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It’s not time to say goodbye to 2021 models yet. While auto manufacturers have jumped ahead to 2022, Honda is enhancing what it already has. It just revealed the 2021 Honda CR-V Special Edition trim, and it’s value-packed. 

What is the 2021 Honda CR-V Special Edition trim? 

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid on display
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid | Honda

The new Honda CR-V Special Edition trim slots between the current LX and EX trims. The front-wheel drive model starts at $27,725, and if you include all-wheel drive, the price increases to $29,195. 

You get tons of extra goodies compared to the base 2021 CR-V base trim that starts at around $26,525. It features modern tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and a six-speaker stereo system. 

The convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated mirrors, remote start, and 17-inch black alloy wheels. This gives you a lot for the $1,200 upgrade. 

What about the EX trim? 

There are still a few reasons to go with the EX trim over the Special Edition option. The 2021 Honda CR-V Special Edition trim is only available with the gasoline powertrain. It’s a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. 

The EX, EX-L, and Touring trims are offered with the hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to generate 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the Honda CR-V Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and up to 35 mph on the highway compared to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. 

With the Honda CR-V EX, you get a 12-way adjustable power driver’s seat, second-row charging ports for the kids, satellite radio, an HD radio, a moonroof, and blind-spot monitoring. It’s $1,310 over the Special Edition trim, which isn’t a bad price. However, we wish more safety features were added. 

What are the other Honda CR-V trim levels? 

The black and woodgrain dashboard, center console, and steering wheel of a 2021 Honda CR-V Touring compact SUV
2021 Honda CR-V Touring | American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Compared to the Honda CR-V Special Edition Trim, the EX-L trim takes that luxury feel to the next level. It includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and a shift knob for a premium feel. 

You also get a power liftgate, power four-adjustable passenger seat, a 12-Volt outlet in the center console, rear-window defroster, automatic dimming rearview mirror, and Homelink. It starts at about $3,450 and costs $2,500 more than the EX trim. 

The 2021 Honda CR-V Touring trim is the cream of the crop. It starts at $33,650 and costs $3,200 more than the EX-L trim. It adds 19-inch wheels that look great but could hamper the ride quality. Plus, you get roof rails, chrome exhaust tips, and a hands-free power tailgate. 

More convenience and tech features include a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging pad, rain-sensing wipers, nine-speakers, speed-sensitive volume compensation, and satellite-linked navigation. 

You can’t go wrong with any of the Honda CR-V trims, but the Special Edition model adds a lot of tech and convenience at a low price. It’s one heck of a well-rounded SUV option to consider unless you want a little more luxury or the hybrid powertrain.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.