What is the disadvantage of Honda BR-V?
Its most notable drawback is that the BR-V feels underpowered for a seven-seat SUV and shows its age in interior tech and overall practicality compared with newer rivals.
The model offers practicality and Honda reliability, but a range of issues holds it back in markets where newer compact SUVs deliver stronger performance, more modern features, and better packaging. This article outlines the main disadvantages and how they influence daily use.
Common drawbacks
The following points summarize the areas where reviewers and buyers most frequently find the BR-V lacking, particularly when stacked against newer entrants in its class.
- Power and performance: The 1.5-liter engine offers modest acceleration and can feel strained when the vehicle is fully loaded or traveling on highways, leading to slower overtakes and longer hill climbs.
- Space and practicality: The third-row seats are best suited for children; when the third row is in use, boot space is limited, and even adult passengers may find legroom tight on longer trips.
- Interior, features and tech: Cabin materials and fit-and-finish often feel dated versus rivals, and entry trims may lack modern infotainment features (such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) that have become standard in newer competitors.
- Ride refinement and noise: The suspension prioritizes comfort, but road and wind noise can be noticeable, and handling is not as composed as in more modern compact SUVs.
- Safety tech and driver-assistance: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are not uniformly available across trims or markets, and base models may offer fewer active safety features than newer rivals.
- Market viability and resale value: In regions where Honda has shifted focus to newer models, BR-V availability and resale value can decline, and parts or service for older units may become harder to obtain over time.
In practice, these drawbacks mean the BR-V remains a practical choice for value-conscious buyers who need a 7-seat layout, but it often trails newer compact SUVs in performance, tech, and long-term viability.
Market context and future prospects
Note: Across many markets, Honda has reduced BR-V sales in favor of newer models or completely phased it out in favor of refreshed lineups. Availability, pricing, and after-sales support vary by country, which can influence ownership costs and resale prospects. If you value up-to-date infotainment, stronger fuel efficiency, and the latest safety tech, consider newer Honda models or rival compact SUVs that have benefited from recent design and technology updates.
Summary
The Honda BR-V’s main disadvantages are its modest performance for a 7-seat crossover, limited third-row practicality, dated interior and features, average safety tech across trims, and declining market presence in several regions. It remains a reasonable option for budget-minded buyers who prioritize space and reliability, but it faces stiffer competition from newer models that offer better efficiency, tech, and overall refinement.
