The 2021 CR-V is offered with two powertrains: a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine for the standard models, and a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors.
In detail, Honda provided the gasoline 1.5L turbo across most trims with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and available front- or all-wheel drive, delivering about 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V Hybrid uses Honda’s two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, producing roughly 212 horsepower combined, and it prioritizes efficiency with an e-CVT and no external charging required. EPA fuel-economy figures vary by configuration, with the gas version typically around the high-20s to low-30s MPG, and the hybrid around the high-30s to low-40s MPG combined.
Gasoline powertrain: 1.5-liter turbocharged engine
The following specifications cover the standard gas engine that most buyers encounter in 2021 CR-V models.
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with i-VTEC
- Displacement: 1,498 cc
- Horsepower: 190 hp at approximately 5,600–5,800 rpm
- Torque: 179 lb-ft at roughly 2,000–4,500 rpm
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; optional all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel economy (approximate): ~28 mpg city / ~34 mpg highway / ~30 mpg combined (FWD); ~27/32/29 (AWD)
In practice, this turbocharged engine provides a strong balance of everyday performance and efficiency, making it the workhorse option for most buyers in the 2021 CR-V lineup.
Hybrid powertrain: 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors
Here are the core attributes of the CR-V Hybrid introduced for 2021 models.
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine
- Hybrid system: Two electric motors paired with an e-CVT
- Combined horsepower: Approximately 212 hp
- Drivetrain: Front- or all-wheel drive via the hybrid system
- Fuel economy: EPA estimates around 40 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 38 mpg combined
- Availability: Not offered in the base LX trim; available in higher trims
The Hybrid setup emphasizes efficiency with seamless electric-assisted propulsion, particularly in city driving, while maintaining adequate power for everyday driving needs. It uses Honda’s i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system to optimize between electric and gasoline power without requiring plug-in recharging.
Summary
For the 2021 CR-V, Honda offered two distinct engine configurations to suit different priorities: a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with CVT for solid performance and efficiency in most trims, and a hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors to maximize fuel economy and total output. The choice between them depends on whether buyers prioritize conventional performance or hybrid efficiency.