The all-new 2023 Honda HR-V is a significantly different car or truck than the 1 it replaced. The outgoing, unique HR-V was based on the subcompact Fit hatchback, and among many other elements, inherited the intelligent “Magic Seat” rear floor layout that granted a large sum of cargo space relative the car’s compact footprint. Beneath the skin, the new HR-V is a Frankenstein of current-era Civic bits and preceding-technology CR-V pieces, with no Suit DNA current. That suggests you can find no extra Magic Seat. It also indicates that inspite of staying noticeably more substantial outside the house, it is not that considerably bigger within (while the back seat absolutely sure appears much more comfy).
Particularly, the specs say it has the precise very same 24.4 cubic-feet of cargo room as before. As I’ve demonstrated again and once again in these baggage exams, though, cargo volumes can be deceiving simply because it are not able to just take into thing to consider the actuality that a trunk’s shape can be much more significant than the complete quantity. If you happen to be filling the issue with ping pong balls, confident, they’d be the exact. But parts of actual stuff? Nicely, I assume you know exactly where this is going.
1st, a disclaimer: I never ever baggage-tested the outgoing HR-V, so comparisons to that ends below. But I have analyzed a considerable selection of competing subcompact and midcompact SUVs, and lots of of those people have less cargo place on paper than the new HR-V. In apply, although, the HR-V falls short thanks to the form of its cargo spot. Not only did it execute worse than quite a few competition, it could not maintain as substantially as a Honda Civic Hatchback … or sedan.
The HR-V has a aggressive sum of depth and width, but it truly is the cargo space peak that is the dilemma. A lot of of its competitors are boxy, whilst the HR-V has a a lot more sloped liftgate opening. As regular, boxy is better and sloped signifies a large amount far more inventive packing, squandered space and frustration for the dude luggage screening.
This is the angle in problem. It created it virtually unachievable to stack anything at all atop a bag at the rearmost part of the cargo region, or stack the base bag on its aspect instead than stomach.
Here’s what is heading on below the floor. As opposed to a lot of rivals, the HR-V does not offer many cargo spot heights. It would in all probability be greater if it did, as this significant foam bin matter looks fewer helpful than a number of excess inches of cargo peak.
For some reason, the HR-V cargo location is ribbed for your luggage’s pleasure.
Alright, let’s get to the baggage. As with every luggage check, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would have to have to be checked in at the airport (26 inches extensive, 16 large, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just scarcely match in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and 1 smaller sized roll-aboard that matches quickly (23L x 15W x 10D). I also consist of my wife’s fancy overnight bag just to spruce issues up a little bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
If I stored every thing to the top rated of the seat backs, as I choose to do, the fancy bag would not healthy in spite of all the surplus room you see higher than. If I had a bunch of ping pong balls, it’d be swell.
Also observe that this HR-V does not arrive with a cargo protect, so I didn’t even get to do the regular with/without comparison.
Nevertheless, I stored Tetrising …
There, everything can suit but it wasn’t quite. This was maybe the seventh check out with the tailgate sticking time and time once more, or squishing a bag (an additional Luggage Take a look at no-no).
Here is the visibility with the over cargo arrangement, so it’s nevertheless Ok and the luggage wouldn’t fly forward in the occasion of a unexpected quit.
So, how does this review?
The adhering to motor vehicles could healthy the same quantity of the baggage with superior visibility and/or better ease of loading.
Subaru Crosstrek
Nissan Kicks
Mazda CX-30 (hardly)
Honda Civic Hatchback
The adhering to SUVs could regulate far more than the HR-V, at times noticeably so.
Ford Bronco Activity
VW Taos
Kia Seltos
Only the Chevy Trax, Hyundai Kona and Audi Q3 have been even worse in my screening between subcompact and midcompact versions. Oh, and the Jeep Compass, but I have not released that just one however. Sneak preview!
This general performance is a shame, for the reason that Honda is generally these an interior packaging champ. The Accord, Civics, Pilot and CR-V (old and new, one more sneak preview!) have all finished incredibly perfectly in baggage tests, mainly by keeping a eager eye on practicality in spite of the latest generations getting more visually fascinating. The HR-V is a departure from the norm, which may possibly be fitting, as it’s also a departure visually from the present-day Honda norm.
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