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EXPERT RATING
7.0

Likes

  • More standard gear
  • Plush cabin finishes
  • LED headlights

Dislikes

  • Expensive
  • Still lacking the safety tech we’d expect
  • Sunroof eats into head space for this seven-seater
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
13 Nov 2020
3 min read

If you’re after a luxurious seven seater version of the Honda CR-V, this is your go-to in the 2021 range - the new Honda CR-V VTi L7.

Listing at $43,490 (MSRP), this top-end seven-seat model is priced higher than it used to be, but it does finally have the safety spec a family-focused three-row model should have. Well, to a degree. We think it’s still lagging behind its rivals, and by some margin.

The VTi L7 gets the same safety tech as other VTi-badged models, including forward collision warning and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning. But unlike rivals, there’s no rear AEB, no real blind-spot monitoring, and no rear cross-traffic alert. No 360 degree surround view camera, either - instead, it has a reversing camera and front+rear parking sensors. All that said, the CR-V range carries over its 2017 five-star ANCAP rating, even though it would only get four stars - maximum - under 2020 criteria.

In terms of standard specifications, the VTi L7 model does away with AWD but gains third-row seating (with rear vents, rear cup holders, third-row airbag coverage), privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger. It also gets auto wipers and roof rails, plus steering wheel paddle shifters. 

That’s above and beyond the 7.0-inch touchscreen media system with sat nav, reversing camera (in addition to front and rear parking sensors and Honda’s LaneWatch side camera system), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, and leather interior trim with heated front seats and driver’s electric seat adjustment.

The VTi L7 runs on 18-inch alloy wheels, and does away with those nasty halogens in favour of LED headlights and LED fog lights, while it also has LED daytime running lights and tail-lights.

Under the bonnet of the VTi L7 is the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 140kW of power and 240Nm of torque, mated to a CVT auto and driving the front wheels only. Fuel use for this version is claimed at 7.3L/100km.

Because it has seven seats, the VTi L7 gets a smaller boot than the five-seat models (472L vs 522L VDA), but it has a full size spare wheel under the boot floor, plus there’s 150L of cargo space behind the third row, and there are five rear child-seat anchor points (2x ISOFIX in second row, 3x top-tether in second row, 2x top-tether in third row).

Read the full 2021 Honda CR-V review

Honda CR-V 2021: VTI L7 (2WD) 7 Seats

Engine Type Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 7.3L/100km (combined)
Seating 7
Price From $30,140 - $36,300
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$33,616
Based on 123 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$22,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$42,990
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
Matt Campbell has been at the forefront of automotive media for more than a decade, working not only on car reviews and news, but also helping manage automotive outputs across print, online, video and audio. After completing his media degree at Macquarie University, Matt was an intern at a major news organisation as part of the motoring team, where he honed his skills in the online automotive reviews and news space. He did such a good job there they put him on full time, and since then he has worked across different automotive media outlets, before starting with CarsGuide in October 2017. At CarsGuide Matt has helped shape the video output of the business, while also playing a key role in management behind the scenes, and helping in-market new car buyers make the right choice by continually evolving CarsGuide's comparison reviews. Driving more than 100 cars a year seemed like a dream to Matt when he first started out, but now it's all just part of the job - a job he loves and plans to stay in for a long time to come. Matt is also an expert in used car values, as he's always on the hunt for a bargain - be it a project beater or a prime example of the breed. He currently owns a 2001 Audi TT quattro and a 2007 Suzuki Jimny JLX.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$22,990
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2021 Honda CR‑V
See Pricing & Specs

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