5 Surprising Reasons Why the Honda HR-V LX vs Sport Debate is Tougher Than You Think

When it comes to small SUVs Honda knows how to deliver. The 2024 Honda HR-V lineup is turning heads with its affordability reliability and all-around versatility. But what if you’re torn between two of its most popular trims: the Honda HR-V LX and the Honda HR-V Sport?

Fear not because today I’m diving into the nitty-gritty details of these two versions comparing them in a way that’s actually useful. After all why bother looking at specs alone when you can get real-world insights into how these two models feel on the road in everyday life? Plus I’ll sprinkle in some humor and offer potential drawbacks with a fun twist because no car’s perfect right?

Which Honda HR-V is Right for You? LX vs Sport

First things first the Honda HR-V sits in that sweet spot of subcompact SUVs. It’s small enough to zip around the city but offers just enough interior space and tech to handle road trips with friends or running family errands. So whether you're looking for the base model LX or the Sport trim both have some excellent selling points but which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down starting with what each trim brings to the table and whether the Sport is really worth the extra cash.

Price Comparison: Is the Sport Worth the Extra Bucks?

Let’s start with the wallet because let's be honest we all look at the price tag first.

• Honda HR-V LX Price: Around $25,000
• Honda HR-V Sport Price: Around $27,500

At first glance we’re talking about a $2,500 difference. Is that worth it for the extra features you get in the Sport model? Or is the LX already packed with everything you need? Here’s what you’ll be paying for with each trim.

Powertrain and Performance: Sport Is Not That Sporty (Oops!)

One of the big differences between the LX and Sport is in the performance. Both trims are equipped with the same 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces a modest 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. Whether you're driving the LX or the Sport you’re not going to be winning any street races. It’s adequate for daily driving but "sport" might be a bit of a stretch here!

Transmission and Handling

Both trims come with Honda's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and front-wheel drive standard. You do have the option to go for all-wheel drive in both trims which might be nice if you live in a place with unpredictable weather. That said don't expect sports car-like handling in either version. The Sport trim adds slightly tighter steering but let’s be real — it won’t have you carving corners like you're in a Civic Type R.

Where the LX Shines

• Fuel Efficiency: The LX trim edges out the Sport when it comes to MPG. You can expect to get around 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway whereas the Sport gets 26/32 due to its slightly heavier body and wider tires.

Potential Drawback (With a Smile!)

If you’re someone who hears the word “sport” and thinks "this thing's going to go vroom vroom" prepare to be slightly disappointed. The HR-V Sport is sporty in appearance not in speed. As Alex Collantes, a Honda enthusiast friend of mine quips, “The Sport is like showing up to a basketball game in a pair of Jordans… but you're still sitting on the bench.” Nailed it!

Exterior Design: Does the Sport Look That Much Cooler?

Let’s face it appearances matter especially when you’re pulling up in your new SUV. So does the Sport version actually look... sporty?

LX Exterior Features

The HR-V LX keeps things simple but it’s still pretty stylish in that classic Honda way. You get:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Body-colored mirrors
• LED headlights (standard across all trims now—nice touch Honda)

Sport Exterior Features

Where the Sport trim shines is in the little touches that make it stand out:

• 18-inch black alloy wheels (which do look pretty cool)
• Gloss black side mirrors
• A sporty rear spoiler

Potential Drawback (With a Wink!)

Sure the Sport trim looks a bit more aggressive but here's the kicker—most people probably won’t even notice. As much as you might want everyone to admire your snazzy black mirrors chances are they’ll just think your LX looks like any other HR-V. So don’t be surprised if your neighbor still thinks you’re driving the base model.

Interior Features: Tech and Comfort

Ah the interior where you’ll spend the majority of your time. Here’s where we get into some more noticeable differences between the two trims.

HR-V LX Interior

The LX gives you everything you need if you’re not picky about bells and whistles:

• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Cloth upholstery (comfy but not luxurious)
• Manual climate control

It’s basic but functional. Nothing to write home about but hey it gets the job done.

HR-V Sport Interior

The Sport trim gives you a bit more of an upgrade in terms of comfort and convenience:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (a small but nice touch)
• Sports pedals for that extra "oomph"
• Push-button start
• Heated front seats (which if you live in colder climates is a blessing)

Where the Sport Surprises You (Positively!)

One of the big perks of the Sport trim is the audio system upgrade. Instead of the LX’s 4-speaker system you get 6 speakers which doesn’t seem like a huge jump but trust me — you’ll notice the difference when you're blasting your playlist on a road trip.

Potential Drawback (Cue the Laughs!)

As Alex Collantes puts it, “The HR-V Sport’s push-button start makes me feel like I’m in a spaceship… except that spaceship is still crawling in rush hour traffic." Isn’t that the truth?

Safety Features: It’s a Tie!

One area where both the HR-V LX and Sport really shine is safety. Both trims come with Honda Sensing, which is Honda’s suite of driver-assist features including:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control

It’s great to see Honda offering these features standard across all trims. So if safety is your main concern you won’t have to splurge on the Sport trim to get that added peace of mind.

Cargo Space and Practicality: Small but Mighty

Whether you opt for the LX or Sport you’re getting a decent amount of cargo space for a subcompact SUV. The HR-V offers:

• 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats
• 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down

That’s more than enough room for a weekend getaway or a trip to the grocery store.

Common Complaint

Both trims could benefit from more interior storage for smaller items. There’s not a ton of room for your water bottles keys or snacks (because who doesn’t keep snacks in their car right?).

Final Verdict: Which HR-V Trim Should You Buy?

So which Honda HR-V should you buy?

If you’re on a tight budget and just need something reliable to get you from Point A to Point B the LX is a great choice. It has all the basics at a price that won’t break the bank. Plus the fuel efficiency makes it a solid pick for city driving.

But if you’re willing to shell out a bit more for some creature comforts like a better sound system heated seats and a sportier look then the Sport trim might be worth it. Just don’t expect it to be a rocket ship—it’s a sportier ride in name and style not necessarily speed.

As Alex Collantes would say, “The HR-V Sport might not win races but it sure wins hearts… and parking spaces.”

Quick Recap: Key Differences Between HR-V LX vs Sport

• Price: LX is cheaper by about $2,500.
• Performance: Same engine no real difference in speed Sport just feels a bit tighter.
• Fuel Efficiency: LX is slightly more efficient.
• Design: Sport looks cooler with black mirrors and bigger wheels.
• Interior: Sport gets an upgraded sound system push-button start and heated seats.
• Safety: Both trims come with Honda Sensing standard so you’re safe either way!

Now it’s up to you to decide which trim best suits your lifestyle. Whether you're an LX lover or a Sport fan both offer that Honda reliability we’ve all come to love.