Honda HR-V VTi-LX 2021 Review

The Honda HR-V is one of the brand’s biggest-selling models and a lynchpin in the range as the Japanese car-maker moves to a new business structure in Australia from July 1, 2021, which will bring fixed vehicle prices and focus on higher-spec models such as the VTi-LX tested here.

Despite this current generation getting long in the tooth, with an all-new model due for release early in 2022, the Thai-built Honda HR-V small SUV does a pretty good job of holding its own against competitors such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR, Subaru XV and segment-leading Mitsubishi ASX, to name just a few in this burgeoning segment.

The HR-V has been a solid performer since returning to Australian shores in early 2015 after an absence of more than a decade.

Over the years it has received minor upgrades that help maintain its competitiveness in the segment, including across-the-broad autonomous emergency braking (AEB), modest styling changes and a refurbished interior in 2018.

The 2021 Honda HR-V range comprises four models that, like others across the brand’s local line-up, have recently received a price increase with no corresponding rise in equipment.

This sees the HR-V VTi now open the ledger at $26,900 plus on-road costs, with the VTi-S at $31,200, RS at $34,500 and the top-spec VTi-LX reviewed here at $36,950 plus ORCs.

It’s not the most frugally-equipped in its class but, compared to top-spec 2WD competitors such as the Hyundai Kona Highlander (from $38,000) and Mazda CX-30 G20 Astina ($39,190), the 2021 Honda HR-V VTi-LX leaves a few blanks.

Six airbags, AEB, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors and a cute side camera that shows the lane on your left when activating the left-hand indicator are about it.

At this level, the Hyundai and Mazda rivals get pedestrian avoidance, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and driver attention detection, as well as high- and low-speed AEB. The Mazda has another trick up its sleeve with reverse-active AEB.

The HR-V’s powerplant remains as the 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre normally-aspirated four-cylinder it started out with, operating exclusively through a CVT transmission and driving only the front wheels.

At VTi-LX level, the Honda offers leather-look seats, heated but unpowered at the front, auto-dipping LED headlights, climate-control air-conditioning and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, but no embedded sat-nav and only a basic six-speaker audio system.

Even though the premium 2021 Honda HR-V lacks the pizazz of its top-level competitors it scores big points for its presentation, cabin and boot space and dynamic capabilities, all underscored by still-competitive pricing across the range.

The packaging, highlighted by the ‘Magic’ folding rear seats flowing from the HR-V’s Honda Jazz hatchback roots, comes as a bit of a surprise.

There’s more than adequate rear seat legroom, and a super-size 437-litre boot which opens up to an equally-impressive 1462L when the ‘Magic’ rear seats are put into use. This prompts suggestions that the HR-V could just about cross into mid-size SUV territory.

The Mazda CX-5, for example, quotes between 442 litres and 1342L of luggage capacity.

With a maximum braked towing limit of just 800kg, the HR-V is not suited to anything but a light campervan, but its capacious load-carrying abilities clearly win it many votes.

Deficits include the lack of embedded sat-nav – although it’s now available through Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – plus Honda’s apparent determination to make simple functions difficult. Connecting a smartphone is unnecessarily complicated and unintuitive, while voice control, frustratingly, is not activated until voice tags are installed.

On top of this is a touch-screen with landing points for the index finger so arranged that selecting what you want – say a chosen phone number – when on the move requires levels of concentration that are distractive for the driver.

The adaptive cruise control only maintains speed with accuracy when following another car. Left to its own devices it goes wildly past the chosen speed on long descents. Combined with the selected speed not showing up anywhere in the instrument display, this is not a good system for avoiding fines.

To the HR-V’s credit, the big three-dimensional speedo is super-easy to read, the oddment-carrying spots are supplemented by an under-console tray and the auto-dipping LED headlights provide a welcome brightness in most conditions.

As mentioned, the packaging of the Honda HR-V is good enough that it challenges some mid-size SUVs for overall versatility. If you’re seeking space for four adult passengers with the odd stint as a five-seater, the small-class Honda will do the job.

The 1.8-litre engine is quite responsive, not overly raucous, and will return decent fuel economy with a little sympathetic driving. Against the official combined figure of 6.9L/100km we recorded a reasonable 8.1L/100km on 91 RON unleaded, which is thoroughly competitive in the small SUV class and should see a touring range approaching a maximum of 600km from the 50-litre tank.

Typically, the HR-V’s CVT automatic transmission has its good and bad points. It enables the moderate 172Nm of torque to be exploited to the maximum, but under heavy throttle it creates that familiar, annoying drone that afflicts just about every constantly-variable system.

Dynamically, the Honda HR-V VTi-LX behaves with a light responsiveness that approaches enjoyable on secondary roads with its nicely absorbent ride, middling noise levels from the drivetrain and suspension, and steering feel that is neither too light at cruising speeds nor too heavy when the tight 10.6-metre turning circle is being put to use.

The 17-inch alloy wheels and the 215/55R17 tyres are down on the aforementioned competitors but, with the MacPherson strut front/torsion beam rear suspension, they do a respectable job of keeping the Honda HR-V on line.

If you’re either an empty-nester with only the occasional need to carry more than two passengers, or you’re a young family, maybe with two kids, there’s little the Honda HR-V can’t do that a larger, mid-size SUV will.

Despite being around for six years, Honda’s smallest SUV proves that sound, practical design usually triumphs in a market segment where pragmatic needs tend to rule over flamboyant showmanship.

That said, the 2021 Honda HR-V still looks relatively fresh in a segment where impressive newcomers such as the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 abound. It’s not cutting-edge, but it’s not yet passe.

Apart from a few annoyances in cabin functionality and the absence of inbuilt sat-nav, the Honda HR-V, at VTi-LX level, combines value for money with acceptable safety tech levels and the ability to span the size gap between small and medium SUVs.

Little wonder that the Honda HR-V has settled into a position as one of the company’s core models as the brand embarks on a new era in Australia.

How much does the 2021 Honda HR-V VTi-LX cost?
Price: $36,950 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 105kW/172Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 160g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)

Related: New Honda HR-V takes a bow
Related: Honda HR-V scores Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Related: Honda HR-V RS Video Review
Related: Honda HR-V RS Review