2021 Honda HR-V vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda’s larger SUVs. It featured distinctive styling elements like upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights, which also housed the rear door handles. Most trim levels came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport models boasted matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L included features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L also offering leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V looked similar to most other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. It was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant colors limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. The CR-V’s seats were more angular and modern compared to some competitors. Vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson had more distinctive styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While all-wheel drive (AWD) was available, front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard. The HR-V was found to be underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was not very effective. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V’s chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rougher terrains, and it was not rated for towing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. It had a CVT that held engine revs constant as the vehicle gained speed, which was less engaging than the conventional transmissions offered by competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with FWD, with AWD as an extra-cost option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing decent handling and ride quality. The Subaru Forester offered AWD as standard, giving it an edge in this aspect.

The 2021 Honda HR-V offered impressive cargo space for its size, thanks to the “Magic Seat” 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD) with the seat up. These figures surpassed many competitors, though the Kia Seltos and 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more cargo space. The HR-V excelled in rear-seat legroom but had average front-seat legroom and headroom. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easier driving position adjustments.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The cargo area could be accessed manually on lower trims, with a power tailgate on the EX-L and a hands-free version on the Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The CR-V’s interior was designed for practicality, with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a strong contender in its class.

The base 2021 Honda HR-V LX came with standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the EX and EX-L added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located conveniently ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than what many competitors offered, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on the base trim.

The base 2021 Honda CR-V LX had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. All other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim offered a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and a satellite navigation system. Charging ports were abundant, with multiple USB ports and a 12-volt outlet in the center console, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it got “Marginal” and “Poor” headlight ratings and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It missed the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower headlight scores and the updated side crash test. The CR-V’s LATCH system received an “Acceptable” rating. Honda Sensing safety features were standard across all trims, including a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.