The 2021 Honda HR-V is poised to be an affordable, versatile small crossover SUV. While we find the previous model’s acceleration disappointing, the model remains a solid option for buyers looking for better fuel economy, clever cargo solutions, and spacious cabin. Besides those, the HR-V also offers a smorgasbord of innovative features to its users.

Returning buyers who had hoped the 2021 model was poised for some radical changes might be disappointed to learn that the new model is simply going to be a carry-over model. Although we ourselves had hoped for more than just updated exterior colors and wheel designs, we still find the HR-V appealing. See, you don’t change a formula that’s already working for you, do you?

The 2021 Honda HR-V is going to offer a perfect combination of performance and functionality. And even in spite of its small footprints, it is hoped that it’ll manage to offer its occupants decent utility. Furthermore, it will still come in a variety of flavors – LX, EX, and top-of-the-range EX-L.

Its exterior styling will be as playful as it will be modern. It’ll set itself apart from the crowd with a curvy hatchback silhouette. Inside, it will not only afford its passengers with copious passenger space but will also offer creature comfort and technology to go along with it.

Performance wise, the new 2021 Honda HR-V returns with the 1.8L four-cylinder engine rated at 141 horsepower. It takes pride among its peers as being among the few vehicles able to offer sporty driving manners. Braking, steering and handling are laudable. Acceleration is benign however.

While we find the new Honda HR-V 2021 to have better-than-most features in its category, we were among those who hoped Honda would address its lackluster acceleration, un-intuitive infotainment system, and notoriously high levels of engine noise. That said, the small crossover SUV segment isn’t without options. Buyers shopping in this niche should also check what the Fiat 500L/500X and the 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV promise to offer.

2021 Honda HR-V Interior Facelifts & Updates

As already told, the new model will basically be a carry-over model from before. As such, existing users have nothing much to get excited about. Anyways, below is our review of the purported interior.
The Honda HR-V ride quality remains one of the best. This notwithstanding, it ranks poor when it comes to seat comfort. Poor legroom and lack of adjustability may be frustrating for taller folks. On the brighter side though, the center and door armrests have good padding.

The newest HR-V is going to provide adequate utility than most other vehicles in its class. The room will be copious enough even at full capacity. The rear seat continues to be nifty and will be foldable or swing up. Besides that, the center controls are driver-centered. They are intuitive, easier to use, and lack cluttering.

Slipping in and out is as easy as can be – a feature that can’t be said for a lot of subcompacts. Tall folks might however find the front seats’ legroom space to be wanting. Visibility is great. This is due to the slim roof pillars especially those at the front. The same can be said about the rearward visibility thanks to the rearview camera.

The latest Honda HR-V will provide a lot of utility when it comes to offering excellent cargo capacity. Honda says buyers should expect up to a maximum of 58.8 cu. ft. of space of cargo space.

Trim Lineup

As already said, the new 2021 Honda HR-V will be available in three flavors – HR-V LX, HR-V EX, and HR-V EX-L Navi. The base LX is the barebones model and is rather light when it comes to luxuries. Opting for the HR-V EX gets you some value-rich features but these cost you a few extra bucks. At the top of the food chain is the Honda EX-L Navi. This is the bad-boy option for buyers looking to get nifty features.

Honda HR-V 2021 LX

Features to expect here include a five-inch central display screen, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, seventeen-inch wheels, a four-speaker sound system, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port, a rearview camera, and a height-adjustable driver seat.

Honda HR-V 2021 EX

Moving a step higher the trim ladder gets you the EX model. Here you get features such as keyless entry and ignition, automatic headlights, a rear privacy glass, a sunroof, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Infotainment features include a six-speaker sound system, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and smartphone connectivity.

Honda HR-V 2021 EX-L Navi

This is the top-of-the-line model. It comes standard with the aforementioned features plus a navigation system, leather upholstery, roof rails, satellite and HD radio, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Recommendation

Among the three, we recommend buyers to go the full stretch and buy the top-of-the-range 2021 Honda HR-V EX-L Navi. See, it is competitively prices for the features it gets especially if you are savvy type. Opting for the EX-L Navi will get you features such as a carrier for bicycles, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, satellite radio, leather upholstery, and an intuitive navigation system

Engine Specifications & Performance

Beneath the hood will be a 1.8L four-cylinder engine rated at 141 horsepower. Honda says it’ll do 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds making it the slowest among the batch. Drivers who love and appreciate the feeling of adrenaline gushing whenever the pedal meets the metal might probably find it disappointing. It feels weak especially after lurching.

According to the EPA, the newest HR-V should be able to return up to 31 mpg in combined city and highway cruising.

Although the NHTSA and IIHS are yet to wrap up their crash impact assessment reports for the 2021 Honda HR-V, the existing ratings are hardly going to change. As such, buyers should expect a perfect five star rating for overall crash impact.

2021 Honda HR-V Release Date & Price

Pricing for the HR-V range is as follows: HR-V LX – $19,570, HR-V EX – 21,620, and $25,040 for the HR-V EX-L Navi. Giving it a run for its money are other two similarly equipped rivals – 2021 Mazda CX-3 and 2021 Fiat 500XL.

Available exterior colors to choose from include Misty Green, Aegean Blue Metallic, Lunar Silver, Crystal Black, Modern Steel, Mulberry, and Milano Red.