Honda HR-V 2021 review: small SUV

[@tdmap2241]

Looking at all the rivals, I still wonder how Honda managed to extract that much interior and boot space. It really stand out in terms of space utilization and practicality. It simply has no equal.

[@chasingcars]

Such a low floor plan and some very clever packaging. The Magic Seats and large boot are certainly this car's advantages in the small SUV class.

[@stanmiller6960]

Bought mine in 2018. Absolutely love it. Can’t fault it

[@kaleidoscopeon]

Practicality on this car is unmatched. That’s the reason to get this.

[@devin_ng]

Great Review Tom! I’m using Honda HRV for 5 years now and still think it’s a good car especially in term of practicality, but the road noise is quite bad

[@chasingcars]

No doubt about it! Glad you're still enjoying the HR-V.

[@carr16k]

The road noise and bumpy ride especially for the rear passenger is something Honda really needs to fix in their next generation.

[@rana7187]

you got the point. I just leased this car, everythings are perfect except road noise and bumpy which make me feel it isn't a new car.

[@rohangardner879]

I really like the review. I think you did a good job explaining the features and practicality of this car

[@joelim8170]

Way more reliable than competitors with direct injection motors and dual clutch gearboxes, if you plan on keeping it for a while.

[@chasingcars]

That’s the upshot of the old-school SOHC engine.

[@mougibear2475]

Joe Lim sounds like a honda salesman

[@joelim8170]

Don’t sell cars. Drive a Toyota myself. Aspire to a Lexus. Just aware of the pitfalls of DI motors and dual clutch transmissions.

[@shaharyaarekrem3106]

You're mistaken @Joe Lim, HRV has CVT gearbox.. get your facts straights

[@joelim8170]

My facts are spot on. CVTs are more reliable than dual clutch gearboxes. You’re welcome.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review Tom - this model is much better specified in other markets with AWD and other tech options plus newer power trains must be on the way yet it’s space, looks and practicality make it a sensible suv imho

[@chasingcars]

The practicality piece is really great - Honda just need to keep it in line with modern tech to better take on the likes of the Juke and T-Cross.

[@zippygundoo5852]

Good review, Tom. Honda really seem to have lost their mojo a number of years ago & don’t seem at all interested in reclaiming their past glory days. Once upon a time, a Honda was an aspirational mainstream brand, now they’re just a rather middling, uninspiring one.

[@chasingcars]

I think that captures the vibe. You can still tell that there is passion and talent in the chassis development and engineering side - this is a very decent little SUV in the corners - but the finesse and attention to detail in other areas has come a bit loose.

[@S13WA14]

Really great car and really good review dude!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@aw4610]

I would like to take a road trip with you in one of these, Tom. ❤️

[@allyssakozlovsky7488]

thank you for the review.

[@PiriakaTrackwrecker]

I've loved this design since I first saw a black on black Vezel in Japan before it came out here. I had the chance to grab an early version recently, but went with the XV instead for its radar cruise (best feature ever-switches off my angry overtaking brain and makes cruising in a line up waaay more pleasant), the 4wd, value and cool factor in the orange with those evil black alloys. It loses a little in terms of practicality but I don't regret the decision, I'm stoked with the Suby.

[@chasingcars]

The exterior design of the HR-V is certainly ageing well.

[@rukh9892]

Beautiful review informative video 🌹

[@Aussie762]

Thanks good review

[@reaality3860]

Too many words were used to say the Honda 1.8 liter HR-V is underpowered. But the lack of power must surely extend its lifetime...

[@johnmckay428]

sort of thing and price im in the market for...and every car choice has its compromises...but that tech looks dodgy as...so Kona prob coming out ahead...

[@RJC6]

Another great review. Felt Honda has been lazy watching other brands making successes, but itself is not making a determination to lead again...

[@chasingcars]

Seems a bit that way... in 2020 Mazda is what Honda was in 2000

[@RJC6]

@@chasingcars even Hyundai and Kia have came from miles behind...

[@chasingcars]

Very good point.

[@digitaldoc100]

Such an outdated powertrain, I truly can't get past it. It needs a much better engine, and to lose the CVT. Not sure why Honda has not updated it yet.

[@chasingcars]

There’s a turbo HR-V available overseas. Wish Honda would bring it to Australia!

[@digitaldoc100]

@@chasingcars We only get the 1.8NA in the US as well. Pretty bored with these cars with a pedestrian base engine, and no option to upgrade.

[@shanemurphy9024]

lose the CVT? Not very likely considering the advantages of a CVT over a staged auto. Most people aren't interested in thrashing the bejesus out of their vehicle and those that do don't buy crossovers.

[@rossawood5075]

​@@digitaldoc100Sadly the replacement 1.5 turbo available in other markets is less power and torque than the very reliable variable single cam , way understressed 1800cc chain driven, not a belt that will need replacement engine. This engine has been very reliable and should get high mileages.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@rossawood5075 Don't care about keeping it for 300k miles. The 1.5T from the CRV has more power.

[@chrisholmes918]

Pls do the 2020 stinger review

[@chasingcars]

Filmed, so will be served up very soon!

[@djmtype]

So, basically nothing new since 2018 besides the larger price tag

[@kaleidoscopeon]

Still the best car.

[@Penelope416]

Just buy a used one to save money.

[@gordonclark7632]

Honda were desirable cars in the 90's but have lost their way since and are now no longer up with the competition.

[@chasingcars]

The driving dynamics are still reminiscent of that great nineties Honda - but it shows you can't take your eye off the ball tech-wise.

[@shanemurphy9024]

And yet in important markets like the US Honda still dominates.......

[@stephen25uk]

Who needs built-in navigation anyway? your phone is much better.

[@adi2082]

It's a shame the new HRV is so much less practical.

[@janielsmith7857]

Cutey

[@rasitto]

The only plus thing about this car is the practicality other than that meh.. Honda become so lazy in the design and tech improvement. I was waiting for the whole new car for the 2021 not just touch up here and there👎

[@shanemurphy9024]

that is in 2022.

[@chaseliu5011]

I'd choose Kona over this

[@chasingcars]

Electric or petrol?

[@shanemurphy9024]

Too small for the average family

[@autonewstv86]

*Really nice car this is the car I'm getting when I'm 16. Great review Tom!* 👍

[@chasingcars]

Still a good crossover in many ways!

[@simounobrien9096]

Errrrr, the faults you mentioned never bothered me in the slightest. My HRV is perfect for my style so I am giving it a 11/10

[@parvinkumar2023]

Bought our Honda HRV and paid for the mud flaps upon purchase. Still did not get the mudflaps, it's almost two years now. I was promised to be contacted by email when I took my car for service in December but did not receive any email from the sales manager. The remote car battery is giving sings for battery change in one and half years. My other car which is a small Hyundai Bought in 2017 has not required any battery change yet. We bought our Honda HRV from Penrith Honda Kumari

[@williammarshall1629]

Agree completely .. after 2 months , I’m sorry I bought a VTi .. tech is worse than my 2105 Mitsubishi

[@dutch5580]

Nice Iron Rangers there mate!

[@andresrestrepomejiacars8268]

I love it. Is the best

[@BennnWJK]

Don’t see the point of this car when there’s the Civic hatchback and the larger CRV crossover

[@chasingcars]

Smaller dimensions than the now-pretty-long Civic, and a genuine size smaller than the CR-V if what you want is a raised driving position.

[@ridef0rlife]

Probably for someone who wants a car a little bit bigger than a civic and a little smaller than crv.............called a cross over which is a massively desirable car

[@frankopanklaric]

You may not. Just like how I dont see the point in civics or golfs. To each his own.