As a passionate cyclist, my bike is more than just gear—it’s an escape. Riding clears my mind, but getting my bike to the trail by car is a different story. Transporting it causes anxiety, whether I’m dodging traffic with a hitch rack or dealing with the risk of hitting low-clearance garages when using a roof mount.
Even tossing it in a truck bed raises fears of theft. Over time, I’ve realized that an SUV with fold-flat rear seats provides the best solution. It keeps my bike secure and out of sight. Fortunately, several modern SUVs offer this cargo-friendly feature for both utility and peace of mind.
SUVs with fold-flat rear seats offer unmatched flexibility. These designs allow you to store large or oddly shaped gear—like bikes—inside the vehicle, keeping them protected from elements and thieves.
Fold-flat seats transform passenger space into a spacious cargo area with minimal effort. Whether you’re an adventurer with camping gear, a cyclist transporting bikes, or a parent with strollers and groceries, these configurations adapt to your needs.
Unlike racks and open beds, enclosed SUV interiors reduce stress and simplify packing. It’s a practical feature that turns a standard SUV into a gear-hauling, road-ready companion for any weekend warrior.
1. Kia Telluride: Spacious and Smart
The 2020 Kia Telluride offers an easy, user-friendly folding seat system. Simply tug the straps on the third row to collapse it, then use a button in the cargo area to drop the second row. This seamless transition expands cargo capacity from 21 to an impressive 87 cubic feet.
The Telluride is a great mix of comfort and function, perfect for cyclists or anyone needing extra space. As MotorTrend’s 2020 SUV of the Year, it balances family-hauling capabilities with adventure-readiness, making it a reliable option for gear-heavy trips without sacrificing passenger comfort or cargo accessibility.
2. Subaru Outback: Designed for Adventure
The 2020 Subaru Outback blends SUV capability with wagon practicality, and its fold-flat seats are a major asset. In this generation, Subaru widened the cargo area to better accommodate large items. Pulling the levers in the cargo area drops the second-row seats, growing capacity from 32.5 to 75.7 cubic feet.
This clever design is tailored for outdoor lovers who need room for bikes, tents, or skis. The Outback remains a favorite among adventure seekers thanks to its all-wheel drive, rugged build, and now more versatile cargo space. It’s a smart option for anyone regularly hauling recreational equipment.
3. BMW X7: Luxury with Utility
The 2020 BMW X7 shows that luxury and utility can coexist. With the press of a button, the second and third-row seats fold flat to reveal up to 90.4 cubic feet of space. Although the folding mechanism is slow and doesn’t produce a perfectly flat floor, the result is still highly functional.
This SUV is ideal for those who want both upscale comfort and serious cargo space. It accommodates both passengers and gear effortlessly, making it perfect for long road trips or stylish bike adventures. The X7’s premium features enhance its practicality, making it a top-tier option.
4. Mazda CX-5: Sleek and Configurable
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 combines sleek styling and a flexible cargo area. It’s 40:20:40 rear seat split allows for several folding configurations—fold one, two, or all three seats flat to suit your gear. This lets you carry long items like bikes while still seating a passenger. Cargo space expands from 30.9 to 59.6 cubic feet when fully folded.
The CX-5 is also known for its sharp driving dynamics, making it a fun ride even when loaded up. It’s a great pick for those who want both practical space and engaging handling without moving to a bulkier SUV.
5. Honda CR-V: Proven and Practical
The 2020 Honda CR-V remains a staple in the compact SUV market due to its dependable design and spacious interior. The second-row seats fold flat, opening up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo room.
What’s notable is that the 2020 Hybrid model maintains the same interior volume, even with the battery system on board. This means no compromises between eco-friendliness and practicality.
Whether hauling bikes or groceries, the CR-V delivers consistent performance and reliability. It’s especially appealing to buyers who prioritize versatility and fuel efficiency without needing a larger, full-size SUV for day-to-day or adventure use.
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6. Chevrolet Suburban: Massive Cargo Potential
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban takes cargo space to new levels. With both second and third-row seats folded flat, it offers a cavernous 144.7 cubic feet of cargo room. Even with all seats up, it provides 41.1 cubic feet—more than some SUVs with their seats down.
This makes it one of the best options for cyclists needing to transport multiple bikes or large gear. The latest redesign adds even more space and tech, rivaling urban apartments in size. It’s ideal for families or adventure groups who need serious room for people and equipment without sacrificing comfort.
7. Toyota Sequoia: Supersized Storage
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia is a beast when it comes to interior volume. Fold down the second and third rows, and you get a whopping 126.4 cubic feet of space. This outmatches many rivals like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. Toyota claims it can fit objects up to 11 feet long—enough for bikes, surfboards, or even furniture.
The Sequoia’s traditional SUV body-on-frame construction also supports heavy loads. It’s built for those who frequently transport oversized gear and want reliable Toyota durability. Whether you’re headed to the mountains or the beach, this SUV can haul it all with ease.
8. Ford Explorer: Tech and Convenience
The 2020 Ford Explorer enhances its practicality with optional power-folding second and third-row seats. At the touch of a button, cargo space opens from a modest 18.2 cubic feet to 87.8. This convenient feature, typically seen in high-end SUVs, makes it easier to load bikes or camping gear.
The Explorer is a familiar name in the SUV world and continues to evolve with every generation. It blends technology, safety, and flexible storage in one well-rounded package. For users who want family-friendly features and adventure readiness, the Explorer checks all the boxes.
9. GMC Terrain: Extra-Long Capability
Unique among its peers, the 2020 GMC Terrain offers a front-passenger seat that folds flat—ideal for transporting long items. Combined with rear seats that fold down, the SUV provides 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space. This extra flexibility is perfect for cyclists carrying full-length bikes or other gear.
Though compact, the Terrain is cleverly engineered for utility. While you’ll sacrifice front passenger space with the seat down, the overall gain in usable storage can’t be overlooked. It’s a great solution for solo adventurers or small families needing smart storage in a manageable size.
10. Jeep Renegade: Compact and Capable
Despite its small footprint, the 2020 Jeep Renegade offers fold-flat rear seats that expand cargo volume from 18.5 to 50.8 cubic feet. That’s a respectable amount for such a compact vehicle. It’s ideal for urban dwellers or occasional adventurers who need just enough space for a bike or some camping gear.
The Renegade remains true to Jeep’s rugged spirit, offering off-road capability along with functional interior space. It’s a great entry-level option for those who want a blend of trail-readiness and city practicality. Don’t let the size fool you—it’s tougher and more useful than it appears.
Transporting a bike shouldn’t feel like a nerve-wracking chore. SUVs with fold-flat seats offer a simple, secure solution that protects both your gear and your peace of mind. From luxury models like the BMW X7 to budget-friendly picks like the Jeep Renegade, there’s a wide range of options for every lifestyle and budget.
These vehicles provide more than just space—they offer convenience, security, and confidence for cyclists and adventurers alike. With the right SUV, your next trip to the trail can be as stress-free as the ride itself, making every outing something to look forward to.
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