When it comes to practical car ownership, trunk space can often make or break the overall driving experience.
Whether you’re heading on a road trip, doing grocery runs, or simply need to haul daily essentials, having a functional and spacious trunk is a convenience most drivers don’t fully appreciate—until it’s missing.
That’s why in this article, we’re diving into two contrasting sides of trunk capacity: five cars that offer genuinely usable, well-designed trunk space, and five that fall embarrassingly short—struggling to fit even a standard suitcase.
These aren’t just measurements pulled from spec sheets; we’re looking at real-world usability. Can you load a stroller without folding down seats?
Is the trunk opening wide enough to maneuver large luggage? Is the shape practical or awkwardly contoured? These are the questions we’re addressing, because cubic feet alone don’t tell the whole story.
In the first half, we spotlight five cars that punch above their class in trunk practicality. In the second, we examine models whose sleek designs and compact forms come at the expense of cargo utility.
If you’re shopping smart—or simply curious about what to avoid—this list breaks down what works and what doesn’t when it comes to trunk space.
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5 Cars With Real Trunk Space
Automakers love to highlight trunk capacity in their marketing, but real-world practicality is often a different story. It’s not just about how many cubic feet are listed on a spec sheet; it’s about whether that space is actually usable.
Can you slide in a full-size suitcase without angling it awkwardly? Will a stroller fit without having to fold the rear seats?
Does the trunk lip allow for easy loading, or is it raised high enough to require a lift every time? These everyday situations reveal the true value—or limitations—of a car’s trunk space.
In this section, we’re showcasing five cars that genuinely deliver when it comes to trunk usability. These aren’t just large on paper—they’re smartly designed, easy to load, and built to accommodate real cargo without compromise.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a busy parent, or simply someone who hates playing trunk Tetris at the grocery store, the vehicles listed here will serve your needs without complaint.
We’re covering models across a mix of segments—from midsize sedans to compact cars—because trunk usability isn’t exclusive to large vehicles. Each entry on this list has proven itself not just in dimensions, but in how those dimensions are shaped and accessed.
Thoughtful trunk floor height, flat-loading surfaces, squared-off openings, and useful depth are all considered.
If you’re tired of cars that pretend to be practical but fail to deliver once you open the rear hatch or trunk lid, this list is for you.
These five models offer the kind of cargo space that actually works in daily life, making them standouts in a market filled with style-over-substance competitors.
1. 2024 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has long been a benchmark in the midsize sedan segment, and one reason it continues to earn praise is its incredibly functional trunk.
For the 2024 model year, the Accord offers a generous 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space—on par with some small crossovers—but what really makes it stand out is how intelligently that space is laid out.
Unlike many competitors with curved, sloped trunk openings or compromised shapes due to styling cues, the Accord maintains a wide, rectangular trunk aperture.
That makes loading bulky items such as full-size suitcases, sports gear, or even medium-sized moving boxes relatively hassle-free. The trunk floor is low and flat, which means heavy items don’t need to be lifted far, reducing strain during loading and unloading.
Another major advantage of the Accord’s trunk is its depth. While some sedans offer wide trunks that lack usable reach, the Accord’s deeper cargo bay easily accommodates longer items.
And while the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are there for additional versatility, what’s remarkable is that most everyday luggage tasks don’t even require folding them down—unusual for a sedan.
Beyond the raw numbers, Honda’s attention to build quality and materials shows in the Accord’s trunk area. There’s carpeting throughout, which helps reduce shifting of items during transit.
The hinges are fully enclosed and don’t intrude into the cargo area, so you don’t have to worry about a closing trunk lid crushing fragile items along the sides.
Owners frequently cite the Accord’s trunk as a selling point—especially families who want sedan comfort but need cargo flexibility. Whether you’re carrying groceries, travel bags, or school supplies, the trunk never feels like a bottleneck in usability.
In a world where many modern sedans are sacrificing function for form, the 2024 Honda Accord remains refreshingly practical. It’s a car that understands people actually use their trunks—and it delivers with quiet confidence.
2. 2024 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has built its reputation on reliability and everyday usability, and its trunk design reinforces that legacy.
For 2024, the Camry’s trunk offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space—slightly less than the Accord on paper—but its layout and practicality more than make up for it in everyday use.
What makes the Camry’s trunk especially user-friendly is the consistency of its flat floor and squared-off walls.
The trunk opening is wide enough to slide in two large suitcases side by side, and the floor’s low height allows even shorter drivers to load heavier cargo without struggling.
The lip is minimal, making it easier to push in groceries or travel gear without scraping the bumper or lifting awkwardly.
Another often-overlooked detail is the Camry’s use of traditional strut hinges, which stay neatly out of the way. Many cars still use gooseneck hinges that intrude into the cargo area, potentially crushing items—Toyota avoids this problem entirely in the Camry.
Additionally, tie-down hooks and a standard trunk liner are included, helping secure loose items and reducing cargo shift.
The rear seatbacks can fold down in a 60/40 split, which adds flexibility for long items like skis or flat-pack furniture. However, just like the Accord, the Camry’s trunk is practical enough that most errands and weekend getaways won’t require using the back seat for overflow.
The depth of the cargo bay allows for bulk shopping trips, strollers, or even multiple duffel bags to be loaded with room to spare.
What also sets the Camry apart is how easy it is to access the trunk in everyday life. The key fob includes a trunk release, and higher trims offer hands-free trunk access with a foot swipe—an underrated feature when your arms are full.
In short, the 2024 Camry manages to balance style, comfort, and function without compromise. It’s not trying to be flashy—it’s designed to work for you.
For anyone looking for a sedan that won’t leave them struggling to fit basic luggage or weekend essentials, the Camry’s trunk space is as dependable as the car itself.
3. 2024 Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has matured into one of the most well-rounded midsize sedans in the market, and its trunk space plays a big part in that transformation.
For the 2024 model year, the Sonata offers 16.0 cubic feet of cargo volume, placing it near the top of its class. But beyond the numbers, it’s the Sonata’s thoughtful trunk layout that elevates its usability.
The opening is wide, with a well-shaped cutout that doesn’t curve inward aggressively—a common issue in some modern sedans trying to chase coupe-like rooflines. This means you can load wide boxes or medium-sized furniture pieces without angling them sideways.
The trunk floor is also notably flat, and there’s minimal intrusion from the wheel wells, which creates more usable space toward the edges.
One of the standout aspects of the Sonata’s trunk is its low load-in height. It sits just right for sliding in heavy objects without lifting them high, making it very practical for older drivers or anyone dealing with heavier groceries or gear.
The cargo area also features strong carpeted surfaces and sturdy hinges that don’t eat into the available space.
Hyundai adds extra versatility with the Sonata’s 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which can be released from levers conveniently placed in the trunk itself. This is especially useful when you need to load longer items without running around to the back doors first.
In addition, there’s a hidden underfloor compartment ideal for keeping small tools, emergency kits, or valuables out of sight.
Another thoughtful touch is the availability of hands-free smart trunk access in upper trims. Stand behind the car with the key fob in your pocket, and the trunk opens automatically after a few seconds—a lifesaver when you’ve got your hands full.
While competitors often trade function for styling gimmicks, the 2024 Sonata strikes an excellent balance.
It offers cargo room that isn’t just big, but genuinely user-oriented, supporting a wide range of daily use cases from travel to shopping to family hauling.
For buyers who need a sedan that acts like a small utility vehicle when needed, the Sonata proves that clever design can make all the difference.
4. 2024 Volkswagen Passat (Final Edition)
Before bowing out of the North American market, the Volkswagen Passat left one final gift to practical car shoppers—an exceptionally large and usable trunk.
The 2024 Passat Final Edition, though the last of its kind, goes out on a high note with 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space that’s as practical as it is underrated.
Where the Passat shines is in its interior volume and how well that translates into usable cargo capacity. The trunk opening is large and rectangular, allowing for easy loading of wide suitcases, sports equipment, or even flat-packed furniture boxes.
The hinge design is minimal and doesn’t intrude into the space, preserving every inch for cargo. This means you can maximize your load without playing a game of geometry each time you pack.
One of the big advantages of the Passat trunk is its length. Deep from the bumper to the rear seats, it easily accommodates longer items.
This is especially helpful for families who need space for foldable strollers, or professionals transporting display materials or samples for work. Despite being a sedan, it behaves like a small hatchback when it comes to storage flexibility.
The Passat also features fold-down rear seats with a 60/40 split, accessible via easy-to-reach latches inside the trunk. While that’s common in modern sedans, the flat floor created when folded and the depth of the trunk make this space genuinely cargo-friendly.
There’s also a small pass-through in the center seatback, perfect for sliding in long, narrow items like skis or poles without folding everything.
Build quality is another plus. The trunk is fully lined with thick carpeting, helping to reduce road noise and ensuring items don’t slide around. There are also small side cubbies and hooks for grocery bags—useful touches that support daily use.
Though it’s no longer in production, the 2024 Passat remains a strong example of how traditional sedans can still offer serious practicality.
For those lucky enough to get their hands on the Final Edition, the trunk alone makes it one of the smartest midsize buys of its time—quietly capable, thoughtfully engineered, and refreshingly honest in its utility.
5. 2024 Kia K5
The 2024 Kia K5 may wear a sleek, fastback-inspired silhouette, but don’t let the sporty styling fool you—it’s one of the most practical sedans in its class when it comes to trunk usability.
With 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space, it matches rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord, but the real advantage lies in how Kia makes that space accessible and functional.
One of the standout features of the K5’s trunk is the shape of the opening. While the car’s exterior design hints at a sloping rear, Kia smartly avoids compromising the aperture.
The trunk lid lifts to reveal a wide and tall entrance that can easily accept hard-shell luggage, toolboxes, or boxes without awkward angles or jams. This design consideration turns the K5 into a surprisingly capable hauler for everything from travel gear to weekend projects.
Inside the trunk, the floor is flat and lined with durable materials. Kia includes grocery hooks and tie-down points in most trims, enhancing cargo stability.
The load lip is low and doesn’t require much effort to lift items in—an important detail for drivers who frequently transport heavier goods.
The trunk also gets a boost from the rear seat configuration. Like others in this list, the 60/40 split-folding seats create a continuous, fairly flat cargo surface when folded, allowing you to extend your storage into the rear cabin without much effort. There’s even a ski pass-through, perfect for long narrow items without compromising passenger space.
Another bonus is the K5’s smart trunk feature, standard on many trims. Simply stand behind the car with the key fob in your pocket, and the trunk opens automatically—ideal for parents juggling kids and cargo or professionals with full hands.
Kia has clearly thought about day-to-day usability with the K5. Even though it presents as a sporty, design-forward sedan, it manages to avoid the compromises that plague others in this styling category.
It’s the kind of vehicle that surprises you not just with its looks, but with how well it handles life’s practical needs. If you want trunk space without giving up on style, the 2024 Kia K5 checks every box.
5 That Can’t Even Fit a Suitcase
While some cars over-deliver in the practicality department, others are all show and no storage. It’s a growing trend—particularly in compact cars and subcompacts—for automakers to prioritize exterior design and performance while sacrificing cargo utility.
And while these vehicles may look sharp or offer nimble handling, they quickly frustrate owners when it’s time to load even the most basic luggage.
This section focuses on five vehicles that suffer from extremely limited trunk space—so limited, in fact, that fitting a standard 24-inch suitcase is a struggle.
It’s not just about the cubic feet listed in brochures; these trunks are either poorly shaped, shallow, or have frustratingly narrow openings that render even small luggage impractical.
Some models technically offer “cargo space,” but it’s barely useful for anything more than a backpack or a grocery bag.
We’re not here to nitpick city cars for not matching the capacity of midsize sedans, but rather to spotlight vehicles that miss the mark on even the most fundamental usability standards.
These are cars where the styling, layout, or design choices come at a cost—and unfortunately, that cost is your everyday convenience.
If you’re someone who travels regularly, shops in bulk, or just wants the flexibility to carry more than a briefcase, these five models will likely leave you disappointed.
They may have their strengths elsewhere—fuel economy, maneuverability, or price—but trunk practicality isn’t one of them. In fact, several on this list will force you to rely on the back seat just to carry a single piece of luggage.
Let’s take a closer look at five cars where the trunk is more of a decorative feature than a usable asset.
1. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a car that prioritizes driving joy over practicality—and it doesn’t pretend otherwise.
This two-seat roadster has been revered for its sharp handling, lightweight build, and top-down thrills, but when it comes to trunk space, it makes no room for compromise. Or luggage.
The Miata’s trunk offers just 4.6 cubic feet of space—less than some motorcycle panniers. And unlike hatchbacks, which can use vertical space to their advantage, the Miata has a traditional trunk lid with a shallow, awkwardly contoured cargo area.
That makes fitting anything beyond a soft-sided duffel bag or a backpack a serious challenge. A standard carry-on suitcase? Only if it’s soft-shell, underpacked, and carefully wedged in.
One major issue isn’t just the small volume, but the shape. The wheel wells intrude significantly, and the trunk floor has a rise near the rear bulkhead, reducing usable flat area.
The opening is also narrow, which means even if something technically fits dimensionally, maneuvering it into the trunk can be an exercise in frustration.
Grocery runs, weekend getaways, or airport drop-offs all require careful pre-planning—or a travel companion who’s okay holding a bag on their lap.
Mazda’s focus with the Miata is crystal clear: fun, not function. And for that reason, it’s forgivable—if you know what you’re getting into.
The Miata isn’t marketed as a family car or a commuter workhorse; it’s a dedicated pleasure machine. But for anyone expecting even minimal trunk usability, it’s important to recognize how limited it truly is.
Owners often joke that the glovebox has more real-world utility than the trunk. And while that might be hyperbole, it’s not far from the truth.
If you live light and travel solo, it’s manageable. But if you need to carry even basic luggage, the Miata’s trunk will quickly show its limitations.
2. 2024 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door
The 2024 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door is a style icon that delivers big on personality but falls dramatically short when it comes to trunk practicality.
Despite its premium pricing and surprisingly spacious-feeling cabin, the MINI’s actual cargo space—particularly with the rear seats in place—is frustratingly limited.
With the rear seats up, the MINI Cooper offers a meager 8.7 cubic feet of trunk space. That number is small on paper, but in real life, it feels even more constrained. The trunk is shallow, and the opening is narrow due to the vehicle’s compact tailgate design.
Even a single 24-inch suitcase typically won’t fit unless it’s placed diagonally and compressed—at which point you’ll have little room for anything else.
What adds to the inconvenience is the vertical height of the trunk space. The floor sits fairly high, and the sloping rear window cuts into the available top clearance.
That means even smaller rolling bags or grocery totes often bump against the glass when closing the hatch.
The awkward layout makes the space tricky to utilize effectively, and it discourages regular loading and unloading of anything beyond soft-sided bags or small parcels.
To make the cargo space usable, you almost always need to fold down the rear seats, which expands total volume to 34 cubic feet.
But that defeats the purpose of having a rear seat at all. MINI markets the 2-Door as a four-seater, yet in real-world scenarios, it’s closer to a two-seater with an extended parcel shelf in the back.
This lack of cargo flexibility severely limits the MINI’s appeal for people who travel, shop in bulk, or need to carry gear regularly. Even a quick trip to the airport or a weekend getaway becomes a logistics puzzle.
While the MINI Cooper earns points for its go-kart handling, upscale materials, and undeniable charm, trunk functionality is not part of the package.
Buyers looking for both flair and practicality might find themselves compromising far too much if trunk space matters at all.
3. 2024 Fiat 500
The 2024 Fiat 500 is a compact urban runabout that excels at maneuverability and style but struggles significantly in the trunk space department.
Designed primarily for city living, the Fiat 500’s cargo area is one of the smallest in the modern car market, making even simple luggage storage a challenge.
Offering roughly 5.6 cubic feet of trunk space, the Fiat 500’s cargo bay feels more like a glovebox than a trunk. The area is shallow and narrow, heavily constrained by the car’s compact dimensions and rounded rear styling.
While small grocery bags or a backpack can fit without issue, trying to squeeze in a standard carry-on suitcase is next to impossible. The narrow trunk opening and curved contours further limit what can physically fit inside.
Another design quirk is the lack of a 60/40 fold-down rear seat option in most trims. This means the trunk space is fixed, without the flexibility to expand for longer items.
For travelers or weekend adventurers, this can quickly become frustrating, as the Fiat 500 simply doesn’t offer the versatility expected in even the smallest cars today.
The high loading lip also makes it awkward to lift heavier or bulky items in and out. Unlike sedans or hatchbacks with lower trunks or rear openings, the Fiat 500’s trunk sits higher off the ground, demanding more effort and care.
Despite these practical shortcomings, the Fiat 500 remains popular for those seeking a unique style and compact footprint ideal for tight parking spots and narrow city streets.
However, this comes with the trade-off of seriously limited cargo capacity, which means it’s not the best choice for anyone regularly hauling luggage, sports gear, or larger shopping hauls.
In summary, the 2024 Fiat 500 is a fun and stylish city car, but its trunk space is barely functional. Buyers must be prepared to travel light or rely on the passenger cabin for any extra cargo needs.
4. 2024 Smart Fortwo
The 2024 Smart Fortwo is the epitome of ultra-compact urban mobility, designed to slip into the tightest parking spots and navigate crowded city streets with ease.
But this nimbleness comes with a major compromise: an extremely limited trunk that barely qualifies as usable cargo space.
The Smart Fortwo’s trunk offers roughly 5.5 cubic feet of storage, and that number is almost misleading. The cargo area is very shallow and boxy, with hard plastic walls and a high loading lip that make it difficult to fit anything sizable.
The opening is narrow and awkwardly shaped, limiting what can physically be loaded. Most users find that even a standard carry-on suitcase won’t fit unless it’s soft-sided and can be compressed significantly.
This tiny hatchback lacks fold-down rear seats, so there’s no way to expand cargo capacity. What you see is what you get, and that’s a very small parcel shelf behind the two front seats. This lack of flexibility means that anything larger than a small backpack or a few grocery bags simply won’t fit inside.
The trunk space challenges are amplified by the Fortwo’s upright rear design and minimal rear overhang.
While the exterior styling makes for a very compact footprint, it also constrains usable volume to the bare minimum. This makes the Fortwo best suited for short trips with little or no luggage.
Owners of the Fortwo often treat the car as a single-person commuter vehicle, with cargo needs handled by backpacks or small shopping totes carried inside the cabin.
For anyone needing to carry more than a few items or travel with bulky gear, the Fortwo’s trunk space is a major limitation.
In conclusion, the 2024 Smart Fortwo delivers outstanding urban agility and efficiency but falls short on cargo practicality. It’s a vehicle built for a very specific use case, and trunk space is one area where compromises are unavoidable.
5. 2024 Toyota Prius Prime
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is celebrated for its fuel efficiency and advanced hybrid technology, but its trunk space leaves much to be desired—especially for those expecting practical cargo room.
While the Prius Prime offers a hatchback design, the usable trunk volume is surprisingly limited, making it difficult to fit even a standard suitcase comfortably.
Officially, the Prius Prime offers about 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, which seems generous at first glance. However, the shape of the cargo area and the height restrictions inside the hatch limit real-world usability.
The trunk floor sits relatively high due to the battery pack placement underneath, which reduces vertical storage space. This can prevent taller suitcases from fitting upright, forcing owners to lay luggage flat and potentially limiting the number of bags that can fit.
The hatch opening itself is also somewhat narrow and awkwardly shaped. The rear bumper design creates a higher load lip, which makes sliding heavy luggage in and out more cumbersome.
Unlike other hatchbacks that offer wide, square openings, the Prius Prime’s entrance requires careful angling of larger items, which can be frustrating during loading and unloading.
Though the Prius Prime’s rear seats do fold down to increase cargo capacity, the flatness and overall continuity of the cargo area are compromised due to battery placement, resulting in an uneven floor that can complicate stacking or organizing larger items.
Despite these challenges, the Prius Prime remains a top choice for those prioritizing fuel economy and environmental concerns.
However, for travellers or families requiring flexible and spacious trunk space, it falls short. If you frequently need to carry luggage or larger cargo, the Prius Prime’s trunk limitations may be a dealbreaker.
In summary, while the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime excels in efficiency, its trunk space is limited by design compromises, making it less than ideal for users who require practical luggage capacity.
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