Honda CR-V 2021 review: VTi LX AWD snapshot

Top of the 2021 Honda CR-V range is the VTi LX AWD model, which tips in at a not insubstantial $47,490 (MSRP). Ouch, that’s pricey.

It aims to justify that cost with an extensive equipment list, which includes: 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, heated front seats, electric adjustment front seats, a power tailgate, auto headlights and wipers, auto high beam lights, and adaptive cruise control.

Further, there’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen media system with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, four USB ports (2x front and 2x rear), a wireless phone charger, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated door mirrors, auto up/down windows for all four doors, a leather-wrapped shift knob and DAB digital radio.

That’s beyond the models below it, so it also gets LED headlights and daytime running lights, LED fog lights and tail-lights, auto wipers and roof rails, plus steering wheel paddle shifters.

Explore the 2021 Honda CR-V Range

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The VTi LX AWD runs the same safety kit as the models from the VTi ($33,490) up. So, if you’re looking for more safety spec in your top-spec car, this isn't the model for you. 

Instead, the VTi LX AWD has the Honda Sensing suite that incorporates forward collision warning and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning. There’s no rear AEB, no blind-spot monitoring, no rear cross-traffic alert, no 360 degree surround view camera. But it carries the same (2017) five-star ANCAP rating, even though it would only get four stars under 2020 criteria.

The VTi LX AWD also cops the same powertrain as the models below it - a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 140kW/240Nm, which is teamed to a CVT auto transmission, and in this spec it has AWD. The fuel use is claimed at 7.4L/100km.