The 2021 Honda HR-V is the brand’s smallest and cheapest crossover. For 2021, the HR-V doesn’t receive any significant changes, making it almost indistinguishable from previous years. Regardless, the HR-V‘s low starting price of $21,020 and compelling available options list make it an option worth considering. We’ll be going through all of the available trim levels and standard features to determine which HR-V is the one to buy.

The 2021 Honda HR-V starts at $21,020

With a starting price of $21,020, the 2021 Honda HR-V indeed sits at the cheaper end of the car market. According to Honda, the base trim level is the LX and offers standard features such as a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth audio streaming, and 17-inch wheels. Power comes from a 141-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. In terms of standard equipment, the LX is relatively barren.

Sitting above the LX is the Sport trim for $22,970 which is perhaps the best-looking Honda HR-V with black accents throughout. 18-inch black wheels come as standard as do Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the sporty side of things, dual paddle shifters are included to simulate the shifts of a traditional automatic transmission. While it may look the best, it lacks some crucial equipment offered by slightly more expensive trim levels.

It is important to note that these and all trim levels require a mandatory $1,120 destination charge. All of the HR-V’s trim levels can include all-wheel-drive if optioned.

The EX-L AWD is the most expensive at $27,320

The range-topping Honda HR-V is the EX-L for $25,820. The EX-L trim offers luxury features such as leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 180-watt audio system.

Aside from the luxury-oriented extras, the EX-L includes the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. Amongst the most notable are Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control, to name a few. While this system is standard on most new Honda models, it is an option you’ll want to opt for if you choose the HR-V.

Aside from these add-ons, the EX-L includes everything from the previous trim levels. Like in all of the other trim levels, AWD is available for an additional $1,500. Add up all of the available options and the HR-V tops out at $31,401.

The EX is the one to buy at $24,220

If the Honda HR-V EX-L seems expensive for what you get, that’s because it is. If you have your heart set on an HR-V, then the midrange EX trim level is the one to get. For $24,220, the EX includes the aforementioned Honda Sensing security system. On top of the safety tech, the EX includes heated front seats, a power moonroof, and keyless entry.

An inexpensive crossover should remain relatively inexpensive. In this type of vehicle, it’s best to skip on the aesthetic extras and focus on core standard features. Below $25,000 the Honda HR-V makes sense. At $31,000+ there are larger and better-equipped options for the money.