April 2008
Pulling your weight
What you should look for in cargo carrying and towing
How much cargo area do you need in your new vehicle? One with more usable cargo space is likely a better choice for larger
families or those who travel a lot, are involved in outdoor activities, or who need extra room for carrying supplies.
Cargo capacity can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle, but specifications by manufacturers give you only one small piece of the puzzle. The automakers measure cargo volume in their vehicles by measuring total interior space in the compartment from floor to ceiling and around wheel wells and other protrusions. Typically it's not the maximum interior volume that's most important, however; it's the vehicle's usable floor space. A vehicle with a taller roof will produce a higher cargo capacity measurement than one with a lower roofline and identical floor area.
And just because you own an SUV or minivan doesn't mean that your vehicle can handle a lot of cargo. Some vehicles can exceed their payload limits very easily.
The maximum load capacity, which is the total weight of people and cargo weight that a vehicle is designed to handle, varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle, even within a model range. For small SUVs, capacity can span from a low of 675 pounds for the Honda Element to 1,115 pounds for the Chevrolet Equinox. In the Element, four large adults—without luggage—could exceed the vehicle's payload rating. Among midsize SUVs, the Lexus RX carries 910 pounds, while the Land Rover LR3 tops out at 1,475 pounds. Minivan capacities can vary significantly, as well. The load capacity is specified in the owner's manual.
Towing
Towing can put a big strain on a vehicle and it's important that it be set up for the load you'll be pulling. Most vehicles in this publication, including most small wagons and minivans, can handle lighter loads, like a small moving trailer. Heavier loads require a heavier-duty vehicle. See "Match the vehicle to the load," below for a full rundown.
Overall, rear-, four-, or all-wheel drive vehicles are better suited than front-drivers for heavy loads. That's because a trailer tends to load up the rear of the vehicle, which reduces traction in the front.
Don't be misled by a model's listed maximum towing capacity. (See our towing guide.) A vehicle often needs to be specially equipped with a towing package or other options to handle the maximum load. If you'll be towing more than 2,000 pounds, consider buying a vehicle with a trailer-towing option, which includes a tow hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a larger radiator and sometimes an auxiliary transmission oil cooler.
Cargo capacity can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle, but specifications by manufacturers give you only one small piece of the puzzle. The automakers measure cargo volume in their vehicles by measuring total interior space in the compartment from floor to ceiling and around wheel wells and other protrusions. Typically it's not the maximum interior volume that's most important, however; it's the vehicle's usable floor space. A vehicle with a taller roof will produce a higher cargo capacity measurement than one with a lower roofline and identical floor area.
And just because you own an SUV or minivan doesn't mean that your vehicle can handle a lot of cargo. Some vehicles can exceed their payload limits very easily.
The maximum load capacity, which is the total weight of people and cargo weight that a vehicle is designed to handle, varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle, even within a model range. For small SUVs, capacity can span from a low of 675 pounds for the Honda Element to 1,115 pounds for the Chevrolet Equinox. In the Element, four large adults—without luggage—could exceed the vehicle's payload rating. Among midsize SUVs, the Lexus RX carries 910 pounds, while the Land Rover LR3 tops out at 1,475 pounds. Minivan capacities can vary significantly, as well. The load capacity is specified in the owner's manual.
Towing
Towing can put a big strain on a vehicle and it's important that it be set up for the load you'll be pulling. Most vehicles in this publication, including most small wagons and minivans, can handle lighter loads, like a small moving trailer. Heavier loads require a heavier-duty vehicle. See "Match the vehicle to the load," below for a full rundown.
Overall, rear-, four-, or all-wheel drive vehicles are better suited than front-drivers for heavy loads. That's because a trailer tends to load up the rear of the vehicle, which reduces traction in the front.
Don't be misled by a model's listed maximum towing capacity. (See our towing guide.) A vehicle often needs to be specially equipped with a towing package or other options to handle the maximum load. If you'll be towing more than 2,000 pounds, consider buying a vehicle with a trailer-towing option, which includes a tow hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a larger radiator and sometimes an auxiliary transmission oil cooler.
