If you are comparing the 2021 honda crv ex vs exl, choosing the right trim can feel incredibly overwhelming when you are staring at a dealership lot. Here at Vroomdan, we understand that you want to avoid overpaying for upgrades while ensuring your family gets the comfort they deserve. Many owners struggle to spot the hidden functional differences, but making the right choice now will save you thousands of dollars down the road while unlocking some seriously cool hidden features.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
Dead fob fix · Global window down trick · The hidden folding picnic table · Walk Away Auto Lock · and 11 more.
▶ Read Now — Show Me Everything
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- A complete breakdown of the premium cabin differences, including seating materials and standard tech.
- A detailed comparison of original starting MSRP and current used market valuation.
- Professional mechanical insights regarding the 1.5L turbocharged engine and standard safety gear.
- Step-by-step DIY troubleshooting tips for frozen HondaLink infotainment screens and dead key fobs.
2021 honda crv ex vs exl
The main difference between these two trims lies in premium interior comfort and convenience features.
The 2021 honda crv ex serves as the sweet spot of the lineup for most practical families.
It offers durable cloth seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
However, the 2021 honda crv exl steps up the luxury with genuine leather-trimmed seats.
It also adds a power passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Additionally, you get a power-programmable tailgate that makes loading gear effortless.
If you often find yourself struggling with a heavy armload of cargo, the EX-L’s tailgate is a lifesaver.
Let us look at starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and estimated used value of these utility vehicles.
Originally, the price gap between these two models was exactly $2,500.
On the used market, checking the 2021 honda crv kbb values shows that this gap has shrunk.
Evaluating the used 2021 crv ex vs exl options highlights how closely matched they are.
You can expect to pay a premium of around $1,200 to $1,800 for a used EX-L model.
This makes the leather-equipped trim an attractive upgrade for used car buyers.
This breakdown of the 2021 crv ex vs ex l features will guide your used car buying journey.
Both trims feature the identical 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 190 horsepower.
Both models achieve an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive.
Real-world owners report averaging about 29.5 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
| Feature | 2021 Honda CR-V EX | 2021 Honda CR-V EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Material | Durable Cloth Seating | Genuine Leather-Trimmed Seats |
| Front Passenger Seat | 4-Way Manual Adjustment | 4-Way Power Adjustment |
| Tailgate Type | Manual Liftgate | Power Programmable Tailgate |
| Audio System | 180-Watt 6-Speaker System | 180-Watt 8-Speaker System |
| Rearview Mirror | Manual Day/Night Mirror | Auto-Dimming Mirror |
| Safety Suite | Standard Honda Sensing® | Standard Honda Sensing® |
This table clearly shows where your money goes when choosing the higher trim.
If you want that premium cabin feel, the leather interior is worth every penny.
If you prefer a rugged, simple family hauler, the EX will save you money.
Common Mechanical Considerations for the 1.5L Turbo Engine
Both the EX and EX-L trims share the same robust 5th gen crv powertrain.
This 1.5-liter engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a single-scroll turbocharger.
Some owners of the fifth-generation CR-V have expressed concerns about oil dilution in extremely cold climates.
This occurs when unburnt fuel leaks past the piston rings into the oil crankcase.
Based on reports from Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Mechanics, Honda released a software update to address this.
The update adjusts the engine warm-up cycle to ensure fuel vaporizes completely.
When shopping for a used 2021 honda crv ex vs exl, you must check the vehicle’s service history.
Ensure that the previous owner performed regular oil changes using genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Failing to change your oil regularly can lead to premature engine wear.
Keeping up with preventative maintenance will guarantee that your engine runs smoothly past 150,000 miles.
Understanding Your CR-V’s Cabin Electronics and HondaLink
The standard infotainment system in both trims includes a 7-inch touchscreen display.
This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
However, many owners experience occasional screen freezes or connection failures.
You can resolve this common glitch at home without an expensive trip to the dealership.
To reboot your Display Audio system, press and hold the audio power button.
Select “Yes” to reset the system’s temporary cache and restore operation.
This simple Do-It-Yourself (DIY) fix saves you from expensive diagnostics.
Understanding the difference between ex and exl crv 2021 will also help you navigate the audio systems.
The EX-L features an upgraded 8-speaker audio system compared to the 6-speaker system in the EX.
The EX-L places these extra tweeters in the rear doors for sound clarity.
When comparing the 2021 crv ex vs exl, the physical interface remains identical.
Both trims also utilize standard Honda Sensing®, which is an advanced driver-assist suite.
This suite includes a Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
These features rely heavily on a front-facing camera mounted near your rearview mirror.
Analyzing the honda crv ex l vs ex 2021 features reveals that both utilize a keyless entry transmitter.
This transmitter powers the smart entry system and push-button start.
However, if your key fob battery dies, you might feel terrified of being stranded in a dark parking lot.
You can easily unlock the door by sliding the manual mechanical key from the fob.
To start the engine, press the start button while holding the dead fob directly against it.
The passive transponder chip inside the fob will still communicate with the vehicle’s immobilizer.
This is a brilliant mechanical backup system that every CR-V owner should memorize.
Practical Maintenance Tips to Maintain Your Used CR-V’s Value
Maintaining your SUV’s value requires a proactive approach to routine maintenance.
Always monitor your dashboard’s Maintenance Minder codes to stay on top of oil and filter changes.
We highly recommend inspecting your cabin air filter and engine air filter every 12,000 miles.
You can replace these filters yourself in less than ten minutes with zero special tools.
Buying OEM filters online is a fantastic way to avoid marked-up dealership service prices.
Regularly rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even tread wear across all four wheels.
Uneven tire tread depth can place unnecessary stress on the rear differential clutch pack.
Always replace all four tires at the same time to prevent damage.
Additionally, flush your rear differential fluid using genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid II at the recommended intervals.
Neglecting this fluid can result in a loud groaning noise during sharp low-speed turns.
How to Avoid Costly DIY Mistakes on Your 5th Gen CR-V
Many well-meaning DIYers make simple mistakes that can void their warranties or damage sensitive parts.
One common mistake is using generic green coolant instead of Honda’s specialized Type 2 blue coolant.
Using incorrect coolant chemistry can cause corrosion inside your aluminum engine block.
Another frequent error is using a flat-head screwdriver to pry off plastic interior trim clips.
This almost always results in scratched plastic or broken retaining tabs.
Always invest in a set of cheap plastic trim removal tools to protect your cabin.
Additionally, never attempt to jump-start another vehicle by connecting jumper cables directly to your battery’s negative terminal.
Always attach the negative cable to a solid, unpainted metal ground point on the engine block.
Connecting it directly to the battery post can fry the delicate battery sensor mounted on the negative cable.
This sensor monitors state-of-charge (SOC) and is vital for the proper operation of your alternator.
Taking these small precautions will save you from painful, self-inflicted repair bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price difference between the 2021 crv ex vs ex l justified on the used market?
Yes, the used price gap has narrowed significantly since these vehicles were brand new.
You can typically find an EX-L for just $1,500 more than an equivalent EX model.
For that small premium, you get standard leather seating, a power tailgate, and an upgraded audio system.
This makes the EX-L an exceptional value for used car shoppers looking for a premium touch.
Can I install the EX-L’s power tailgate on an EX model at home?
We do not recommend attempting this complex retrofit in your driveway.
The power tailgate requires specialized wiring harnesses, motorized struts, and a dedicated Multiplex Integrated Control Unit (MICU) system.
Attempting to wire these components manually can easily damage your vehicle’s sensitive electrical systems.
It is far more cost-effective to buy the EX-L trim from the start if you want this feature.
Does either trim come with a standard wireless phone charger?
No, neither the EX nor the EX-L comes with a standard wireless phone charger for the 2021 model year.
This convenient feature was reserved exclusively for the top-tier 2021 honda crv touring trim.
However, you can easily purchase a high-quality aftermarket wireless charging pad that fits perfectly into your center console.
This is a cheap and effective DIY upgrade that takes less than five minutes to install.
What are the primary differences between the LX and EX trims?
The basic 2021 honda crv lx lacks many modern conveniences.
The LX features a basic 5-inch radio and lacks a power sunroof or heated seats.
Stepping up to the EX represents the absolute best value jump in the entire model lineup.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Conclusion
Deciding on the perfect 2021 CR-V trim does not have to be a stressful chore.
Both options deliver stellar reliability, amazing fuel economy, and outstanding family utility.
Ready to get the most out of your SUV?
Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.