If you’re in the market for a reliable, efficient, and durable lawn mower, Honda is one of the top names you’ll come across. With a variety of models under the HRN, HRX, HRC, and HRS series, it’s essential to understand how they compare to pick the best one for your needs.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Honda lawn mower comparison chart to help you decide which model suits your lawn size, terrain, and mowing preferences.
Honda Lawn Mower Comparison Chart
Model | Engine Type | Deck Size | Transmission Type | Cutting Height Range | Start Type | Features | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HRN216PKA | GCV170 | 21″ | Push | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | 3-in-1 Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Auto Choke | Small yards |
HRN216VKA | GCV170 | 21″ | Smart Drive, Variable | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | 3-in-1 Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Auto Choke | Medium yards |
HRN216VLA | GCV170 | 21″ | Smart Drive, Variable | 1″ – 4″ | Electric | 3-in-1 Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Electric Start, Auto Choke | Convenience-focused users |
HRN216VYA | GCV170 | 21″ | Smart Drive, Variable | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | 3-in-1 Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Roto-Stop, Auto Choke | Families with kids |
HRX217K6VKA | GCV200 | 21″ | Select Drive, Variable | 0.75″ – 4″ | Recoil | 4-in-1 Versamow, NeXite Deck, MicroCut Twin Blades | Premium residential |
HRX217K6VYA | GCV200 | 21″ | Select Drive, Variable | 0.75″ – 4″ | Recoil | 4-in-1 Versamow, NeXite Deck, Roto-Stop, MicroCut Twin Blades | Safety + versatility |
HRX217K6HYA | GCV200 | 21″ | Hydrostatic Cruise Control | 0.75″ – 4″ | Recoil | 4-in-1 Versamow, NeXite Deck, Roto-Stop, MicroCut Twin Blades | Hills, thick grass |
HRX217K6HZA | GCV200 | 21″ | Hydrostatic Cruise Control | 0.75″ – 4″ | Electric | 4-in-1 Versamow, NeXite Deck, Roto-Stop, Electric Start, MicroCut Twin Blades | Premium + convenience |
HRS216PKA | GCV160 | 21″ | Push | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | Side Discharge, Mulching (optional), MicroCut Twin Blades (optional) | Budget-conscious users |
HRS216SKA | GCV160 | 21″ | Self-Propelled, Single Speed | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | Side Discharge, Mulching (optional), MicroCut Twin Blades (optional) | Flat, open lawns |
HRC216K3PDA | GCV160 | 21″ | Push | 0.75″ – 4″ | Recoil | Commercial, MicroCut Twin Blades, Steel Deck | Commercial manual use |
HRC216K3HDA | GCV160 | 21″ | Hydrostatic, Self-Propelled | 0.75″ – 4″ | Recoil | Commercial, MicroCut Twin Blades, Roto-Stop, Steel Deck | Landscaping businesses |
HRC216K3HXA | GCV160 | 21″ | Hydrostatic, Self-Propelled | 0.75″ – 4″ | Recoil | Commercial, MicroCut Twin Blades, Roto-Stop, Steel Deck | Professional landscaping |
HRM310 (Miimo) | Brushless Electric | 8.7″ | Robotic | 0.8″ – 2.4″ | Auto | GPS Tracking, Auto Charging, Smartphone App Control | Small autonomous yards |
HRM520 (Miimo) | Brushless Electric | 8.7″ | Robotic | 0.8″ – 2.4″ | Auto | GPS Tracking, Auto Charging, Smartphone App Control, Larger Area | Large autonomous yards |
HRM1500 (Miimo) | Brushless Electric | 11.8″ | Robotic | 0.8″ – 2.4″ | Auto | GPS, Auto Charging, App Control, Boundary Wire Navigation | Medium autonomous yards |
HRS1332VKA | GCV170 | 32″ | Smart Drive, Variable | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | 3-in-1 Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Wide Deck | Large residential lawns |
HRT216K1S3A | GCV170 | 21″ | Self-Propelled, Single Speed | 1″ – 4″ | Recoil | 3-in-1 Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Steel Deck | Budget self-propelled |
Related Honda Lawn Mower Oil Capacity Chart(For All Models)
Why Choose a Honda Lawn Mower?
Honda lawn mowers are equipped with:
- Reliable Honda GCV or GX engines
- Advanced cutting systems like MicroCut twin blades
- Variable-speed Smart Drive or hydrostatic cruise control
- Superior mulching, bagging, and discharge performance
Honda Series Overview
HRN Series (Homeowners)
- Perfect for residential use
- Affordable, efficient, with Smart Drive and GCV170 engines
- 3-in-1 mowing options: bagging, mulching, and discharge
HRX Series (Premium Residential)
- Top-tier performance with GCV200 engines
- Nexite deck (lifetime warranty, rust-free)
- Versamow system lets you control the mulch/bag ratio
- Roto-Stop blade clutch is standard on most models
HRS Series (Budget Friendly)
- Simpler models, often with side discharge only
- Lightweight and fast, good for basic lawns
- Push or single-speed self-propelled options
HRC Series (Commercial)
- Built for durability and daily use
- GXV160 engines, steel decks, and hydrostatic drives
- Favored by landscapers and pros
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Key Honda Features Explained
- Smart Drive: Allows variable speed control with a thumb lever — great for maneuverability.
- Roto-Stop®: Lets you stop the blade without killing the engine. Ideal for safety and convenience.
- Versamow™ System: Lets you precisely adjust how much grass is mulched vs. bagged.
- Nexite Deck: Durable, corrosion-resistant deck material on HRX models — backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Hydrostatic Cruise Control: Premium feature in HRC and some HRX models for seamless speed adjustments.
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FAQs
Why is Honda discontinuing lawn mowers?
Honda announced in late 2023 that it would exit the lawn mower market in North America and stop production of gas-powered walk-behind lawn mowers by 2024. This decision was made due to:
- Changing market dynamics (e.g., rising popularity of battery-powered mowers)
- Increasing emissions regulations
- Shifting focus to core product areas, such as automotive, robotics, and power equipment with cleaner energy.
While Honda mowers are being phased out in terms of new production, many models are still available at dealers, and parts and service will remain supported for years.
Related John Deere Lawn Mower Comparison Chart(For All Models + Series)
What brand of lawn mower is the most reliable?
Reliability is subjective based on use and maintenance, but Honda consistently ranks at the top for walk-behind gas mowers. Other top reliable brands include:
Brand | Known For |
---|---|
Honda | Engine durability, smooth performance |
Toro | Smart innovations, personal pace, mulching |
EGO | Best-in-class battery mowers |
Craftsman | Good balance of price and features |
John Deere | Premium riding mowers |
Honda’s GCV and GXV engines are particularly well-regarded for their longevity and minimal maintenance issues.
What is the difference between Honda HRC and HRN?
Feature | HRC Series (Commercial) | HRN Series (Residential) |
---|---|---|
Target User | Professional landscapers | Homeowners |
Engine | GXV160 (commercial-grade) | GCV170 (residential-grade) |
Deck Material | Heavy-duty steel | Stamped steel |
Durability | Built for daily use | Occasional/weekly home use |
Transmission | Hydrostatic/self-propelled | Smart Drive (variable speed) |
Blade Stop (Roto-Stop®) | Included in HXA model | Available in select models |
Price | More expensive | Affordable |
Bottom line: If you’re mowing commercially or frequently, go with HRC. For weekend yard work, HRN is perfect.
What is the top of the line Honda mower?
The top-of-the-line Honda lawn mower is the HRX217HZA.
Why it’s the best:
- GCV200 engine (more powerful than the HRN’s GCV170)
- Nexite deck (lifetime warranty, rust-free)
- Hydrostatic cruise control
- Roto-Stop® blade stop system
- Electric start
- 4-in-1 Versamow system (mulch, bag, discharge, shred leaves)
It’s Honda’s most feature-rich residential mower and offers maximum convenience, performance, and durability.
Is it worth buying a Honda lawn mower?
Yes, absolutely, if you can still get one. Here’s why:
- Legendary reliability: Honda engines are built to last
- Superior cutting quality: Twin blades give finer mulch and clean cuts
- Easy maintenance: Fewer breakdowns, great parts availability
- Strong resale value: Even used Honda mowers fetch a good price
With Honda exiting the mower market, now is a good time to buy while stock is still available.