10 Compact SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

2016 Toyota RAV4 ・ Photo by Toyota

There are lots of choices when it comes to compact SUVs, but not all of them are ideal if you plan on carrying cargo. While there may be plenty of room for people, when it comes time to fold those rear seats and load your vehicle with stuff, there may not be as much room as you think.

Thankfully, the popularity of compact SUVs means there are great options for those who put a priority on cargo capacity. Check out our list of the top 10 compact SUVs with the most cargo space to see which one has room enough to carry everything you need.

2017 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V sits at the top of our list with 39.2 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split-fold second row and 75.8 cubic feet behind the first row. There are tie-down anchors in the cargo area to help secure items and an available retractable cargo area cover to keep everything out of sight. The CR-V can tow up to 1,500 pounds making it even more versatile. The base LX is priced from $24,045 while the top Touring trim with luxury features including dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated power front seats comes in at $32,495.

Photo by Honda

2017 Subaru Forester

There’s an impressive amount of cargo room in the Subaru Forester with 38.4 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split-fold second row and 73.4 cubic feet behind the first row. The second row also folds flat making it easier to load longer objects and there’s a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Cargo area grocery bag hooks keep bags from sliding around and there are tie-down hooks for securing larger cargo. The Forester has all-wheel drive as a standard feature no matter the trim level you choose making it a great choice for those who have to handle snowy weather. The base Subaru Forester 2.5i is priced from $22,595 while the top 2.0XT comes in with a starting price of $29,295.

Photo by Subaru

2017 Toyota RAV-4

The Toyota RAV-4 has 38.4 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split-fold second row and 73.4 cubic feet behind the first row. Once again that second row folds flat for easier loading of longer cargo. There’s an optional cargo area tonneau cover to keep prying eyes at bay and a cargo net hammock to keep smaller items from rolling around. Towing capacity for the RAV-4 is 1,500 pounds in the gas model. There is also a hybrid version of the RAV-4 available with a 1,750-pound towing capacity. Pricing starts at $24,410 for the LE with the XLE Hybrid sitting at the top of the range with pricing from $29,030.

Photo by Toyota

2017 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue has ample cargo space and is one of two compact SUVs on our list with a third row. There’s 9.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 32.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 70.0 cubic feet behind the first row. Four cargo tie-down hooks are standard along with the Divide-N-Hide Cargo System for efficiently storing cargo. Maximum towing is 1,000 pounds, and there is a hybrid Rogue for those seeking optimum fuel economy, although the hybrid is not rated for towing. There’s also the two-row Rogue Sport which offers a more compact option that still has enough cargo room. It has 22.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 61.1 cubic feet behind the first row.

Photo by Nissan

2017 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape rates highly on cargo room with 34.0 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 68.0 cubic feet behind the first row. There’s an optional cargo cover, four standard cargo tie-down hooks, and four power outlets with one located in the cargo area. The Escape has three different engine choices with tow ratings from 1,500 pounds up to 3,500 pounds. There’s also a choice of three different models with the base S starting at a price of $23,750 and the most fully-featured Titanium coming in at $29,250.

Photo by Ford

2017 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain makes our list with 31.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.9 cubic feet behind the first. Those with extra cargo needs can take advantage of a 1,500-pound towing capacity with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or up to 3,500 pounds with the optional more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine. Several available features make carrying cargo easier like a cargo area close out panel to cover the gap left behind the rear seats when you fold them flat, so you’re less likely to lose smaller items. Cargo packages offer a cargo area organizer, cargo net, and security shade to keep contents out of sight. Pricing starts at $24,995 and goes up to $37,520 for the luxury-like Denali trim.

Photo by GMC

2017 Chevrolet Equinox

General Motors snags the second spot on our list with the Chevrolet Equinox. It has 31.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.7 cubic feet behind the first row. Two engine choices mean two different ratings for towing capacity. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder can tow up to 1,500 pounds while the available 3.6-liter V6 boasts 301 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. An available programmable power liftgate makes it easier to load the Equinox and keeps the liftgate within reach for shorter drivers. A rear cargo cover and cargo net are available. Pricing on the Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $23,995 for the base model to $30,995 for the top Premier trim.

Photo by Chevrolet

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of two cars on our list with three rows of seating. There are 10.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the 50/50 flat-fold third row, 34.2 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split-fold second row, and 63.3 cubic feet behind the first tow. In addition to seating for seven and ample cargo capacity, the Outlander can tow up to 1,500 pounds with the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 engine that number increases to 3,500 pounds. Cargo tie-down hooks are standard as is an underfloor cargo storage area for smaller items. Optional features include a power remote liftgate. Pricing starts at $23,495 for the base ES and tops out at $31,695 for the GT.

Photo by Mitsubishi

2017 Hyundai Tucson

You have your choice of six different trim levels with the Hyundai Tucson which provides an excellent range of pricing for those on a budget. Each has good cargo room with 31.0 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split-fold second row and 61.9 cubic feet behind the first row. All models offer a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive for those who trek through winter climates. The Tucson can tow, but its rating is lower than most at only 1,000 pounds. A hands-free liftgate is available on higher trims, and roof rack side rails are available as part of the Drive Mode Select package. Starting price is $22,700 for the SE with the limited coming in at $29,775.

Photo by Hyundai

2017 Kia Sportage

The final car on our list is the Kia Sportage, which is all-new for the 2017 model year. It has 30.7 cubic feet behind the first row of seats and 60.1 cubic feet behind the 60/40 spit-fold second row. There’s a little extra storage from an under-floor rear cargo storage compartment and the Sportage can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Cargo-friendly available features include a cargo mat, cargo tray, cargo net, and cargo area cover to keep out prying eyes. There is an available turbocharged version of the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with extra horsepower for driving enthusiasts and three different trim level choices. The base LX starts at $23,200 while the SX Turbo is priced from $32,700.

Photo by Kia