SUVs With The Kind Of Cargo Space Families Actually Need
SUVs now completely dominate light-vehicle sales in the United States, commanding over 50 percent of the overall new vehicle market share. Crossover platforms lead volume, with compact and mid-size models outperforming traditional sedans. Meanwhile, hybrid and battery-electric drivetrains account for a rapidly increasing share of total SUV volume.
American buyers prioritize higher seating positions, expansive cargo utility, and multi-passenger space. Competent all-wheel-drive systems attract consumers seeking enhanced all-weather capability and road safety. Modern buyers also demand integrated driver-assistance features, superior crash-test safety ratings, and the improved fuel efficiency offered by electrified powertrains.
2026 Subaru Forester
Trunk Capacity: 26.9 Cubic Feet
The 2026 Subaru Forester carries a starting price of $29,995 MSRP. The range comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer generating 180 horsepower to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The interior carries 29.6 cubic feet of trunk volume behind the second row, expanding to a maximum cargo capacity of 74.4 cubic feet, alongside 39.4 inches of rear legroom and 39.6 inches of rear headroom.
Towing capability spans 1,500 pounds on standard configurations up to 3,500 pounds on Wilderness trims, while fuel economy estimates reach 28 to 29 MPG combined. Edmunds’ consumer reviews award the model an average score of 4.3/5, whereas the J.D. Power quality and reliability rating for the active crossover comes in at 84/100. Owners praise the excellent standard visibility, comfortable front seating, and confidence-inspiring all-weather traction provided by its standard all-wheel-drive system.
2027 Chevrolet Equinox
Trunk Capacity: 29.8 Cubic Feet
Starting at $29,300 MSRP, the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp, connected to either a CVT or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Cabin dimensions deliver 29.8 cubic feet of trunk space, 63.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, 39.9 inches of rear legroom, and 39.2 inches of rear headroom.
The Chevy Equinox‘s maximum towing capacity stands at 1,500 pounds, with fuel efficiency returning an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined. Consumer feedback and testing compiled by Edmunds rate the crossover at 4.2/5 stars, while the J.D. Power awards it 80/100 for quality and reliability. Drivers frequently highlight its comfortable and quiet cabin ride, smooth power delivery, and generous rear passenger legroom for its price point.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Trunk Capacity: 32.5 Cubic Feet
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport enters the market with a base price of $31,845 MSRP, with the Blue Oval offering either a standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine or an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Interior packaging provides 32.5 cubic feet of trunk volume, 65.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, 36.9 inches of rear legroom, and 41.7 inches of rear headroom.
The Ford Bronco Sport‘s towing limits reach up to 2,200 pounds, with fuel economy estimates topping out at 27 MPG combined. The model receives a 4.1/5 star score from Edmunds consumer reviews, while the J.D. Power quality and reliability score comes in at 83/100. Buyers commend its rugged exterior styling, impressive off-road capability in varied weather conditions, and easy-to-use digital driver interfaces.
2026 Subaru Outback
Trunk Capacity: 34.6 Cubic Feet
Priced from $34,995 MSRP, the 2026 Subaru Outback is equipped with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine or a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine paired with a CVT. Storage space behind the rear seats measures 34.6 cubic feet, opening up to a maximum cargo capacity of 80.5 cubic feet, accompanied by 39.5 inches of rear legroom and 40.5 inches of rear headroom.
The 2026 Subaru Outback‘s towing capability ranges between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds, with fuel efficiency yielding an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined for the base model. Consumer reviews posted on Edmunds rate the vehicle at 4.4/5 stars, while the J.D. Power quality and reliability assessment marks it at 80/100. Consumers consistently rate it highly for its smooth highway ride quality, expansive total cargo area, and comfortable long-distance seating.
2026 Nissan Rogue
Trunk Capacity: 36.5 Cubic Feet
Starting at $29,690 MSRP, the 2026 Nissan Rogue features a 1.5-liter variable-compression turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an Xtronic CVT. The rear compartment offers between 31.6 and 36.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, alongside 38.5 inches of rear legroom and 39.2 inches of rear headroom.
The 2026 Nissan Rogue‘s towing capacity remains rated at 1,500 pounds, while fuel economy estimates reach up to 32 MPG combined. The crossover secures a 4.1/5-star rating from Edmunds consumer reviews and holds an 83/100 score within the J.D. Power quality and reliability assessment. Reviews routinely compliment its comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, exceptionally quiet cabin insulation, and strong overall real-world fuel efficiency.
2026 Toyota RAV4
Trunk Capacity: 37.5 Cubic Feet
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900 MSRP, featuring an all-hybrid powertrain centered on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electronically controlled CVT. Cargo capacity provides 37.8 cubic feet of trunk volume and nearly 70 cubic feet of total volume, alongside 37.8 inches of rear legroom and 39.5 inches of rear headroom.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4‘s towing limits span 1,750 to 3,500 pounds across various trim configurations, while fuel economy achieves up to 42 MPG combined. Independent consumer reviews published on Edmunds yield a 4.2/5-star rating, complemented by an 81/100 score on the J.D. Power for quality and reliability. Owners consistently praise its exceptional hybrid fuel efficiency, strong long-term reliability reputation, and effortless everyday maneuverability.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Trunk Capacity: 38.7 Cubic Feet
Carrying a starting price of $29,700 MSRP, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is available with a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup with a six-speed automatic. Interior dimensions offer 38.7 cubic feet of trunk volume, 74.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, 41.3 inches of rear legroom, and 39.5 inches of rear headroom.
Towing limits for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson are set at 2,000 pounds, with EPA fuel economy reaching 28 MPG combined on gas powertrains and 38 MPG combined on hybrid models. Consumer reviews from Edmunds score the Tucson at 4.3/5 stars, while the J.D. Power quality and reliability score comes in at 80/100. Buyers frequently point out its ultra-quiet interior, generous rear passenger space, and high-value standard technology features.
2027 Volkswagen Tiguan
Trunk Capacity: 38.7 Cubic Feet
Redesigned for the U.S. market, the 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan carries an estimated starting price of $30,500 MSRP. The refreshed model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Cabin utility incorporates approximately 37.6 cubic feet of trunk space, 73.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, 38.7 inches of rear legroom, and 38.9 inches of rear headroom.
The 2027 VW Tiguan‘s maximum towing performance is rated at 1,500 pounds, with fuel economy expected at 26 MPG combined. Edmunds consumer reviews for the 2026 model year come in at 4.0/5 stars, with J.D. Power‘s quality and reliability ranking averaging 78/100. Early consumer feedback emphasizes its upscale cabin materials, composed handling around corners, and intuitive digital infotainment layout.
2026 Honda CR-V
Trunk Capacity: 39.3 Cubic Feet
The 2026 Honda CR-V starts at $36,030 MSRP for its hybrid lineup, offering either a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a CVT or a 2.0-liter two-motor hybrid system with an eCVT. Interior dimensions reveal 36.3 to 39.3 cubic feet of trunk volume, 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, 41.0 inches of rear legroom, and 38.2 inches of rear headroom.
Towing capacities for the Honda CR-V range from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, while fuel economy figures reach up to 40 MPG combined on hybrid trims. Consumer reviews submitted to Edmunds earn the CR-V a 4.2/5-star overall rating, with a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 84/100. Driver reviews consistently highlight its smooth and quiet ride quality, massive cargo capacity, and easy-to-navigate interior controls.
2026 Kia Sportage
Trunk Capacity: 39.6 Cubic Feet
Starting at $28,990 MSRP, the 2026 Kia Sportage uses a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Space metrics feature 39.5 cubic feet of trunk volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, alongside 41.3 inches of rear legroom and 39.1 inches of rear headroom.
The Kia Sportage‘s towing capacity reaches up to 2,500 pounds, with gas-engine fuel economy returning an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined. Consumer feedback on Edmunds averages 4.1 out of 5 stars, while the J.D. Power quality and reliability assessment awards the crossover an 83/100 score. Owners frequently celebrate its roomy, adult-friendly back seat, high-tech interior display layouts, and overall value for the price.
Sources: OEMs, Edmunds, J.D. Power, and the EPA.
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