Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.8
Overall Rating
"The words subcompact and spacious usually don't go together, but the Honda HR-V defies its petite classification with creative packaging."-Caranddriver.com
The 2021 Honda HR-V comes with the same 1.8L naturally aspirated inline-4 motor that is capable of producing 141 hp. Though the car is offered in four different trims, namely LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L, all of the trims get the same motor coupled with a standard CVT transmission. Starting at a base price of $21,020 for the LX trim and going all the way to $25,820 for the EX-L trim, the 2021 HR-V also gets an optional AWD for just $1,500 more.
On the interior and safety front also the 2021 Honda HR-V sees very little changes from the outgoing 2020 model. Apart from the addition of an all-new alloy wheel design and privacy glass for the Sport trim, the 2021 HR-V remains identical to the 2020 model. Nevertheless, it still retains all the features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, moon roof, and a host of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking, all of which comes as an optional extra.
8.5/10
Pricing and Features
7.2/10
Engine and Performance
8.1/10
Fuel Economy
7.8/10
Interior
8.1/10
Exterior
9.8/10
Safety
7.0/10
Competition
8.0/10
Final Verdict
2021 Honda HR-V Pricing and Features
The 2021 Honda HR-V comes in four trims levels instead of 5 after Honda's decision to remove the Touring trim for the 2021 lineup. The four trim levels on offer include LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. Apart from the addition of an all-new alloy wheel design across the trim levels and the addition of privacy glass for the Sport trim, the 2021 HR-V remains unchanged. It still gets the same 1.8L motor putting out 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque along with regular features like digital MID display, optional AWD system, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view camera, and fog lights spread across all the trims.
Apart from the standard features on offer with the 2021 Honda HR-V, Honda also offers quite a bit of optional extras packages to further refine the HR-V. For an additional $1,359 you get more beautifully designed 17-inch alloy wheels and for $2,530 you get 18-inch machine-finished alloys too. Many other optional packages like the All-Season Protection package, Rugged Package, and Black accent package, all of which are retailed for an MSRP of $407, $1,345, and $1,217, respectively.
|
Model |
LX |
Sport |
EX |
EX-L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP(CVT) |
$21,220 |
$22,970 |
$24,220 |
$25,820 |
|
Key Features |
17-inch silver painted alloy wheels |
Adds to LX features |
Adds to Sport Features |
Adds to EX features |
|
Real-Time AWD with Intelligent control system |
7-inch display audio touchscreen |
Honda Sensing |
180-Watt Audio system |
|
|
5-inch color LCD screen |
Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto |
One-Touch Power Moon roof |
Leather-wrapped ShiftKnob |
|
|
USB Audio Interface |
Roof Rails |
Heated front seats |
Leather-Wrapped steering wheel |
|
|
Multi-angle rearview camera |
Fog lights |
HondaLink Smart Entry |
Automatic Dim-rearview mirror |
|
|
|
Sport-Exclusive 18 inch alloy wheels |
|
Leather-trimmed seats |
The LX trim, priced at $21,020 comes with plenty of features as standard with the highlights being the multi-view rearview camera and USP audio interface. The Sport trim comes next at $22,970 for the FWD and $24,470 for the AWD. It gets a 7.0” touchscreen infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 18” alloy wheels as standard. The EX trim lies above the Sport and comes with a $24,220 price tag. It gets power-adjustable seats with heating functionality and a moonroof over the features found in the Sport trim. The EX-L trim adds luxury to the EX trim at $25,820 and bundles leather-trimmed seats, 180 Watt audio system, etc too.
Also Read:
2021 Honda HR-V Buying Advice
The EX trim of the 2021 Honda HR-V, which is retailed for an MSRP of $24,615 for the FWD and $26,115 for the AWD, was found out to be the most value for money proposition of the lot. The EX trim, along with Honda’s powerful engine, gets features like heated seats, a premium infotainment system, moonroof, and smart entry too. It also is backed by a decent safety kit on offer. In comparison to the likes of 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Hyundai Kona, we found the HR-V to be lacking in some essential features. Both of them also come at a lower price too.
Check out the Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 Honda HR-V! >>
2021 Honda HR-V Engine and Performance
"Although its four-cylinder powertrain is the opposite of quick and its ride can be rough on uneven surfaces, the HR-V delivers excellent fuel economy and is easy to maneuver in traffic."-Caranddriver.com
Powering the 2021 Honda HR-V is the same 1.8L naturally aspirated engine from the outgoing model. This 1.8L 4-pot motor, which does the duties on all the four trims, starting from a base MSRP of $21,020 and going all the way to $27,320 for the EX-L trim, continues to put out 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque and comes mated to the same CVT transmission.
All trims will also offer AWD as an option which makes the 2021 Honda HR-V a true all-season vehicle. However, it costs $1,500 more than the standard FWD HR-V's. Along with that, the multi-step CVT transmission does a decent job in putting the power down. However, it still retains the traditional CVT characteristic and feels quite lethargic when you put your foot down. The HR-V also comes with multiple driving modes and paddle shifters too.
The 2021 Honda HR-V is the least powerful compact SUV here and it does feel like it in terms of real-world performance especially when you compare it to the likes of 2021 Subaru Crosstrek which sits on the opposite end of the spectrum and is easily the peppiest crossover here. Even though the performance numbers of the HR-V are not the best of the lot, it still manages to come out with the best-in-class 0-60 MPH and a quarter-mile time of 8.4 seconds and 15.5 seconds. The Hyundai Kona did the same 0-60 MPH in 8.6 seconds, which is followed by 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, both of which gave out a time of 8.8 and 9 seconds, respectively.
|
Models |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Hyundai Kona |
2021 Kia Soul |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$21,220 |
$20,300 |
$20,090 |
$22,145 |
|
Engine |
1.8L Inline-4 |
2.0L-Inline-4 |
2.0L-Inline-4 |
2.0L-Inline-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD/AWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
6-Speed-Automatic |
6-Speed-Manual |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Power |
141hp@6500RPM |
147hp@6200RPM |
147hp@6200RPM |
152hp@6000RPM |
|
Torque |
127lb-ft@4300 RPM |
132lb-ft@4500 RPM |
132lb-ft@4500RPM |
152lb-ft@6000RPM |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.4 seconds |
8.6 seconds |
8.8 seconds |
9.0 seconds |
|
Quarter Mile |
15.5 seconds |
15.8 seconds |
16.5 seconds |
16 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
N/A |
127 MPH |
128 MPH |
N/A |
The 2021 Honda HR-V offers supple ride quality due to its well-calibrated suspension setup, which could easily handle both city streets as well as freeways with ease. The high-speed stability is also commendable. Though this is not a performance-centric SUV by any means, we also found that the HR-V handled corners quite gracefully. The understeer and body roll was minimal too. With sharp brakes on offer coupled with direct steering which weighs up quite well as the speeds increase, the 2021 HR-V ticks most of the boxes when it comes to driving dynamics.
Also Read:
- Here's everything you need to know about the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport.
- Get the best deals on used Honda HR-V at Carindigo.
2021 Honda HR-V Fuel Economy
The 2021 Honda HR-V remains mechanically unchanged from the outgoing 2020 model and hence retains the same gas mileage too. With a city gas mileage of 28 MPG and highway mileage of 34 MPG, the 2021 Honda HR-V returns combined gas mileage of 30 MPG. With the inclusion of a 13.2-gallon fuel tank on offer, the 2021 HR-V gave out an excellent 396 miles of combined range.
|
Model |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Hyundai Kona |
2021 Kia Soul |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
28 |
27 |
25 |
22 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
34 |
33 |
31 |
29 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
30 |
30 |
27 |
25 |
|
Fuel Capacity |
13.2 gallons |
13.2 gallons |
14.3 gallons |
16.6 gallons |
|
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
356/435/396 miles |
356/436/396 miles |
358/436/386 miles |
365/481/415 miles |
The optional AWD variant of the HR-V will drop the mileage by 2 MPG in the city and 3 MPG on the highway too, which equates to a city fuel efficiency number of 26 MPG and a highway figure of 31 MPG. The CVT transmission is also tuned quite well to extract even more miles with a light foot. Along with that, the 2021 HR-V offers multiple driving modes too.
The 2021 Subaru CrossTrek offers the least MPG figures, courtesy of its 6-speed manual gearbox. The 2021 Kia Soul also did slightly poorly in comparison to the HR-V by returning a combined rating of 27 MPG. The fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons and an impressive range with decent MPG on offer makes the HR-V a segment leader, which is closely matched by the Hyundai Kona.
2021 Honda HR-V Interior
"The HR-V's interior is one of its best features, with plenty of room for adults to spread out in the front or back row."-Edmunds.com
The 2021 model of Honda HR-V remains largely unchanged from the outgoing 2020 model and the only noteworthy addition is that the Sport trim, which comes at an MSRP of $22,970, will now ship with privacy glass from the factory. The quality of materials used in the cabin is without a doubt, the best in class and it gives a sense of elegance and finesse too. Features like steering audio controls, rearview mirrors, and an updated Bluetooth connection will be included in the 2021 HR-V too. Many optional features like console illumination, interior ambient lighting, an auto-dimming mirror are available for an MSRP of $262, $131, and $460, respectively.
The seating layout is set to be the same too, with comfortable Honda Magic seats being part of the cabin. There is also ample headroom and legroom for an average adult in both the front and rear seats. The taller people may face some problems that are not helped by a sloping roofline. However, the 2021 Kia Soul offers better headroom and legroom for the front seat passengers. Even for the rear seat occupants, the Soul offers more impressive headroom too. Nevertheless, the 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space on offer with the HR-V is the best in class, which is followed by Kia Soul with 24.2 cubic feet of storage.
|
Model |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Hyundai Kona |
2021 Kia Soul |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.5/56.8/38.3 |
39.6/55.5/37.8 |
39.4/55.5/39.5 |
39.8/56.7/38 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.3/54.5/39.3 |
37.8/54.5/34.6 |
39.5/54.7/38.3 |
38/55.6/36.5 |
|
Cargo capacity (cu-ft) |
24.3 |
19.2 |
24.2 |
20.8 |
The Japanese carmakers do not tend to disappoint in the infotainment department and offer a plethora of features, backed by the software of Honda and Google. The system is pretty intuitive and easy to use. All the current-gen tech features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, 6-speaker audio system, and many more for all the trims except the base LX trim. The LX trim comes with a smaller 5-inch color display with 4-speaker audio system, which gets the job done pretty decently.
Some infotainment features included in the 2021 Honda HR-V are:
- HondaLink connectivity features
- Bluetooth Handsfree and audio streaming
- Pandora Compatibility
- 160-180W audio system with 4-6 speakers
- A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- SiriusXM Satellite and HD Radio Connectivity
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB Charging Ports for front and rear seats
Also Read:
- Read our detailed news article on the new 2021 Honda HR-V.
- Here are the 10 most frugal compact crossovers currently on sale in the United States.
2021 Honda HR-V Exterior
"Sure, the 2020 HR-V isn't the cheapest or snazziest subcompact SUV, but it's a brilliant option for people who want one of the most practical vehicles in the class."-Caranddriver.com
The 2021 Honda HR-V comes with the same design as the outgoing 2020 model, and the only notable change that the HR-V receives is the arrival of an updated alloy wheel design for all the trims. Coming in at an MSRP of $21,020, even the base LX trim receives many notable exterior features like 17-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, lip spoiler, and LED headlights and taillights with LED DRLs. The HR-V also receives multiple optional features and packages like the optional 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, bodyside molding, hood air deflector, short roof box, and tailgate spoiler for an MSRP of $2,530, $236, $177, $513, and $313, respectively.
The 2021 Honda HR-V also comes in two optional colors namely Midnight Amethyst Metallic and Platinum White Pearl, both of which are retailed for an MSRP of $395. All the trims also come with projector-beam headlights, a dark chrome grille, intermittent windshield wipers with rear defrosting too. Fog lamps and roof rails are a standard addition too on all the trims other than the base LX trim.
|
Model |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Hyundai Kona |
2021 Kia Soul |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight |
2,906 lbs |
2,809 lbs |
2,802 lbs |
3,117lbs |
|
Length |
170.4” |
164” |
165.2” |
175.8” |
|
Width |
69.8” |
70.9” |
70.9” |
71” |
|
Height |
63.2” |
61” |
63” |
63.6” |
|
Ground Clearance |
7.3” |
6.7” |
6.7” |
8.7” |
|
Wheelbase |
102.8” |
102.4” |
102.4” |
104.9” |
The dimensions of the 2021 HR-V is identical to the outgoing model. with a decently low curb weight of 2,906 lbs, which puts it right in the middle of the competitors where the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul getting a curb weight of 2,809 lbs and the Subaru Crosstrek coming out with a curb weight of 3,117 lbs. The length, height, and ground clearance of 170.4-inches, 63.2-inches, and 7.3-inches of the 2021 HR-V also make it quite imposing to look at while on the move. However, the Subaru Crosstrek offers the best ground clearance of 8.7-inches making it even more versatile than the competitors.
Some of the exterior features of the 2021 Honda HR-V are:
- LED headlamps with LED DRLs
- LED fog lamps
- Powered ORVMs
- One-touch moonroof with tilt
- Rear privacy glass
- New alloy wheel design
- New rear license garnish
Also Read:
- 2021 Honda HR-V Infotainment, Seating, and Interior Features
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review- Prices, Specs, Mileage, Performance, Features, And Rivals
2021 Honda HR-V Safety
The 2020 model of the Honda HR-V was tested for crash safety by the coveted National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which gave this subcompact SUV a 4 out of 5 stars in the overall crash safety. The vehicle also received superior and good ratings from the IIHS in the past as well. The 2021 model of the HR-V offers all the features of the 2020 model and that helps in safeguarding the passengers quite well.
The 2021 Honda HR-V also comes equipped with many standard safety features like a host of airbags, ABS, driveline traction control, emergency braking assist, ventilated front and rear discs, side-impact beams, and many more. Along with that, the HR-V also offers many more driver assistance features as an option like the automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blindspot monitoring.
Also Read:
- Battle of the Crossovers: Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona vs. Subaru Crosstrek.
- The Honda Odyssey gets extensive changes for the 2021 model.
2021 Honda HR-V Competition
2021 Honda HR-V Vs 2021 Hyundai Kona
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a well-rounded SUV, with a premium appeal to it. Coming at an MSRP of $20,300, the 2021 Kona also manages to undercut the HR-V by close to $800. The Kona also offers a very funky look and stands out in a crowd. Though the 2021 HR-V performs better with marginally higher power and instant acceleration, the Kona is more fuel-efficient than the HR-V. Overall, the competition is pretty stiff between the two and both of them offer great value for the money.
2021 Honda HR-V Vs 2021 Kia Soul
Kia is the sister brand of Hyundai and is in the fight for supremacy in the subcompact crossover segment with the Honda HR-V. The 2021 Kia Soul is a very thrilling and practical vehicle but the HR-V trumps over the Korean with better power, fuel efficiency, and more cargo space. However, the Kia Soul also has an option for a turbocharged engine with which it becomes one of the fastest cars in the segment. Nevertheless, the 2021 Soul is cheaper in comparison to the HR-V by close to $1,000.
2021 Honda HR-V Vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2021 Subaru CrossTrek is the heaviest car in the segment and comes with its many off-road capabilities and a more torquey motor. It’s a very practical car, offers good fuel economy, and comes with many standard safety features too. Though the HR-V trumps ahead in terms of performance and cargo space on offer, the Crosstrek offers the versatility of a brilliant all-terrain vehicle.
2021 Honda HR-V Final Verdict
With decent performance and fuel efficiency on tap coupled with one of the most comfortable and opulent interiors for the segment, the 2021 Honda HR-V offers quite a bit of value for a decently low base price of $21,020. Along with that, this subcompact crossover SUV also offers a decent safety kit as standard and offers all the features in terms of infotainment too. Hence, if you want a reliable daily driver that can carry your whole family without skipping a beat, the 2021 Honda HR-V should be on top of your list.
Check out some used Honda HR-V for sale in the US at just $4,000! >>
Also Read:
2021 Honda HR-V Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Honda HR-V a reliable car?
Honda is far and wide known for its reliability quotient. The 2020 HR-V managed to garner an overall JD Power rating of 78 out of 100, which is quite decent for the segment. However, what impressed us is that the HR-V received only two recalls in the entire generation, which I quite a feat. The customer complaints are on the lower side too.
Is the Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance and service cost of the Honda HR-V amounts up to $301, which is well below the segment average. Along with that, the Honda HR-V also offers an impressive warranty coverage which covers all the issues in the initial years of ownership. The spare parts are quite cheap in comparison to many of the rivals and are mostly available off the counter too.
Is the Honda HR-V's AWD setup any good in the snow?
Honda HR-V's full-time AWD setup is pretty good, and it can plow its way through the snow. Furthermore, Honda's pliant suspension setup and its long-proven engine unit are some of the big positives for it to take on an unbeaten path.
What's the difference between the Honda CR-V and the HR-V?
Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV while the Honda CR-V is a midsize crossover SUV. Since the CR-V is a size bigger than the HR-V it surely is roomier on the inside. The CR-V also gets a more powerful motor and even more safety and interior features in comparison to the HR-V.
Have Honda fixed the issues with the turbocharged motors?
Honda used to have issues with its turbocharged motors since it used to leak gasoline into the oil system which caused numerous issues like stalling. However, Honda has managed to completely rectify the issue with a recall.
2021 Honda HR-V Latest Update
2021 Honda HR-V Consumer Reviews and Ratings
based on 93 ratings
POPULAR TAGS
2021 Honda HR-V Overall Reviews
User Overall Rating
Posted On: April 30, 2021
2021 HR-V!
Pros - Fuel-efficient engines. Cargo space. Fine interiors.
Cons - Stiff ride. Underpowered engine.
Decent city Honda! I chose the new Honda HR-V for the cheap lease deal I got on the new model. Its been few months now with the HR-V and it has been a decent city car excluding the few dismal bits. It has got a really fine, good built interior designs. The fit and finish seems premiuim without a luxury brand stamp. The seats are quite comfortable and offer good support and even fold into quite easily to accomodate more cargo. Althougfh the 1.8L engine is quite efficient, it lacks a lot of refinement. The engine would feel gruff even whn its idling through. Also, the ride quality is a bit stiff and quite unforgiving over even small bumps! Todd was really great in helping me and my wife pick out the HR-V. I really loved the fact how it has become so easy to lease out a vehicle with minimal hassle! GReat team!
User Overall Rating
Posted On: April 28, 2021
2021 Honda HR-V
Pros - Design, price, roomy cabin
Cons - Cvt instead of automatic or manual
The SUV among best Balanced suspension, excellent steering, good mileage, comfortable seats, decent infotainment, a sweet and very calm driven SUV for city and some outings as well.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: April 20, 2021
Spacious HR-V loaded with features with less money
Pros - "spaciou interiors, 5 start safety rating from NHTSA, fuel efficient"
Cons - Acceleration is slow
My honda isn't ideal for highways. I bought this trim as I was tight on budget though the accleration is sluggish as if it struggles to gain speed especially when 5 people are inside but looking at the safety ratings, space inside and some premium features like sunroof and passive entry, I chose this. The HR-V has so far proved to be fuel effiecient and I have got 30mpg on more than few occassions driving on highways Our second car buying experience from Ashland and not as enjoyable as the first one. The staff has changed over the years and we had to go through tons of paperwork to be able to get done with the finance process. The first time we were there in 2010, the process felt more like a no nonsense and trouble free where our sales rep( don't remember the name) had taken care of everything.
