Introduction

The 2021 Honda HR-V, a pert and perky crossover that's the smallest that Honda offers, is unchanged for 2021. It's the smallest Honda now that the Fit has been discontinued. 

The HR-V is available with all-wheel drive, and it has the 'Magic Seat'? that flips and folds to expand cargo space. 

The HR-V jams a lot of personality into its small footprint, on a 102.8-inch wheelbase. The body boasts a sweeping strake that connects the low nose to the high rear roof pillars where the door handles are placed. The cockpit is uncluttered and durable-looking. 

The HR-V's 1.8-liter inline-4 engine makes 141 horsepower, mated a continuously variable automatic transmission, with either front- or all-wheel drive. It's not exactly quick or fast, but it's great around town, where even its too-big optional 18-inch wheels don't dull its cozy ride and quick steering. 

There's ample elbow room for front passengers, even with the wide center console. The second-row seat can flip up its bottom cushions and fold down its seatbacks to increase cargo space to 58.8 cubic feet, a lot for a 102-inch wheelbase. 

Unfortunately there' no automatic emergency braking in the LX and Sport models, but it comes with EX and above, along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

Surprisingly the gas mileage of the HR-V isn't quite as good as the larger Honda CR-V (which also comes as a hybrid, for even better mileage). The EPA scores the front-drive HR-V at 28 mpg city, 34 highway, 30 combined; with all-wheel drive it's 26/31/28 mpg. The CR-V is the same with front-wheel drive but gets 1 mpg more with all-wheel drive. The CR-V Hybrid gets another 10 mpg combined. 

The NHTSA gives it five stars overall, and the IIHS calls the Touring model, with LED headlights, a Top Safety Pick. 

Lineup

Honda sells the HR-V in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring versions. 

The HR-V LX has 18-inch wheels, cruise control, and other power features, but at more than $22,000, it doesn't have automatic emergency braking, and skimps on infotainment with a 5.0-inch display that doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. 

Sport versions get a 7.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but still no automatic braking. 

For about $26,000, the HR-V EX adds those things plus keyless start, a sunroof, and heated front seats; leather upholstery and all-wheel drive add about $3,000 more. 

For more than $30,000, the HR-V Touring adopts all-wheel drive, and gains LED headlights, a power driver seat, and navigation. 

Walkaround

Despite its SUV chops with all-wheel drive, the HR-V looks more like a handsome hatchback. Actually, it trends in the direction of the latest crossover coupes. 

It's generic in its good looks, with a swooping line that lifts the shape from the low front end up toward rear roof pillars. The line gives the shape a shove forward, and it's not disrupted by door handles that sprout from the HR-V's rear roof pillars. 

At the back, the HR-V tries to avoid a plain-jane shape with more cutlines than it needs. The Sport tones down some of the clutter with black trim. 

Interior

The design of the instrument panel is sweet. It's an elegant wing-like shape that cants the gauges and controls toward the driver. However the center console rises high and could be smaller; the slim air vents on the passenger side could be bigger, and so could the HR-V LX's 5.0-inch color display. 

There isn't a small crossover SUV out there that makes better use of its space than the Honda HR-V, with its clever folding second-row seat. 

There's nothing special about the HR-V's front seats. The cushions are short and bolsters soft, while a slimmer center console would give the driver and front passenger some more knee room, too. 

The back seat has decent space for two adults, but not three, and there's enough leg room. 

Cargo room is where the HR-V excels. It has almost 25 cubic feet behind the second row already, but folding down the seats creates a 58.8-cubic-foot hold. The HR-V's back seat bottoms also flip up, so taller objects will fit behind the front passengers. 

Driving Impression

If you're in a hurry around town, you'll be happy with the HR-V. But if you're in a hurry out on the highway, you'll be better off looking elsewhere. 

The 1.8-liter inline-4 is smooth, but with just 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, the powertrain works hard to carry even the light weight of 2,900 pounds (in base trim). The engine drones less than it might, but it also struggles to pull up grades. 

The HR-V's handling rises to the occasion better than the power. It rides on a short wheelbase, and with either a torsion-beam or DeDion rear axle (depending on front- or all-wheel-drive status), it has enough compliance to handle potholes and other pavement problems at city speeds. 

Honda tunes the HR-V's steering with quick response, and it's a nice complement to the ride; the HR-V can slice up a twisty road with confidence. 

Summary

For a small SUV, the 2021 Honda HR-V offers a lot of value. It can offer all-wheel drive, fantastic cargo space, and more than 30 miles per gallon, at a good price-and with smart styling. 

 

-by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.