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).
Honda CR-V 2021: VTI L7 (2WD) 7 Seats
Engine Type | Turbo 4, 1.5L |
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Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
Fuel Efficiency | 7.3L/100km (combined) |
Seating | 7 |
Price From | $30,140 - $36,300 |
Safety Rating |
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