Is the 2021 Honda HR-V Copying the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2021 Honda HR-V is getting a total redesign. Currently, it has a compact wagon shape that is similar to the way that the Subaru Crosstrek looks. The Honda HR-V shed its hatchback design for a more modern look, and we can’t help but wonder if it’s based on the Subaru Crosstrek that has been sporting that design for a while now.
What did the Honda HR-V borrow from the Subaru Crosstrek?
The Honda HR-V used to have a curving roof that met a flat backside to be a sporty little hatchback for running errands. The hatchback design was focused on the Honda Fit, which was successful back in its day.
However, as hatchback models became less and less popular, the Honda HR-V seems to gain a shape that’s more similar to the Subaru Crosstrek. Currently, you hear more about wagons than hatchbacks, so this was a smart design move.
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But for 2021, will the Honda HR-V continue to have a longer roof that slopes toward the back bumper? Some rumors suggest that the Honda HR-V could become boxier, like a miniature Honda CR-V instead.
We don’t see the Honda HR-V getting boxier, as people already love it’s clean, simple design. Plus, the curves of a wagon provide better aerodynamics to improve fuel economy. Honda is often stereotyped for having a better fuel economy, so we don’t see them reshaping the HR-V into something that would decrease it.
What to expect for the 2021 Honda HR-V
We hope that the Honda HR-V gets more power for 2021 like the Subaru Crosstrek is getting. Currently, the Honda HR-V comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque.
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek also has a weak base model engine. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek will have the option to upgrade to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine for 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
There is also the hybrid powertrain option available for the Crosstrek that provides 17 miles of range before gas kicks in if the HR-V gets the 1.5-liter engine that’s currently in the Civic with 170 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Honda HR-V is also expected to carry over its all-wheel-drive system that’s coupled with a CVT gearbox. The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with AWD, so you don’t have to pay to upgrade it.
2021 Honda HR-V features
The Honda HR-V is a top safety pick, but most of the safety features come with the higher trim models. Meanwhile, the 2020 Crosstrek has a variety of safety features that come standard. Also, the 2021 HR-V will hopefully add more modern safety features such as adaptive cruise control.
In terms of tech, the Honda HR-V is expected to have a 7″ infotainment center that can connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is no mention of a digital cluster display and head’s up display.
We will learn more about the 2021 Honda HR-V as the fall approaches. Pricing is expected to start around $22k and hopefully won’t stray far from the 2020 model’s costs. This move would be similar to the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, even though the hybrid powertrain drives the price up to $36k.
