How much weight can my CR-V hold?
Your CR-V’s usable weight depends on the model year, trim, and equipment, but you can determine it precisely by checking the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and curb weight. Payload is calculated as GVWR minus curb weight, and gives you the maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo you can carry safely.
Understanding the key terms
To know how much weight your CR-V can hold, it helps to understand a few basic terms:
What GVWR means
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded with passengers, cargo, fuel, and fluids. Exceeding GVWR can compromise handling, braking, and safety.
What curb weight means
Curb weight is the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and a full tank of fluids, but without passengers or payload. The difference between GVWR and curb weight is the payload capacity you can add as passengers and cargo.
Payload and towing distinctions
Payload is the combined weight of passengers and cargo. If you plan to tow a trailer, the towing capacity and tongue weight affect how much payload you can safely carry. The GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) sets the upper limit for vehicle weight plus trailer weight, and towing reduces the amount of payload you can carry inside the vehicle.
How to determine your CR-V’s payload
Use the steps below to calculate the exact payload for your specific CR-V model and year.
Before you start, gather your vehicle’s official numbers from the door jamb sticker or the owner’s manual. The steps assume you’re not counting special aftermarket modifications that change GVWR.
- Locate the GVWR on the door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual. This is the maximum safe weight for the vehicle when loaded.
- Find the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight with standard equipment and all fluids, but without passengers or cargo). This is usually listed in the owner’s manual or official spec sheets.
- Compute payload: Payload = GVWR − Curb Weight. The result is the maximum weight you can add as passengers and cargo without exceeding the rating.
- Account for any additional equipment or fuel changes. If you’ve added significant aftermarket weight or carry a particularly heavy fuel load, verify whether the GVWR or payload is affected with your dealer or the manual.
- Plan loads accordingly. Distribute weight evenly, keep heavy items low, and ensure the total does not exceed the calculated payload.
In practice, you’ll typically see payload figures in the range of about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds for many CR-V configurations, but exact numbers vary by year, trim, and equipment. Always confirm with your specific vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight to avoid overloading.
Practical guidelines for carrying weight safely
Carrying weight safely isn’t just about staying under a number; it’s about how you load the vehicle and how you drive. The following guidelines help ensure you stay within safe limits.
- Evenly distribute weight between front and rear axles, and keep the heaviest items low and centered.
- Use proper anchors, nets, or cargo mats to prevent movement during driving.
- Check tire pressures when carrying heavier loads; overloaded or underinflated tires impair handling and braking.
- When towing, verify tongue weight and trailer weight with the owner's manual, and avoid exceeding the GCWR.
Note: If you’re planning to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, consult your Honda dealer for the exact GVWR, GCWR, and towing limits for your year and trim. These figures can change with different engines, AWD vs. FWD configurations, and optional equipment.
Summary
Payload is the maximum weight you can add to your CR-V as passengers and cargo without surpassing the GVWR. To find it for your vehicle, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR as listed on the door jamb sticker or in the manual. If you plan to tow, understand that towing reduces available payload and must stay within GCWR. For any loading plan, prioritize safe weight distribution and verify numbers for your exact year and trim.
How much weight can a 2017 Honda CR-V hold?
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Angle of departure | 24.8 degrees |
| Curb weight | 3,473 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 lbs. |
| Country of final assembly | United States |
How much weight can I put in the back of my Honda CR-V?
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
How much weight can a Honda CR-V carry?
A Honda CR-V can carry up to 1,500 pounds in payload (passengers and cargo combined) and 1,500 pounds of towing capacity for gasoline models, while hybrid models have a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The specific payload and towing limits vary slightly by model year and trim, so it's crucial to check the label on the driver's side doorjamb for the exact maximum for your vehicle.
Gasoline models
- Payload: Up to 850 pounds for recent models. This includes the weight of all passengers, cargo, and any accessories.
- Towing: Up to 1,500 pounds, provided the vehicle is equipped with the necessary towing package.
Hybrid models
- Payload: Up to 850 pounds, similar to the gasoline models. This includes the weight of all passengers and cargo.
- Towing: Up to 1,000 pounds.
Important considerations
- Check your vehicle's specific limits: The exact maximum payload can be found on the Tire and Loading Information label inside the driver's side doorjamb.
- Payload includes everything: The payload capacity must account for the weight of all occupants, luggage, and any other items in the vehicle, including the tongue weight if you are towing.
- Towing capacity vs. payload: If you are towing, the weight you are towing is separate from the payload you are carrying inside the vehicle. Always stay within both limits.
Which year Honda CR-V to stay away from?
Years to avoid for the Honda CR-V include 2002-2003, 2007-2009, and 2017-2019, as they are associated with common issues like excessive oil consumption, air conditioning failures, and engine problems. Specifically, the 2017–2019 models had engine oil dilution and brake issues, while older years like 2002–2003 are known for oil consumption and AC problems.
This video discusses the Honda CR-V's best and worst years and common problems: 57scar PROblemsYouTube · May 7, 2025
Model years to approach with caution
- 2002–2003: Prone to high oil consumption and early air conditioning system failures.
- 2007–2009: Issues include problems with the air conditioning, excessive oil consumption, and paint problems.
- 2010–2011: Both years have been linked to excessive oil consumption. The 2011 model also had recalls related to unintended acceleration and steering issues.
- 2014–2015: These models experienced persistent engine vibrations, particularly at idle.
- 2017–2019: These years had multiple problems including engine oil dilution (from gasoline getting into the engine oil), potential brake issues, and general electrical problems with the AC and heating systems.
Important considerations
- Maintenance is key: A well-maintained CR-V from a "problematic" year can still be a good vehicle. Regular oil changes are critical for engine longevity.
- Vehicle inspection: Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic to catch potential issues before buying.
- Rust and suspension: Older models can be susceptible to suspension issues, and rust can lead to more costly repairs.
