Cargo Room for SUVs and Minivans as Measured by Consumer Reports
Our auto engineers calculated the space behind the raised third-row seat and the overall cargo room for each model
An SUV or minivan’s cargo capacity is a primary consideration for buyers, but manufacturer specifications often don’t reflect real-world utility. While automakers tout the total volume, this includes spaces that don’t actually accommodate luggage or boxes. And even if the space is large, a small cargo opening limits what can be carried.
Consumer Reports evaluates cargo space to measure the actual usable room. For SUVs, minivans, and wagons, we determine the largest “box” that can fit into the cargo bay without preventing the hatch from closing. Our reported cargo volume reflects only the space within the box, providing a more accurate view of a vehicle’s true hauling capability.
Total Cargo Capacity
We measure cargo room for SUVs, minivans, and wagons using an expandable rectangular pipe-frame box. We stretch it to fit through the rear opening, maximizing the box’s volume with the rear seats folded yet allowing the rear gate to be closed. We then score cargo capacity by measuring the volume enclosed by that box.
Below, we’ve divided our tested three-row SUVs and minivans into four categories. We identify which ratings group they’re in (midsized SUV, large SUV, and minivan) and rank them from most to least volume within the category. In our measurements, we round up to the next cubic foot for any score that’s 0.5 or greater.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet
How Consumer Reports Tests Cars
Learn more about CR’s vehicle testing at our 327-acre auto test track.
Room Behind the Third Row
We measure luggage capacity by seeing how many suitcases and duffel bags can fit behind the raised third-row seat. Vehicles are ranked from most to least luggage capacity within the category.
In cases where multiple vehicles can hold the same amount of luggage, we rank them by their third-row-seat comfort score, which is determined by our testers. For example, both the Lexus TX and Chevrolet Traverse can hold three suitcases, but you’ll be more comfortable riding in the TX’s third row than the Traverse’s.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
