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Small SUVs With a Lot of Space
SUV shoppers focused on cargo room space need not always avoid considering a compact SUV over their larger mid-sized counterparts. In fact, according to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, some compact SUVs have as much---and sometimes more---cargo space than some 2-row midsized SUV models. Better yet, that compact SUV has the added benefit of getting better fuel economy for getting around in.
Related article: Consumer Reports Most Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs Recommended Today
However, knowing which compact SUV has the most useable space is not always clear.
“…it can be hard to figure out how much "stuff" an SUV can carry. Automakers tout how many cubic feet their SUVs can hold, as if you’re filling that space with ping-pong balls. But if the roofline is severely tapered or the liftgate opening is small and oddly shaped, you’re limited in what you can carry,” states CR analysts.
To help consumers get past marketing claims on SUV cargo space, CR analysts have recently updated their measures of the useable space consumers need to know that a compact SUV possesses by using an expandable rectangular pipe-frame box that is enlarged just enough to “…fit through the rear opening and extend it into the cargo bay as far as possible without preventing the hatch from closing.”
In other words, the measured cargo capacity is the volume enclosed by the expandable rectangular pipe-frame box to give consumers a clear picture of what they can actually fit in the back of that SUV they are considering buying.
Related article: Large SUVs That Can Hold the Most Cargo Measured by Consumer Reports
Cargo Space in Compact SUVs
A summary of the selected compact SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports is provided below ranked in descending order of useable cubic feet of cargo room in each vehicle:
1. Hyundai Tucson 2023
Price Range: $26,900 - $44,760
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 18 / Hwy 35 mpg
#9 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “We measured 38.5 cubic feet of cargo room, which is better than many two- and even three-row midsized SUVs! “
2. Kia Sportage 2023
Price Range: $26,290 - $43,190
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
#12 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “We measured 38 cubic feet with our pipe frame box.”
3. Honda CR-V 2023
Price Range: $28,410 - $35,760
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 19 / Hwy 33 mpg
#2 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “The rear seat is generous and easy to get into, and we measured 37 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seats folded.”
4. Nissan Rogue 2023
Price Range: $27,360 - $38,840
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
#4 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “Interior room is generous, cabin access is very easy, and it has 36.5 cubic feet of available cargo space.”
5. Subaru Forester 2023
Price Range: $26,395 - $36,795
CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
#1 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “Given its boxy shape, there should be no surprise that cargo room is impressive: we measured 36.5 cubic feet of space.”
6. Mazda CX-50 2023
Price Range: $27,550 - $42,300
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 33 mpg
#7 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “In our tests, we measured 34 cubic feet of useable cargo room.”
7. Volkswagen Tiguan 2023
Price Range: $26,950 - $37,680
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 16 / Hwy 35 mpg
#19 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “The Tiguan is one of the largest models in the small-SUV segment. That length allows for an enormous second-row seat, an optional third-row seat, and 33 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded.”
8. Chevrolet Equinox 2023
Price Range: $26,600 - $33,400
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
#16 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “In our tests, we measured 32 cubic feet of cargo room.”
9. Mitsubishi Outlander 2023
Price Range: $27,895 - $49,995
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
#14 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “Interior trim and packaging differences cut into the available cargo room compared to the Nissan, with the Mitsubishi offering a still-useful 32 cubic feet of available space.”
10. Volkswagen Taos 2023
Price Range: $24,155 - $34,535
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 17 / Hwy 39 mpg
#11 of 17 Subcompact sport-utility vehicles
Consumer Reports Measurements: “Even though it’s a subcompact SUV, the Taos is remarkably roomy, with 31.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seats folded flat.”
And finally…
For additional articles related to compact SUVs, here are two for your consideration:
• Car Brands and Models That Can Save You Money and Cost the Least to Maintain
• Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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