In recent years, compact SUVs have become a dominant force in the U.S. automotive market. Combining the versatility of larger SUVs with city-friendly dimensions, models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have become household names. These smaller SUVs typically offer all-wheel drive, spacious interiors, and practical features.
However, their reduced size sometimes limits cargo space—an important consideration for families, adventurers, or anyone who frequently hauls gear. Despite this, several models stand out for offering exceptional cargo room. Here’s a breakdown of 10 compact SUVs that provide the most generous cargo space in today’s market.
10. Mitsubishi Outlander: Versatility with a Third Row
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a rare feature in its class—a third row of seats—making it a versatile option. While the third row significantly reduces cargo space to just 10 cubic feet, folding it down expands storage to a respectable 30.6 cubic feet, and up to 64.3 cubic feet with all seats flat.
Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and AWD driveline, the Outlander delivers 181 hp and a 2,000-lb towing capacity. Tie-down loops and available tech features enhance its utility. Though often overlooked, this SUV blends moderate performance and family-friendly features in a compact package.
9. Mazda CX-50: Performance Meets Practicality
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 prioritizes driving enjoyment with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produces 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on functionality. Behind the rear seats, it offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet when folded flat.
Though slightly below average in cargo capacity, the CX-50 makes up for it with thoughtful features like a power tailgate and split-folding rear seats. Its AWD system and towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds make it suitable for adventure seekers who still need practical storage space.
8. Infiniti QX50: Premium Comfort with Solid Storage
The 2025 Infiniti QX50 is a luxury compact SUV that balances style and utility. Featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 268 hp, it delivers a premium ride and respectable storage. Its cargo area includes 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 65.1 cubic feet when folded.
A 60/40 split rear seat allows for versatile storage options, and underfloor compartments add even more utility. While not class-leading in cargo capacity, the QX50’s upscale design and thoughtful interior features make it a strong contender for those wanting both comfort and practicality.
7. Ford Bronco Sport: Adventure-Ready Utility
Designed for the outdoors, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport uses its boxy shape to maximize cargo space—32.5 cubic feet behind the seats and 65.2 cubic feet when folded. Powered by a 250 hp turbocharged engine and built with AWD, it offers up to 2,700 lbs in towing.
Outdoor-friendly extras include a rubberized cargo mat, a slide-out table, 400-watt inverter, and overhead lights—ideal for off-road excursions. These features, combined with solid cargo space, make the Bronco Sport an appealing option for adventure seekers who need room for bikes, gear, and camping equipment.
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6. Volkswagen Tiguan: Compact with a Third-Row Option
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan stands out by offering both two- and three-row configurations. In the three-row model, folding the third row reveals 33 cubic feet of space, expandable to 65.3 cubic feet. The two-row version offers even more: 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 total with seats folded.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine delivering 201 hp, the Tiguan offers both FWD and AWD options. Though its third row is tight, it’s a rare find in the compact class, making it suitable for families needing occasional extra seating and generous storage.
5. Nissan Rogue: Smart and Spacious
The 2025 Nissan Rogue offers a generous 36.5 cubic feet of storage behind the seats and up to 74.1 cubic feet with them down. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 201 hp and a CVT transmission.
It includes smart features like reconfigurable floor panels that allow for flat loading or deeper cargo wells—though these are reserved for higher trims. With a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs and useful cargo versatility, the Rogue offers practicality without sacrificing comfort, making it a top choice for families and daily drivers alike.
4. Ford Escape: Flexible and Functional
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a class-competitive 37.5 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet when folded. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 250 hp and up to 3,500 lbs of towing—impressive for its class.
A low-loading floor simplifies heavy lifting, while sliding second-row seats enhance flexibility. Although the seats don’t fold entirely flat, the Escape’s user-friendly cargo features and strong performance make it a solid pick for drivers looking for both convenience and capability in their daily hauler.
3. Hyundai Tucson: Thoughtful Design with Big Space
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson excels with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet when folded down. Powered by a 2.5-liter engine delivering 187 hp, it offers AWD capability and up to 2,000 lbs of towing.
The Tucson features a low liftover height and flat cargo floor, which simplifies the loading of heavy or bulky items. Combined with its refined ride and high-end design, this SUV is ideal for urban dwellers and road-trippers alike who prioritize storage without compromising on driving dynamics or comfort.
2. Honda CR-V: Practicality Reigns Supreme
Long a segment leader, the 2025 Honda CR-V impresses with 39.3 cubic feet of space behind its seats and a maximum of 76.5 cubic feet with them down—among the best in its class. It includes a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 190 hp, with an AWD drivetrain and a 1,500-lb towing capacity.
The CR-V also includes a power tailgate and a well-thought-out cargo layout. This mix of reliability, functionality, and generous space makes the CR-V an all-around standout, ideal for commuters, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
1. Kia Sportage: The Cargo King
Leading the pack, the 2025 Kia Sportage boasts the largest cargo space in its class with 39.6 cubic feet behind the seats and 74.1 cubic feet when folded. The 2.5-liter engine produces 187 hp and provides ample everyday performance with AWD available.
Its wide cargo opening, low load floor, and available power liftgate make loading easier. Though the published payload capacity is missing, its layout and accessibility make it a top choice for anyone prioritizing storage in a compact SUV. It strikes a winning balance between convenience, space, and modern design.
Compact SUVs continue to lead the U.S. auto market for good reason—they offer an ideal balance of interior room, maneuverability, and everyday practicality. Despite being smaller than full-size SUVs, many of today’s compact options boast cargo space that comes surprisingly close to their larger rivals.
Whether it’s the Mitsubishi Outlander’s third-row flexibility, the refined features of the Infiniti QX50, or the class-leading storage of the Kia Sportage, there’s something to suit every need.
These vehicles show that you don’t need a massive frame to carry substantial gear—modern compact SUVs deliver the utility and convenience that today’s drivers expect.
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