Choosing an SUV can often feel overwhelming because there are so many factors to consider beyond just the brand or engine size. For many people, the utility of the cargo area is one of the most important aspects. Golf enthusiasts, for instance, often need a vehicle that can comfortably transport their clubs without requiring awkward adjustments.
The difference between being able to fit golf bags straight in the back or only diagonally can affect the convenience of every trip. Golf bags are long and sometimes bulky, and forcing them to fit diagonally can take extra time, risk scratching the interior, or even require the driver to leave the rear seats down.
Understanding how SUVs accommodate these items can make choosing the right vehicle much simpler. The size of the cargo area, the shape of the rear hatch, and the ability to fold rear seats flat all play a role.
Some SUVs have a wide and deep cargo area that allows golf bags to slide in without tilting, while others require a diagonal placement due to narrower openings or reduced depth.
Aside from golf bags, this feature is also helpful for carrying skis, snowboards, or long pieces of luggage. Beyond the practical aspects, it reflects thoughtful design, which can make the ownership experience more enjoyable. In this article, we will focus on two categories: SUVs that can fit golf bags straight and those that can only fit them diagonally.
Each category will include five vehicles with descriptions of their cargo dimensions, interior layout, and the factors that influence how easily golf equipment can be stored.
By breaking it down in this way, you will have a clear understanding of which SUV might suit your lifestyle better, helping you make a more informed decision without guessing or testing multiple vehicles at a dealership. Understanding these nuances will save time and frustration and ensure that every golf trip starts smoothly.
SUVs That Fit Golf Bags Straight
1. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers an expansive cargo area capable of accommodating a wide range of items, including golf bags, without requiring awkward maneuvering.
Its high roofline, flat cargo floor, and wide body combine to create a space that allows golf bags to lie flat straight from the rear hatch to the back of the second-row seats.
This eliminates the need to tilt or angle the bags, which can often lead to scratches on clubs or the interior trim. The Tahoe’s generous width ensures that even multiple bags can fit side by side, while the rear depth makes it easy to transport longer items, including driver clubs, putters, or hybrid bags, without bending or squeezing.
Beyond sports equipment, the Tahoe’s cargo area can also accommodate larger items such as strollers, coolers, or small furniture, making it a versatile option for families or active individuals who need practical interior space for more than just golf.
The square rear opening is particularly beneficial because it allows users to insert items without worrying about fitting them through a narrow hatch or adjusting the angle. This combination of features ensures convenience and efficiency for loading and unloading while maintaining interior protection.
In terms of features, the Tahoe is equipped with multiple conveniences that enhance usability. Power liftgates are available on most trims, enabling hands-free operation when carrying heavy golf bags or other cumbersome gear. The interior lighting illuminates the cargo space, ensuring visibility during early morning or late evening golf outings.
Removable cargo mats provide a protective layer for the flat floor, which can be easily cleaned after transporting damp or muddy bags. These features demonstrate a thoughtful approach to vehicle design, where the focus is on reducing the effort needed to transport bulky items while protecting both the equipment and the interior surfaces.
The Tahoe’s balance of size, comfort, and convenience makes it stand out as one of the most practical options for golfers who value both functionality and everyday usability.
Beyond space and convenience, the Tahoe also delivers a strong driving experience that complements its utility. The suspension system absorbs road irregularities efficiently, ensuring a smooth ride even when the cargo area is fully loaded with golf bags or other heavy items. Its robust chassis provides stability when cornering, preventing the feeling of being top-heavy despite the large cargo volume.
This means that long trips to courses, tournaments, or resorts are not only feasible but also comfortable for passengers. Additionally, the Tahoe offers towing capabilities, which could be useful for hauling golf carts or additional equipment for extended trips.
The combination of cargo space, thoughtful interior design, and reliable driving dynamics makes the Tahoe a prime example of a full-size SUV that can accommodate golf bags straight without compromise, providing both convenience and peace of mind for active users.
2. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV renowned for its spacious interior, and it offers a cargo area that allows golf bags to fit flat without requiring diagonal placement. Its boxy exterior translates into an interior with significant width and depth, making it easier to fit longer items like clubs without tilting them.
The second-row seats fold down smoothly to create an almost continuous flat surface from the rear hatch to the front of the seats. This design ensures that golf bags remain level and stable, eliminating the risk of tipping over during transit. The loading height is low enough for comfortable handling, reducing strain when lifting heavy bags in or out of the back.
The Expedition’s rear opening is tall and wide, which simplifies the process of sliding in items without bumping the sides. Its cargo area is ideal for multi-day trips to golf tournaments, where multiple sets of clubs, luggage, and personal items need to be transported efficiently without rearranging the interior multiple times.
The Expedition also maintains a stable and comfortable driving experience, which is critical when carrying a heavy load. Its suspension manages the weight efficiently, and wide tires help maintain traction on highways and uneven surfaces alike.
The SUV’s performance ensures that drivers can focus on the journey rather than the cargo, while the ample interior space allows passengers to travel without feeling cramped. The combination of large cargo area, flexible seating arrangements, and smooth handling makes the Expedition a reliable choice for golfers who want the convenience of straight placement without sacrificing utility or comfort.
3. Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia has long been a popular choice among full-size SUVs for those needing substantial cargo capacity. Its rear cargo area is deep, wide, and flat, providing ample space for golf bags to be stored straight without tilting.
The distance from the rear hatch to the second-row seats allows long clubs, including drivers and putters, to rest fully flat on the floor. Additionally, the interior width ensures multiple bags can be placed side by side without crowding.
This flat and continuous surface makes loading and unloading more efficient, reducing the potential for scratching interior trim or damaging equipment. The tailgate is generously sized, making it easier to maneuver bags through the rear opening.
For golfers traveling with multiple sets of clubs, the Sequoia provides enough room to carry everything comfortably, alongside other luggage or accessories. Its design emphasizes functionality, offering an intuitive cargo layout that works well for both daily driving and weekend trips to golf courses.
Finally, the Sequoia offers a stable and controlled ride even when fully loaded. Its suspension absorbs bumps, protecting both passengers and cargo from excessive movement. The SUV’s chassis provides strong stability, ensuring that long items such as golf bags remain flat and secure.
Combined with its spacious interior and practical features, the Sequoia stands out as one of the most capable SUVs for transporting golf bags straight, offering both convenience and peace of mind for active drivers and families alike.
4. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that exceeds expectations in terms of cargo practicality, especially for transporting long items like golf bags. Behind the second-row seats, the Pilot offers a flat and deep cargo area, allowing golf bags to fit straight without tilting. The rear hatch is wide and tall, simplifying the loading and unloading of heavy or long equipment.
Its low lift-over height reduces the effort required to place bags inside, while the flat cargo floor ensures stability during transport.
For models without a third row or with the third row folded down, there is even more flexibility, allowing multiple bags to fit comfortably. The Pilot is also well-suited for other outdoor equipment, luggage, or strollers, making it versatile for both everyday errands and recreational trips.
The Pilot emphasizes organization within the cargo area. Built-in hooks, tie-down points, and side compartments allow golf bags to remain stable while driving. The flat cargo surface provides additional usable space for smaller accessories like shoes, balls, or bags of tees.
Optional cargo mats protect the interior floor from moisture or dirt, which is especially beneficial after trips to wet courses. Even with passengers in the second row, the Pilot provides ample depth for long golf bags, making it an effective option for families who also need to transport recreational gear without compromising comfort or interior space.
Finally, the Pilot delivers a smooth driving experience that complements its cargo capability. Its suspension absorbs uneven road surfaces effectively, keeping both passengers and golf bags secure. The vehicle maintains stability when fully loaded, reducing the potential for items to shift unexpectedly during travel.
Combining usable cargo space, well-thought-out interior design, and a comfortable ride, the Honda Pilot proves itself as one of the most practical midsize SUVs for golfers who need their bags to fit straight, offering convenience, flexibility, and reliability for both daily and recreational use.
5. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a midsize SUV with a surprisingly large and versatile cargo area. Behind the second row, the width, depth, and height of the cargo space allow golf bags to fit straight without being angled or forced. The optional third row can be folded flat to increase available length, accommodating multiple bags simultaneously.
The flat cargo floor, combined with a wide rear hatch, provides an accessible and efficient loading area. The Ascent also features adjustable tie-down points and storage compartments that allow golf bags and accessories to remain stable during travel.
Its interior design emphasizes practical utility without compromising passenger comfort, making it a strong option for families and sports enthusiasts alike.
The interior layout is organized and user-friendly. Golf bags can rest flat without sliding due to the flat cargo surface and optional cargo mats, which also protect the floor from dirt and moisture. Recessed side panels maximize usable width while preventing items from scratching interior trim.
The rear hatch’s height and width simplify loading and unloading, making it convenient for frequent golf trips or when handling multiple sets of clubs. These practical aspects combine with an intuitive design to create a cargo area that is both functional and flexible.
Finally, the Subaru Ascent delivers reliable driving performance that complements its cargo capabilities. Its suspension system provides stability and smooth handling even when the cargo area is fully loaded.
The vehicle’s dimensions and ground clearance allow it to navigate different road surfaces confidently, ensuring that both passengers and cargo are protected during travel. The combination of spacious interior design, practical features, and comfortable driving dynamics makes the Ascent a standout midsize SUV for golfers seeking straight-fit cargo options for their clubs.
SUVs That Fit Golf Bags Diagonally
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that offers a comfortable interior and good passenger space, but its cargo area is not as long or wide as full-size SUVs, which affects how golf bags fit. Golf bags generally need to be placed diagonally to accommodate their length, as the rear floor is slightly shorter than the longest clubs.
While the cargo area is tall enough to allow upright positioning of some items, the depth from the rear bumper to the back of the second-row seats limits straight placement. The rear hatch is wide but tapers slightly toward the bottom, requiring some maneuvering when inserting long items.
Despite this, the diagonal placement still works well and allows one or two golf bags to be transported without folding the rear seats. The Grand Cherokee balances passenger comfort with moderate cargo practicality, making it suitable for occasional golfers who do not need multiple sets of clubs at once.
Inside, the cargo area offers organizational features such as tie-down points and small storage compartments along the sides. These help secure golf bags placed diagonally, preventing them from rolling or sliding during travel.
While the diagonal orientation takes up a bit more width across the cargo floor, it allows the SUV to maintain seating for passengers without folding the second-row seats.
Optional cargo mats can be added to protect the carpet from dirt, moisture, or scratches caused by golf bags. Despite the limitation in straight placement, the Grand Cherokee’s interior is intelligently designed to optimize the space available, ensuring golf equipment is transported safely and conveniently.
The SUV also includes features that make handling diagonal cargo easier. The rear hatch opens high enough for comfortable loading, and some trims include power liftgates for hands-free operation.
The flat cargo floor, while slightly limited in depth, helps guide diagonal placement naturally, so users do not need to force items into position.
The interior lighting ensures that golf bags can be loaded even in low-light conditions, such as early morning trips to the course. The combination of these features makes the Grand Cherokee functional for golfers who occasionally need to transport clubs without requiring the extra space of a full-size SUV.
Driving performance remains one of the Grand Cherokee’s strengths. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, and the SUV maintains stability even when heavy items are loaded diagonally. While full-size cargo capacity is limited, the vehicle handles well under weight, reducing the risk of shifting items during travel.
The diagonal cargo orientation may require careful placement, but once loaded, the golf bags remain secure, allowing passengers to travel safely and comfortably. The Grand Cherokee is therefore a practical option for golfers who prioritize a midsize SUV with a balance of comfort and utility.
2. Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV with a stylish design and a focus on passenger comfort. Its cargo area, while adequate for daily use, does not allow golf bags to fit straight due to limited depth and a slightly curved rear floor. As a result, golf bags typically need to be placed diagonally from one corner of the cargo area to the other.
This orientation maximizes available space without requiring the rear seats to be folded, though larger sets of clubs may necessitate partial seat folding.
The rear hatch is wide but narrows slightly near the bottom, creating a challenge for inserting longer golf bags straight. Despite this, the diagonal configuration works efficiently, allowing golfers to transport clubs safely while still leaving room for smaller items alongside them.
Inside the Murano, the cargo space is thoughtfully designed with tie-downs and small storage cubbies that help keep diagonal items secure. The shape of the rear floor naturally accommodates items placed at an angle, which reduces the likelihood of shifting during transport.
Optional cargo liners and mats help maintain cleanliness, which is especially useful after trips to wet or grassy golf courses. While straight placement is not possible, the Murano’s cargo organization options ensure that golf bags and accessories are held safely in place, making it a reliable choice for weekend golfing trips or short tournaments.
Driving the Murano with diagonal cargo is straightforward. Its suspension absorbs bumps and maintains a stable ride, reducing the risk of golf bags sliding or tipping. The SUV handles well under moderate load, making it suitable for trips to the golf course or country clubs, even when carrying additional luggage.
While the cargo area is not as expansive as a full-size SUV, the Murano remains a convenient and comfortable option for golfers who do not require straight-fit cargo but still want a capable, stylish midsize SUV.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV with a functional interior and a cargo area that works best for diagonal placement of long items like golf bags. The depth of the cargo space is slightly limited, making straight placement difficult without folding the rear seats.
Golf bags can be placed diagonally to maximize the use of available length and width, allowing one or two sets to fit comfortably. The rear hatch is moderately wide and tall, but the slightly contoured shape of the rear floor and the narrowing near the wheel wells prevent straight placement from being feasible.
Despite this limitation, the Santa Fe provides enough room for recreational equipment, luggage, or smaller items alongside the golf bags when positioned diagonally.
The Santa Fe’s convenience features support practical handling of diagonal cargo. The power liftgate on higher trims allows for hands-free operation when placing golf bags in the rear, and the interior lighting ensures visibility in low-light conditions.
Loading and unloading items diagonally is relatively straightforward due to the flat floor and the slightly angled side panels that guide the bags into position. Once loaded, the golf bags fit securely without shifting during travel, making the Santa Fe a reliable option for golfers with occasional trips or weekend outings.
Driving performance with diagonal cargo is stable and predictable. The suspension system absorbs bumps and uneven road surfaces, protecting both passengers and the cargo.
The vehicle’s weight distribution ensures that diagonal placement does not affect handling significantly, allowing drivers to focus on the road rather than the stability of items in the cargo area.
While the Santa Fe cannot offer full straight-fit capacity, it is a practical midsize SUV for golfers seeking a balance of passenger comfort, technology, and functional diagonal cargo space.
4. Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a midsize SUV designed with passenger comfort and sleek styling in mind. Its cargo area, while sufficient for daily needs, does not have enough depth to allow golf bags to fit straight without folding the second-row seats.
Golf bags are most effectively placed diagonally, spanning the length and width of the cargo area to make the best use of the available space.
The rear hatch is moderately tall and wide, but the narrowing of the cargo floor near the wheel wells prevents long items from being placed fully straight. Despite this, the CX-9 accommodates one or two golf bags diagonally, leaving space for smaller items such as shoes, bags, or accessories.
Inside, the cargo space is thoughtfully organized to support diagonal placement. Tie-down hooks and side compartments help stabilize golf bags and prevent shifting during transport. Optional cargo mats protect the floor from moisture, dirt, or scratches from the clubs.
While straight placement is not possible, the diagonal orientation maximizes the utility of the available space without requiring the rear seats to be folded entirely. This makes the CX-9 suitable for casual golfers or families who occasionally transport equipment but prioritize passenger comfort and interior design.
The rear seats can be folded partially to provide additional length when needed, allowing longer items to fit more comfortably. This flexible design ensures that golf equipment can be transported safely without compromising seating or passenger space.
Driving the CX-9 with diagonal cargo is comfortable and stable. Its suspension absorbs bumps and reduces shifting of the golf bags, while the weight distribution ensures smooth handling even when the cargo area is loaded.
The combination of a well-designed interior and thoughtful features makes the CX-9 a capable midsize SUV for golfers who require diagonal placement, providing both convenience and reliability for shorter trips or weekend outings.
5. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact to midsize SUV with a focus on passenger comfort and city-friendly handling. Its cargo area is moderately deep but not long enough to allow straight placement of standard golf bags behind the second-row seats. Golf bags fit best when positioned diagonally, spanning from one corner of the cargo area to the opposite side.
The rear hatch is wide and tall, providing adequate clearance for loading and unloading, but the tapered sides and limited depth require careful maneuvering when inserting longer items.
Despite these limitations, the diagonal placement allows golf bags to fit securely without needing to fold all seats, making it practical for small families or occasional golfers.
Inside, the Tiguan offers tie-down points and side compartments to stabilize diagonal cargo, ensuring golf bags do not move during transport. Cargo mats can protect the floor from moisture or grass stains.
The slightly angled rear floor helps guide items into position, making the diagonal placement relatively simple despite the limited space. While straight placement is not possible, the Tiguan offers enough flexibility to carry one or two golf bags alongside other personal items.
Driving with diagonal cargo in the Tiguan is manageable due to its stable suspension and balanced weight distribution. The SUV handles smoothly even with loaded golf bags, reducing the risk of shifting or tipping.
While it cannot accommodate straight-fit cargo like larger SUVs, the Tiguan offers a practical solution for golfers who need a compact, comfortable vehicle capable of transporting equipment diagonally while maintaining passenger seating and everyday usability.
