2021 Honda CR-V VTi 7 review: SUV finds the middle ground

This compact seven seat SUV has plenty going for it, but a number of missing features compared to rivals let it down.

2021 Honda CR-V VTi 7.

The Honda CR-V used to be one of the most popular mid-size SUVs on sale, but has since dropped off. We find out if it is still a worthy competitor to the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

VALUE

Updates have pushed up the CR-V’s price up by a few grand. The cheapest Vi is now $35,300 on the road, but its poor safety kit and antique 2.0-litre engine make it the runt of the litter. The $38,300 VTi’s a better bet with a 140kW 1.5-litre turbo engine and more active safety. Another $2000 buys the seven-seat VTi 7 we’re testing, then prices climb as you pick all-wheel-drive and more luxury, peaking at $53,200 for a VTi LX AWD.

Honda gives big families an affordable seven seat SUV option.

Drive-away prices aren’t open to negotiation. Honda has introduced no-haggle pricing across its network. The VTi 7 includes a small 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start and seven seats. There’s no hands-free tailgate, satnav, leather or wireless charging. The first five services cost just $625 but they’re at short 10,000km intervals.

COMFORT

The VTi 7 has little in the way of cabin flair or luxury, but compensates with massive space and smart packaging.

There are 10 cup holders, four USB points, cooling vents to all three rows and storage bins aplenty. What it lacks in jazz it makes up for in family-friendliness.

You sit high on comfy cloth seats, visibility’s great and second-row seating feels best-in-class, with generous leg and head room, giant windows and wide-opening doors. The seats also recline and move on runners. The two rearmost seats are only for kids, but are easy to access. With seven seats in place you’ve only a small space for a few shopping bags, but fold them and luggage space is decent. A full-size spare is welcome.

It’s turbocharged petrol engine provides decent shove.

SAFETY

Active safety aids include auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Curtain airbags stretch to the third row.

Disappointingly, there’s no blind-spot monitor or rear cross-traffic alert on this model. They are standard kit on its main rivals.

There are two Isofix points in the middle row and five child-seat tether points, but middle-row tether straps are ceiling mounted, making access to the third row tricky.

The cabin is one of the roomiest in its segment.

DRIVING

The CR-V prioritises ride comfort and driving ease over fun, feedback or reward.

Softly sprung, it absorbs road bumps well but doesn’t enjoy corners as much, where the body rolls and it can feel cumbersome.

The turbo four-cylinder offers some beans when pushed and while its CVT auto can whine under heavy throttle, in general it’s a smooth unit. On the school run or on the highway it’s a lovely combination of fuss-free, quiet motoring.

Our return of 7.3L/100km after 1000km – using regular unleaded – exactly matched Honda’s claim, although we saw 10L/100km in town.

The CR-V is a smart if not exciting choice.

VERDICT 3/5

A head over heart medium SUV. Its drive and features are average, but cabin space, versatility and cheap running costs make it a pragmatic family choice.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota RAV4 GXL, from $41,500 drive-away

Polished all-rounder with strong safety, features and rugged style. No seven-seat option, long waiting list and at its best in Hybrid guise for an extra $2500.

Nissan X-Trail ST, from $35,990 drive-away

Showing its age. The next-generation is due early next year. Remains popular for its spaciousness, seven-seat option and ease of driving. Good value right now, but running costs are higher.

Mitsubishi Outlander LS, from $35,990 drive-away

Strong value seven-seater, spacious and some nice inclusions such as a power heated driver seat. Excellent warranty, decent safety but not as solid feeling as a Honda. Drive experience is average.

HONDA CR-V VTI 7 VITALS

Price: About $40,5300 drive-away

Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 140kW/240Nm

Warranty/servicing: Five-year/unlimited km, $625 over five years

Safety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist

Thirst: 7.3L/100km

Cargo: 472L

Spare: Full size