Honda CR-V Interior Space and Cargo Test

 The Honda CR-V has long been a favorite in the compact SUV segment, especially among families and urban commuters who value practicality. With the 2025 model continuing the sixth-generation redesign, many buyers are curious — how much space do you actually get inside? Is it enough for road trips, daily hauls, or family life?

We spent time inside the CR-V, measuring its cabin comfort and putting the cargo area to a real-world test. Here’s how it performed.

Interior Space: Roomy, Refined, and Family-Friendly

Front Seat Comfort and Layout

Right up front, the Honda CR-V feels airy and open. The dash is sleek and low-profile, giving a wide field of view. Driver and passenger seats offer plenty of headroom (over 40 inches) and shoulder room, even for taller individuals. The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat in higher trims allows for personalized comfort, and seat bolstering strikes a great balance between support and softness.

The center console is cleverly designed, with deep storage bins and cupholders that actually hold big bottles — not just small coffees. Honda also includes a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports in both the front and rear rows.

Rear Seat Space: Best in Class?

The CR-V has always been generous with rear passenger room, and the latest model continues that tradition. You get a massive 41 inches of legroom in the second row — that’s nearly mid-size SUV territory. This makes it one of the most comfortable back seats in its class.

The seats recline and slide, giving rear passengers the ability to stretch out on longer drives. There’s also a flat floor in the rear, meaning the middle seat isn’t a punishment. This setup is perfect for growing families or ride-share drivers who regularly carry adults in the back.

Cargo Space: Real-World Hauling Power

Measured Storage Capacity

Behind the rear seats, the CR-V offers up to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space — already among the most in the segment. Fold the second-row seats flat, and you unlock a whopping 76.5 cubic feet of total cargo room. Those numbers are impressive on paper, but what do they mean in practice?

What We Fit in the Trunk

We tested the CR-V’s cargo capacity with a real-world packing scenario. Here’s what we were able to load behind the second-row seats (no folding required):

• A full-size stroller

• Two carry-on suitcases

• A large backpack

• A week’s worth of groceries

• A folded camp chair

• Two shoe boxes and a laptop bag

Even with all that, we still had visibility out the rear window and space left over. The load floor is low and wide, making it easy to slide heavy items in without strain. The rear hatch opens tall, and with hands-free power operation available on higher trims, it’s great for when your hands are full.

Folding the Seats Down

Folding the rear seats creates a flat load floor, and the process is easy — just pull the levers located in the cargo area. We loaded:

• A 6-foot folding table

• A 55-inch flat screen TV (boxed)

• A mountain bike (with front wheel removed)

• A large rolling suitcase and duffel bag combo

Everything fit with room to spare, and the tall roofline meant no awkward angling. Compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, the CR-V’s cargo area feels deeper and more accessible.

Storage and Small-Item Flexibility

Beyond big cargo, Honda designed the CR-V with tons of smart cubbies and trays. You get:

• A deep center bin that can hold a small purse or tablet

• Oversized door pockets that easily hold 32 oz water bottles

• Two glove compartments (in some trims)

• Rear seatback pockets and a fold-down armrest with cupholders

These thoughtful touches add up to make everyday driving more convenient, especially for busy families or frequent travelers.

Interior Materials and Practical Design

The CR-V’s interior isn’t just spacious — it feels upscale. Soft-touch surfaces, a honeycomb mesh dash design, and well-placed controls create a refined cabin environment. Cloth seats are standard, but the EX-L and Sport Touring trims get plush leather upholstery and heating functions for front passengers.

Everything is designed with real-world use in mind. Materials are durable and easy to wipe down, and nothing feels too fragile or prone to scratching.

Final Verdict: Spacious, Versatile, and Well-Designed

After testing the Honda CR-V’s interior space and cargo capacity, it’s clear why this SUV remains a top seller. It offers more rear legroom than many competitors, a cargo area that punches above its weight, and a thoughtfully designed cabin that adapts to your daily needs.

Whether you're running errands, heading to the airport, or packing for a camping weekend, the CR-V handles it all without breaking a sweat. It’s one of the few compact SUVs that truly feels ready for anything.