2021 Honda HR-V Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

With their increased capability and versatility, SUVs have surged in popularity over the last few years. One of the top choices for drivers looking to balance size with value has been Honda's HR-V since its 2016 release - an impressive feat that looks likely to continue into 2021! Packing a blend of practicality and reliability, along with lots tech features modern consumers love, this is one SUV you don't want to miss out on.

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Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Honda HR-V – The Pros

1. Price Is Hard to Beat

The Honda HR-V offers the perfect blend of affordability and quality. Whether you choose the LX, Sport or EX-L trim level, your wallet won't suffer from sticker shock - all are priced under $26K! With a starting cost around $21K for the LX model and just over $23K for its sportier cousin; everyone can find something in their price range without compromising on features.

2. A Perfect Size

Honda has outdone itself with the HR-V. Even though it's a relatively compact car, there is plenty of room in both rows for passengers to stretch their legs - 39.3 inches! Plus, if you need extra space for cargo and supplies, fold down the second row seats and expand your storage capacity to over 58 cubic feet!. It looks like this SUV was designed especially for practicality without compromising comfort or convenience.

3. A "Magic" Seat

With the 2021 Honda HR-V, you have so much more freedom to rearrange your cabin and make room for cargo! The second row Magic Seat has multiple configurations that are designed with convenience in mind. Switch between Utility Mode – where it's folded down like a regular seat - or Tall Mode – which increases vertical storage space. Plus, split the 60/40 bench into two parts allowing passengers to coexist alongside bigger items when necessary.

4. Nice Interior Features Are Available

In the EX-L trim, people can be treated to leather seats, with the front ones being heated. Leather is also incorporated into the steering wheel and shift knob. The rearview mirror can automatically dim so that bright lights don't interfere with the driver's vision at night. In the EX-L and EX, there is a convenient push-button start, and there is an automatic climate system, too.

5. An Option to Get All-Wheel Drive

With compact vehicles, there's not always the opportunity to get all-wheel drive. This can be a problem if customers anticipate having to deal with icy conditions on occasion. The good news is that the 2021 Honda HR-V does come with available all-wheel drive. In fact, every trim offers this option. All-wheel drive can be very useful when it's hard for the wheels to grip the roads, so it's something that many people take advantage of.

6. Excellent Fuel Economy

In this Honda SUV, people can travel fairly long distances before having to fill up. Front-wheel HR-Vs can earn an estimated 28/34 (city/highway) miles per gallon. All-wheel HR-Vs can't quite match those numbers but still do pretty well. They can achieve an estimated 27/31 miles per gallon.

7. Able to Sense Issues

Two of the four trims of the HR-V come with Honda Sensing technology. The Honda Sensing package consists of various driver-assist systems that can actively work to keep people safe. For instance, with collision mitigation braking, the SUV can apply pressure to the brakes when it senses that a frontal collision is about to occur. Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning work in conjunction with each other and can help keep the vehicle centered. There's also adaptive cruise control and road departure mitigation.

8. An Extra Pair of Eyes

With select trims of the HR-V, you can drive smarter and safer. Honda LaneWatch uses a camera on the passenger side mirror to give drivers real time information about their blind spot so they know what's in it before making lane changes. One quick glance at your touchscreen display is all it takes – then feel confident knowing that changing lanes will be safe.

9. Advanced Exterior Components

The HR-V looks stylish and sporty. All trims have fin-type antennas mounted on their roofs and roofline spoilers in the back. Most trims have roof rails and fog lights, that add to the overall style and have important functions. On the higher trims, there is a power moonroof that can let a lot of fresh air into the cabin in addition to making the cabin feel bright and airy. Further, the top two trims have a smart entry system that's very convenient to use as well as heated side mirrors with turn signals built into them.

10. Impressive Technology

The base model has a five-inch color LCD screen, but all the rest are equipped with seven-inch, high-resolution touchscreens. These touchscreens are easy to read and simple to use and since they have an optimal amount of sensitivity. Most of the HR-V models have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink technology. Some have SiriusXM Radio to broaden the entertainment choices for drivers.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Honda HR-V – The Cons

1. Engine Isn't Very Exciting

The Honda HR-V is packed with many great features, but its engine may not impress. With a 1.8L four-cylinder producing just over 140hp and 127 lb.-ft of torque, it won't be the sportiest ride on the road - so if you're looking for power in your small SUV purchase decision, this isn't quite where to find it. However, potential buyers who appreciate all that else the HR-V has to offer should still feel comfortable settling for less under the hood.

2. Base Model is Limited in Offerings

While the LX is certainly affordable, it is rather sparse in its features. The list of things it doesn't have is lengthy and includes smartphone compatibility, roof rails, push-button start, and driver-assist technology. In a way, the LX feels like a vehicle from a different decade because it lacks all of these advanced elements.

3. Honda Sensing Isn't Standard

It was just mentioned that the LX doesn't have driver-assist technology, which is part of the Honda Sensing package. The Sport doesn't have these safety systems, either. Someone would have to get an EX or EX-L to take advantage of these systems. It seems like many new models do have these elements built into their safety packages, so this is something that savvy shoppers are going to notice.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition:

The number of compact SUVs seems to be growing each year. Fortunately, Honda knows what it's doing and has been able to keep the HR-V ahead of the competition in some notable ways.

2021 Honda HR-V vs 2021 Mazda CX-3

With a youthful style, the Mazda CX-3 feels fresh and modern. It's on the same general level as the HR-V in terms of performance. Where these models differ is inside the cabin. The back seat of the CX-3 is not as spacious as the second row in the HR-V, so this is something to consider if anyone is going to be driving adult passengers on a regular basis. The CX-3 doesn't have as much cargo room as the HR-V does, and the difference is fairly significant.

2021 Honda HR-V vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

Like the HR-V, the Nissan Kicks will appeal to people on a tight budget. The Kicks even edges out the HR-V in affordability, but it doesn't have available all-wheel drive.  With a small engine, the Kicks has even less power than the Honda does. In addition, the Kicks has less interior space than what's found in the HR-V, and in the world of SUVs, size usually matters.

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Honda HR-V has many features that make it an ideal car for families. It offers ample space inside the cabin and is a great option for those seeking comfort, performance, affordability and safety in one package. Adorned with exterior components to help create its stylish profile, this vehicle also impresses with remarkable fuel economy figures – perfect for daily use without compromising on efficiency or power! Those who take advantage of all available options will benefit from added peace of mind thanks to advanced driver assists such as Honda Sensing technologies included in some versions offering superior security coverage. All things considered, the HR-V truly stands out among modern cars when looking at value and quality combined into one sleek design.