuel and develops 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque over a broad range from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. Honda's CVT is one of the more responsive in the segment. While it's no hot rod, the gas-powered CR-V has ample power to slip into gaps in traffic, merge onto freeways, and overtake slower traffic. It can hit 60 mph from rest in about 7.5 seconds.

The CR-V Hybrid shares its 2.0-liter gas engine and hybrid-electric drive motor with the Honda Accord. Total system output is 212 horsepower. Power delivery is smooth and seamless with 0-60 mph times also in the 7.5-second range. All-wheel drive is standard with all CR-V Hybrid models.

There are other compact SUVs, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5, that offer a sportier driving experience. But for the everyday commute, few can match the Honda CR-V's likable blend of refined ride comfort, confidence-inspiring brakes, and sharp steering. From the nicely appointed cabin to the user-friendly driving dynamics, the Honda CR-V drives more like a well-sorted Accord sedan than a rough-and-ready off-road SUV.

One area where the current CR-V shows its age is infotainment. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in all but the base LX trim in the CR-V, competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage now feature standard wireless versions of the popular cellphone mirroring tech that eliminates USB cable clutter. There are two touchscreen options, measuring a diminutive 5 inches in the base LX and 7 inches in higher trims. They're both smaller than standard offerings in competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. A volume knob was added for the CR-V two years ago. But the Honda system still lacks a tuning knob, and overall is more menu-intensive and slower-operating than those in many other compact SUVs. The CR-V also lacks in-vehicle Wi-Fi.

Niceties such as satellite-linked navigation, nine-speaker premium audio, and a wireless charger are only available in the top Touring trims.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2021 Honda CR-V a full five out of five stars in its testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Honda CR-V a 2021 Top Safety Pick with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness categories.

Recently updated competitors, such as the Nissan Rogue and [Hyundai Tucson](/hyundai/tucson/], now offer more safety tech with features such as road sign assist, a driver attention monitor, a surround-view monitor, and rear-seat monitor. Yet, the current CR-V remains relevant with its standard Honda Sensing features. In addition to a multi-angle backup camera, every 2021 CR-V is equipped with forward-collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beams. All but the LX and SE also receive blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring systems.