2021 Honda CR-V — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Honda CR-V is an SUV offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) / 30 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 35–46 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2L 4-cyl), returning around 46 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Honda CR-V workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Honda CR-V: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 36 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 36 combined / 34 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 30 combined / 28 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 183 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2021 Honda CR-V across 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 29 to 38 mpg (US), or 35 to 46 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (27/32) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (28/34) | 183 | $2,250 |
| 2L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 46 | 38 (40/35) | 145 | $1,750 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Honda CR-V
Running Costs: 2021 Honda CR-V
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Honda CR-V at 36 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,010 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Honda CR-V Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Honda CR-V (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 26V332000, reported 21 May 2026. Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 24V064000, reported 1 February 2024. Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fuel system — campaign 23V858000, reported 18 December 2023. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 23V844000, reported 13 December 2023. Risk: An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 435 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Honda CR-V. The most-reported areas are Steering (118), Forward collision avoidance (109), Engine (67). Complaints include 19 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 18 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 478 complaints across the 17 Honda CR-V model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Honda CR-V
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (118 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Driver-assist sensors (109 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Engine (67 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 58 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Honda CR-V compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 36 mpg figure is 9 mpg better than that average. Its 183 g/km CO₂ figure is 70 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 36 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 35 mpg average for Honda models in our database. Its 183 g/km CO₂ figure is 14 g/km lower than the 197 g/km Honda average.
Of the 17 Honda CR-V model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (36 mpg UK combined). See every Honda CR-V year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Honda CR-V
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Honda CR-V: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.5L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The most efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, or 30 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 35 to 46 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 46 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Honda CR-V cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Honda CR-V have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Honda CR-V (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Honda CR-V?
Among the 435 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Steering (118 complaints), Forward collision avoidance (109 complaints), Engine (67 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Honda CR-V's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.