DecodedCars2021 Honda CR-V
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 143–190 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT, CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 40 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,311–3,483 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 59% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints444 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 144 for similar models — most often about the steering.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Honda CR-V is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (40 city / 35 highway), 59% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 444 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 CR-V — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 CR-V →
Trims, performance & features
Engine143 hp2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
Engine190 hp1.5L turbo 4-cyl
Transmissione-CVT · CVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
HYBRID EX-LHYBRID EXHYBRID TOURINGEXEX-L
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Greensburg, Indiana · Alliston, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 CR-V configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,483 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,311 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 / 35 / 38 | +59% | $1,750 | 234 |
| CR-V FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 30 | +14% | $2,250 | 294 |
| CR-V AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +21% | $2,300 | 305 |
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda CR-V SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2021 Honda CR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda CR-V (this car) | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Dec 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V844000 · 106,030 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cable routed outside of the body frame is missing a fuse on the power circuit, which can allow the battery cable to short circuit or overheat during a crash.
- Risk
- An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the battery cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FGB.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Nov 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V900000 · 4,346 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Not every 2021 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
444Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 120 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 88 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Engine — 70 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda CR-V. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CR-V years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 CR-V | 40 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 177 |
| 2025 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 290 |
| 2024 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 481 |
| 2023 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 633 |
| 2022 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 348 |
| 2020 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 444 |
| 2019 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,107 |
| 2018 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 2,161 |
| 2017 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 1,777 |
| 2016 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 394 |
| 2015 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 670 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →