04/02/2025 · 7 months ago

10 Compact SUVs With The Most Cargo Space

It's no secret that SUVs are the prevailing popular choice among Americans, so it's no wonder the market is flooded with them, especially in the compact SUV space where stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 dominate. These small SUVs give drivers the perks of the larger SUVs, like all-wheel drive and a roomy cabin, but in a much smaller package.

This smaller size tends to hinder the car's cargo area, which can be a downside for those who like to pack their vehicles with plenty of stuff for camping, hauling groceries, or going on trips. However, although some of these small SUVs lack the size of the larger ones, they still have impressive storage capabilities. Here are 10 compact SUVs in the current market that have the most cargo space.

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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including U.S. News and Kelley Blue Book. These entries are ordered from the least amount of cargo volume to the most.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

30.6 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 64.3 Total

Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Outlander is often overlooked in the compact SUV segment, which is a shame considering it has so much to offer. Not only does it provide a good amount of power and capability, it also has plenty of tech-savvy features are cargo space.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.5-liter inline-four

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

181 hp

Torque

181 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

2,000 pounds

Payload Capacity

1,389 to 1,599 lbs

The Outlander is one of the only SUVs in this segment to feature a third row, which is very cramped and limits the space behind it to 10 cubic feet. But when the third-row seat is folded down, the cargo space is greatly expanded to 30.6 cubic feet. That space can be nearly double with all the rear seats folded down. As a bonus, the Mitsubishi Outlander also comes equipped with tie-down loops to keep the cargo from sliding around back there.

2025 Mazda CX-50

31.4 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 56.3 total

Mazda

Considering its small size, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is not the best choice for a cargo hauler, but it can still get the job done. The CX-50 may be geared toward performance and driving fun, but when it comes to cargo space, some drivers may find it to be adequate.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four

Transmission

6-speed automatic

Horsepower

256 hp

Torque

320 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

2,000 to 3,500 lbs

Payload Capacity

2,000 to 3,500 lbs

The CX-50 has 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which increases to 56.3 cubes when the rear seats are folded down. That's a little below average for the class, but other features like a power tailgate and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat sweeten the deal.

2025 Infiniti QX50

31.4 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.1 cubic feet

Infiniti

Like the Mazda CX-50, the Infiniti QX50 is on the smaller end of the crossover scale in terms of size, but still has an adequate amount of cargo space. The QX50 has 31.4 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded up, which expands to 65.1 cubic feet when they are folded down.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

268 hp

Torque

280 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

3,000 lbs.

Payload Capacity

1,018 to 1,107 lbs

For more versatility, the rear seat has a 60/40 split as well to accommodate large items while still allowing a passenger to sit in the rear seat. It even has some underfloor storage for even more flexibility.

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2025 Ford Bronco Sport

32.5 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.2 cubic feet

Ford

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport benefits from its boxy shape because it makes the most out of its available interior space. There is 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which goes up to 65.2 cubic feet when they are folded down.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

250 hp

Torque

277 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

2,200 to 2,700 lbs

Payload Capacity

1,023 to 1,163 lbs

Outdoor lovers will not only like the extra space, but they will also like the removable rubber mat that keeps the car's interior clean of any dirt or debris that's tracked in from bikes or other outdoor gear. Additionally, the Bronco Sport's cargo space can be fitted with a slide-out table that can be used as a work bench, since there's also a 400-watt power inverter and overhead LED lights.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

33 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.3 cubic feet

Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Tiguan is another compact SUV that has the option for a third-row seat. That third row is small and only offers 12 cubic feet of space behind it when the seatback is folded up, but folding it down reveals much more. When the third row is stowed away, the Tiguan has 33 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which nearly doubles when that seatback is folded.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

201 hp

Torque

221 lb-ft

Driveline

FWD or AWD

Towing Capacity

1,800 pounds

Payload Capacity

Unpublished

Those needing more space should check out the two-row Tiguan model, which boasts a little more room. In those models, there is 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet when the second row is stowed, which is among the best numbers in the compact SUV space.

2025 Nissan Rogue

36.5 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 74.1 cubic feet

Nissan

The 2025 Nissan Rogue has a lot of cargo space for the compact SUV class. When its rear seats are folded up, the Rogue has 36.5 cubic feet of space, and folding them down reveals a little more than double the space.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

201 hp

Torque

225 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

1,500 lbs

Payload Capacity

972 to 1,166 lbs

In addition to this ample cargo volume, the Nissan Rogue has floor panels that can be reconfigured to make a flat load bed or lowered further for a little more space. However, it should be noted that this fancy flooring can only be found on the higher trim levels.

2025 Ford Escape

37.5 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.4 cubic feet

Ford

Like the Nissan Rogue, the Ford Escape boasts a large cargo hold for the class. When its rear seat is folded up, the Escape has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo volume and when they are down, the space expands to 65.4 cubic feet.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

250 hp

Torque

280 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

3,500 pounds

Payload Capacity

696 to 1,081 lbs

As an added plus, the Ford Escape has a low-loading floor, which makes it easier to load heavy objects. And although the second-row seats do not fold flat, they can slide to increase more of the available space.

2025 Hyundai Tucson

38.7 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 74.8 cubic feet

Hyundai

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a versatile little SUV that offers drivers an engaging driving experience with its eager little engine and tight suspension. But that's not all. The Tucson also boasts plenty of cargo volume.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.5-liter inline-four

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

187 hp

Torque

178 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

2,000 lbs

Payload Capacity

1,060 to 1,289 lbs

When its rear seatbacks are folded up, the Tucson boasts 38.7 cubic feet of space, and if they are down, that number nearly doubles to 74.8 cubic feet. Additionally, the Tucson's cargo hold features a low liftover height and flat floor, making it easier to load and store large cargo.

2025 Honda CR-V

39.3 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 76.5 cubic feet

Honda

The 2025 Honda CR-V is a perennial favorite in the compact SUV space for its unique blend of practicality, versatility, and reliability. It has plenty of room for five and most of their stuff, as the cargo area has 39.3 cubic feet of space when the rear seat is folded up.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

190 hp

Torque

179 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

1,500 lbs

Payload Capacity

1,106 pounds

That space grows to 76.5 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down, making the Honda CR-V an excellent and flexible choice for those with an active lifestyle and daily commuting needs. As an added plus, the CR-V also has an available power tailgate.

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2025 Kia Sportage

39.6 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 74.1 cubic feet

Link Image

While the 2025 Kia Sportage excels in a few different areas, it cannot be beaten in terms of cargo space. The Sportage has the most cargo space behind its second row of seats, measuring in at 39.6 cubic feet of space. However, if you fold those seats down, that space expands to 74.1 cubic feet.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.5-liter inline-four

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

187 hp

Torque

178 lb-ft

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

1,653 lbs

Payload Capacity

Unpublished

To make loading and unloading cargo easier, the Sportage has a wide cargo opening, and it is also available with a power liftgate. The load floor is also low and flat, making the Kia Sportage a hand companion when it's time to move large cargo or heavier items.

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