Which Vehicles Have the Best Cargo Space?
Car manufacturers can fudge the numbers, so we’re here to tell you the vehicles with the true best cargo space.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
When you’re
buying a car
, there are a lot of important factors to consider. Drivers typically focus on price, fuel economy
, engine, and more, but one thing that often gets overlooked is cargo space. Whether you’re transporting luggage, groceries, kids’ sporting equipment, or something else, the more you use your car the quicker you’ll realize how crucial it is to have great cargo space.
But oftentimes, car manufacturers claim their vehicles have larger cargo space than they really do, leaving drivers in a tight spot. If you’re car shopping, these are the vehicles that truly have the best cargo space on the market.
How is cargo space measured?
If car manufacturers don’t display accurate numbers for some vehicles’ cargo space, then how are accurate measurements obtained?
Consumer Reports
has a system for precisely and independently measuring the cargo space in vehicles they purchase, to get the true numbers. Essentially, Consumer Reports determines the cargo space for a vehicle by determining the volume for an expanding pipe-frame box they fit through the trunk and extend into the cargo bay as far as possible.
Any third or second rows can be down, but the hatch must close completely with the box inside. Vehicles are then split up into categories, with cargo space ranges of 74-56 cu. ft, 55-46 cu. ft, 45-40 cu. ft, and 39-34 cu. ft.
They also measure trunk capacity individually, by seeing how many suitcases and duffle bags can fit inside a vehicle’s trunk.
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SUVs with the best cargo space
Vehicles in the largest cargo space range, 74-56 cu. ft, are predominantly SUVs, with the largest cargo space inside the Chevrolet Suburban. With all of the rear seats down, the Chevrolet Suburban provides 70 cu. ft of space, and the cargo area extends very highly.
Consumer Reports also notes that with the rear seats down, the cargo area is even big enough for two people to sleep in, which is ideal for road trips or camping trips.
It’s easy to maneuver items into the cargo area and configure the space, because the second and third rows are power-folding. The entire area is covered in soft carpeting, which will help prevent items from damaging.
Other SUVs with great cargo space on the list in this range include the GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition Max, Jeep Wagoneer, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade.
Minivans with the best cargo space
The other type of vehicle in the largest cargo space range (74-56 cu.ft) are minivans. The minivan with the largest cargo space is the
Kia Carnival
. One of the best things about the Kia Carnival is that you just have to walk near the trunk with your keys and it will open, so it’s no problem if you have your hands full, and it can also be configured to close as you walk away.
With all the seats up there’s still plenty of room in the cargo space, which is only amplified when the seats go down. Numerous suitcases and luggage bags can fit in the trunk, making the Carnival perfect for travel.
Other minivans with great cargo space in the category include the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica.
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