2023 Honda CR‑V vs 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Which is bigger, the 2023 Honda CR‑V or 2021 Volkswagen Polo?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
At 62 cm longer, the 2023 Honda CR‑V sits well ahead in terms of overall length. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo is the leaner of the two, sitting 11.6 cm narrower than the 2023 Honda CR‑V for easier navigation through city traffic. The 2023 Honda CR‑V utilises its extra 23 cm of height to maximise cabin volume, making it feel larger inside than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. With an extra 14.8 cm between the wheels, the 2023 Honda CR‑V should offer a noticeably smoother ride than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Length
469.4 cm (+62)
407.4 cm
Height
168.1 cm (+23)
145.1 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
186.7 cm (+11.6)
175.1 cm
Ground clearance
19.8 cm (+14.8)
N/A
Wheelbase
270 cm (+1.6)
255.2 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.4 cm
16.8 cm longer than the average Crossover
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Height
168.1 cm
5.3 cm taller than the average Crossover
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
186.7 cm
1.8 cm wider than the average Crossover
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
19.8 cm
1.7 cm more ground clearance than the average Crossover
N/A
Wheelbase
270 cm
2.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Crossover
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The SAE-rated 2023 Honda CR‑V and VDA-rated 2021 Volkswagen Polo can't be compared directly for cargo space; however, 2023 Honda CR‑V offers 1,113 L which is way above average for crossover. The 2023 Honda CR‑V uses the SAE cargo capacity measurement method, making its maximum 2,166 L capacity way above average when compared to the average crossover. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo uses the VDA cargo capacity measurement method, its 1,125 L capacity is way above average when compared to the average hatchback.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
351 L
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
N/A
1,125 L
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
1,113 L
N/A
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
2,166 L
N/A
Cargo space vs length
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
315.6 L per m (+163)
152.7 L per m
Cargo space vs footprint
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.
169.1 L per m² (+81.9)
87.2 L per m²
How each car compares with its class average
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
351 L
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
N/A
1,125 L
7 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
1,113 L
374 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
2,166 L
295 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
DriveSize space efficiency score
DriveSize space efficiency compares blended cargo volume per square meter of footprint with the class average.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure within the selected cargo measurement method.
VDA scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.
129%
SAE: above class average (+29%)
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Door count is consistent across the two models, with both the 2023 Honda CR‑V and 2021 Volkswagen Polo featuring 5 doors. You’ll find the same passenger limits in both models, as they each feature a 5-seat interior layout. In urban environments, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo's 0.77 m shorter turning circle provides a helpful difference in everyday convenience. There's a monumental difference in mass; the 2023 Honda CR‑V is a staggering 517.9 kg heavier than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.4 m (+0.8)
10.6 m
Curb weight
1,575 kg (+518)
1,057 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.4 m
0.1 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
1,575 kg
57 kg lighter than the average Crossover
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback
DriveSize manoeuvrability score
DriveSize manoeuvrability score combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
Around 100% means in line with the class average; higher scores indicate better manoeuvrability relative to similar cars.
98%
2% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2023 Honda CR‑V or 2021 Volkswagen Polo fit in a standard parking space?
2023 Honda CR‑V parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 44 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 40 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
44 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
40 cm
2021 Volkswagen Polo parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 49.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
71 cm
Articles featuring these cars
View all
What Is Wheelbase? Car Wheelbase Meaning & Why It Matters
Learn what wheelbase means, how it affects ride comfort, handling, turning circle and interior space, and why it matters when choosing your next car.
Will Your Car Fit in a Standard Parking Space? Parking Space Sizes Explained
Find out if your car will fit in a standard parking space. Compare UK, US and international parking bay sizes, and check real vehicle fit with DriveSize.
Boot Space Explained: VDA vs SAE, Seats-Up vs Seats-Down & Real-World Usability
VDA vs SAE boot space explained clearly. Seats-up vs seats-down, litres vs cu.ft, and real examples using the RAV4 & CR-V. The best guide there is.
Compact SUV Size & Boot Space Guide: RAV4 vs CR-V vs Tiguan vs Kona vs Equinox
Compare compact SUV dimensions and boot space for the RAV4, CR-V, Tiguan, Kona and Equinox.
Car Width Explained: Body Width, Mirrors-Folded & Mirrors-Out (With Real Examples)
Car width made simple: body width, mirrors-folded and mirrors-out, with real examples from the Model Y, CR-V, Puma, Cybertruck and more.
Smallest Car in the World? Peel P50 vs Today’s City Cars (Sandero, Golf & More)
How tiny is the Peel P50? See it compared to today’s city cars including the VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, Dacia Sandero, VW Polo and ID.3 in real dimensions.
Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V: Width, Height, Boot Space & Real-World Fit
Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V compared by width, height, boot space and real-world fit. Clear metric + imperial dimensions to help you choose the right SUV.
What Is Ground Clearance? Why does it matter for SUVs, and which have the most
Clear explanation of SUV ground clearance, how much you really need, and which SUVs offer the most — using real measurements you can compare side-by-side on Drivesize.
Are modern SUVs too big for UK parking bays? We measured popular models (and what still fits)
SUV sizes keep growing — we compared six popular models against a standard UK parking bay, including mirrors-out width and overall length.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Size, Space, Boot Volume & Ground Clearance
See how the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V compare on size, space, and ground clearance. Full dimensions, boot capacities, and real-world usability tested side-by-side – find out which family SUV fits your life best.
Tesla Model Y Dimensions & Boot Space: Will It Fit a UK Driveway, Garage or Parking Bay?
See how the Tesla Model Y fits UK driveways, garages and parking bays. Full dimensions, width, and boot space explained in real-world terms by Drivesize.
Best Cars for Tall Drivers in the USA (2025, with Real Interior Stats)
Find the most spacious SUVs and sedans for tall drivers in 2025, with real headroom and legroom stats plus setup tips for long-legged comfort.
More Hondas
FAQs