10 Things You Should Know About the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport: A Fun Yet Practical Subcompact SUV
In the world of subcompact SUVs, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport holds its ground as a versatile option that appeals to a wide audience. With its sporty appearance, robust feature list, and the “Magic Seat”, it’s clear that the HR-V Sport strives to make a bold statement. But does it succeed? Let’s dive deep into what makes the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport tick, what sets it apart, and where it might lag behind (with a humorous twist, of course).
Overview: The Stylish and Sporty Subcompact SUV
If you’re searching for a subcompact SUV that doesn’t break the bank but offers enough features to keep things fun and functional, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport might already be on your radar. At first glance, the vehicle’s sleek design and aggressive styling scream "sporty." Honda decided to take the base HR-V model and give it a sportier edge with blacked-out trim pieces, larger wheels, and some interior upgrades that give it a "premium feel."
But before we get too carried away with compliments, let’s pause. Is this sportiness just skin-deep, or does the HR-V Sport back it up with real performance? Spoiler alert: it’s more about looks than performance. I’m looking at you, 1.8-liter engine.
What’s New with the HR-V Sport?
The HR-V Sport is a trim level that sits above the base LX but below the more luxurious EX trim. It gives buyers a more dynamic style, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a performance model. You’ll get some sporty touches like sport pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a few exterior enhancements that make it look faster than it really is.
Key Features Include:
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7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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18-inch black alloy wheels
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Black-accented side mirrors and roof rails
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Rear privacy glass
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Leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel
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Daytime running lights for extra safety
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Magic Seat second-row seats that fold down for extra cargo space
One thing’s for sure: it looks sporty. But when you dig deeper into its driving dynamics, you'll realize this isn't the Honda Civic Type R you’ve been dreaming of. Still, for a subcompact SUV, it holds its own in terms of practicality, and let’s face it—the price point makes it an attractive option.
Pricing and Features: What Will It Cost You?
The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport comes with a starting price of around $23,000, which positions it well against rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and the Hyundai Kona. For this price, you’ll get a handful of sporty design cues and a decent list of tech features that feel more premium than the HR-V LX base model.
Standard Features Include:
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel
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Sport pedals
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Blacked-out exterior trim
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7-inch infotainment system
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Adaptive cruise control (a feature you didn’t know you needed until you’ve tried it)
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Forward collision warning
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Lane keeping assist
One thing to note: while these features are nice, it’s easy to get carried away with the optional extras. So, be prepared to add a couple thousand bucks more if you go all in on the all-wheel-drive system or additional interior packages.
How Much Should You Pay for the 2021 HR-V Sport?
The starting price might be $23,000, but fully loaded with AWD and extras like the sunroof package and premium audio, expect the HR-V Sport to cost around $27,000. Is that still a good value? Absolutely—especially considering the build quality Honda is known for.
Engine and Performance: The 1.8-Liter That Tries
Under the hood of the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport, you’ll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Now, if those numbers don’t exactly make your heart race, that’s because they’re more suited for a Sunday drive than tearing down a racetrack.
Performance Highlights:
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141 horsepower (don't expect tire-squealing action)
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0-60 mph in about 8.6 seconds (or a few seconds longer if you’ve got the AWD model)
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Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
The HR-V Sport may look the part, but it’s not winning any speed awards. In fact, one of the most common complaints about the Honda HR-V Sport is that it feels underpowered, especially when climbing hills or trying to pass on the highway. That CVT transmission doesn’t help either. It’s efficient, sure, but it doesn’t exactly respond with the eagerness you might hope for.
As automotive enthusiast Alex Collantes puts it, “The HR-V Sport is like that guy who dresses up in a leather jacket and sunglasses but still drives the speed limit in the slow lane. It looks cool, but you’re not going anywhere fast.”
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space: Surprisingly Roomy
When it comes to interior space, the HR-V Sport exceeds expectations for a subcompact SUV. The front seats are comfortable enough for long drives, and the back seat, thanks to Honda’s brilliant Magic Seat, folds completely flat, giving you up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s more than enough for a Costco run or for stashing your sports gear.
Standout Features:
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Leather-trimmed seats with sport stitching
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Spacious rear seats with Magic Seat functionality
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Fold-flat second row that allows for impressive cargo capacity
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7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (but good luck finding the volume knob)
That Magic Seat deserves another mention. With a simple flip, you can turn the back seat into a cargo-hauling space that rivals some mid-size SUVs. It’s truly one of the HR-V’s standout features, especially for those who need a mix of passenger and cargo space.
HR-V’s Interior Design: A Comfortable and Practical Space
The HR-V’s interior design is straightforward, if not a bit minimalist. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are nice touches, but the rest of the cabin feels functional rather than luxurious. There’s no sunroof, which may be a dealbreaker for some, but the spaciousness makes up for it.
Technology and Infotainment: No Fuss, Just Functionality
The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport doesn’t try to overcomplicate things when it comes to tech. You’ll find a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which is all you really need in today’s tech-driven world.
Infotainment Highlights:
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7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration
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Standard HondaLink app for vehicle status updates
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Decent 180-watt audio system (though audiophiles might want more)
What’s missing? A volume knob. Yes, believe it or not, Honda decided to forgo a physical volume knob, and instead, you’ll be left adjusting your volume through touch-sensitive controls. I hope your website experience doesn’t depend on hearing every beat clearly while you’re fiddling with that screen.
Fuel Economy: Efficient, But Not Class-Leading
Fuel economy is another area where the HR-V Sport excels just enough to stay competitive but doesn’t blow anyone away. The EPA estimates it gets about 30 mpg combined, which is decent for a subcompact SUV.
Real-World MPG:
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Front-wheel-drive models: 28 city / 34 highway
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All-wheel-drive models: 27 city / 31 highway
In the real world, expect slightly lower figures—closer to 25-28 mpg, depending on your driving habits. That’s still decent, but you might be left wishing for a bit more efficiency from that 1.8-liter engine, especially when some rivals are pushing closer to 35 mpg combined.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features: Top Ratings for Peace of Mind
Safety is where the Honda HR-V Sport shines. It has a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Honda packs in a suite of driver-assist features as standard, so you won’t have to break the bank for forward collision warning or lane departure warning.
Standard Safety Features:
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Forward collision warning
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Lane departure warning
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Lane keeping assist
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Adaptive cruise control
Sure, the HR-V Sport might not accelerate like a race car, but it’ll at least keep you and your family safe as you cruise (slowly) down the highway.
Potential Drawbacks: The HR-V’s Quirks with a Smile
While the HR-V Sport is a solid subcompact SUV, it’s not without its flaws. Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind:
1. Engine Performance: It’s... Adequate?
Let’s be honest, 141 horsepower isn’t going to win any races. The HR-V Sport feels sluggish when you need it to hustle. "You won’t be merging onto the highway with much confidence," says Alex Collantes, laughing, “unless you’re a fan of flooring it for a few seconds and praying.”
2. Lack of a Sunroof Option
While some competitors offer a sunroof as standard or optional, the HR-V Sport doesn’t even give you the choice. A minor gripe, but if you love that open-air feeling, you’ll be left wanting.
3. Infotainment Frustrations
As previously mentioned, the lack of a volume knob in the infotainment system can be maddening. Sure, it’s a small detail, but you’ll feel it when you’re struggling to adjust the volume during a bumpy ride.
4. Noisy Cabin at Higher Speeds
At highway speeds, you’ll notice that the HR-V Sport’s cabin isn’t as quiet as some of its competitors. Expect a fair bit of wind noise creeping in, especially if you’re on a long road trip.
What the HR-V Offers in Sport Models: Handling and Body Roll
When it comes to sport models, the HR-V offers a blend of style and practicality, but it’s not without its quirks, especially in the handling department. While the 2021 Honda HR V Sport impresses with its sleek design and smart use of interior space, it does experience noticeable body roll when cornering at higher speeds. Though the ride is generally smooth and comfortable for daily driving, don't expect it to hug corners like a true performance vehicle. The HR-V prioritizes comfort over tight, sporty handling, which is typical for a subcompact SUV in this class.
Conclusion: Is the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport Worth It?
For those looking for a subcompact SUV that offers a mix of sporty styling, decent tech features, and the kind of practicality that Honda is known for, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport delivers. It’s not the fastest or most luxurious in its class, but it’s a solid option for drivers who value reliability, safety, and cargo space over straight-line speed.
In short, if you’re okay with a vehicle that might not accelerate like a rocket but will keep you safe and comfortable, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport is a good value that’s hard to ignore.