Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD, a real crowd-pleaser in the compact SUV market. If you're looking for a ride that blends practicality, comfort, and a touch of sophistication, you've come to the right place, guys. The Touring trim is the crème de la crème of the CR-V lineup for 2021, and it brings a whole lot to the table. We're talking about premium features, advanced tech, and that all-important all-wheel-drive capability that makes it a fantastic option for various driving conditions, whether you're navigating slick city streets or venturing onto less-than-perfect roads. Honda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the CR-V is a shining example of that legacy. It’s consistently ranked high for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable driving experience, making it a go-to choice for families and individuals alike. The 2021 model year continued this tradition, offering a refined package that appealed to a broad audience. The Touring AWD variant specifically targets those who want the top-tier experience, with features that enhance both the driving dynamics and the overall ownership pleasure. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this particular CR-V a standout.

Performance and Drivetrain: Handling the Road with Confidence

When we talk about the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD, one of the first things that grabs attention is its performance and the confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive system. Under the hood, this bad boy is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now, don't let the small displacement fool you; this engine puts out a respectable 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an incredibly smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that does a great job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot for optimal power delivery and fuel economy. The real star here for the Touring AWD, however, is the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™. This system is designed to seamlessly distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed. What does that mean for you, the driver? It means enhanced traction and stability, especially when you encounter slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or gravel. It's not a hardcore off-road system, mind you, but for everyday driving in less-than-ideal conditions, it provides a significant boost in confidence and safety. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making the CR-V feel nimble and easy to maneuver, despite its practical size. The ride quality is also a major plus. Honda engineers have done a fantastic job of balancing comfort with a connected feel to the road. You won't feel every little bump, but you also won't feel like you're floating disconnected from your surroundings. This makes it a great companion for long road trips or just your daily commute. The braking system is also responsive and provides ample stopping power, which is always a critical factor for peace of mind. The integration of the AWD system with the engine and transmission is so smooth that you might not even notice it working – until you need it, and then you'll be glad it's there. It’s a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess that they can offer a system that is both effective and unobtrusive. For those who live in areas with unpredictable weather or simply want that extra layer of security, the AWD system on the 2021 CR-V Touring is a feature that truly elevates the driving experience and makes it a more versatile vehicle. It’s a smart system that works behind the scenes to keep you moving forward, no matter what the road throws at you.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Premium Cabin Experience

Stepping inside the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD, you’ll immediately notice that Honda didn't skimp on the premium feel, especially in this top-tier trim. The Touring model wraps you in comfort and surrounds you with user-friendly technology. First off, let's talk about the seats. The front seats are heated and upholstered in soft, high-quality leather, offering excellent support for both short trips and long hauls. The driver's seat usually comes with power adjustments, allowing you to find that perfect driving position with ease. Space is another area where the CR-V shines, and the Touring AWD is no exception. Rear-seat passengers have ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults to ride in the back without feeling cramped. This is a huge win for families or if you frequently carpool. The cargo space is also incredibly generous, with a wide and deep rear cargo area that can swallow up groceries, luggage, or sports equipment with ease. Plus, the hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim is a godsend when your hands are full – just a simple kick under the bumper, and voilà, the tailgate opens up. Now, let's get to the tech. The infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen display that's pretty intuitive to use. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which is absolutely essential these days, guys. This means you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to access navigation, music, podcasts, and make calls, all through the car's interface. It’s a much safer way to stay connected on the go. The Touring trim also comes standard with a premium audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality, making your daily drives or road trips even more enjoyable. Other notable tech features include push-button start, smart entry with Walk Away Auto Lock®, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. For safety tech, you’ll find the Honda Sensing® suite as standard across all CR-V trims for 2021, but on the Touring, it feels even more integrated and refined. This suite includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Collision Mitigation Braking System. It's like having a co-pilot looking out for you. The cabin itself is also quite quiet, with good sound insulation, which contributes to a more relaxing and premium atmosphere. Overall, the interior of the 2021 CR-V Touring AWD is designed to make your life easier and more comfortable, packed with features that you'll actually use and appreciate every single day. It’s a well-thought-out space that balances luxury, functionality, and cutting-edge technology.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Journey

When it comes to buying a vehicle, especially one that might be carrying your loved ones, safety is paramount, and the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD doesn't disappoint. Honda has always prioritized safety, and this CR-V is a prime example of their commitment. As mentioned earlier, the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies comes standard on all 2021 CR-V models, including the Touring AWD. This is a massive selling point, guys, because it means you get a comprehensive package of features designed to help prevent accidents and mitigate their severity. Let’s break down some of the key components of Honda Sensing®: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a game-changer for highway driving. It automatically adjusts your vehicle's speed to maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue and improving traffic flow. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) can apply brake pressure if it detects a potential frontal collision, helping to avoid or reduce the impact of a crash. Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) can steer and brake the vehicle if it detects that you're about to stray off the road without the turn signal activated. And Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by making small steering adjustments. These systems work together to provide an extra layer of awareness and protection. Beyond Honda Sensing®, the Touring AWD also boasts other safety goodies. You get the standard multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, which makes parking and reversing much easier and safer. The blind spot information system (BSI) with cross-traffic monitor is also standard on the Touring trim, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots – a crucial feature, especially in busy traffic. The vehicle structure itself is engineered with Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, designed to absorb and deflect frontal crash energy, improving occupant protection in a variety of collision types. You'll also find multiple airbags throughout the cabin, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and brake assist. Plus, the Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) help maintain control during sudden maneuvers or on slippery surfaces, working in tandem with the AWD system. All these features combine to give you incredible peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. The 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD isn't just about comfort and performance; it's about providing a secure and protected environment for everyone on board. It's a vehicle that's designed to keep you and your passengers safe, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize security in their automotive decisions.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality: Smart Choices for Everyday Life

When considering a compact SUV like the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD, one of the most crucial aspects for many buyers is fuel efficiency and overall practicality. Honda has always been a leader in this department, and the CR-V consistently delivers impressive numbers, making it a smart choice for your wallet and for the environment. Even with the added capability of the all-wheel-drive system, the 2021 CR-V Touring AWD manages to maintain excellent fuel economy. For the 2021 model year, the AWD variants typically achieve an EPA-estimated rating of around 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, totaling a combined 29 mpg. These figures are highly competitive within the compact SUV segment, especially for an AWD model. This means you can enjoy the benefits of all-wheel drive without sacrificing too much at the pump, making it a practical choice for both daily commuting and longer road trips. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine plays a significant role in achieving this balance between power and efficiency. It's designed to be responsive when you need it but also frugal when you're just cruising. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) also helps optimize fuel consumption by keeping the engine operating at its most efficient RPMs. Beyond fuel economy, the CR-V Touring AWD excels in everyday practicality. Its compact exterior dimensions make it easy to navigate through tight city streets and park in crowded lots, yet it offers an interior that feels surprisingly spacious and versatile. As we touched upon earlier, the rear cargo area is one of the largest in its class, offering up to 39.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. Folding down the rear seats expands this to a cavernous 75.8 cubic feet, providing ample room for large items like furniture, bicycles, or camping gear. The low load floor also makes it easier to load and unload heavy items. The cabin is filled with clever storage solutions, including a large center console, multiple cupholders, and door pockets, ensuring there’s a place for everything. The rear seats are split-folding, offering flexibility in how you configure the passenger and cargo space. This versatility is a hallmark of the CR-V, making it suitable for a wide range of needs, from hauling groceries for the week to packing for a weekend getaway. Furthermore, the ride height provides a comfortable vantage point for the driver and offers a bit more ground clearance than a traditional sedan, which can be beneficial on uneven surfaces or during light snow. The overall reliability associated with the Honda brand also contributes to its practicality, as it generally means lower long-term ownership costs and fewer unexpected trips to the mechanic. The 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD truly strikes a superb balance between efficiency, capability, and everyday usability, making it a smart and practical investment for a variety of lifestyles.

Conclusion: Why the 2021 CR-V Touring AWD is a Smart Buy

So, after diving deep into the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD, it’s clear why this vehicle remains a top contender in the competitive compact SUV market. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about offering a well-rounded package that delivers on multiple fronts. For starters, the performance and handling are more than adequate for daily driving, and the Real Time AWD system provides that extra layer of confidence and security when conditions get a bit dicey. You get a capable drivetrain that’s also remarkably fuel-efficient, with estimated ratings that are hard to beat in its class. This makes the CR-V Touring AWD a smart financial choice over the long run, reducing your fuel costs and likely offering strong resale value, as is typical for Honda vehicles. The interior is where the Touring trim really shines. It offers a premium feel with its leather upholstery, heated seats, and a host of convenient tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a great sound system, and the super-handy hands-free power tailgate. The spaciousness of the cabin and the generous cargo capacity further cement its status as a practical choice for families, adventurers, or anyone who needs versatility in their vehicle. And let’s not forget safety. With the standard Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, along with other passive safety features, you can drive with the peace of mind that you and your passengers are well-protected. It’s clear that Honda has put a significant emphasis on safety across the board. In essence, the 2021 Honda CR-V Touring AWD offers a compelling blend of comfort, technology, safety, efficiency, and capability. It’s a vehicle that’s refined, reliable, and packed with features that enhance the driving experience and make everyday life easier. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that punches above its weight, offering premium features without an astronomical price tag, and providing that extra bit of confidence with AWD, the 2021 CR-V Touring AWD is definitely a model you should consider. It’s a testament to Honda’s ability to create vehicles that are not only practical and dependable but also enjoyable to drive and own. It’s a smart buy, guys, plain and simple.