Honda told its US dealers on October 3, 2022 that it would end lawn mower production, and gas mower production at its North Carolina plant stopped in September 2023 (Rural Lifestyle Dealer). Leftover stock was sold through 2024. Honda returned with battery-powered walk-behind mowers in November 2025 (Honda News), but the gas HRX217VKA is not coming back. This review is preserved for owners and those buying used. See our current top mower picks →
Honda HRX217VKA Review: The Gold Standard of Lawn Mowers
What Honda's specifications and owner's manual tell you about this premium gas mower
Reviewed by Anton Schwarz
This is a research-based review. We have not tested the HRX217VKA hands-on. It is compiled from Honda's published specifications, the HRX217VKA owner's manual, and published independent reviews.
Quick Verdict
The Honda HRX217VKA is the best overall lawn mower for homeowners who want premium quality and are willing to pay for it. It combines exceptional build quality, powerful performance, and innovative features like the Versamow mulching system.
✓ What We Love
- Twin MicroCut blades: Two stacked blades built to cut clippings finer for mulching
- Versamow system: Clip director splits clippings between bag and mulch without swapping parts
- NeXite deck: Composite deck that will not rust like a steel deck can
- Auto choke: No manual choke or primer to set before a recoil start
- Self-propel: Select Drive variable speed from 0 to 4 mph
- Ball-bearing wheels: 9" wheels on all four corners
- 4-in-1 functions: Mulch, bag, leaf shred, or discharge
⚠ What Could Be Better
- Premium price: At $699*, it's 2-3x more expensive than budget options
- Weight: 89 lb dry weight makes it heavy to maneuver around tight spaces
- Deck width: 21" is standard but larger decks exist for bigger properties
- Gas-powered: Requires regular maintenance and fuel costs
- No electric start: Manual recoil start only (though very reliable)
- Storage size: Doesn't fold down, needs adequate garage space
Detailed Analysis
🔧 Build Quality & Construction
The HRX217VKA uses Honda's NeXite deck, a composite material rather than stamped steel, so the deck cannot rust through. The wheels are 9-inch plastic wheels with ball bearings. Honda covered the mower with a 5-year residential warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty.
🎯 Versamow Mulching System
Honda's Versamow system is genuinely innovative. Unlike traditional mulching mowers that require blade changes or plug installations, the Versamow uses a clip director lever that lets you adjust mulching/bagging ratio on the fly. Want 100% mulch? Move the lever all the way. Want to bag everything? Move it the other direction. Want a 50/50 split? Set it in the middle.
The twin MicroCut blades sit under the deck as a stacked pair. Honda designed them to cut each clipping more than once before it drops back into the lawn.
⚡ Engine & Power
Later HRX217VKA units use the Honda GCV200 engine. The earlier HRX217K5VKA used the 186cc GCV190, per its owner's manual. Both start with a recoil pull and an automatic choke. Honda's manual calls for unleaded fuel rated 86 pump octane or higher with no more than 10% ethanol.
🚶 Ease of Use & Comfort
The Select Drive variable speed transmission sets ground speed anywhere from 0 to 4 mph. Unlike cheaper self-propel systems with fixed speeds, you can match the mower to your walking pace.
💰 Value
At $699*, this is undeniably expensive compared to $200-300* budget mowers. Honda has also ended gas mower production. Before paying a premium for a used or leftover unit, confirm that a local Honda dealer can still supply blades, filters, and drive parts.
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda HRX217VKA worth the price?
For buyers who find one used or as leftover stock, it can be. Honda backed it with a 5-year residential warranty, and the Versamow clip director lets you split clippings between the bag and mulching without swapping parts. Honda ended gas mower production in 2023, so check that a local Honda dealer can still supply parts before you pay a premium.
How does the Versamow system work?
The Versamow system uses a special dual-blade design with a clip director that allows you to mulch, bag, discharge, or do a combination without changing blades or attachments. Simply adjust the lever on the fly.
What size lawn is the HRX217VKA best for?
The HRX217VKA is ideal for lawns between 1/4 acre to 1 acre. The 21-inch cutting deck and self-propel system make it efficient for medium to large residential lawns.
How often does it need maintenance?
Honda's owner's manual says to change the oil after the first 5 hours, then every 50 hours or 6 months. Clean the air filter after the first 25 hours, then every 50 hours or 6 months, and replace it every 2 years or 150 hours. Check the spark plug every year or 100 hours and replace it every 2 years or 150 hours. Inspect the blades before each use.
Can I use regular gas or does it need premium?
Regular unleaded is fine. Honda's owner's manual calls for a pump octane rating of 86 or higher, so premium is not required. Do not use fuel with more than 10% ethanol (E10).
Final Recommendation
Who Should Buy This Mower
- Homeowners with 1/4 to 1 acre lawns who want the best cut quality
- Anyone who values long-term reliability over initial price savings
- Lawn enthusiasts who want professional-looking results with striping
- People who prefer gas power over battery or manual options
- Those who want a recoil start with an automatic choke
Who Should Consider Alternatives
- Budget-conscious buyers - see the lower-priced current models in our lawn mower roundup
- Lawns under 1/4 acre - may be overkill for very small properties
- Environmentally conscious users - consider the EGO Power+ electric instead
- Those with limited storage - it's bulky at 89 lb dry weight
- Seniors or those with mobility issues - the weight may be challenging
The Amazon listing for this mower showed "Currently unavailable" when checked on September 13, 2026.
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