2021 Honda CR-V

Pros: Generous cargo space; spacious back seat; comfortable ride; nicely finished cabin

Cons: Minor turbo lag with 1.5-liter engine; no stand-alone factory options means stepping up to expensive high-end models to get desired features

CG Says: After last year’s refresh, the 2021 Honda CR-V drops the base LX trim of the Hybrid, but is otherwise unchanged. The CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All nonhybrid CR-Vs are powered by a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with CVT automatic transmission. The Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors for a combined 212 hp. All-wheel drive is standard on the Hybrid. Available features include remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate controls, LED headlights with automatic high-beam, keyless entry and starting, and a 180-degree rear camera. Available safety features include forward-collision warning and mitigation, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow and lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert, and driver-attention monitor. The CR-V’s well-executed 2017 redesign brought welcome improvements in passenger and cargo space, several desirable new features, and impressive all-around refinement. In terms of both handling and acceleration, the CR-V isn’t as sporty as some compact-crossover competitors, but it’s still one of the best in its class.