Small SUVs With Large Cargo Areas

Compact crossover SUVs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their combination of passenger space and cargo room. They also often boast features that make loading and unloading easier, such as split rear seats that can be fold down for versatile storage.

Here, we explore a few compact SUVs that have the biggest maximum cargo capacity with their rear seats folded down. U.S News' new-vehicle scores and data are updated regularly, so occasionally there may be mismatched details of model reviews.

2022 Infiniti QX50

Max. Cargo Capacity: 65.1 cu. ft.

The 2022 Infiniti QX50 has plenty of cargo space, measuring 65.1 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats down and 31.4 cubic feet with them upright. It's easy to raise or lower the rear seats, and a power liftgate comes standard while a hands-free power liftgate is optional.

This vehicle comfortably fits up to five people and comes standard with a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system that's compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you're looking for even more luxury, optional upgrades include a Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Although the QX50's driving experience isn't as intense as its luxury-branded competition, it does offer a smooth ride. Additionally, it's fuel efficient.

2022 Ford Bronco Sport

Max. Cargo Capacity: 65.2 cu. ft.

With two turbocharged engines and plenty of off-road capability, the 2022 Bronco Sport manages to supply both space and adventure. It offers 65.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats down and 32.5 cubic feet with them up. You can even get a "safari-style roof" (which is just what Ford is calling the optional roof rack) to add even more cargo-carrying capacity. The load height is fairly low which makes it easy to insert or remove your cargo.

Alongside its ample cargo capacity and great prowess off the pavement, the Bronco Sport offers comfortable front seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, this Ford isn't quite as upscale inside as many rivals.

2022 Ford Escape

Max Cargo Area: 65.4 cu. ft.

Although there are no new changes to the 2022 Ford Escape, it's still an appealing option in the compact SUV segment thanks to its intuitive infotainment system, comfortable seats, good gas mileage and large cargo area. It's one of the only models in the class that feature rear-seats that slide forward to fold down, making its cargo space a bountiful 65.4 cubic feet, while with the cushions upright it measures 37.5 cubic feet.

Compared to its more luxurious competitors, the Escape offers a no-frills interior that blends soft and hard materials and seats up to five passengers. It comes standard with a 4.2 inch infotainment display, a six-speaker stereo, USB ports and a Wi-Fi hot spot. It is not as sporty as other models, but it offers a smooth ride that handles well.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Max Cargo Area: 69.1 cu. ft.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the only compact SUVs that offer (admittedly cramped at times) third-row seating, so it easily adjusts as needed to suit cargo or up to seven passengers. The Tiguan’s upscale cabin provides a large cargo hold measuring 65.7 cubic feet with the two rear rows of seats folded, while with them upright, it measures 33 cubic feet. 

It comes with a tech suite that includes navigation, push-button start and wireless mobile device charging. The infotainment system’s touch-sensitive interface can be finicky and distracting at times.

2022 Jaguar F-Pace

Max Cargo Area: 65.7 cu. ft.

The 2022 Jaguar F-Pace combines luxury, roominess and practicality. With the rear seats folded, its cargo space measures 69.1 cubic feet, and with the cushions upright, it measures 31.5 cubic feet. The base model comes with a synthetic leather interior, heated front seats and a power liftgate. Options include genuine leather and a hands-free power liftgate. 

In addition to luxury, the F-Pace doesn’t skimp on safety with front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. An intuitive infotainment system with large buttons and an 11.4-inch touch screen make for easy navigation and robust entertainment.

2022 Toyota RAV4

Max Cargo Area: 69.8 cu. ft.

If you’re looking for an easy, reliable and comfortable ride, look no further than the 2022 Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the RAV4 has 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while with the cushions upright, it measures 37.6 cubic feet. A panoramic sunroof tops off the RAV4's overall spacious feel.

The standard model comes equipped with cloth upholstery, a power liftgate and adjustable front seats with options to upgrade to synthetic leather interiors, heated and ventilated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The RAV4’s infotainment system includes a seven-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlayand a Wi-Fi hot spot.

2022 Honda CR-V

Max Cargo Area: 75.8 cu. ft.

The Honda CR-V has been highly rated in our compact SUVs ranking for several years, and it continues to be a top model in the segment. The CR-V offers great acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency.

With the rear seatbacks folded, the CR-V 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and there's 39.2 cubic feet of room with them upright. The CR-V has one of the largest cargo holds in the compact SUV class with a low floor to make for easy loading and unloading. 

The CR-V comes standard with cloth upholstery, a stylish cabin and a simplistic 5-inch display. It also comes with automatic climate control, a four-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth and a USB port. An optional infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available.