2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD: Review, Specs & Performance

Hey guys! Are you looking for a compact SUV that’s both sporty and practical? Let's dive deep into the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD SUV, an offering that combines Honda's reliability with an engaging driving experience and all-weather capability. In this review, we’ll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or a seasoned auto enthusiast, this guide will provide you with all the details you need to know about this versatile vehicle.

Exterior Design: Sporty and Functional

The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD makes a strong first impression with its sporty and aerodynamic design. The exterior is characterized by a bold front grille, unique to the Sport trim, which gives it a more aggressive stance. The sleek lines flow smoothly from the front to the rear, creating a cohesive and modern look. Standard features include sporty alloy wheels, which not only enhance the vehicle's aesthetics but also contribute to improved handling. The HR-V Sport also comes with fog lights, adding to its visual appeal and enhancing visibility in adverse weather conditions.

One of the standout features of the HR-V is its compact size, which makes it incredibly easy to maneuver in urban environments. Parking in tight spots is a breeze, and navigating through crowded streets is less stressful. Despite its small footprint, the HR-V doesn't compromise on interior space, thanks to Honda's clever packaging. The roof rails add to the vehicle's functionality, allowing you to carry extra cargo such as bikes, kayaks, or luggage for those weekend getaways. The overall design of the HR-V Sport is a perfect blend of form and function, making it an attractive option for those who want a vehicle that looks good and performs well in various driving conditions.

The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident in elements like the body-colored rear spoiler, which adds a touch of sportiness without being too ostentatious. The integrated turn signals in the side mirrors are a practical safety feature, increasing visibility to other drivers. Honda has also paid attention to the aerodynamics of the HR-V, optimizing the body shape to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The result is a vehicle that not only looks great but also delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the HR-V Sport's exterior design ensures you'll arrive in style and comfort.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD, you'll find an interior that prioritizes comfort and user-friendly technology. The Sport trim features unique interior accents, including sporty pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the overall driving experience. The seats are designed to provide ample support, making long journeys more comfortable. The HR-V's interior is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV, offering plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats also feature Honda's Magic Seat system, which allows for multiple configurations to accommodate various cargo sizes.

The infotainment system in the HR-V Sport is straightforward and easy to use. The touchscreen display provides access to essential functions such as audio, phone connectivity, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps on the go. The HR-V also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The audio system delivers clear and crisp sound, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. Honda has also included practical features like multiple USB ports and a 12-volt power outlet, ensuring you can keep your devices charged on the road.

The interior of the HR-V Sport is not just about technology; it also focuses on creating a comfortable and inviting environment. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to find and operate the various controls. The HR-V also offers ample storage space, including door pockets, a glove compartment, and a center console, providing plenty of room for your personal items. The combination of comfort, technology, and practicality makes the HR-V Sport a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip.

Performance and Handling: Agile and Confident

Under the hood, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While this may not seem like a lot, it provides adequate power for most driving situations. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, making the HR-V Sport capable in various weather conditions. The HR-V's handling is agile and responsive, making it fun to drive on winding roads. The steering is well-weighted and provides good feedback, allowing you to confidently navigate through traffic.

One of the key strengths of the HR-V is its fuel efficiency. The CVT helps to keep the engine in its optimal power range, resulting in impressive gas mileage. The HR-V Sport AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. The HR-V's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The vehicle feels stable and composed, even at higher speeds. The HR-V Sport also includes features like hill start assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline.

The all-wheel-drive system in the HR-V Sport is a valuable asset, especially for those who live in areas with inclement weather. The system automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most traction, helping to maintain control in slippery conditions. The HR-V also has a decent amount of ground clearance, allowing it to handle light off-road trails. While it's not a dedicated off-road vehicle, the HR-V Sport is capable enough to tackle gravel roads and snowy paths. Overall, the HR-V Sport offers a balanced combination of performance, handling, and fuel efficiency, making it a versatile and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind

When it comes to safety, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. These include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The HR-V also features a multi-angle rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up. The camera includes guidelines to help you navigate into parking spaces and avoid obstacles. The HR-V also comes with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which is designed to enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision.

In addition to these standard features, the HR-V Sport also includes Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The HR-V also has a lane departure warning system, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. The lane-keeping assist system can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane if you don't respond to the warning. The forward collision warning system alerts you if it detects a potential collision with a vehicle in front of you. The collision mitigation braking system can automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the severity of a collision.

The HR-V has received excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA has given the HR-V a 5-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS has named it a Top Safety Pick. These ratings are a testament to Honda's commitment to safety and provide peace of mind for HR-V owners. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent safety ratings, the HR-V Sport is a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals alike.

Overall Value: A Smart Choice

The 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD offers excellent overall value for those seeking a versatile and reliable subcompact SUV. It combines a sporty design, comfortable interior, user-friendly technology, and capable performance, all at an affordable price point. The HR-V's fuel efficiency makes it an economical choice for daily commuting, while its all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in various weather conditions. The HR-V's spacious interior and flexible cargo configurations make it practical for hauling passengers and gear. The HR-V also comes with Honda's reputation for reliability, which means you can expect it to last for many years with proper maintenance.

Compared to its competitors, the HR-V stands out for its combination of features and value. It offers more standard equipment than some of its rivals, and its all-wheel-drive system is available at a lower price point than many other SUVs. The HR-V also has a better resale value than some of its competitors, which means you'll get more money back when you eventually decide to sell it. The HR-V's warranty is also competitive, providing coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Honda also offers extended warranty options for those who want additional peace of mind.

In conclusion, the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD is a smart choice for those who want a subcompact SUV that's both practical and fun to drive. It offers a winning combination of style, comfort, technology, performance, and safety, all at a reasonable price. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or a seasoned auto enthusiast, the HR-V Sport is definitely worth considering. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, be sure to check out the 2021 Honda HR-V Sport AWD – you might just find your perfect match!