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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
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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