The Honda HR-V is an excellent choice for drivers looking for something with the practicality and affordability of a subcompact car but the versatility of an SUV. It has a massive interior for its size, and it has available all-wheel drive. Overall, it offers a lot of bang for the buck, and it’s a smart choice for a wide range of drivers.
There are four distinct trims of the HR-V for the 2021 model year, all of which are available with all-wheel drive (AWD). Let’s take a closer look at the model range and find the right SUV for you.
2021 Honda HR-V LX (Original starting price when new: $21,020)
See today’s prices on 2021 Honda HR-V LX models for sale near you
The 2021 Honda HR-V L starts at $21,020.
The base LX trim of the HR-V is pretty sparsely equipped by today’s standards. While some of its rivals are loaded with generous standard safety and infotainment tech features, the HR-V LX doesn’t have many driver aids aside from the mandatory backup camera.
A comparatively small 5-inch screen displays input from the backup camera. This infotainment system has an AM/FM radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth, but it doesn’t have the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity features that many drivers expect.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, the flexible Magic Seat system allowing for many different cargo configurations, a USB port, a 4-speaker audio system, and the basics like power windows and air conditioning.
The standard powertrain is the same in every trim. It’s a 1.8-liter inline-4 rated at 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on every trim. It’s worth noting that the AWD variant of the LX trim is a bit more fuel-efficient than every other trim with AWD.
When new, AWD was a $1,500 option for every trim. You can still expect to pay more for AWD on the used market, but the price difference won’t be as big as it was when new.
Who is this trim for? The base LX trim is for drivers looking for a bargain on a practical subcompact SUV and willing to forego advanced infotainment and driver assistance tech features.
2021 Honda HR-V LX includes:
Magic Seat — This clever system allows for many different cargo configurations giving the HR-V a flexible interior.
Good fuel economy — When equipped with AWD, the LX trim gets slightly better fuel economy than the upper trims with AWD.
Backup camera — This essential safety feature makes parking safer and easier.
2021 Honda HR-V Sport (Original starting price when new: $22,970)
See today’s prices on 2021 Honda HR-V Sport models for sale near you
The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport starts at $22,970.
Don’t get too excited by the name. The Sport trim of the HR-V doesn’t offer any performance improvement. However, it does provide some significant upgrades over the base LX model that make it worth considering.
The Sport trim is partially an appearance package with roof rails, fog lights, and unique wheels. The most significant improvement is the 7-inch infotainment system loaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This feature alone makes the HR-V Sport worth a look if smartphone connectivity is crucial to you.
Who is this trim for? The HR-V Sport is for drivers who want an affordable SUV with modern tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2021 Honda HR-V Sport includes:
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — These smartphone connectivity features make it easy to bring music, maps, and more from your phone to the screen in your car.
Roof rails — These add a little extra versatility to your SUV.
Fog lights — On top of the practical benefits, these add some style to the front of the HR-V.
2021 Honda HR-V EX (Original starting price when new: $24,220)
See today’s prices on 2021 Honda HR-V EX models for sale near you
The 2021 Honda HR-V EX starts at $24,220.
Since it adds some excellent features without much of a price jump — especially on the used market — the EX trim is the best buy in the HR-V lineup for most drivers. The main reason is the standard Honda Sensing safety tech suite. Honda Sensing adds automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
That’s not all. The EX trim further builds on the Sport model with push-button start, heated front seats, heated mirrors, a power moonroof, and automatic climate control. It adds up to a modern SUV with some excellent features while keeping the price affordable.
Who is this trim for? The EX trim is for drivers looking for creature comforts like heated seats and driver aids like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control in an affordable SUV.
2021 Honda HR-V EX includes:
Honda Sensing — This safety tech suite improves safety and convenience with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.
Heated seats — This comfort feature is hard to live without if you’re in a cold climate.
Power moonroof — This further opens up the spacious interior of the HR-V.
2021 Honda HR-V EX-L (Original starting price when new: $25,820)
See today’s prices on 2021 Honda HR-V EX-L models for sale near you
The 2021 Honda HR-V EX-L starts at $25,820.
The EX-L trim has an equipment list similar to the EX model. The most significant upgrade is leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other standard features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 180-watt audio system.
Unless you really want leather seats or you can find one at a great price, the EX-L trim isn’t as good of a value as the EX model for most drivers.
Who is this trim for? The HR-V EX-L is for drivers who like the idea of luxury features like leather seats and a premium audio system at a significant discount compared to an SUV from a luxury brand.
2021 Honda HR-V EX-L includes:
Leather seats — Leather seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped steering wheel give the HR-V a more premium feel.
Premium audio — Audiophiles will appreciate this 180-watt, 6-speaker audio system.
Auto-dimming mirror — No more using that little lever on the mirror to reduce headlight glare when driving at night.
