Compact SUVs continue to attract buyers with their unique blend of versatility, comfort, and space-saving design. While they don’t take up as much room as traditional SUVs, many of them still manage to offer considerable cargo capacity, making them suitable for everyday errands, travel, or even light-duty hauling.
This guide explores some of the top compact SUVs available based on cargo volume behind the rear seats, highlighting their configurations, features, and standout elements. If you need a compact vehicle with room to spare, these models should be on your radar.
1. Mitsubishi Outlander: Unique Third-Row Flexibility
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a rare feature among compact SUVs: a third row of seats. Although the space behind that third row is minimal, folding it down reveals 30.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 64.3 cubic feet with the second row also down.
Useful for families, the Outlander includes tie-down loops and offers an optional power liftgate with adjustable height for easier access. It’s a versatile option for those who occasionally need more seating but still want solid cargo capacity.

2. Mazda CX-50: Performance Meets Practicality
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 delivers a balance between sporty driving and reasonable utility. While it’s 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row isn’t the most spacious, it suffices for daily use, and it increases to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The 60/40-split rear seats add flexibility, allowing for a mix of passengers and cargo. Standard and optional liftgate features improve convenience, positioning the CX-50 as a stylish, practical choice for drivers who prioritize performance without sacrificing utility.

3. Infiniti QX50: Luxury With Everyday Utility
The 2025 Infiniti QX50 brings luxury into the compact SUV segment while offering a competitive 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Fold down the rear seats, and that volume grows to 65.1 cubic feet—impressive for a luxury model.
The QX50 also features 60/40-split rear seats and underfloor storage for added functionality. A power liftgate is standard, while hands-free access is available on higher trims, making it a well-rounded option for buyers who want comfort and cargo capacity in one package.

4. Jaguar F-Pace: Stylish Yet Spacious
Luxury and utility intersect in the 2025 Jaguar F-Pace, which provides 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a generous 70.4 cubic feet when the seats are down. Unique among competitors, the second-row seats split in a 40/20/40 configuration for optimal passenger-cargo balance.
Low-effort release levers simplify the seat-folding process, and a power liftgate comes standard across all trims. The F-Pace is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to compromise on elegance or practicality.

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5. Land Rover Discovery Sport: Versatile Compact Adventurer
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers a third-row option, although its usefulness is limited by the meager 6.9 cubic feet of space behind it. With that row folded, you get 32.2 cubic feet, which expands to 60 cubic feet behind the first row.
A power liftgate comes standard, and the cargo area includes thoughtful touches like tie-down loops, a 12-volt power outlet, and a security cover. The Discovery Sport offers classic Land Rover ruggedness in a compact, family-friendly package.

6. Ford Bronco Sport: Boxy Design, Big Storage
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport makes excellent use of its boxy shape to offer a roomy cargo area. It features 32.5 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 65.2 cubic feet with seats down.
Unique features like a rubber cargo mat, optional slide-out table, and built-in 400-watt inverter enhance its utility. Overhead LED lighting in the liftgate adds convenience during nighttime loading. This SUV is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or weekend warriors who need a small SUV with big utility.

7. Volkswagen Tiguan: Flexible Seating, Roomy Storage
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan includes a small third row, offering just 12 cubic feet behind it. Folding that row unlocks 33 cubic feet, and a full cargo configuration gives you 65.3 cubic feet.
Two-row versions of the Tiguan boast even more space—up to 73.4 cubic feet. With various liftgate options, including hands-free, the Tiguan suits buyers who want flexible seating without sacrificing cargo space. It’s a solid pick for growing families or anyone needing room to haul gear.

8. Nissan Rogue: Everyday Storage Champ
With 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, the 2025 Nissan Rogue stands out as one of the most spacious options in its class.
Higher trims feature a modular floor system that can be configured for a flat load bed or lowered for extra depth. Whether you’re hauling groceries or camping gear, the Rogue adapts easily to your needs, offering utility and comfort in a stylish, compact form.

9. Ford Escape: Low Load Floor Convenience
The 2025 Ford Escape offers generous cargo space—37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with it folded down. The low load floor simplifies loading heavier items, while sliding rear seats offer more flexibility.
Although the rear seats don’t fold perfectly flat, the seatbelts can be unclipped to reduce obstructions. A manual liftgate is standard, with a power option available. The Escape is ideal for families and commuters who want a no-fuss SUV with plenty of usable space.

10. Toyota RAV4: Balanced and Capable
With 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 69.8 cubic feet with it folded down, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 offers excellent cargo capacity for a compact SUV. The low cargo floor facilitates easy loading and unloading.
The RAV4 offers multiple liftgate options, including power and hands-free, making it user-friendly for a variety of lifestyles. Known for reliability and practicality, this SUV is an all-around performer that’s just as good for road trips as it is for weekly errands.

Compact SUVs continue to evolve, offering impressive cargo capacities without sacrificing drivability or fuel efficiency. From luxury models like the Jaguar F-Pace to practical champions like the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4, there’s a compact SUV for nearly every lifestyle.
With features like split-folding seats, power liftgates, and configurable storage floors, today’s compact SUVs prove that you don’t need a full-size SUV to get serious utility. These vehicles are smart choices for anyone who wants the best of both worlds: space and style.
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