Honda’s taking a different approach in refreshing the CR-V for its home market of Japan. While its U.S. counterpart features a more angular bumper and dark tinted taillights, the Japanese market CR-V is decidedly more subdued.

Saying it’s what Japanese customers wanted, the 2021 CR-V in Japan stays the same except for the addition of sequential turn signal lights. Inside, it gets modified upholstery for the seats and the addition of a steering wheel heater.



In Japan, Honda’s also introduced a new “Black Edition” as the highest grade model.

The Black Edition is basically an aesthetics package that swaps the CR-V’s generous exterior chrome for black chrome. This high-gloss finish is found on the front grille, fog light garnish, lower door garnish, and taillight garnish. And yes, the taillights have also been tinted just like in the U.S. version. Unique 18-inch wheels complete the changes.

Inside, the roof liner’s now black, while there’s more piano black accents too.



Now, since the Philippines’s source of the CR-V is Thailand, it remains to be seen which version the ASEAN market’s getting. Who knows, it could even be a combination of both. Regardless, the CR-V’s actually due for a refresh locally so expect an announcement from Honda in the coming months.