Honda just killed the HR-V in the UK and word has it that it will also begin killing it throughout Europe. Will the US be far behind? Maybe, but there is a reason the 2021 HR-V is being removed from Honda’s product portfolio. Why did Honda just kill the HR-V?

A new model of the HR-V will be launched at the end of 2021

One reason is that a new model of the HR-V will be launched at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022. So production stopped last month. But there is also another reason for dropping the HR-V.

With new emissions standards in Europe and the UK, the HR-V did not meet emissions specs. Those started January 1, 2021, so ending production in December makes sense if it could not meet emissions. We understand a few HR-Vs can still be found at dealerships but they’re now being snapped up so supplies are dwindling.

In the US the Honda HR-V is available in four trims

In the US the Honda HR-V is available in four trims. Those are LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. The base HR-V starts out at $21,220. The top of the line EX-L starters at $26,000. Power comes from the 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder with 141 hp. In front-wheel-drive versions, a CVT transmission backs the engine. All-wheel-drive is also available for $1,500 extra. 

Last year, in spite of slow sales due to COVID-19, the Honda HR-V sold in similar numbers to other years. In 2020, it sold around 84,000. That mostly matches 2018 HR-V sales with 2019 seeing just a bit under 100,000 sold. 

The HR-V is based on the Honda Fit which has been discontinued, so it will soldier on until the all-new HR-V arrives later this year. It remains largely unchanged from when it first debuted in 2016. While an older design it still has been able to capture the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2021. Another feature is that five can ride comfortably in a segment that mostly sees seating for only four passengers.

There is plenty of cargo area with almost 60 cubic feet of space

With the rear seat folded flat, there is plenty of cargo area with almost 60 cubic feet of space. All-wheel-drive models offer slightly less space. With the rear seats in place, cargo space comes in at 24.3 cubic feet. 

Combined mileage is at 30 miles per gallon for the front-wheel-drive and 29 mpg with all-wheel-drive. The EX and EX-L come with more safety features than lower trims. You get the Honda Sensing safety bundle that includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.