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On November 16, 2023, Honda unveiled details about its latest compact SUV, the WR-V, sparking a wave of surprise and discussions on social media. The spotlight quickly turned to a rather unexpected aspect—sleeping in the car.

Comparisons with its counterpart, the Vezel, revealed a stark difference in character between the two models. Despite sharing similar dimensions, especially in overall length, the sleeping experience became a focal point of the discourse.

The WR-V, akin to the new compact SUV “Elevate,” boasts dimensions of 4325mm long, 1790mm wide, 1650mm high, and a 2650mm wheelbase. This places it in the same league as the Vezel, which measures 4330mm in length, 1790mm in width, 1580-1590mm in height, and a 2610mm wheelbase. The powertrain, a 1.5-liter i-VTEC DOHC gasoline engine with 121 horsepower and 145 Nm torque, mirrors the Indian version.

However, the real surprise lies in the sleeping arrangements. The new WR-V’s styling emphasizes squareness, exuding toughness and a spacious interior. In contrast, the Vezel flaunts a sporty, coupe-like elegance, providing a high-quality feel. The interior divergence is evident, with the WR-V prioritizing spaciousness, offering high head height, ample legroom, and a cargo area with underfloor storage totaling 458 liters. Yet, when the rear seats fold forward, the floor surface is not entirely flat, presenting a challenge for potential car sleepers.

The Vezel, distinguished by its unique center tank layout, showcases a flat floor surface when the rear seats fold down. This design innovation allows for an almost flat load of approximately 1900mm, offering an enticing proposition for those considering sleeping in their cars.

Unsurprisingly, Vezel enthusiasts praised the model’s unexpected benefits, expressing preferences for its texture and overall appeal compared to the WR-V. Comments highlighted the Vezel’s advantageous center tank layout, enabling a nearly flat floor surface and facilitating a comfortable sleeping experience within a minimal space.

Real-world testimonials from those who’ve slept in a Vezel paint a positive picture. Some remarked on the unexpected comfort, with one individual noting a pleasant view of the night sky through the sunroof. Interestingly, activities like fishing and early morning hobbies seem to fuel the demand for car-napping, contributing to the Vezel’s appeal.

In contrast, opinions about the WR-V leaned towards its potential disadvantage for overnight stays, attributed to its design choices, including the absence of a center tank layout. The debate concluded with the notion that the ability to sleep in the car depends on cargo space, where the Vezel, with its intricate cargo space arrangement, emerges as the superior choice for those seeking an overnight refuge on the road.