How much weight can I put in the back of my Honda HR-V?

The typical payload for a Honda HR-V falls roughly in the 900–1,100 pounds range, representing the combined weight of passengers and cargo. For an exact limit, check your vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight and subtract to find the payload specific to your model year and trim.

Know your numbers: payload explained

Understanding payload helps you avoid overloading the back seat or cargo area, which can affect braking, steering, and overall safety. The payload figure is the maximum combined weight you can carry in and on the vehicle without surpassing its design limits.

How to calculate your HR-V’s payload

To determine the maximum payload for your HR-V, you’ll subtract the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight with standard equipment and fluids, no passengers or cargo) from the GVWR (the maximum allowable weight when fully loaded). This payload includes all passengers and cargo, plus any roof load if applicable.

• Find the GVWR on the door jamb placard, the owner’s manual, or the official spec sheet. For most HR-V generations, this rating falls in the 4,300–4,500 pound range, but verify for your exact model year and trim.


• Find the curb weight (unloaded weight) from the same sources or the VIN-specific spec sheet. Typical curb weight for the HR-V is roughly 3,100–3,200 pounds, depending on drivetrain (FWD vs AWD) and trim.


• Calculate payload: payload = GVWR − curb weight. The result is the maximum combined weight you can carry in the back (and in the cabin) without exceeding the limit.


• Remember: payload accounts for all occupants plus cargo, and any roof-mounted cargo (which some ratings count separately). If you routinely haul heavy items on the roof, you may need to subtract a portion of the payload to stay within the total limit.


• Variant differences matter: AWD versions may have slightly different curb weights and GVWR than FWD models; always use the numbers specific to your vehicle.

In practice, you should avoid filling the back with heavy cargo if you have several passengers, and vice versa. Always calculate and stay under the published payload to preserve safe braking and handling.

Practical loading tips and safety considerations

Once you know your payload ceiling, follow these loading tips to maximize safety and performance when carrying weight in the HR-V’s back.

Loading guidance

• Distribute weight evenly across the cargo area and keep heavy items low and centered, ideally over or near the rear axle, to avoid rear-end instability and to preserve steering response.


• Secure all items with straps, nets, or cargo barriers to prevent shifting during cornering and braking. Loose items can become projectiles in a crash or abrupt maneuver.


• Do not exceed the available cargo space by stacking items above the back seats; if you need more room, remove passengers or use a roof rack within the vehicle’s roof-load limits.


• If you regularly haul heavy or bulky items, consider a properly rated roof rack or hitch-mounted carrier, and ensure you observe the roof-load limit (often around 100–165 pounds for many small crossovers).


• Always distribute weight to maintain tire load and adhere to tire speed rating and suspension constraints; periodically recheck loads during trips as fuel usage and movement can shift weight slightly.

Conclusion: Thoughtful loading—mindful of payload and roof limits—helps keep your HR-V performing safely on the road.

Summary

Bottom line: The back-load capacity of the Honda HR-V depends on the vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight; most models allow roughly 900–1,100 pounds of total payload. To know your exact limit, locate the door jamb placard or official spec for your year and trim, calculate payload = GVWR − curb weight, and verify with Honda’s documentation. Always distribute weight safely and consider roof-load limits when using roof racks or cargo boxes.

How much weight can you put in the back of a Honda HR-V?

So you still cannot tow with your HRV. But you have a payload capacity of 838 lb which includes the weight you can carry on top and inside with luggage.

What is the weight limit for the Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V does not have a towing capacity, but its payload capacity varies by model, with the 2026 model having a payload of 838 pounds. The vehicle's weight limit, which includes occupants and cargo, is listed on a placard inside the driver's side doorjamb and is known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Always check this placard for your specific vehicle to determine the exact weight capacity.
 
Payload vs. towing

• Payload: This is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo the vehicle can carry inside, which for the 2026 HR-V is 838 pounds. 
• Towing: This is the weight the vehicle can pull behind it. According to Honda Newsroom, the HR-V has a towing capacity of 0 pounds, meaning it is not designed for towing. 

How to find your vehicle's weight limit

1. Locate the safety and loading placard on the driver's side doorjamb. 
2. Find the "Combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed" weight listed on the placard (e.g., Xcap X𝑋 kg or Ycap Y𝑌 lbs). This is the maximum total weight for everything inside the vehicle. 
3. Add the weight of all passengers who will be in the car. 
4. Subtract the passenger weight from the total limit to find the remaining capacity for cargo and luggage. 

How much weight can HR-V hold?

passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.

What is the carrying capacity of the Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V offers 24.4 to 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to a maximum of 55.1 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This makes the HR-V's cargo area versatile for both daily use and larger loads.
 
You can watch this video for a quick overview of the Honda HR-V's cargo space with the seats up and down: 56sAutomotiveWomanYouTube · Oct 7, 2025
With rear seats up

• 24.4 to 24.5 cubic feet: This is the standard cargo volume, suitable for everyday items like groceries or luggage.
• This space is comparable to seven carry-on suitcases. 

With rear seats folded down

• 55.1 cubic feet: This is the maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, creating a larger, more flexible space. 
• This expanded space can accommodate larger items for trips or moving. 
• The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split for versatility. 

Other details

• The rear seats fold down to be nearly flat with the cargo floor, making it easier to load longer items. 
• The older, first-generation HR-V had different measurements and featured "Magic Seats," which are not present in the newer models.