2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD SUV: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD SUV. If you're looking for a subcompact SUV that's both practical and fun, this might just be the perfect ride for you. Let's break down everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons, ensuring you get a complete picture before making a decision. So buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD

The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is a standout in the crowded subcompact SUV market. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and surprisingly spacious interior, the HR-V offers a compelling package for city dwellers and adventure seekers alike. The 'Sport' trim adds a touch of flair with sporty exterior accents and unique interior finishes, making it a visually appealing option. But it's not just about looks; the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for various weather conditions. This model year maintains Honda's reputation for quality and practicality, ensuring that you get a vehicle that's not only stylish but also dependable. The HR-V Sport AWD stands out due to its balanced combination of features, making it a strong contender in its class. It’s perfect for those who need a versatile vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend getaways with equal ease. Plus, with Honda's renowned reliability, you can count on it for years to come. The HR-V also includes Honda's suite of safety features, providing added peace of mind. So if you're in the market for a small SUV that doesn't compromise on space, style, or performance, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is definitely worth considering. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle that offers excellent value for money.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD offers a balanced driving experience tailored for everyday use. Under the hood, you'll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a powerhouse, it provides adequate pep for city driving and comfortable highway cruising. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures smooth and efficient power delivery, contributing to the HR-V's impressive fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system enhances traction, especially in slippery conditions, giving you added confidence behind the wheel. Handling is another strong point, with the HR-V feeling nimble and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The steering is responsive, and the suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections. However, it's worth noting that the HR-V isn't designed for off-road adventures. The AWD system is primarily for enhancing on-road stability rather than tackling challenging terrains. Overall, the performance of the 2021 HR-V Sport AWD is well-suited for urban environments and daily commutes. It offers a comfortable and predictable driving experience, making it a practical choice for a wide range of drivers. While it may not be the quickest SUV on the market, its fuel efficiency and ease of handling make it a great option for those prioritizing practicality over outright performance. Plus, the added security of the AWD system is a welcome feature for drivers in areas with unpredictable weather.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD, you'll find a well-designed interior that maximizes space and functionality. Despite its subcompact size, the HR-V offers a surprisingly roomy cabin with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The 'Sport' trim adds unique touches like black cloth upholstery with orange stitching, giving it a distinctive and sporty feel. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. While the base model features a 5-inch display screen, the Sport trim upgrades to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone. Other notable features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport pedals, and a rearview camera. Honda's innovative Magic Seat system is a standout feature, allowing you to configure the rear seats in multiple ways to accommodate various cargo sizes. This versatility is a huge plus for those who frequently haul larger items. The HR-V also offers ample storage compartments throughout the cabin, making it easy to keep your belongings organized. Overall, the interior of the 2021 HR-V Sport AWD is both practical and comfortable. It offers a good balance of features and space, making it a great choice for daily commutes and weekend trips. The quality of materials is decent for its class, and the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're carrying passengers or cargo, the HR-V's interior is designed to meet your needs.

Technology and Safety

The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD comes equipped with a range of technology and safety features designed to enhance your driving experience and provide peace of mind. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a central hub, offering seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation directly from the screen. The system is responsive and easy to use, making it a convenient addition. In terms of safety, the HR-V includes standard features like a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and multiple airbags. While it doesn't come standard with advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning, these features are available on higher trim levels. The HR-V's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure is designed to enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The vehicle has also performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further demonstrating its commitment to safety. Overall, the technology and safety features of the 2021 HR-V Sport AWD provide a good balance of convenience and protection. While it may not have the most cutting-edge tech on the market, it offers essential features that enhance your driving experience and keep you safe on the road. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the standard safety features provide added peace of mind. For those looking for more advanced safety technologies, upgrading to a higher trim level is an option.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

One of the standout features of the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is its impressive fuel efficiency. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, the HR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs on the market. This makes it an excellent choice for daily commuters and those looking to save money at the pump. The HR-V's efficient 1.8-liter engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) work together to maximize fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The all-wheel-drive system does have a slight impact on fuel economy compared to the front-wheel-drive model, but the difference is minimal. In real-world driving conditions, you can expect to achieve fuel economy figures that are close to the EPA estimates. This means you can enjoy the added traction and stability of the AWD system without significantly impacting your fuel costs. Overall, the fuel efficiency of the 2021 HR-V Sport AWD is a major selling point. It offers a great combination of practicality and affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Whether you're driving in the city or on the highway, the HR-V will help you save money on gas while still providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. It's a smart choice for anyone looking to minimize their environmental impact and reduce their transportation expenses.

Pros and Cons

To give you a comprehensive view, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD:

Pros:

  • Spacious Interior: Despite its subcompact size, the HR-V offers a surprisingly roomy cabin with ample cargo space, thanks to Honda's Magic Seat system.
  • Fuel Efficiency: With excellent EPA-estimated fuel economy, the HR-V is a budget-friendly option for daily commuters.
  • All-Wheel Drive: The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is easy to use and convenient.
  • Reliability: Honda has a strong reputation for reliability, ensuring that the HR-V will provide years of dependable service.

Cons:

  • Engine Performance: The 1.8-liter engine can feel underpowered at times, especially when accelerating or climbing hills.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Some advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning are not standard on the Sport trim.
  • Ride Quality: The ride can be a bit firm on rough roads, which may not be ideal for those prioritizing comfort.
  • Base Model Features: The base model lacks some desirable features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone integration.
  • Exterior Styling: While the Sport trim adds some sporty accents, the overall exterior styling may not appeal to everyone.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a compelling combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and all-weather capability. Its spacious interior and versatile Magic Seat system make it a great choice for those who need to haul passengers and cargo. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in various driving conditions, and the user-friendly technology enhances the overall driving experience. While the engine performance may not be the most exhilarating, it's adequate for everyday driving, and the HR-V's impressive fuel economy helps to offset this drawback. Overall, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile subcompact SUV. It offers excellent value for money and is well-suited for both city dwellers and adventure seekers. If you're in the market for a small SUV that doesn't compromise on space, style, or performance, the HR-V is definitely worth considering. It’s a vehicle that you can depend on for years to come, thanks to Honda's reputation for quality and reliability. So, if you're looking for a practical and efficient SUV, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD should be on your shortlist.