10 SUVs and Minivans With the Most Usable Cargo Space
Manufacturer specs can be misleading. We use our proprietary pipe-frame box to measure the actual storage capacity of popular models and determine which ones truly fit the most gear.
While some buyers hesitate to consider a minivan, they are among the most versatile vehicles available. They offer ample cargo volume and low loading floors, making it easier to fit large items inside. Their sliding side doors also provide easy access for loading and unloading bulky gear in tight spaces. However, many midsized and large SUVs offer competitive storage solutions without the design compromises of the past.
To determine which vehicles offer the most utility, Consumer Reports’ auto testers use a specialized pipe-frame box to measure usable cargo volume rather than accepting the theoretical space often cited by car companies. We enlarge it enough to just fit through the rear opening and extend it into the cargo bay as far as possible without preventing the hatch from closing. Cargo capacity is the volume enclosed by that box, because it doesn’t help you to have a cavernous space with a small hatch opening.
This rigorous, hands-on testing identifies which models have truly flat-folding seats and manageable liftover heights, and which ones make loading a chore. (Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars.)
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