10 Used Compact SUVs With The Most Cargo Space

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Sunday, 9 Aug 2026 16:00 0 4 autotech

Compact SUVs have never been more capable — or more competitive. With dozens of options crowding dealership lots, buyers are spoiled for choice, yet one spec often gets overlooked until moving day or a road-trip packing session: cargo volume. Stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V built their reputations partly on smart use of interior space, but the rest of the segment has caught up fast. If hauling groceries, camping gear, or the contents of a college dorm room is a priority, knowing which compact SUVs actually deliver on cargo space can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

The compact SUV’s smaller footprint does come with trade-offs — most notably in the cargo bay — but the best entries in the class punch well above their weight. Here are 10 new-ish compact SUVs that have the most cargo space.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

30.6 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 64.3 Cubic Feet Total

Side 3/4 shot of 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander In silver posing on driveway
Mitsubishi 

The Mitsubishi Outlander is often overlooked in the compact SUV segment, which is a shame given everything it brings to the table. Not only does it deliver a solid amount of power and capability, but it also packs in plenty of tech features and 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 few SUVs in this segment to offer a third row, though it is quite cramped and limits the space behind it to 10 cubic feet. Fold that third-row seat down, however, and cargo space expands significantly to 30.6 cubic feet — a figure that can nearly double when all rear seats are folded flat. As a bonus, the Outlander also comes equipped with tie-down loops to keep cargo from shifting around.

2025 Mazda CX-50

31.4 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 56.3 Cubic Feet Total

2025 Mazda CX-50, front 3/4 climbing rocky hill
Mazda

Considering its compact dimensions, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is not the top choice for dedicated cargo hauling, but it can still get the job done. The CX-50 is primarily tuned for driving enjoyment, and while its cargo numbers are adequate rather than class-leading, most owners will find the space workable for everyday needs.

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 offers 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which grows to 56.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. That’s a touch below the class average, but a power tailgate and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat help compensate.

2025 Infiniti QX50

31.4 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.1 Cubic Feet Total

Infiniti

Like the Mazda CX-50, the Infiniti QX50 sits on the smaller end of the crossover scale, yet still manages an adequate cargo hold. The QX50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats upright, expanding to 65.1 cubic feet when they are folded flat.

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 added versatility, the rear seat features a 60/40 split, allowing large items to be accommodated without sacrificing a rear passenger seat. The QX50 also includes underfloor storage for even more flexibility.

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

32.5 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.2 Cubic Feet Total

Rear 3/4 shot of a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport parked in the desert
Ford

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport puts its boxy shape to good use, maximizing every inch of available interior space. There is 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, rising to 65.2 cubic feet when those seats 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 enthusiasts will appreciate not just the extra space, but also the removable rubber mat that keeps the cargo area clean of dirt and debris from bikes or other gear. The Bronco Sport’s cargo area can also be fitted with a slide-out table that doubles as a workbench, complemented by a 400-watt power inverter and overhead LED lights.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

33.0 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.3 Cubic Feet Total

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan side shot
Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Tiguan is another compact SUV available with an optional third-row seat. That third row is tight and leaves only 12 cubic feet of space behind it when upright, but folding it down reveals considerably more room. With the third row stowed, the Tiguan offers 33 cubic feet behind the second row — a figure that nearly doubles when the second-row seatback is folded as well.

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

Buyers who need maximum space should look at the two-row Tiguan configuration, which offers even more room: 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and an impressive 73.4 cubic feet with the second row stowed — numbers that rank among the best in the compact SUV class.

2025 Nissan Rogue

36.5 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 74.1 Cubic Feet Total

Nissan

The 2025 Nissan Rogue delivers an impressive amount of cargo space for the compact SUV class. With the rear seats upright, it offers 36.5 cubic feet of room; fold them down and that figure more than doubles.

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

Beyond its generous cargo volume, the Rogue features floor panels that can be reconfigured to create a flat load bed or lowered for additional depth — a genuinely useful feature for bulky loads. It’s worth noting, however, that this adjustable flooring is reserved for higher trim levels.

2025 Ford Escape

37.5 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 65.4 Cubic Feet Total

Driving shot of a red 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite on a city street in front 3/4 view
Ford

Like the Nissan Rogue, the Ford Escape boasts a generous cargo hold for the class. With the rear seat upright, the Escape provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo volume; fold the seats down and that 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

A low-loading floor makes it easier to slide heavy objects in and out of the cargo bay. And while the second-row seats don’t fold completely flat, they do slide fore and aft to free up additional cargo room when needed.

2025 Hyundai Tucson

38.7 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 74.8 Cubic Feet Total

Low-angle front 3/4 shot of 2025 Hyundai Tucson in blue parked off-road
Hyundai

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a well-rounded compact SUV that pairs an engaging driving experience — courtesy of its willing engine and taut suspension — with a surprisingly spacious cargo hold.

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

With the rear seatbacks raised, the Tucson offers 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space; fold them flat and that number nearly doubles to 74.8 cubic feet. The cargo area also benefits from a low liftover height and a flat floor, making it straightforward to load and store bulky items.

2025 Honda CR-V

39.3 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 76.5 Cubic Feet Total

2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring
Honda

The 2025 Honda CR-V remains a perennial favorite in the compact SUV space, celebrated for its blend of practicality, versatility, and long-term reliability. It comfortably seats five and their gear, with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the rear seat.

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

Fold the rear seat down, and that figure grows to 76.5 cubic feet, making the CR-V an excellent all-around choice for active lifestyles and daily commuting alike. An available power tailgate rounds out the package nicely.

2025 Kia Sportage

39.6 Cubic Feet (Behind Rear Seats) | 74.1 Cubic Feet Total

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid side shot
Kia

While the 2025 Kia Sportage excels in several areas, it leads the class outright when it comes to cargo space behind the second row, measuring in at 39.6 cubic feet. Fold those seats down, and the total 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

Loading and unloading is made easier by a wide cargo opening, and the Sportage is available with a power liftgate as well. The load floor is low and flat, making the Kia Sportage a handy companion whenever large or heavy cargo needs to be moved.

Sources: OEMs

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