FACELIFTED 2021 HONDA CR-V SPICES THINGS UP

Along with the new-generation City, the Honda CR-V also gets a mid-cycle refresh for the 2021 model year. Most changes are aesthetic but the bulk of the updates come with the standard features.

Exterior-wise, you’ll know that it’s a new CR-V when you see a chrome strip seemingly underlining the front lower bumper of the compact crossover. That chrome strip is also found on the sides and at the rear. Inside, layout and theme are pretty much the same, including the faux-wood accents found on the top-spec SX trim.

Also new for 2021, the Honda CR- V introduces Honda Sensing to the S Diesel variant. Honda Sensing, which was previously exclusive to the SX trim only, adds value to the seven-seater CR-V by enabling Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking system, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning. It also has a Low-Speed Follow feature that allows adaptive cruise control in heavy traffic — something that I thoroughly enjoyed when I tested the outgoing model.

One more thing, the new CR-V SX also gets a Qi wireless charging system — a nifty feature if your devices allow it. Beyond the updates, the Honda compact crossover is largely carried over, including the power unit and drivetrain options.

The 2021 Honda CR-V is available four variants and price points, namely: CR-V SX Diesel 9AT AWD Honda Sensing (P2,158,000); S Diesel 9AT Honda Sensing (P1,888,000); V Diesel 9AT (P1,713,000), and 2.0 S Gasoline CVT (P1,678,000).