In our ever-busy lives where functionality meets style, the need for a vehicle that can carry all—from family to equipment—is paramount. The 2024 lineup of cars with substantial cargo space promises to deliver not just practicality but also a sleek design and advanced technology. In this review, we delve into the best models that offer generous storage without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, moving goods for business, or simply need room for your daily activities, these cars are designed to handle every aspect of your modern lifestyle.
Best Cars With Most Cargo Space 2024
#1 2023 Ford Explorer
When shopping for a family SUV, cargo space often tops the list of necessities. Whether it’s for road trips, moving day, or just the daily haul of life’s essentials, having a vehicle that can pack it all in is crucial. The Ford Explorer, a long-standing favorite among mid-size SUVs, offers not only a robust set of features and a comfortable ride but also boasts impressive cargo capacity. Let’s delve into how the Explorer stacks up against its competitors in terms of cargo space.
Ford Explorer: A Closer Look at Cargo Capabilities
The Ford Explorer is designed with practicality in mind, especially when it comes to hauling cargo. Despite some mixed reviews on its third-row seating comfort, the Explorer shines when you need to transport larger loads. Here’s how:
- Third-Row Space: The Explorer comes equipped with a standard third row, accessible via a button that slides the second-row seat forward. This feature is particularly useful for families needing extra seating. However, when it comes to cargo, the third row can be folded down to create more space.
- Cargo Capacity: Behind its third row, the Explorer can fit four carry-on suitcases, which is adequate for quick trips or small family outings. However, the true cargo potential of the Explorer is revealed when the second and third rows are folded flat. In this configuration, the vehicle accommodates a substantial 31 carry-on bags. This vast space makes it ideal for longer vacations, large shopping trips, or helping friends move.
- Comparison with Rivals: While the Explorer offers significant cargo space, it’s important to compare it with other vehicles in its class. For instance, the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas are known for their spacious third rows, which provide more comfort for passengers and can affect the total available cargo space when all seats are in use. However, in maximum cargo configuration, these competitors also offer expansive areas that are competitive with the Explorer.
#2 Chevrolet Equinox
Amidst Chevrolet’s diverse lineup, the Chevrolet Equinox holds its ground, especially for those prioritizing cars with the best cargo space 2024 within the compact SUV category. Strategically positioned between the smaller Trax and the larger Blazer, the Equinox combines affordability with spaciousness, making it a worthy contender in the crossover segment.
Design and Dimensions
Despite being more compact than the Blazer, the Equinox offers comparable cargo capacity, a key feature for those who need a vehicle that balances size with storage capabilities. This makes the Equinox an ideal choice for families or anyone who needs the flexibility to haul gear alongside daily commuting. Its ability to nearly match the cargo space of its bigger sibling while maintaining a smaller footprint underscores its design efficiency.
#3 2024 Mazda CX-5
The design choices in the CX-5 focus on enhancing driver comfort and vehicle ergonomics. Unlike many other vehicles, the CX-5 features a floor-hinged accelerator pedal, which many drivers find more comfortable than the more common suspended version. This design allows for a more natural driving position and easier pedal operation.
The steering wheel is precisely aligned with the driver’s seat, avoiding the slight offset found in many other vehicles, which enhances driving ergonomics and control. Furthermore, all of the front-seat armrests are positioned at the same height, promoting a more relaxed and comfortable seating posture, crucial for long drives.
Cargo Capacity and Storage
While the CX-5 excels in luxury and comfort, it does make some concessions when it comes to cargo space. In testing, it accommodated just nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats, which might be less than some rivals. However, it compensates with a completely flat load floor, enhancing the usability of the available space and making it easier to load and unload bulky items.
The clever use of space extends beyond the cargo area. The cabin is equipped with several well-thought-out storage solutions for everyday items. The center console, for example, includes a deep tray at the front and a bin with a removable shelf, perfect for storing smartphones, wallets, and other small essentials. These thoughtful details ensure that everything has a place, reducing clutter and keeping necessities within easy reach.
#4 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is designed to meet the demands of modern families with its robust, truck-like interior and a host of customizable features. Here’s a closer look at how the Pathfinder combines comfort, control, and capacity, making it a standout option in the family crossover market.
Inside the Pathfinder, the focus is on creating a spacious and comfortable environment. The cabin sports a modern and rugged aesthetic that mirrors the vehicle’s exterior appeal. With three rows of seating, the Pathfinder can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families or groups. However, for those who prefer a more open cabin or often carry fewer passengers, there’s an option to replace the standard second-row bench with captain’s chairs. This popular choice brings the seating capacity to seven but adds an element of ease and accessibility to the third row, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Smart Storage Solutions
Nissan understands that storage is crucial in a family vehicle. The Pathfinder is equipped with cleverly integrated storage cubbies throughout the cabin, ensuring that both essentials and extras have their place. One notable feature is the large bin located below the center console, which is easily accessible from both the driver and front passenger seats. This thoughtful design allows for storing larger items or keeping valuables hidden and secure, adding to the Pathfinder’s practicality for everyday use and longer trips alike.
#5 2023 Toyota Highlander
This feature makes the seven-seat arrangement a good fit for families that prioritize comfort and accessibility over maximum passenger capacity. While this setup reduces the seating by one, it significantly enhances the overall comfort, making the Highlander a strong contender among the best cars with cargo space.
Comparing Passenger Space
In terms of passenger space, the Toyota Highlander offers more room than the Mazda CX-9, particularly noticeable for passengers in the second row. However, it doesn’t quite match the spaciousness of the Chevrolet Traverse, especially when considering the third row. The third-row seating in the Highlander is somewhat tighter, which might be less comfortable for adults during longer journeys.
Cargo Capacity
When it comes to cargo space, the Highlander shows limitations with only four carry-on suitcases fitting behind the third row—this is less than what you’d manage to fit in the Chevrolet Traverse, which can accommodate six carry-ons in the same space. This might be a consideration for buyers for whom cargo capacity is a priority, positioning the Highlander as a potentially less favorable option among the best cars with cargo space for those needing to haul more items on a regular basis.
#6 Chevrolet Traverse
When it comes to transporting a large family or carrying significant loads, the Chevrolet Traverse stands out as an ideal option. Its spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements make it highly practical for those needing extra room for passengers and cargo alike.
Seating and Interior Layout
The Traverse starts with the base LS trim, which can seat eight people comfortably across three rows. This makes it perfect for larger families or groups who need ample space. For those seeking a bit more comfort and easier access between rows, all other trims of the Traverse offer second-row captain’s chairs. While this option reduces the seating capacity to seven, it enhances the overall passenger experience by providing more space and easier movement within the vehicle.
The Traverse is well-equipped with several thoughtful storage solutions to keep essentials organized and within easy reach. The center console features a large storage bin located ahead of two generously sized cupholders, perfect for holding small items and drinks securely. Additionally, there’s a unique storage area below the console that is easily accessible from both the driver and passenger sides, adding to the Traverse’s practicality.
One of the Traverse’s standout features is its exceptional cargo capacity. With all seats folded down, it offers over 97 cubic feet of space, placing it among the best in its class for cargo-friendly SUVs. This vast space is ideal for everything from large shopping trips and family vacations to moving days and more.
#7 2024 Chevy Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban has long established itself as a dominant figure in the realm of spacious vehicles, and its enduring presence underscores why it remains a top pick among cars with the most cargo space. This iconic SUV not only offers vast interior dimensions but also provides a versatility that appeals to a broad range of needs from family trips to business hauls.
Capacious by Design
Comparing the Suburban to its relatives within the General Motors family, such as the Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, it’s clear that the Suburban is designed with superior cargo capacity in mind. Stretching 15 inches longer than the Tahoe, the Suburban boasts an additional 16 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third-row seats. This extra space is crucial for those who need their vehicle to serve multiple purposes, seamlessly transitioning from a comfortable passenger hauler to a cargo carrier.
When the second and third rows are folded down, the Suburban transforms into a cargo giant with more than 140 cubic feet of space. This makes it stand out among cars with the most cargo space, providing ample room for practically any load you might need to carry.
More Than Just Size
While its size is a significant advantage, the Suburban doesn’t just rely on its dimensions to impress. Depending on the chosen trim level and selected options, it ranges from comfortably functional to luxuriously appointed. This adaptability allows it to meet a wide variety of tastes and requirements, adding layers of value beyond mere space.
#8 2024 GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon stands out as a titan in the realm of large SUVs, especially when it comes to cargo space and passenger comfort. Its substantial size not only provides ample room for passengers but also eclipses competitors like the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia in cargo capacity, making it a premier choice for those prioritizing space.
Comparative Dimensions and Cargo Capacity
The Yukon’s dimensions are generous, offering expansive legroom across all three rows—44.5 inches in the front, 42.0 inches in the second row, and 34.9 inches in the third row. This ensures that all passengers, regardless of where they sit, experience comfort even on longer journeys.
In terms of cargo space, the Yukon excels, providing flexibility depending on seating configuration:
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 22.5 cubic feet
- Cargo Space Behind Second Row: 72.6 cubic feet
- Cargo Space With All Seats Down: 122.9 cubic feet
These figures highlight the Yukon’s superior utility compared to its main rivals. For instance, the 2024 Yukon significantly outpaces the 2022 Toyota Sequoia and 2022 Ford Expedition in nearly every cargo dimension:
- The 2022 Toyota Sequoia offers 11.5-22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 89.6 cubic feet with all seats down.
- The 2022 Ford Expedition provides slightly less space than the Yukon with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 104.6 cubic feet in total cargo space when all rows are folded.
The Yukon XL: Even More Space
For those who need even more space, the Yukon XL variant extends the standard model’s capabilities. It adds a couple of inches of legroom in the third row and an extra 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place. This upgrade makes the Yukon XL one of the best cars with cargo space available today, especially suitable for large families or those requiring significant hauling capacity for activities like camping, sports, or long road trips.
#9 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Ford Expedition continues to impress with its blend of upscale comfort and practical design, making it a standout option in the full-size SUV category. Each trim level enhances the cabin’s luxury, culminating in the Platinum trim which boasts top-tier features that are sure to appeal to discerning buyers.
As you ascend the trim levels of the Expedition, you’ll notice a distinct improvement in cabin materials and decorative trim pieces. The Platinum trim epitomizes luxury within the Expedition lineup, featuring rich leather upholstery that envelops both driver and passengers in comfort. Additionally, the front seats in this top-tier model aren’t just heated and ventilated but also come with a massaging function, offering a touch of spa-like luxury that enhances long drives.
Exceptional Storage Solutions
The Expedition Max, in particular, excels in storage solutions. It offers extensive interior cubby storage, allowing passengers to keep personal items handy and organized. This feature is especially useful on long trips, keeping the cabin clutter-free and ensuring that essentials are within easy reach.
Versatile Cargo Capabilities
All models of the Expedition feature a power-folding third row that enhances the vehicle’s versatility. The controls for folding these seats are conveniently located in the cargo area and at the back seats, allowing for easy configuration changes depending on your cargo needs. Both the second and third rows can be folded flat, creating a level load floor that simplifies the process of loading and unloading large or bulky items.
