Even a small SUV is perfectly capable of being a good road trip vehicle. The compact crossover segment is often the perfect middle-ground between a subcompact and midsize SUV in terms of price and utility. Plus, compact SUVs are often preferable to larger models because they get better fuel economy. So if you’re looking for a small SUV with the most luggage space, here are the top picks from Consumer Reports.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson tops the list of small SUVs with the most luggage space. According to Consumer Reports, the Tucson boasts 39 cubic feet of usable cargo space with the rear seats folded flat. This small SUV also has 75 cubic feet of storage space total. In addition, the cargo area has a wide opening, and the rear seats fold completely flat. Consumer Reports also appreciates the tie-downs included in the cargo bay.
The 2022 Tucson also has a few decently sized storage compartments in the cabin, plus two cupholders each for front and rear passengers. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with an overhead sunglasses holder.
The 2023 Kia Sportage has 38 cubic feet of storage area behind the rear seats. You can also slide the rear seats forward with the press of a button, giving you an extra inch or two of space. Fold those seats down and you’ll get 74 cubic feet.
Like the Tucson, the Kia Sportage has also been redesigned. Its longer wheelbase doesn’t just give it more cargo area; backseat passengers now have over 30 inches of legroom.
The 2022 Subaru Forester provides 36.5 inches of cargo area behind the second row, according to CR. Interestingly, Subaru’s official specs for the cargo area are 27 or 29 cubic feet, depending upon the trim. Autoblog speculates the Forester’s high load floor could be the cause of the discrepancy.
Though an elevated load floor sometimes limits cargo space, the Forester compensates with a wider square frame. That means you’ll likely also get more total cargo space than what Subaru advertises (69 or 72 cubic feet).
After a 2021 redesign, the Nissan Rogue features better driving dynamics and more cargo area behind the rear seats (36.5 cubic feet). If you fold those down, you should get at least 74 cubic feet of storage space.
Consumer Reports also likes the Rogue’s flat loading floor and large storage bins throughout the interior. On the SV trim, only one level above the base S model, the interior is surprisingly upscale. It comes with lots of padded surfaces and shiny metal accents, plus leatherette seats with the optional Premium package.
CR says the Honda CR-V can hold 36 cubic feet worth of cargo behind the back row, a little lower than what Honda claims. The automaker says you’ll get 39 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 76 cubic feet of storage total.
The CR-V also has sliding rear seats, which were probably used for Honda’s official measurements. The liftgate extends high, making it easier to load tall and bulky items.
Consumer Reports testers measured 34 cubic feet of storage space behind the back row. That’s actually about three feet more than what the 2023 Mazda CX-50 should hold (approximately 31.4 cubic feet, according to the automaker). The CX-50’s total cargo area is reportedly below segment standards at 56 cubic feet.
2022 @VolvoCars XC60: Consumer shopping guide: https://t.co/0OgvaKh2M0 pic.twitter.com/F2icX3IJ5Y
Last on the list of small SUVs with the most luggage space is the 2022 Volvo XC60. Consumer Reports testers determined that it offers 34 cubic feet of usable cargo area with the second row folded flat. Seating accommodations are also spacious, but CR was disappointed with the XC60’s ride quality. You also won’t save that much on gas: During real-world driving, this small SUV earned only 23 mpg city/highway combined.
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