How much stuff can you fit in a compact crossover?
Check out just how roomy these cars are
15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi's newest small SUV in the U.S. is the Eclipse Cross, which revives an iconic name once affixed to the brand's Eclipse sport coupe. The Eclipse Cross is not, as you can see, a "coupe" in the traditional sense, but it tries to achieve the spicier visual drama of other "crossover coupes" on the market with a faster roofline than the otherwise similar Outlander Sport. That raked tail contributes to the Mitsubishi's last-place showing among its compact competitors, however — the Eclipse Cross can only fit 17 carry-on bags.
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 17 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 49 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 23 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
14. Jeep Compass
Despite its boxy exterior and competitive seats-folded cargo volume, the Jeep Compass is not the roomiest of this set of vehicles. This makes sense: The Jeep slots between the subcompact and compact classes, although Car and Driver categorizes it as the latter. The test fit 17 carry-ons into the Compass with the rear seats folded and only six with all of those seats up.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
14. Jeep Compass
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 17 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 27 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
13. Jeep Cherokee
Unlike the Compass, Jeep’s Cherokee falls solidly in the compact size class, though its cabin is tight compared to many competitors. For 2019, Jeep attempted to address a previous complaints with the Cherokee: its relatively limited cargo space. The automaker widened the cargo area by about three inches, but this did not change the Cherokee’s standing much. Although this Jeep is, externally, much larger than the Compass, it only held one additional carry-on bag inside.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
13. Jeep Cherokee
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 18 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 55 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 26 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
12. Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Even with its three rows of seats, the Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t hold a top spot on this list. More seats don’t equate to more cargo space since the extra row of seats is simply crammed into a still-compact body. With all of the seats down, the testers only fit 19 of of the carry-on boxes, and with all of the seats up, including the third row, they were only able to fit only two. So, if you’re planning a trip with six people or hauling the family around town don’t expect to bring much with you.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
12. Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 19 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 66 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 12 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
11. Mazda CX-5 (tie)
Mazda's CX-5 was completely redesigned in 2017, and the changeover massively upgraded the sporty SUV’s style and refinement. Too bad it also stole some of the CX-5’s practicality. The current-generation model holds nine carry-ons with seats up, one less than its predecessor, although the completely flat load floor means the space is more functional.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
11. Mazda CX-5 (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 19 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
10. Kia Sportage (tie)
In Car and Driver's test of the 2018 Kia Sportage, they declared that the cargo storage is disappointing for a compact crossover — although only when you leave all of the seats up. (The SUV has since been updated for the 2020 model year, albeit only on a cosmetic level — its basic dimensions haven't changed and it is pictured here.) The Car and Driver testers could only cram eight of their carry-on boxes in the cargo hold in this configuration. However, dropping those rear seats down opens up class-average space.
PHOTO: Kia
10. Kia Sportage (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
9. Hyundai Tucson (tie)
Fitting 22 of the tester's carry-on test boxes with the seats down, the Hyundai Tucson has adequate cargo storage that’s average for its segment. Hyundai has updated the Tucson's styling slightly for 2019 — that version is pictured here — but left the rest of the package largely alone, so its cargo capacity hasn't changed. But take note: As in its corporate sibling, the Kia Sportage, raising the Hyundai’s second-row seats results in a rather tight cargo hold. The testers could only shove seven carry-ons behind the seats.
PHOTO: Hyundai
9. Hyundai Tucson (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 62 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
8. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Now here’s an interesting twist: Toyota’s all-new RAV4, which debuted for 2019, isn’t as cargo-friendly as its predecessor. The last RAV4, in the testing, held 26 carry-on bags with its rear seats folded. The new one only handles 22 suitcases. The new SUV’s cargo space behind its second-row seats remains the same, but its three fewer cubic feet of space with the seats folded offers a hint as to why it can’t hold as many carry-ons as before.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
8. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 70 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 38 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
7. Nissan Rogue (tie)
Nissan's ever popular Rogue keeps up with the segment’s Joneses with its class-average maximum cargo capacity. Non-hybrid Rogues even feature a variable-height load floor, which can be raised flush with the folded rear seatbacks and trunk opening or dropped a couple of inches lower for a little extra space.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
7. Nissan Rogue (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 70 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 39 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
6. Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
Despite only fitting eight of the carry-ons with all of the seats up, the Chevrolet Equinox has some pretty useful quirks in the cargo area. Drop the Equinox’s split-folding rear seat using the nifty release handles in the cargo area (which automatically flops the seatbacks flat with no additional input needed via the side doors), and a completely flat load floor makes for easy loading of bulkier items.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
6. Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 64 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 30 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
5. Subaru Forester (tie)
Though it may appear bulbous and slightly rounded, the Subaru Forester is, essentially, a box on wheels. The new-for-2019 model also appears similar to its predecessor — as in, nearly identical, but that’s a different story. On the cargo front, that sameness equals a continued hauling friendliness thanks to up to 76 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded (Foresters with the available sunroof have slightly less room, 71 cubic feet). That translates to 23 carry-on suitcases’ worth of cargo space.
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
5. Subaru Forester (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 71–76 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 33–35 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
4. Ford Escape (tie)
Beyond its lack of a center rear-seat pass-through, which is handy for fitting long items in the rear of the vehicle, Car and Drive said they have no complaints about the aging Ford Escape’s cargo-gobbling abilities. In fact, the Ford’s cargo capacity is impressive given its slick, windswept external appearance.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
4. Ford Escape (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 68 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 34 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
3. GMC Terrain
Being able to fit 24 bags within its boxy body lands the GMC Terrain near the head of the compact class and one suitcase beyond its Chevy-badged twin, the Equinox. Though it isn’t accounted for in the carry-on-capacity data, the GMC also offers a fold-flat front passenger seat, which affords owners still more cargo space.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
3. GMC Terrain
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 24 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 63 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 30 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
2. Honda CR-V
In Car and Driver's testing, they were able to nestle 10 of their carry-on boxes behind the rear seat in the Honda CR-V, matching the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Escape. However, throw those rear seats down, and the CR-V rises above those rivals.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
2. Honda CR-V
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 25 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 76 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 39 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi’s Outlander doesn’t rank near the top of many lists — certainly not Car and Driver's overall compact-crossover rankings — but it sure can hold carry-on luggage. In spite of its lowish cargo volume, the Mitsubishi can hold 27 carry-ons with its second- and third-row seats folded. Along with the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Outlander is the only nonluxury compact crossover tested with a third row. Although the third row limits its seats-up capacity to two carry-ons, it has easy-to-fold second and third rows that, when down, create a flat load floor to help it fit the most carry-ons of any compact crossover Car and Driver tested.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 27 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 63 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 10 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi's newest small SUV in the U.S. is the Eclipse Cross, which revives an iconic name once affixed to the brand's Eclipse sport coupe. The Eclipse Cross is not, as you can see, a "coupe" in the traditional sense, but it tries to achieve the spicier visual drama of other "crossover coupes" on the market with a faster roofline than the otherwise similar Outlander Sport. That raked tail contributes to the Mitsubishi's last-place showing among its compact competitors, however — the Eclipse Cross can only fit 17 carry-on bags.
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 17 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 49 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 23 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
14. Jeep Compass
Despite its boxy exterior and competitive seats-folded cargo volume, the Jeep Compass is not the roomiest of this set of vehicles. This makes sense: The Jeep slots between the subcompact and compact classes, although Car and Driver categorizes it as the latter. The test fit 17 carry-ons into the Compass with the rear seats folded and only six with all of those seats up.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
14. Jeep Compass
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 17 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 27 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
13. Jeep Cherokee
Unlike the Compass, Jeep’s Cherokee falls solidly in the compact size class, though its cabin is tight compared to many competitors. For 2019, Jeep attempted to address a previous complaints with the Cherokee: its relatively limited cargo space. The automaker widened the cargo area by about three inches, but this did not change the Cherokee’s standing much. Although this Jeep is, externally, much larger than the Compass, it only held one additional carry-on bag inside.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
13. Jeep Cherokee
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 18 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 55 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 26 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
12. Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Even with its three rows of seats, the Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t hold a top spot on this list. More seats don’t equate to more cargo space since the extra row of seats is simply crammed into a still-compact body. With all of the seats down, the testers only fit 19 of of the carry-on boxes, and with all of the seats up, including the third row, they were only able to fit only two. So, if you’re planning a trip with six people or hauling the family around town don’t expect to bring much with you.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
12. Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 19 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 66 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 12 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
11. Mazda CX-5 (tie)
Mazda's CX-5 was completely redesigned in 2017, and the changeover massively upgraded the sporty SUV’s style and refinement. Too bad it also stole some of the CX-5’s practicality. The current-generation model holds nine carry-ons with seats up, one less than its predecessor, although the completely flat load floor means the space is more functional.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
11. Mazda CX-5 (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 19 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
10. Kia Sportage (tie)
In Car and Driver's test of the 2018 Kia Sportage, they declared that the cargo storage is disappointing for a compact crossover — although only when you leave all of the seats up. (The SUV has since been updated for the 2020 model year, albeit only on a cosmetic level — its basic dimensions haven't changed and it is pictured here.) The Car and Driver testers could only cram eight of their carry-on boxes in the cargo hold in this configuration. However, dropping those rear seats down opens up class-average space.
PHOTO: Kia
10. Kia Sportage (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
9. Hyundai Tucson (tie)
Fitting 22 of the tester's carry-on test boxes with the seats down, the Hyundai Tucson has adequate cargo storage that’s average for its segment. Hyundai has updated the Tucson's styling slightly for 2019 — that version is pictured here — but left the rest of the package largely alone, so its cargo capacity hasn't changed. But take note: As in its corporate sibling, the Kia Sportage, raising the Hyundai’s second-row seats results in a rather tight cargo hold. The testers could only shove seven carry-ons behind the seats.
PHOTO: Hyundai
9. Hyundai Tucson (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 62 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
8. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Now here’s an interesting twist: Toyota’s all-new RAV4, which debuted for 2019, isn’t as cargo-friendly as its predecessor. The last RAV4, in the testing, held 26 carry-on bags with its rear seats folded. The new one only handles 22 suitcases. The new SUV’s cargo space behind its second-row seats remains the same, but its three fewer cubic feet of space with the seats folded offers a hint as to why it can’t hold as many carry-ons as before.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
8. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 70 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 38 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
7. Nissan Rogue (tie)
Nissan's ever popular Rogue keeps up with the segment’s Joneses with its class-average maximum cargo capacity. Non-hybrid Rogues even feature a variable-height load floor, which can be raised flush with the folded rear seatbacks and trunk opening or dropped a couple of inches lower for a little extra space.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
7. Nissan Rogue (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 70 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 39 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
6. Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
Despite only fitting eight of the carry-ons with all of the seats up, the Chevrolet Equinox has some pretty useful quirks in the cargo area. Drop the Equinox’s split-folding rear seat using the nifty release handles in the cargo area (which automatically flops the seatbacks flat with no additional input needed via the side doors), and a completely flat load floor makes for easy loading of bulkier items.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
6. Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 64 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 30 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
5. Subaru Forester (tie)
Though it may appear bulbous and slightly rounded, the Subaru Forester is, essentially, a box on wheels. The new-for-2019 model also appears similar to its predecessor — as in, nearly identical, but that’s a different story. On the cargo front, that sameness equals a continued hauling friendliness thanks to up to 76 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded (Foresters with the available sunroof have slightly less room, 71 cubic feet). That translates to 23 carry-on suitcases’ worth of cargo space.
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
5. Subaru Forester (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 71–76 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 33–35 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
4. Ford Escape (tie)
Beyond its lack of a center rear-seat pass-through, which is handy for fitting long items in the rear of the vehicle, Car and Drive said they have no complaints about the aging Ford Escape’s cargo-gobbling abilities. In fact, the Ford’s cargo capacity is impressive given its slick, windswept external appearance.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
4. Ford Escape (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 68 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 34 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
3. GMC Terrain
Being able to fit 24 bags within its boxy body lands the GMC Terrain near the head of the compact class and one suitcase beyond its Chevy-badged twin, the Equinox. Though it isn’t accounted for in the carry-on-capacity data, the GMC also offers a fold-flat front passenger seat, which affords owners still more cargo space.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
3. GMC Terrain
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 24 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 63 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 30 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
2. Honda CR-V
In Car and Driver's testing, they were able to nestle 10 of their carry-on boxes behind the rear seat in the Honda CR-V, matching the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Escape. However, throw those rear seats down, and the CR-V rises above those rivals.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
2. Honda CR-V
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 25 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 76 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 39 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi’s Outlander doesn’t rank near the top of many lists — certainly not Car and Driver's overall compact-crossover rankings — but it sure can hold carry-on luggage. In spite of its lowish cargo volume, the Mitsubishi can hold 27 carry-ons with its second- and third-row seats folded. Along with the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Outlander is the only nonluxury compact crossover tested with a third row. Although the third row limits its seats-up capacity to two carry-ons, it has easy-to-fold second and third rows that, when down, create a flat load floor to help it fit the most carry-ons of any compact crossover Car and Driver tested.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 27 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 63 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 10 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi's newest small SUV in the U.S. is the Eclipse Cross, which revives an iconic name once affixed to the brand's Eclipse sport coupe. The Eclipse Cross is not, as you can see, a "coupe" in the traditional sense, but it tries to achieve the spicier visual drama of other "crossover coupes" on the market with a faster roofline than the otherwise similar Outlander Sport. That raked tail contributes to the Mitsubishi's last-place showing among its compact competitors, however — the Eclipse Cross can only fit 17 carry-on bags.
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 17 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 49 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 23 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
14. Jeep Compass
Despite its boxy exterior and competitive seats-folded cargo volume, the Jeep Compass is not the roomiest of this set of vehicles. This makes sense: The Jeep slots between the subcompact and compact classes, although Car and Driver categorizes it as the latter. The test fit 17 carry-ons into the Compass with the rear seats folded and only six with all of those seats up.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
14. Jeep Compass
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 17 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 27 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
13. Jeep Cherokee
Unlike the Compass, Jeep’s Cherokee falls solidly in the compact size class, though its cabin is tight compared to many competitors. For 2019, Jeep attempted to address a previous complaints with the Cherokee: its relatively limited cargo space. The automaker widened the cargo area by about three inches, but this did not change the Cherokee’s standing much. Although this Jeep is, externally, much larger than the Compass, it only held one additional carry-on bag inside.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
13. Jeep Cherokee
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 18 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 55 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 26 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
12. Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Even with its three rows of seats, the Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t hold a top spot on this list. More seats don’t equate to more cargo space since the extra row of seats is simply crammed into a still-compact body. With all of the seats down, the testers only fit 19 of of the carry-on boxes, and with all of the seats up, including the third row, they were only able to fit only two. So, if you’re planning a trip with six people or hauling the family around town don’t expect to bring much with you.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
12. Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 19 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 66 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 12 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
11. Mazda CX-5 (tie)
Mazda's CX-5 was completely redesigned in 2017, and the changeover massively upgraded the sporty SUV’s style and refinement. Too bad it also stole some of the CX-5’s practicality. The current-generation model holds nine carry-ons with seats up, one less than its predecessor, although the completely flat load floor means the space is more functional.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
11. Mazda CX-5 (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 19 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
10. Kia Sportage (tie)
In Car and Driver's test of the 2018 Kia Sportage, they declared that the cargo storage is disappointing for a compact crossover — although only when you leave all of the seats up. (The SUV has since been updated for the 2020 model year, albeit only on a cosmetic level — its basic dimensions haven't changed and it is pictured here.) The Car and Driver testers could only cram eight of their carry-on boxes in the cargo hold in this configuration. However, dropping those rear seats down opens up class-average space.
PHOTO: Kia
10. Kia Sportage (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 60 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
9. Hyundai Tucson (tie)
Fitting 22 of the tester's carry-on test boxes with the seats down, the Hyundai Tucson has adequate cargo storage that’s average for its segment. Hyundai has updated the Tucson's styling slightly for 2019 — that version is pictured here — but left the rest of the package largely alone, so its cargo capacity hasn't changed. But take note: As in its corporate sibling, the Kia Sportage, raising the Hyundai’s second-row seats results in a rather tight cargo hold. The testers could only shove seven carry-ons behind the seats.
PHOTO: Hyundai
9. Hyundai Tucson (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 62 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 31 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
8. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Now here’s an interesting twist: Toyota’s all-new RAV4, which debuted for 2019, isn’t as cargo-friendly as its predecessor. The last RAV4, in the testing, held 26 carry-on bags with its rear seats folded. The new one only handles 22 suitcases. The new SUV’s cargo space behind its second-row seats remains the same, but its three fewer cubic feet of space with the seats folded offers a hint as to why it can’t hold as many carry-ons as before.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
8. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 70 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 38 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
7. Nissan Rogue (tie)
Nissan's ever popular Rogue keeps up with the segment’s Joneses with its class-average maximum cargo capacity. Non-hybrid Rogues even feature a variable-height load floor, which can be raised flush with the folded rear seatbacks and trunk opening or dropped a couple of inches lower for a little extra space.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
7. Nissan Rogue (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 22 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 70 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 39 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
6. Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
Despite only fitting eight of the carry-ons with all of the seats up, the Chevrolet Equinox has some pretty useful quirks in the cargo area. Drop the Equinox’s split-folding rear seat using the nifty release handles in the cargo area (which automatically flops the seatbacks flat with no additional input needed via the side doors), and a completely flat load floor makes for easy loading of bulkier items.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
6. Chevrolet Equinox (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 64 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 30 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
5. Subaru Forester (tie)
Though it may appear bulbous and slightly rounded, the Subaru Forester is, essentially, a box on wheels. The new-for-2019 model also appears similar to its predecessor — as in, nearly identical, but that’s a different story. On the cargo front, that sameness equals a continued hauling friendliness thanks to up to 76 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded (Foresters with the available sunroof have slightly less room, 71 cubic feet). That translates to 23 carry-on suitcases’ worth of cargo space.
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
5. Subaru Forester (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 71–76 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 33–35 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
4. Ford Escape (tie)
Beyond its lack of a center rear-seat pass-through, which is handy for fitting long items in the rear of the vehicle, Car and Drive said they have no complaints about the aging Ford Escape’s cargo-gobbling abilities. In fact, the Ford’s cargo capacity is impressive given its slick, windswept external appearance.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
4. Ford Escape (tie)
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 23 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 68 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 34 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
3. GMC Terrain
Being able to fit 24 bags within its boxy body lands the GMC Terrain near the head of the compact class and one suitcase beyond its Chevy-badged twin, the Equinox. Though it isn’t accounted for in the carry-on-capacity data, the GMC also offers a fold-flat front passenger seat, which affords owners still more cargo space.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
3. GMC Terrain
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 24 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 63 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 30 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Amos
2. Honda CR-V
In Car and Driver's testing, they were able to nestle 10 of their carry-on boxes behind the rear seat in the Honda CR-V, matching the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Escape. However, throw those rear seats down, and the CR-V rises above those rivals.
PHOTO: Michael Simari
2. Honda CR-V
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 25 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 76 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 39 cubic feet
PHOTO: Michael Simari
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi’s Outlander doesn’t rank near the top of many lists — certainly not Car and Driver's overall compact-crossover rankings — but it sure can hold carry-on luggage. In spite of its lowish cargo volume, the Mitsubishi can hold 27 carry-ons with its second- and third-row seats folded. Along with the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Outlander is the only nonluxury compact crossover tested with a third row. Although the third row limits its seats-up capacity to two carry-ons, it has easy-to-fold second and third rows that, when down, create a flat load floor to help it fit the most carry-ons of any compact crossover Car and Driver tested.
PHOTO: Chris Amos
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
Carry-on capacity, rear seats folded: 27 suitcases
Cargo volume, rear seats folded: 63 cubic feet
Cargo volume, behind rearmost row of seats: 10 cubic feet
PHOTO: Chris Doane Automotive
Check out just how roomy these cars are
Can you visualize 50 cubic feet? Yeah, neither can we. That’s why Car and Driver translates the storage and cargo space of the vehicles they test in depth into more easily graspable units of measurement, such as carry-on suitcases. Doing so helps pull the cargo volumes automakers publish out of the abstract. Say you’re taking a trip or picking up family from the airport; you’d want to know just how many roller bags a car can handle, right?
Right! So, here they've ranked the ultra-popular compact SUV class by how many carry-ons each one can hold in maximum-cargo mode, with every row of seats but the fronts folded flat. This levels the playing field among two- and three-row compact SUVs since vehicles in the latter group usually hold less stuff behind their third rows than two-row models behind their second rows. For any ties — say, two or more crossovers that fit the same number of carry-on bags — the manufacturer’s cargo volume (in cubic feet) with the rear rows of seats folded becomes the tiebreaker — and Car and Driver included those volumes for each SUV to help you equivocate between them and carry-on-luggage capacity. Click through to see where the carry-ons fall: