SUV based on the Fit did not have the same charisma as the minivan, but it carries very similar qualities to be a used car option
The Honda WR-V has once again attracted attention in its new generation. But the first phase of the crossover, although nowhere near the current one, deserves a lot of attention when we talk about good used car options.
SEE ALSO:
It’s okay that the first Honda WR-V was nothing more than a derivation of the Fit with the desire to be an SUV. For this reason, it carries several qualities of the compact minivan.
In this way, we will focus on the Honda WR-V 2021, a good used car option with interesting space, a good dose of equipment and the mechanical reliability of the Japanese brand.
See now 10 facts about the Honda WR-V 2021.
Launched at the 2016 São Paulo Motor Show, the crossover hit stores in 2017 with a clear mission: to be the adventurous option for emerging markets and for those who thought the Fit was too “well-behaved”, and the HR-V too expensive.
The model has not undergone major mutations throughout its short history. In 2019, it gained pampering such as automatic air conditioning and electrically folding mirrors in the top-of-the-line EXL version.
In 2021, Honda gave the WR-V one last breath: a slight facelift and, finally, started to equip the crossover with electronic stability and traction controls, in addition to ramp climb assistant.
But there wasn’t even time for the people who charged for the safety equipment to wet their beaks: in 2022, the WR-V was discontinued.
The second generation was only released recently, almost four years later. It’s quite different. The current WR-V is now based on the Elevate sold in Asian markets, is boxier, larger and even has more trunk than the HR-V.
The first WR-V may have a Japanese brand, but the accent is Brazilian. It was the first project led by Honda’s research and development (R&D) team in Brazil, in Sumaré (SP).
The idea was to take advantage of the good reputation and drivability of the Fit platform and give it a robustness to face our streets with very unfriendly asphalt.
Do you know that quiet and predictable performance of Fit, City and company? In the Honda WR-V the proposal is the same…
The 1.5 16V engine delivers 116 hp and the CVT gearbox has that “waxing” behavior (the rev goes up and stays high while the speed gradually increases). According to Honda data, the first-generation WR-V does 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds.
The resumptions are also “more of the same”. The maximum torque of 15,3 kgfm only appears at 4.600 rpm. In other words, it is a car made for peace of mind, not for visceral overtaking.
For a tall, aerodynamically unfavorable car with an already dated aspirated four-cylinder engine, the SUV is even efficient, especially in the urban cycle. See the consumption averages of the Honda WR-V by the 2021 PBEV/Inmetro table:
Very different from the Fit, the Honda WR-V has never been a sales phenomenon. In five years, there were about 63 thousand units.
Why? Many said that he was just a “Fit in high heels”. The doors were identical, and the rear had a look that divided opinions.
If on the outside it is controversial, on the inside it is unbeatable in the compact SUV segment. Precisely thanks to the inheritances he brought from Fit.
Starting with the Magic Seat (or Ultra Seat) system, you can configure the seats in countless ways. You can take it from a tall floor plan to create a “bed” with the front seats.
In addition, with a wheelbase of 2.55 meters, it accommodates a small family with a comfort that many larger SUVs do not offer – to this day.
If you have your eye on a used one, focus on the Honda WR-V EXL 2021. It is the top-of-the-line version of the last year of production of the compact crossover. At KBB Brasil, it has an Average Reseller Price of R$ 97.957 (price in March 2026).
In safety, it offers stability, traction and hill climb controls, six airbags, reversing camera, daytime running lights and Isofix. The multimedia center uses a 7″ screen and features GPS, CD player, USB socket, in addition to allowing cell phone mirroring.
In addition, the Honda WR-V EXL 2021 is also equipped with automatic air conditioning, electrically folding mirrors, leather upholstery, electric trio, steering wheel height and depth adjustments and cruise control.
The WR-V has that reputation for unbreakability inherent in every Honda, but revisions at the dealership can be scary. In the independent market, the pieces have fair prices.
Believe me, it’s hard to find common problems when talking about this first generation of the Honda WR-V. Even so, there are frequent reports from owners about valve clearances and electrical breakdowns in the compact SUV.
Some owners also tend to report defects in the multimedia center. When buying a used WR-V, observe if when running it makes unusual noises in the front suspension and check if the CVT transmission oil change was done within 40 thousand km.
