Finding the perfect vehicle for carrying passengers and pulling a camper led me to look at several compact SUVs. Overall, most SUVs of this size and price are a lot alike.
One feature that matters to me is the vehicle’s cargo capacity; that is how I tailored my search for the perfect compact SUV.
What Is The Cargo Capacity On A Honda CR-V?
For the 2022 CR-V, the space behind the back seat is 39.2 cubic feet. There are 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space available with the seats folded. The CR-V towing capacity is 1500 pounds.
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Cargo space and towing power will vary from one compact SUV to the next.
When all-wheel drive is added to the mix, towing capacity and the vehicle’s stability will often increase.
Honda CR-V Compact SUV Dimensions & Capacities
In its 6th generation of development, the Honda CR-V has been sold in the U.S. since 1998. As with the evolution of some vehicles, the CR-V has grown slightly over the years.
As a result, the 2022 model has more features per trim level than any CR-V that has been produced before.
Dimensions and capacities of the 1998 Honda CR-V
This information is for the first generation of CR-Vs. Today’s models are a little more powerful and larger, can carry more cargo, pull a larger trailer, and get better gas mileage.
However, if you come across a low-mileage, vintage CR-V, get it because it is now a classic.
| Length | 177.6 inches |
| Height | 65.9 inches |
| Width | 68.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 103.2 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 29.6 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 67.0 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3235 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1000 pounds |
| Roof rack weight capacity | 165 pounds |
Dimensions and capacities of the 2022 Honda CR-V
The 2022 Honda CR-V is taller, wider, and longer and has more power than the first-generation model that debuted in 1998. It is also slightly heavier.
However, the gas mileage of the newer models is noticeably better than earlier models of the CR-V.
| Length | 182.1 inches |
| Height | 66.1inches |
| Width | 73 inches |
| Wheelbase | 104.8 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 39.2 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 75.8 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3337 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Roof rack weight capacity | 165 pounds |
As you see, the Honda CR-V has grown slightly over the years. Due to leading technology, however, it gained less than 100 pounds then.
And, although the engines’ size, cargo capacity, and power have increased from each model to the next, the fuel mileage has not.
Standard all-wheel-drive is a great selling point, and even with it as a standard feature, the Honda CR-V keeps its weight on the low end compared to its competitors.
How much cargo space do similar compact SUVs have?
Compact SUVs, like the Honda CR-V, are similar in size, features, and price. However, each has its personality; the trick is finding one that fits your persona and transportation needs.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 hit the streets of the United States in 1994 and was the same car until 2001 when the 2nd generation arrived.
As a result of its age and development, the RAV4 is the best seller in the compact SUV sector, closely trailed by the CR-V.
Now in its fifth generation of development, the Toyota RAV4 is an older concept than the Honda CR-V.
However, the newest generation gives Honda something new to compete with.
| Length | 180.9 inches |
| Height | 67.0 inches |
| Width | 73 inches |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 37.6 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3337 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Roof rack weight capacity | 165 pounds |
Mazda CX5
The Mazda CX5 is only in its second generation and began showing up on the road in 2012. Mazda, like Toyota and Honda, has an excellent reputation for reliability.
In this lineup of compact SUVs, the CX5 came in 3rd place and was Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in 2021.
| Length | 180.1 inches |
| Height | 66.1 inches |
| Width | 83.3 inches |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 30.8 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 59.3 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3717 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Roof rack weight capacity | 165 pounds |
Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox entered the compact SUV world in 2005.
The first and second-generation Equinox models are midsize crossover SUVs that share their platform with the —
- Pontiac Torrent
- Cadillac SRX
- Saab 9-4X
- Suzuki XL7
- GMC Terrain
- Saturn Vue
Unlike the preceding compact SUVs in this list, Equinox’s first and second generations had up to a 3.6-liter V6 as an option.
However, the third-generation Chevy Equinox that entered the market in 2018 doesn’t share its platform with any other General Motors model.
| Length | 183.1 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 29.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 63.9 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3478 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Roof rack weight capacity | 165 pounds |
Subaru Forester
Introduced in 1997, the Forester was a departure from the standard vehicles offered by Subaru.
However, as buyers moved to Toyota RAV4s and later the Honda CR-V, they saw the need to build a competitively styled all-wheel-drive compact SUV.
As with the other models, the Forester has become more refined. Now in its fifth generation of development, Subaru added the Forester Wilderness, which offers 9.2 inches of ground clearance, the best in the class.
However, it does not have quite as much cargo capacity as the CR-V.
At its heart, though, it is still a Subaru, and the Forester has become very popular through the years.
| Length | 182.7 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches |
| Width | 71.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 28.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 74.2 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3354 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Towing capacity in Wilderness Trim | 3000 pounds |
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is another midsize SUV comparable in size and features to the Honda CR-V.
This Nissan model has risen to the top of the company’s best sellers, and they added more power in 2022 to keep it competitive.
In its third generation, which debuted in 2020, the Roque got a new platform and a bigger engine.
| Length | 183.0 inches |
| Height | 66.5 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 inches |
| Cargo capacity with seats | 31.6 cubic feet |
| Cargo capacity with seats stored | 74.1 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | 3452 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Roof rack weight capacity | 165 pounds |
Can you mount a rooftop box on a CR-V?
You can, and a rooftop box for your CR-V will add up to another 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity, depending on the unit you buy.
First, however, you must abide by the 165-pound capacity of your Honda’s roof.
When calculating the weight, it includes the rooftop box’s weight and the gear you put in it.
Roof racks and rooftop boxes will change the center of gravity of your already tall vehicle. In addition, overweighing the rooftop can make rollovers easier because your vehicle can become top-heavy and add more windage.
How big a trailer can it tow?
The Honda CR-V can tow up to 1500 pounds. This capacity means you can tow a boat, travel trailer, or utility trailer that weighs up to 1500 pounds of loaded weight.
When estimating the weight of your trailer, include anything you have put on board, including groceries, water, and gear.
The same applies to towing a boat. The boat trailer, fuel, and gear should not weigh over 1500 pounds.
Which CR-V model has the most cargo space?
The sixth generation CR-V, which came out in 2022, has more cargo space than the previous models. It also has the highest-rated cargo room in its class.
The Honda CR-V has the best in its class cargo capacity.
The above information reveals how close in size compact SUVs are. The differences come down to who makes them, how they handle themselves when being driven, whether they are dependable, and whether they will outlast the warranty.
For cargo capacity, the CR-V is the best in its class, made by Honda, and is known for being a dependable vehicle.
Although the other compact SUVs are competitive on the price and features of the Honda CR-V, the only way to find which suits you best is to drive one.
