Cargo Space — Overview, Measurement & Usability (2025 Update)

Most brands use SAE J1100, which defines blocks and boundary planes to compute cubic feet. Review footnotes in brochures and compare with independent suitcase tests that often use a standard carry‑on and a mid‑size hard shell carry on 22 inch.

VDA stacks 200×100×50 mm bricks to total liters, emphasizing regular shapes. Results may differ from SAE figures; to visualize space, many shoppers bring a foldable measuring cube or packable foldable measuring cube.

Protocols, trim equipment, and seat positions vary; reviewers also factor liftover, shape, and loading ease. Check both metrics and suitcase tests, then simulate with soft‑sided luggage like an expandable 24‑inch expandable 24 inch suitcase.

“Seats up” reports volume behind an upright row; “max” folds rows to extend length, sometimes to the roofline. Verify if the figure is to the window line and keep visibility by using a low‑profile cargo organizer such as a collapsible trunk collapsible trunk organizer.

They’re close, but exact liters/cubic feet differ by generation, spare‑tire location, and floor height. Compare specs for your model year and test‑fit with standardized bins or a modular packing cube set like a vehicle‑friendly packing cubes set.

It rarely changes floor area but can impact roof‑to‑floor height at the rear edge in some designs. Weight and center of gravity also change slightly; use slim duffels such as a low‑profile 60‑liter 60l duffel bag for easier stacking.

Liftover is the vertical distance from the ground to the load floor at the bumper; lower is easier for heavy items. If height is significant, consider a portable ramp to protect backs and bumpers along with a non‑slip cargo cargo loading ramp folding.

Battery packaging can raise the floor or remove the spare‑tire well; some models relocate components to minimize loss. Check whether the floor is two‑position and use shallow totes like a low‑height storage low profile storage bin car.

Yes—spares occupy wells under the floor, and factory subs can intrude at the sidewall or hatch; net liters may change with audio packages. Plan around intrusions and use custom‑fit liners like a raised‑edge cargo cargo liner custom fit.

Split ratios let you carry long items while keeping passengers; 40/20/40 adds a narrow center pass‑through ideal for skis. For protection, add a fold‑flat seatback protector such as a universal seatback seatback protector cargo.

Yes—1 cubic foot equals approximately 28.3168 liters; rounding can shift published numbers slightly. When comparing, convert units consistently and keep a quick‑reference card or calculator like a pocket metric‑imperial unit conversion card.

Compact three‑row SUVs often leave limited volume with the third row up; minivans and larger SUVs offer more depth. Check floor length to the hatch and consider a roof box for overflow along with a compatible crossbar‑mount roof cargo box aerodynamic.

Square walls, a wide hatch opening, and low intrusions make packing more efficient even at the same volume. Use rectangular luggage instead of round bags and add a stack‑friendly packing cube kit like a rigid‑sided travel rigid packing cubes.

Use tie‑down rings, nets, and rubberized liners; many vehicles provide anchors rated in the manual. Choose a net that hooks to factory points and a textured mat like an anti‑slip trunk cargo net trunk hooks.

It’s allowed under many standards, but visibility and restraint become critical; a cargo cover or net helps prevent projectiles. Distribute weight low and forward and use a break‑resistant storage bin such as a latch‑top cargo latching storage bin heavy duty.

A lower compartment beneath the removable load floor for small items or spare‑tire tools; it doesn’t always count in published volume. Use compartment dividers and zip pouches like a foam‑organized tool trunk organizer bins.

No—roof capacity is separate and limited by dynamic load ratings; it impacts fuel economy and wind noise. Use an aerodynamic box or bag and follow torque specs with a lockable crossbar‑compatible aero roof rack crossbars.

Yes—most retractable covers are removable; store them to prevent rattles and damage. Use a padded sleeve and secure it with straps beside luggage using a protective cargo‑cover padded storage bag sleeve.

Typical tests fit two to three carry‑ons and two medium suitcases with seats up; exact counts vary by shape. Try soft‑sided luggage that conforms to sidewalls, like a flexible checked‑size soft sided 26 inch luggage.

A flat deck prevents gaps so boxes and furniture sit stable, reducing tipping risk. Consider a cargo bridge insert if a small step remains, pairing it with a grippy load‑floor cargo bridge insert car.

Yes—vehicles with repair kits instead of spares often publish slightly higher liters due to a deeper well. If you delete the spare, carry a compressor and sealant kit plus a jack‑safe wheel chock like a compact roadside tire repair kit compressor.

Their long, low floors and square openings make them exceptional, especially with fold‑into‑floor seating. For long items, secure with multiple tie points and a protective moving blanket like a heavy quilted cargo moving blanket for car cargo.

Some rear racks interfere with liftgate clearance or sensors; roof gear can limit garage entry height. Measure before trips and use quick‑release systems with a strap‑secure rear‑hitch carrier like a fold‑down bike‑rack folding hitch bike rack.

Stackable bins, nets, and vacuum‑form liners protect surfaces and group items; roof boxes extend capacity on trips. Choose made‑to‑fit liners for your model and a modular bin kit like a set of stack‑locking cargo stackable storage bins locking.

Record width between wheel arches, height to the cover/roof, depth to seatbacks, and diagonal length; note liftover height. A soft tape and folding ruler work well, alongside painter’s tape and a simple layout triangle like a collapsible measuring folding ruler metric imperial.

Hinge arcs and trim protrusions can contact bags even when volume is sufficient; soft items near the hatch help. Try compressible duffels around the latch line such as a travel‑grade compressible compressible travel duffel.

Automakers rate anchor points; specifics appear in the owner’s manual and service literature. Use straps with working‑load limits and metal hooks, along with a set of ratchet straps carried in a compact tie‑down ratchet tie down set.

Motors and trim can slightly intrude on side volumes, though the effect is small on many models. Check for pinch points and protect wiring with a fitted hatch‑area guard like a liftgate‑edge protector liftgate edge guard.

Usually, but verify the method (SAE vs VDA) and whether the measurement is to the roof or window line. Independent tests by outlets like Car and Driver supplement specs with suitcase counts and sometimes a standardized rolling 22‑inch 22 inch spinner carry on.

No—rails are external, but their presence enables roof boxes as overflow capacity. Match the dynamic load rating and lock crossbars using a key‑locking aero‑profile locking roof crossbars.

A crate sized to the bay’s width uses space efficiently and improves safety in braking. Choose a crash‑tested crate and place it against the seatback with tie‑downs plus a removable waterproof liner like a pet‑proof cargo crash tested dog crate car.

Usually yes with seats up if items are stacked efficiently; remove the cargo cover for more height. Test with your stroller folded and pack soft bags around it, such as a slim folding umbrella stroller and a flexible checked‑bag compact umbrella stroller folding.

Hitch hardware is external, but some spare‑tire relocations or sub‑trunk packaging can change under‑floor space. Verify after installation and add storage pouches near the sidewalls like a velcro‑back cargo trunk side organizer velcro.

Cargo length is measured with seats in normal positions; max length includes folding front passenger seats or sliding second rows. For long items, protect interior trim with edge guards and a roll‑up mat like a cut‑to‑fit protective trunk protector mat roll.