carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $22,340–$29,057 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Honda HR-V Base at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,340–$29,057, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Honda HR-V Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.7/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Honda HR-V Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Honda HR-V Base ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $22,340 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 38%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda HR-V Base scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.5 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $25,286 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $24,550 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $23,813 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $23,077 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $22,340 | |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $21,604 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $20,867 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $20,131 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $19,394 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $18,658 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.