Honda HR-V vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, rivaling the Cadillac XT4 and Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut, featuring premium exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. Inside, the Avenir boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display, while all Envisions came with LED lighting and a driver-centric cabin design.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V featured a softer, friendlier design, distinct from Honda's larger SUVs. Its styling included unique elements like converging window lines near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trims came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport model sported 18-inch matte-black wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain yet functional, with good material quality and fit. Higher trims offered features like push-button start, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery, maintaining a solid feel despite its non-luxury status.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power from the previous model, the Envision's weight loss of 200 to 300 pounds improved fuel efficiency, achieving 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for FWD models. However, the engine noise and lack of sporty driving dynamics made it less engaging. The Envision offered a drive mode selector, but the Sport mode's impact was minimal.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. While the powertrain felt underpowered for highway driving, the HR-V's chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrain. The HR-V's ride quality was decent, but it lacked the towing capability of more traditional SUVs.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in reduced interior space, with less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and decreased rear-seat legroom and hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, offering 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, but small-item storage was adequate. Comfort was average, with standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though forward visibility was compromised.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, thanks to its "Magic Seat" rear bench, providing 58.8 cubic feet with the seats down. It led the segment in rear-seat legroom, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. Interior storage solutions were basic, but controls were sensibly designed. The HR-V's narrow center console featured a large shift lever, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position easier.

The 2021 Buick Envision's tech offerings included a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch, and an 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features encompassed USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless charging. However, the passenger's access to the infotainment system was limited due to the driver-centric design.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim offered basic tech with a 5-inch display and four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher added a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while EX and EX-L models included SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was straightforward, with USB ports conveniently located. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on all trims.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation. It featured a Buckle to Drive system, ensuring seatbelt use before shifting from park. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist were available on Avenir models, but the Envision lacked advanced driver assist systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, it had "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating. Honda Sensing safety features were available on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The HR-V also featured Honda's LaneWatch, providing a camera view when the turn signal was activated.