So here's a sentence I never thought I'd write: Honda doesn't make gas-powered lawn mowers anymore. Yep, the company that basically defined reliability in the suburban yard care world pulled the plug on internal combustion at the end of 2024. And honestly? That's kind of a big deal.
I've been thinking about this transition a lot lately. My neighbor still has a Honda gas mower from the early 2000s that starts on the first pull every single time. These things were practically indestructible. So when I heard Honda was going all-in on battery power, I was curious and cautiously optimistic.
Now I've spent some quality time with their flagship residential model, the HRX-BE, and I have thoughts.
The Good News: It Still Cuts Like a Honda
Let me start with what Honda got right, because they did get some things very right. The actual cutting performance? Absolutely phenomenal. This thing has that signature Honda quality of cut that their gas models were famous for—clean, even, almost surgical.
I tested it after coming back from a vacation where my lawn basically turned into a jungle. You know that moment when you're dreading the first mow after time away? This mower chewed through that overgrown mess like it was nothing. No stalling, no bogging down, just smooth sailing.
The dual-blade system they use (a hallmark of the HRX line) really does deliver that premium cut. And the composite deck—same design they've used for years—is solid and well-built. I appreciate that they didn't try to reinvent the wheel here. If it ain't broke, right?
The Not-So-Good News: Someone Dropped the Ball on Design
Okay, here's where I get a little frustrated. This mower costs $1,300. With a second battery (which you basically need for any real yard), you're looking at nearly $1,900 out of pocket. For a 21-inch self-propelled mower. That's premium pricing, no question.
So you'd expect premium design thinking, right? Well… let's talk about these batteries.
Each 12-amp-hour battery weighs about 9 pounds. That sounds manageable, but here's the thing: there are no handles on them. They're basically just big heavy bricks. And when you want to pop them into the mower, you have to hold this little hood open on the battery compartment while sliding them in horizontally. The hood doesn't stay open on its own. It's awkward. It's frustrating. It feels like a first-generation product problem, not something from a company with Honda's reputation.
I found myself dreading the battery swap more than the actual mowing. That's not a good sign.
Storage Woes: Where Did the Thought Go?
Here's another thing that bugged me. One of the beautiful things about battery-powered mowers is how compact they can be. Many of them fold up nice and tidy and can stand vertically, taking up minimal space in your garage or shed. It's a game-changer for us suburbanites with limited storage.
The HRX-BE? Can't do it. The handles fold forward, sure, but they don't lock in place. And there's this weird rear discharge door that sticks out and prevents the whole thing from standing up vertically. It just flops around if you try to stand it.
This feels like such a squandered opportunity. Honda reused the same deck and body from their gas models, which makes sense for keeping that great cut quality, but they didn't adapt it for the realities of battery-powered storage. Come on, Honda. This would have been such an easy win.
The Price Problem
Let me talk money for a second, because I think this is important context. When Honda's gas mowers were winding down, you could snag an HRN for around $650. The new battery-powered version? About $900. And the HRX-BE I tested? Starting at $1,300.
I get that battery technology costs more, and I understand the transition is expensive. But $1,900 for a residential mower is a tough sell when there are plenty of solid alternatives that cost less and don't make battery swaps feel like a workout.
The Bottom Line
Look, I really wanted to love this mower. Honda has earned goodwill in the lawn care world through decades of rock-solid reliability. And to their credit, the cut quality is everything you'd expect from them.
But at this price point, with these design quirks, it's hard to give an unqualified recommendation. The battery handling is genuinely frustrating. The storage situation is a step backward. And while the HRX-BE delivers where it counts most (that beautiful cut), it feels like Honda rushed this to market without thinking through some fundamental user experience issues.
Maybe version 2.0 will iron out these kinks. For now, I'd say wait and see—or at least try one out in person before dropping this kind of cash.
Your lawn will still look great either way. But your blood pressure during battery swaps? That's another story.
Source: Honda Electric HRX Lawn Mower Review: Superb Cut, Flawed Design