The 2021 Honda CR-V lasts around 250,000 miles with some relatively minor windshield and battery issues reported. At $25,950 to $38,998, it’s a great value for a nice compact SUV with plenty of the latest safety technology features.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Honda CR-V since it offers excellent reliability along with a lot of tech features. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, low maintenance costs, along with the fuel-efficient engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for an SUV, the seats are very comfortable, cargo space is also larger than other small SUVs.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no mechanical issues reported on the 2021 CR-V. Avoid models from 2015–2016 since they have transmission problems, while 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard 4-cylinder engine, although it’s more efficient than powerful.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 CR-V is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include parking sensors as well as blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 420 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $50 cheaper than average at $201 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Honda CR-V is more expensive than some other small SUVs, although slow depreciation makes it a great value.
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda CR-V?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Honda CR-V is one of the best small SUVs on the market, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the CR-V at 4/5, praising the comfortable suspension on rough roads, but doesn’t like the finicky touchscreen.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the CR-V a 4.1/5, enjoying the spacious cargo area, but owners don’t like the low 1,500-pound towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Honda CR-V Have?
Common problems reported on the 2021 Honda CR-V include broken windshields, excessive battery drain, along with some issues with the heater. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as the CR-V ages.
Broken windshields are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Honda CR-V, showing up in the first 2,500 miles. There are some production runs of glass which are more susceptible to cracking than normal. Replacing the windshield costs around $550, although some dealerships have been covering the costs while the vehicle is new.
Excessive battery drain is another issue reported on the 2021 CR-V at around 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the CR-V, and some of them wind up staying on while the vehicle is off, draining the battery. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, and fixing it can cost $20 to $200.
Some issues with the heater have also been mentioned on the CR-V at around 2,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a blown fuse to the blower motor which causes it to not move enough air around. Replacing the fuse costs around $5, but if there’s a serious blower motor issue it can cost around $400 to replace.
There is one recall on the 2021 Honda CR-V, which is better than a lot of other compact SUVs on the market. The recall covers seat belt retractors, which may not retract properly. Honda will replace them for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Honda CR-V Last?
The 2021 Honda CR-V can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are better than many other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $357 per year.
As a used 2021 Honda CR-V reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the PCV Valve for $85, thermostat costing $350, along with the transmission mounts which cost $400.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is basic compared to other small SUVs with only a small 5-inch screen. All models above the base have a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Standard safety technology is very good which includes Honda Sensing Suite with:
- Forward collision warning
- Road departure mitigation
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic monitor
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Honda CR-V is a good value since it offers a lot of practicality with low maintenance costs as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,950 to $38,998, making it more than a Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $25,350 to $35,150. Depreciation is nearly nonexistent in current market conditions, but in normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda CR-V?
There are five different models of the 2021 Honda CR-V from the base LX all the way through to the more luxurious Touring. The CR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Upholstery
- Automatic Climate Control
- Manually Adjustable Front Seats
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seat
- Five-Inch Screen
- Four-Speaker Audio System
Special Edition is a popular step up, adding:
- Heated Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Keyless Entry and Push Button Start
- Remote Engine Start
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Six-Speaker Audio System
EX is next in the lineup, which adds:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Tinted Rear Windows
- Sunroof
- Cargo Cover
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
EX-L has more upgrades including:
- Power Liftgate
- Leather Upholstery
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Eight-Speaker Audio System
Touring is the flagship model which has:
- Premium Leather Seating
- Hands Free Power Tailgate
- LED Headlights
- Roof Rails
- Nine-Speaker Audio System
- Wireless Phone Charger
What Engines Come In the Honda CR-V?
The engine found in the 2021 CR-V is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 190 horsepower. It has a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg (28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive model) and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 0-60 mph time for this engine is around 7.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the Honda CR-V Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a relaxing driving experience. The cabin features high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces that contribute to a premium feel. With ample headroom and legroom, both front and rear passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride, even during long trips.
The well-contoured seats provide excellent support, and the available 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, along with the 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, provide personalized comfort. Furthermore, the CR-V comes with a quiet cabin, thanks to its effective sound insulation, which reduces road and wind noise. The suspension is tuned to deliver a smooth ride, efficiently absorbing most bumps and imperfections on the road.
How Much Storage Space Does the Honda CR-V Have?
The 2021 Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that offers impressive storage space for its class. It boasts a total cargo capacity of 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which expands to a generous 75.8 cubic feet when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down. This spacious cargo area allows for versatile storage options and can accommodate various items, such as luggage, sports equipment, or even small furniture.
For instance, you can easily fit several suitcases for a family road trip or a mountain bike for an outdoor adventure. Additionally, the CR-V also features a low load floor and a wide rear hatch opening, which makes loading and unloading bulky items more convenient. In summary, the 2021 Honda CR-V provides ample storage space to cater to a wide range of needs, whether you are going for a weekend getaway or simply running errands around town.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Honda CR-V came out for the 2017 model year.
2015: CVT transmission introduced, new 7-inch touchscreen along with upgraded engine.
2016: SE model introduced, upgraded security system offered on LX model.
2017: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.
2018: Same features found in the 2017 model.
2019: No changes.
2020: Standard 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, more safety technology, small exterior styling changes.
2021: No major changes from earlier years.
How Does the Honda CR-V Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Honda CR-V is a very good compact SUV offering plenty of the latest technology paired with plenty of passenger room throughout the cabin.
The Toyota RAV4 is another competitor, which is available for around $3,000 more. Long-term ownership costs are slightly lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Honda CR-V offers a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it lasts longer, although both are great small SUVs.
The Hyundai Tucson is a popular SUV, which costs about $2,000 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Honda CR-V offers a bit more passenger room. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it’s longer lasting and has fewer complaints from owners as it ages.
