2021 Honda HR-V Old vs New: Spot the differences

The Honda HR-V subcompact crossover has been around since 2013. Here in the Philippines, it was launched six years ago in 2015, and a facelifted version then followed in 2018.

Now that it’s 2021, the all-new third-generation HR-V was unveiled in Japan. The new model will then be launched in the same country by April.

With the local crossover segment being as competitive as it is locally, it is highly likely that it’s going to see a local release as well. So how does the third-gen Honda HR-V differ from the currently available second-generation HR-V? Let’s find out.

2021 Honda HR-V Old vs New: Exterior

From the outside, the new Honda HR-V looks more modern. Moreover, it might be the herald of a totally new Honda design language as its new front fascia is unlike any of the current models available locally including the outgoing HR-V.

From the front, one can see that the single, large, and recognizable chrome slat above the old black-colored grille is gone. Replacing that is a sleeker, horizontally oriented series of thin slats, at the center of which is the Honda logo. Instead of chrome or black, the new grille follows the main body color of the car.

Compare the old HR-V (right) against the new HR-V (left) using this slider

>>> Related: 2021 Honda HR-V debuts with new sleek look

Flanking the new grille is a pair of sleek headlamps, and down below is a honeycomb mesh-type lower bumper. The outgoing HR-V does have a mesh grille but it was positioned higher up, close to the chrome slat.

From the side, the new HR-V also does away with sloping roof-line from the second-gen model and replacing it is a straighter roof. This might mean more headroom for rear passengers, but the straighter design offers a simpler, but more elegant-looking shape.

Towards the rear, the new HR-V retains some details from the outgoing model. It still has the black-colored lower rear bumper, which is a part of the HR-V's body cladding. The taillights are now linked together via an LED strip bisecting the width of the crossover’s rear end. The taillights themselves are slimmer and continue the new HR-V's simple but elegant theme.

The new HR-V (left) features a straighter roof-line

2021 Honda HR-V Old vs New: Interior

Inside, the new HR-V has been revamped to provide a simpler, slimmer dashboard. The steering wheel also follows the design of the new Honda models, and the 9-inch touchscreen assumes the current “floating-type” trend in infotainment systems. This is in contrast to the old one’s headunit which featured a more traditional position in the center of the dash.

Moving on to the air-conditioning vents, the round-shaped ones on top of the dash, and the quirky triangular main vents found on the old HR-V are both replaced by sleeker vents. These are seamlessly incorporated into the minimalist dashboard design and are more uniform-looking than the ones on the outgoing model.

The minimalist theme continues in the third-gen HR-V's (left) interior

As per usual, the rear seats can be folded down for more space, but one can now fold the seat bases up as you with chairs found in a theater or cinema. These offer extra space, without the need to fold them flat entirely.

For now, there aren’t many details regarding interior gadgets and toys, but we do know that the new HR-V will feature a lot of connectivity features. According to reports, it might even get a similar system to the Honda e. Beyond that, we’ll have to wait for more information from Honda.

Currently, the locally available HR-V already features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offline navigation, cruise control, a six-piece speaker system, among others.

>>> Related: Honda to roll out first mass-produced EV with 300 km range

2021 Honda HR-V Old vs New: Engine

The outgoing Honda HR-V is propelled by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that produces up to 140 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. It uses a front-wheel-drive drivetrain, and power is handled by a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

As for the new one, it gets a smaller 1.5-liter mill. Not much is known about this new engine, but reports are saying that it will also use a CVT, which will also send power to the front wheels.

Info on the engine is slim, but let's compare the old (right) and the new one's (left) rear ends

>>> Related: All-new Honda HR-V to have floating touchscreen, panoramic sunroof

There’s also a hybrid drivetrain option that will use the internal combustion component (the same 1.5-liter mill) to charge the car’s batteries. These in turn will power a synchronous electric motor. Again, not much is known about this motor.

Once the new Honda HR-V finds its way to the Philippines, then we’re guessing that it’ll sit as a premium option in the subcompact crossover segment. Read the latest updates on this new model, as well other news from the automotive industry, here on Philkotse.com.