In-depth reviews

Honda HR-V SUV - Practicality & boot space

Space for passengers is decent, but boot space is poor

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.4 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Practicality & boot space Rating

3.0 out of 5

Honda's HR-V sits above the Jazz but beneath the CR-V in its model lineup, while rivalling the Ford Puma. This means it offers more space than a supermini for growing families but is unlikely to satisfy DIY enthusiasts or anyone who likes to fill the car with bulky sports equipment.

Honda HR-V interior space & storage

The HR-V has a lower roofline than before (by around 20mm) but this hasn't had too much of a negative impact on headroom. Thanks to the battery under the boot, rather than within the car's floor, the manufacturer has managed to retain decent height within the interior. It has also boosted rear legroom by 35mm and tall passengers are well accommodated, with adequate knee room.

Boot space

The negative aspect of Honda’s approach to the location and packaging of the battery is the effect on boot capacity, which is just 319 litres in the HR-V. This is 32% less than the old model and 103 litres smaller than the Nissan Juke offers, so could prove a sticking point for some buyers. 

One redeeming feature is Honda's Magic Seats, which allows you to fold the rear seats into the floor to liberate 1,289 litres of space or flip the seat bases upwards (like the chair in a sports stadium) to provide a tall space in the second row.

Towing

Honda hasn't released a towing figure for the HR-V yet but its hybrid powertrain is likely to limit its abilities here, so we wouldn't expect it to be able to tow a large caravan or heavy trailer. 

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Recommended

Honda HR-V SUV review
2021 Honda HR-V
In-depth reviews
1 May 2023

Honda HR-V SUV review

Have You Considered

Toyota Yaris Cross review - economical and reliable small SUV
Toyota Yaris Cross
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2023

Toyota Yaris Cross review - economical and reliable small SUV

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space
Toyota C-HR
In-depth reviews
9 Nov 2023

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Tesla Cybertruck finally delivered: specs, prices and UK availability
Tesla Cybertruck side view
News
1 Dec 2023

Tesla Cybertruck finally delivered: specs, prices and UK availability

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
1 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023