For families on the go, practicality is just as important as performance. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a trip to the grandparents’ house, or a routine day of errands, having a car that accommodates both a stroller and luggage without sacrificing passenger comfort is a must.
Too often, families face the frustrating reality of choosing between bringing essential baby gear or fitting enough suitcases for the trip. Thankfully, several modern vehicles offer the kind of trunk space and flexibility that make it possible to bring both—without compromise.
In this article, we take a closer look at seven cars that are up to the challenge of carrying both a stroller and travel luggage at the same time.
These aren’t oversized SUVs or full-size vans, but rather smartly designed vehicles that maximize cargo capacity through thoughtful engineering, fold-flat seats, and clever underfloor compartments. The focus is on vehicles that can handle family needs without becoming burdensome to park, drive, or fuel.
We’ve evaluated these vehicles based on their real-world cargo capacity, ease of loading, accessibility, and overall suitability for families with young children.
Some vehicles offer wide, low trunks that make it easy to slide in a stroller; others include dual-level storage or deep underfloor compartments that can hide away travel bags while leaving space up top for gear.
Many offer hands-free liftgates and flat-folding seats, which can make all the difference when your hands are full.
Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned traveler looking for a reliable car that truly accommodates your lifestyle, this list highlights vehicles that balance space, convenience, and family-focused design.
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1. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has long been a favorite among families for its strong blend of efficiency, practicality, and comfort.
One of its biggest assets for parents is its impressive cargo space, especially in newer models. When it comes to carrying both a stroller and luggage, the CR-V more than rises to the occasion.
With 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded, the CR-V offers one of the roomiest interiors in the compact SUV class.
Even without folding the second row, there’s ample space to lay a stroller flat along the trunk floor while still leaving room for multiple medium-sized suitcases or duffel bags.
For larger strollers or joggers, the cargo area’s wide opening and low loading height make maneuvering gear in and out remarkably easy.
The CR-V also benefits from a reconfigurable cargo floor that can be lowered to maximize vertical clearance or raised to create a flat floor when the seats are folded. This allows parents to better organize gear without worrying about awkward stacking.
Some trims even come with power tailgates that can be opened hands-free—particularly useful when juggling a baby and luggage at the same time.
Inside the cabin, the CR-V shines in terms of accessibility and flexibility. The rear seats recline and slide in some trims, which can be helpful when adjusting space for child car seats or folding strollers.
Additionally, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow for partial expansion of the cargo area, giving you the option to fit more gear without sacrificing all rear passenger seating.
Overall, the Honda CR-V offers the perfect balance between interior versatility and compact dimensions, making it an excellent choice for families who frequently need to haul both strollers and luggage without needing to upsize to a full-blown SUV.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 stands out as a go-to compact SUV for families who want reliability, fuel efficiency, and—crucially—versatile cargo space.
It’s no surprise that the RAV4 consistently ranks among the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., and a major reason is its ability to comfortably accommodate daily needs, including room for both a stroller and a trunk full of luggage.
With 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, the RAV4 has room for a wide array of gear. This means you can easily place a folded stroller lengthwise along the cargo floor, and still have enough space to fit carry-on suitcases, backpacks, or even a week’s worth of groceries.
One of the highlights of the RAV4’s design is the flat cargo floor and tall trunk opening, which simplify the loading and unloading process. The cargo lip is low enough to allow easy lift-over—an important consideration when loading heavier strollers.
Many parents also appreciate the power liftgate available on higher trims, which can be activated with a foot motion or remote key fob—ideal when your hands are full.
The RAV4 also includes side storage niches and a compact underfloor storage compartment in some trims, which can help with organizing smaller items like baby bottles, diapers, or travel toiletries, thereby freeing up more central space for bulkier gear.
Additionally, the rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40 split, allowing you to expand the cargo hold while still carrying passengers. Even with all five seats in use, the RAV4’s cargo capacity remains one of the most practical in the segment.
For families that need a compact yet capable vehicle, the Toyota RAV4 hits the sweet spot—offering not just ample storage space, but also the reliability and fuel economy that busy parents will appreciate for years to come.
3. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is often described as a wagon in SUV clothing—and that’s a good thing. Its long, flat cargo floor and excellent use of space make it an ideal vehicle for families who need to transport a stroller and luggage at the same time.
Thanks to its rugged versatility and generous dimensions, the Outback seamlessly handles the dual demands of everyday parenting and adventurous road trips.
Behind the second-row seats, the Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 75.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
While it’s not the highest in the class behind the second row, the shape and accessibility of the cargo area make it incredibly usable.
The floor is long and wide, easily fitting a full-size stroller lying flat. There’s still room alongside or on top of the stroller for a couple of roller suitcases or duffels.
The cargo area includes integrated tie-down points and underfloor storage—perfect for stashing away small essentials like wipes, toys, or first aid supplies without cluttering the main trunk.
Higher trims also come equipped with a power liftgate, and the load height is notably low for a vehicle with off-road capability. This makes it especially easy to load heavy strollers or suitcases without straining your back.
Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and solid ground clearance also mean you can confidently venture off the beaten path, even with baby gear in tow. That’s a major bonus for families who love weekend adventures but still want the convenience of city driving during the week.
The Outback also excels in cabin flexibility, offering split-folding rear seats, wide rear doors, and an interior that feels airy and open. These are small but important features for busy parents who are constantly juggling gear and passengers.
Overall, the Outback combines practicality, performance, and thoughtful design in a way that makes it exceptionally well-suited for stroller-and-luggage hauling duties.
4. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out in the compact SUV segment by offering an optional third row of seating—something rarely seen in this category.
But beyond passenger capacity, the Tiguan also delivers well when it comes to cargo space, particularly in two-row configurations, making it a smart choice for parents who regularly need to carry both a stroller and travel luggage.
In its two-row version, the Tiguan provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 73.4 cubic feet when the seats are folded.
This is more than enough to store a folded stroller flat across the floor, with additional space to fit medium-to-large luggage pieces.
Even when configured with the third row (available in front-wheel-drive versions), there’s still around 12 cubic feet behind the third row, suitable for umbrella strollers and small bags.
What sets the Tiguan apart is its cargo area flexibility. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing parents to adjust for either more cargo space or passenger comfort.
The 60/40 split-folding rear seats add further versatility, especially when carrying asymmetrical loads like luggage on one side and a rear-seated child on the other.
The cargo floor is flat and wide, and higher trims offer a power liftgate with adjustable height, ideal for shorter users or tight garage spaces. Additionally, the available underfloor storage area provides a discreet spot for smaller essentials, keeping the main area clutter-free.
The Tiguan’s European styling is paired with a practical, family-friendly interior that doesn’t feel oversized.
It’s also a relatively narrow and maneuverable SUV, which makes it easier to park in city environments while still offering the space needed to bring everything your family requires—stroller included. For parents looking for both style and utility, the Tiguan checks all the right boxes.
5. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has quietly evolved into one of the most capable and family-friendly compact SUVs on the market.
With its spacious interior, clever cargo design, and high-quality finish, the Tucson delivers exceptional practicality—especially for families needing to transport a stroller and luggage simultaneously.
One of the Tucson’s standout features is its 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to 74.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
This is among the best in its class and provides a flat, usable space that easily accommodates a full-size stroller laid across the floor with plenty of room left over for bags, backpacks, or suitcases. The cargo area is boxy and well-shaped, with minimal wheel well intrusion, which maximizes usable volume.
Loading is made easy thanks to the Tucson’s low lift-over height and wide trunk opening, which is ideal for parents handling bulky or heavy items.
The optional hands-free smart liftgate—which opens automatically when you stand behind it with the key fob—adds major convenience when your arms are full.
The Tucson also features underfloor storage compartments, which are perfect for organizing smaller essentials like diapers, first aid kits, or personal items.
These allow the main cargo area to stay uncluttered, which is especially important when transporting both luggage and strollers together.
Inside the cabin, the Tucson shines with adjustable rear seatbacks and a 60/40 split-folding configuration, giving parents the option to adapt the cabin based on who or what they’re transporting. You can fold one section of the seat to expand trunk space while still seating a child in a car seat on the other side.
Hyundai also includes thoughtful touches like tie-down anchors, cargo hooks, and an available reversible cargo floor, which features carpet on one side and easy-to-clean plastic on the other—great for wet stroller wheels or muddy gear.
With a reputation for reliability, generous standard features, and one of the best warranties in the industry, the Hyundai Tucson is a top-tier option for families who need daily practicality with weekend flexibility.
6. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has undergone a major redesign in recent years, and the results are impressive—especially when it comes to cargo capacity.
It now offers one of the largest trunks in the compact SUV class, which makes it an excellent choice for families who need to haul both a stroller and luggage without sacrificing interior space or comfort.
In its latest generation, the Sportage boasts a massive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
This means that you can easily fit a full-size stroller lying flat in the trunk and still have space for several pieces of luggage, making it an ideal setup for road trips, airport runs, or busy days out.
The cargo area is made even more practical with its wide, square opening and low load floor, allowing parents to slide in gear with minimal effort.
A power liftgate is available on mid- and high-level trims, and it can be programmed for different height settings—useful in low-clearance garages or for shorter users.
One of the best design touches in the Sportage is the dual-level cargo floor, which allows you to choose between more hidden storage space below or a flat, extended floor level for larger items.
There are also small side compartments in the trunk, great for storing essentials like wipes, sunscreen, or snacks, away from bulkier items.
The rear seatbacks split 60/40 and fold flat easily, giving you additional flexibility when transporting cargo and passengers at the same time. Additionally, the Sportage’s rear seat recline function can provide extra comfort for child passengers while still keeping room for gear in the back.
With its bold design, impressive interior space, and solid build quality, the Kia Sportage proves that families don’t need to compromise style or practicality. It’s a smart, forward-thinking vehicle that delivers on the promise of ample space for both strollers and luggage with ease.
7. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox has quietly become one of the most popular choices in the compact SUV segment, largely because of its well-balanced mix of comfort, cargo space, and value.
For families who need a vehicle that can easily accommodate both a stroller and luggage, the Equinox delivers with practical dimensions and thoughtful features.
Behind the second row, the Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While these figures may seem modest compared to some of its class rivals, the cargo area’s shape and usability more than make up for it.
The load floor is flat, and the trunk opening is tall and wide, which makes it simple to load a folded stroller without angling or squeezing. The rear hatch also opens high enough for taller parents to load items without bumping their heads.
One particularly helpful feature is the hidden underfloor storage compartment, which allows you to store smaller items like blankets, baby wipes, or small travel bags out of sight. This frees up the main cargo space for larger items such as a full-size stroller and suitcases. Tie-down hooks and side pockets provide even more organization options.
The hands-free power liftgate—available on higher trims—is a major convenience for parents whose hands are full. By simply waving a foot under the rear bumper (with the key fob nearby), the tailgate opens automatically, streamlining the loading process when juggling both luggage and children.
Inside the cabin, the Equinox provides ample rear seat space and a 60/40 split-folding second row, giving you the ability to expand the trunk while still seating a child in the back.
Rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, and the release levers are accessible from the cargo area, allowing for a smooth transition from passenger to cargo mode.
The Equinox also earns points for its intuitive infotainment system and solid visibility, making it an easy-to-drive vehicle for parents of all experience levels.
Overall, while not the largest in its class, the Equinox offers an efficient use of space and excellent practicality for families who need to carry both a stroller and luggage without stress.
When it comes to day-to-day family transportation, it’s often the small conveniences that make the biggest difference.
Being able to fit both a stroller and luggage in the back of your vehicle without rearranging the entire cabin or folding down seats is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity for many modern families.
Whether you’re navigating the chaos of school drop-offs, preparing for a weekend road trip, or heading to the airport with your child and travel gear in tow, having a car that simply works in these moments is invaluable.
The seven vehicles highlighted in this article represent a diverse range of options—from compact crossovers to slightly larger SUVs and wagons—each offering thoughtful solutions to a common logistical challenge.
These aren’t necessarily the largest vehicles on the road, but they’ve been engineered with practicality in mind.
What unites them is their commitment to usable cargo space, family-friendly loading features, and intelligent design that prioritizes ease of access without compromising comfort or safety.
For example, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 show how two of the most popular crossovers can still innovate with clever cargo organization and low lift-over heights.
The Subaru Outback offers wagon-like handling with SUV-level cargo capabilities—perfect for families who value both ride comfort and utility.
Vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson demonstrate how a compact footprint doesn’t have to mean sacrificing cargo volume or functionality.
Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage impresses with its dual-level cargo floor and best-in-class space, and the Chevrolet Equinox quietly excels with its usable shape and hidden compartments.
Each of these vehicles also reflects a growing awareness in the automotive industry that cargo usability is about more than raw numbers.
A well-shaped trunk, an adjustable floor, or easy-folding rear seats can completely change the usability of a vehicle, especially for parents who have to manage children, gear, and groceries all in one go.
Features like power liftgates, underfloor storage, and sliding or reclining rear seats go a long way in easing the daily demands placed on a family car.
It’s also worth noting that all of these vehicles manage to offer this versatility without compromising on fuel efficiency, tech features, or driver enjoyment.
Many of them come equipped with advanced safety systems, large infotainment displays, and comfortable seating layouts that make long drives less fatiguing and quick errands more pleasant.
In conclusion, choosing a vehicle that accommodates both a stroller and luggage at the same time might seem like a narrow requirement, but it reflects a broader need for real-world functionality in family vehicles.
The models featured here stand out not just because of their cargo numbers, but because they take into account how families actually live, travel, and move.
By offering spacious, intelligently designed trunks and easy loading processes, these cars ensure that your time is spent focusing on your family—not fumbling with gear.
If you’re a parent in search of a car that can handle your daily cargo without compromise, any one of these vehicles is a solid place to start.
They may differ in styling, size, and features, but they all understand one universal truth: family life doesn’t wait—and neither should your car.
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