Photo: Honda
What some may not know is that the Honda HR-V actually made its debut in 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was marketed exclusively in Japan and didn’t make its way to the U.S. until 2013 when the second generation was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. Now in its third gen, new for 2021, the HR-V arrives with a few updates.
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What’s new?
Most of the features and technology from previous years have been carried over for the 2021 HR-V. However, the small SUV received new wheel designs on the Sport, EX, and EX-L trims. The Sport trim also added privacy glass for an extra touch of luxury.
Exterior
Across its four trims — LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L — you can expect to see standard exterior features like power side mirrors, a roofline spoiler, LED lighting, and a rear wiper/washer. But when you move up from the base LX to the EX, features like a power moonroof, Smart Entry, and heated outside mirrors with turn signals are added. There are no exclusive exterior amenities on the top EX-L trim.
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Interior
If you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort, go with the HR-V EX or EX-L, which both come with heated front seats (leather-trimmed on the EX-L). With room for five, the HR-V lets you connect your smartphone via Bluetooth wireless streaming through its standard 4-speaker audio system. Audiophiles will want to upgrade to the EX or EX-L for six speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD radio.
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Performance
You’ll find the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder under the hood of every 2021 Honda HR-V. When paired with the Continuously Variable Transmission with Sport Mode, you can expect to get up to 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. On the plus side, fuel economy is great on the FWD models, coming in at 34 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined. Highway mpg drops to 31 on AWD variants.
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Safety
As expected, you get the bare minimum on the two base trims (LX and Sport), but some of those standard safety features worth noting include a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines and LED daytime running lights. The EX and EX-L receive the Honda Sensing Safety & Driver Assisted Technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collison Warning, and more.
Ben never thought he’d be writing about cars for a living, but here he is, knowing more about the Kia Stinger than he’d care to admit. When he’s not devoting his time to researching engine specs and other oh-so-exciting car details, he can be found enjoying time with his wife and dogs. See more articles by Ben.