When shopping for a car, trunk space might not be the flashiest spec, but it can make a world of difference in daily life.
Whether you’re loading up for a weekend road trip, managing groceries, or packing sports gear, cargo space often determines how practical and flexible your vehicle truly is.
This comparison dives into two ends of the spectrum—cars with the most cavernous trunks, and those with the least, offering insight into how this overlooked feature affects usability.
Some sedans and hatchbacks defy expectations with trunks rivaling small SUVs in volume, while others sacrifice space in favor of sleek styling, performance, or compact city-friendly dimensions.
For families, travelers, or professionals who rely on trunk space daily, knowing which cars offer the most storage can prevent frustration down the line.
On the flip side, drivers who prioritize minimalism, performance, or urban agility may knowingly accept smaller cargo areas—but it’s still worth knowing just how tight that space can be.
This guide highlights five cars with the biggest trunks and five that leave you wondering where your bags will go. From practical picks to puzzling packaging choices, we break down what’s behind these trunk designs—and how it matters on the road.
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5 Cars With the Biggest Trunks
As the line between sedans and crossovers blurs, some cars still manage to shine with exceptional trunk space—without giving up their car-like driving dynamics.
Whether you’re a rideshare driver, road trip enthusiast, or simply someone who frequently hauls luggage, a large trunk can be a game changer.
While SUVs and wagons are obvious choices for cargo volume, many sedans, hatchbacks, and liftbacks now offer surprisingly generous trunk capacities, often surpassing what you’d expect from their compact or midsize classification.
This section explores five standout cars known for their expansive trunks. These models have become favorites for people who prioritize practicality without needing to move up to a full SUV.
Trunk size is measured not just by raw volume in cubic feet, but also by how usable and accessible that space is—considering opening width, depth, and folding seat options.
We’ve chosen these models not only for their dimensions but also for how well they integrate that cargo room into a comfortable, livable cabin.
We’re spotlighting these vehicles because they represent smart engineering choices that cater to everyday functionality.
Automakers who manage to give drivers more usable space without sacrificing ride quality, efficiency, or style are striking a rare balance—one that deserves recognition.
Here are five cars that lead the way when it comes to trunk space—and how they manage to do it so well.
1. Chevrolet Impala — 18.8 cu ft
The Chevrolet Impala might no longer be in production, but its legacy endures—especially when it comes to trunk space. With an impressive 18.8 cubic feet of storage in the rear, the full-size sedan often outperformed midsize SUVs and crossovers in pure cargo capacity.
For drivers who needed a spacious trunk without moving into bulkier body styles, the Impala was one of the most underrated choices in the market.
Chevy engineers did a lot right with the Impala’s rear-end design. The trunk opening is wide and sits at a user-friendly height, making it easy to lift large suitcases or boxes without straining your back. Inside, the floor is flat, and the trunk itself is deep and unobstructed by oddly shaped intrusions.
That means you can actually use almost all of the stated volume, a detail often overlooked in some smaller sedans that advertise large trunk numbers but offer impractical shapes or access.
The Impala’s split-folding rear seats enhance its utility even further. When lowered, they allow longer items—like skis or flat-packed furniture—to stretch into the cabin.
Combined with a roomy cabin and expansive legroom for passengers, this made the Impala a prime candidate for those who wanted space without sacrificing sedan comfort.
Another aspect worth mentioning is how the Impala appealed to different buyers. It was a favorite among fleet operators, including rental car companies, who valued both its reliability and its capacity to swallow luggage for five passengers with ease.
Families appreciated the storage for vacations and errands, while professionals who carried tools, equipment, or product samples found it especially useful.
Though Chevrolet retired the Impala after the 2020 model year to focus on crossovers and SUVs, the vehicle remains available in the used car market.
And for buyers looking to avoid SUV bulk while still enjoying spacious interiors and class-leading trunk space, a used Impala remains a strong, practical choice. It stands as one of the few sedans that truly prioritized cargo usability without gimmicks.
In a world increasingly dominated by smaller sedans and high-riding vehicles, the Impala is a reminder that full-size sedans once offered the best of both worlds: ride comfort, sleek looks, and serious storage. If cargo capacity is high on your list, this car still deserves a long, hard look.
2. Tesla Model S — 28.4 cu ft (with rear seats up)
The Tesla Model S is one of the most innovative electric vehicles on the market—but what many people don’t realize is just how much practicality it packs along with its performance and tech.
When it comes to trunk space, the Model S absolutely dominates its class and even overshadows some midsize SUVs. With a combined 28.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity—all with the rear seats up—this electric liftback sets the gold standard for sedan storage space.
Part of what gives the Model S its tremendous cargo room is its hatchback-style rear opening, which is more typical of an SUV or crossover.
Unlike traditional sedans with fixed rear windows and limited trunk access, the Model S opens wide, allowing for much easier loading of large or awkward items. The liftback design means tall or bulky cargo that wouldn’t fit through a regular sedan trunk can slide right in.
The storage capacity isn’t limited to just the rear, either. Because the Model S lacks a traditional gas engine, it offers a front trunk, or “frunk,” that adds extra usable space.
Ideal for small bags, groceries, or even a briefcase, the frunk is just another way Tesla maximizes storage in a streamlined package.
Inside the rear cargo area, you’ll find a lower storage well under the floor, great for concealing valuables or organizing tools and emergency gear.
Fold the rear seats flat, and the Model S becomes an electric road-tripping powerhouse, with space to stretch out and room to haul bicycles, large boxes, or multiple suitcases without breaking a sweat.
Why does this matter? Because electric vehicles are often critiqued for their utility, with many early models offering limited space due to battery packaging.
Tesla flipped the script by integrating its battery into the floor and opening up both ends of the car for smart storage solutions. The Model S isn’t just fast—it’s functional.
For drivers who want zero-emissions performance, cutting-edge technology, and space for real-life needs, the Tesla Model S stands in a class of its own.
It’s the rare sedan that genuinely meets or exceeds the utility of many crossovers, making it a dream choice for the eco-conscious who still need to haul serious cargo.
3. Hyundai Sonata — 16.0 cu ft
The Hyundai Sonata proves that you don’t have to go full-size or premium to get generous trunk space. With a roomy 16.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Sonata stands tall in the midsize sedan category, offering more space than many of its rivals in the same class.
And the best part? Hyundai makes sure that every bit of that space is usable and thoughtfully designed for real-world practicality.
At first glance, the Sonata impresses with its sleek, coupe-like profile. But behind that sloping rear hides a large, wide-opening trunk that’s surprisingly deep and easy to load. Hyundai engineers didn’t just chase volume—they designed the trunk for everyday convenience.
The lift-over height is low, the opening is wide, and the interior walls are clean and square, maximizing how much you can fit without awkward angles or wasted space.
What makes the Sonata’s cargo space even more functional is its standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which allow longer items to pass through into the cabin.
Whether you’re carrying a few sets of golf clubs, a large suitcase, or a stroller, the Sonata adapts well to real-life needs. The floor is also flat and lined with durable materials that make cleanup easy if you’re hauling anything messy or outdoorsy.
Why is this trunk worth highlighting? Because in the competitive midsize market, every inch of practicality matters.
Many sedans in this segment offer between 13 and 15 cubic feet—respectable numbers, but often limited by poor design or intrusions from hinges, wheel wells, or oddly placed batteries in hybrid variants.
The Sonata, even in its hybrid form, still maintains a usable trunk that doesn’t sacrifice daily usability for the sake of fuel economy.
For families, frequent travelers, and commuters who occasionally need to haul more than just groceries, the Sonata delivers a smart balance. It combines value, efficiency, and surprising versatility in one of the most attractive packages in its class.
While it may not outclass full-size sedans or electric hatchbacks on sheer numbers, the Hyundai Sonata shines for those looking for a midsize sedan that’s spacious and practical.
It’s proof that you can still drive something sleek, affordable, and efficient—without compromising when it’s time to load up and go.
4. Toyota Avalon — 16.1 cu ft
The Toyota Avalon has long been a go-to choice for drivers who want full-size sedan comfort without veering into luxury-brand territory.
Among its many strengths—refined ride quality, reliable performance, and upscale cabin—the 16.1 cubic feet of trunk space is a major asset.
It competes strongly in the full-size segment and serves as one of the most practical options for drivers who regularly carry cargo.
Toyota designed the Avalon’s trunk with real-world usability in mind. The trunk opening is wide and low, making it easy to lift in heavy items like suitcases, shopping bags, or even small furniture.
The interior of the trunk is well-shaped and deep, allowing you to take full advantage of the space without awkward corners or tight spots. Loading multiple large bags is not only possible—it’s easy.
One of the Avalon’s most impressive aspects is how well it retains cargo space across its different powertrains. Many hybrid sedans lose trunk space to battery placement, but Toyota manages to preserve nearly the entire 16.1 cubic feet in the Avalon Hybrid variant.
This consistency is especially valuable for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to give up practicality for fuel efficiency.
The Avalon’s trunk is further enhanced by 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which are surprisingly uncommon in this vehicle class.
That means drivers can slide in longer items like skis or boxes without leaving the trunk lid open. If you’re a weekend warrior or just someone who occasionally shops at warehouse stores, this flexibility makes a big difference.
What makes the Avalon truly special is that it combines this functionality with a luxury-like experience.
Soft-touch materials, quiet ride quality, and advanced safety features are all standard, making it feel upscale while still offering sedan-level practicality. For drivers who don’t want to drive a bulky SUV but still need serious space, the Avalon hits the sweet spot.
Although Toyota has now discontinued the Avalon in favor of newer offerings like the Crown, the vehicle remains a standout in the used car market.
For anyone seeking a spacious, refined, and dependable sedan with one of the most generous trunks in the business, the Avalon is an enduring and capable choice.
5. Honda Accord — 16.7 cu ft
The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling sedans in history—and for good reason. It’s a masterclass in balancing performance, efficiency, comfort, and value.
But one often-overlooked trait that makes the Accord a long-standing favorite is its impressively large trunk. With 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, the Accord beats out most of its midsize competitors and even challenges full-size models when it comes to day-to-day practicality.
Honda has always paid attention to the small details that enhance usability, and the trunk design is no exception.
The cargo area is wide, flat, and deep—making it easy to load everything from strollers and golf clubs to luggage and home improvement supplies. The low lift-over height adds another layer of convenience, especially for older adults or anyone loading heavier items.
Another standout feature is the Accord’s 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Whether you’re hauling long boxes or need to transport both people and gear, this flexibility makes the Accord feel even more spacious.
And unlike some sedans, where the folded seatbacks still create a step-up lip that limits usability, the Accord offers a fairly flat transition into the cabin—excellent for sliding in long items.
Even hybrid versions of the Accord maintain strong cargo capacity. While many hybrids suffer from reduced trunk space due to battery placement, Honda’s clever packaging means that the Accord Hybrid still offers over 16 cubic feet, with no major compromises in trunk shape or functionality.
Why is this important? Because the Accord is often chosen by families, professionals, and frequent travelers who don’t want to give up comfort or fuel efficiency just to gain cargo space.
The generous trunk only reinforces its all-around versatility. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about usable, smartly integrated space that enhances the ownership experience.
The Accord is proof that you don’t have to move up to an SUV to get serious practicality. With one of the largest trunks in its class, a proven reputation for reliability, and an efficient yet fun-to-drive nature, the Honda Accord continues to be a benchmark in the sedan world.
If trunk space matters—but you still want to enjoy the ride—the Accord makes no compromises. It simply delivers.
5 Cars With the Smallest Trunks
Not every car is built for hauling cargo—and that’s okay. But when trunk space becomes almost unusable, it can lead to real frustration, especially if you weren’t expecting such tight limitations.
Whether due to compact dimensions, performance-focused design, or poor interior packaging, some vehicles simply offer less room in the trunk than you might assume.
For city dwellers and minimalist drivers, small trunks may not be a dealbreaker. But for most everyday users, the lack of storage can become a serious drawback over time.
This list highlights five cars with the smallest trunks currently on the market or from recent model years, based on actual cargo volume and real-world usability.
While some of these cars are excellent in other ways—nimble handling, unique styling, or high fuel efficiency—their trunk space is undeniably limited. In fact, some can’t even comfortably fit a standard suitcase or a week’s worth of groceries without some creative rearranging.
We’re focusing on models that make noticeable compromises in rear cargo volume, whether for design, drivetrain layout, or just their overall compact footprint. Our goal is not to criticize these cars overall, but to provide fair warning: if trunk space is a priority for you, these may not be the best fit.
Understanding these limitations is key for potential buyers who plan to use their vehicles for more than just short trips.
Whether you’re downsizing to a city car or eyeing something sporty, it’s always smart to know exactly what you’re giving up—and how that could affect your everyday convenience.
These five models represent the bottom tier when it comes to trunk space, offering insight into what sacrifices come with certain designs—and when you might want to bring a backpack instead of a suitcase.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata — 4.6 cu ft
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most beloved sports cars of all time, and for good reason. It delivers a pure, engaging driving experience, razor-sharp handling, and a lightweight, minimalist design that’s as fun as it is iconic.
But if there’s one area where the Miata makes no apologies, it’s trunk space. With just 4.6 cubic feet of cargo room, the Miata has one of the smallest trunks of any modern production car.
To be fair, the Miata isn’t pretending to be a practical vehicle. It was never intended to carry multiple suitcases or haul gear for a camping trip.
Mazda designed the Miata to be as compact and agile as possible, and every inch of the car is optimized for driving enjoyment—not storage. That said, the reality of that tradeoff becomes obvious the moment you open the trunk.
The cargo space is shallow, narrow, and oddly shaped. While it technically fits a carry-on suitcase or a couple of small duffel bags, there’s little room for anything else.
Road trippers or even weekend warriors need to plan carefully, often resorting to soft bags or ultra-minimal packing strategies. Grocery runs, airport pickups, or packing for a two-person getaway quickly become logistical puzzles.
Even more limiting is the fact that the Miata’s seats do not fold down, and there’s no pass-through into the cabin.
What you see in the trunk is all the space you get. And while Mazda’s clever use of space means the trunk does include small side compartments for tools or accessories, it’s still not enough to make it functional for regular hauling needs.
Still, Miata owners rarely complain—because they know what they’re buying into. The Miata is about the journey, not the cargo. It’s a car for driving purists, not those in need of practicality.
For someone looking to add a second car for fun weekends or scenic drives, the trunk size might be a non-issue. But for anyone considering it as a daily driver or road trip machine, it’s important to be realistic.
In short: the Miata’s tiny trunk is a clear sacrifice in the name of driving bliss. And for many, that’s a trade well worth making—as long as you pack light.
2. Mini Cooper Hardtop (2-Door) — 8.7 cu ft
The Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door is a masterclass in fun-sized motoring. With its retro-modern styling, go-kart-like handling, and strong sense of individuality, the Mini has carved out a niche that blends premium flair with compact practicality.
However, in the realm of cargo space, the 8.7 cubic feet offered behind the rear seats is one of the smallest among hatchbacks—and even many sedans outdo it in trunk volume.
At first glance, the rear hatch gives the impression of decent cargo potential, but once the tailgate opens, the reality sets in. The usable floor space is short and shallow, and the vertical height is limited due to the sloping roofline.
If the rear seats are up, there’s barely enough room for two carry-on-sized bags or a single medium suitcase. A trip to the grocery store? Sure—but don’t expect to carry more than a couple of bags unless you start stacking creatively.
Where the Mini partially redeems itself is flexibility. Fold down the rear seats, and you’ll get access to about 34 cubic feet of space, which is actually respectable. But that comes at the cost of rear passenger space, which is already cramped.
For drivers who often travel solo or as a couple, this solution can work. For anyone who regularly uses the rear seats for passengers, the limited trunk space becomes a daily compromise.
The Mini’s design clearly prioritizes style and compact proportions over pure utility. That’s part of its charm, and fans of the brand accept the trade-off as the price for fun, agile driving and a chic, urban-friendly package.
But if you’re a new buyer expecting the hatchback form to deliver substantial practicality, the Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door can be surprisingly limited in this department.
What’s notable is that even though the Mini is bigger today than its early-2000s versions, cargo space hasn’t significantly improved. Despite that, it remains one of the most fashionable and engaging small cars on the road.
In the end, the Mini 2-Door’s small trunk is something buyers either embrace or work around. For urbanites with short commutes and a flair for design, it may be more than enough. For others, though, its limitations are hard to ignore.
3. Chevrolet Camaro — 9.1 cu ft (Coupe)
The Chevrolet Camaro is all about performance, attitude, and bold American muscle car heritage.
Its aggressive styling, potent engines, and tire-shredding capability make it a thrill to drive—but if you’re looking for practicality, particularly in terms of trunk space, the Camaro coupe can be quite a letdown.
With just 9.1 cubic feet of trunk volume, and a narrow, awkward trunk opening, it ranks among the most impractical cars in its segment when it comes to cargo.
On paper, 9.1 cubic feet doesn’t sound abysmal, especially for a performance coupe. But in practice, it’s less useful than it seems. The Camaro’s trunk is compromised by a very small opening that limits what you can actually fit through it.
Even small suitcases may need to be tilted and carefully maneuvered to squeeze in. And the shape of the interior cargo space is far from ideal—deep and sunken in places, with limited width near the mouth of the trunk.
Fold-down rear seats do provide some flexibility for longer items, but the transition from trunk to cabin isn’t smooth or flat.
Plus, the back seats themselves are tight and rarely used for passengers, making it feel like you’re compromising comfort and cargo space in one fell swoop.
So why the small trunk? The Camaro’s platform and styling priorities largely explain it. Its low-slung roofline and wide haunches contribute to the car’s mean, hunkered-down look—but they also steal space from the rear.
Chevrolet clearly focused on performance and aesthetic over cargo functionality, and the result is a coupe that demands a sacrifice in practicality for the sake of looks and speed.
This trade-off might be totally acceptable for weekend warriors or enthusiasts who plan to use the Camaro for spirited drives, not cross-country hauls.
But for daily use, road trips, or even routine shopping, the Camaro’s trunk size—and its awkward access—can be frustrating. Even casual activities like fitting gym bags, backpacks, or groceries can become a juggling act.
In short, if you’re drawn to the Camaro for its thrilling driving dynamics and muscular presence, go for it—just don’t expect to haul much more than a couple of duffel bags. With the Camaro, performance comes first, and practicality comes in… very, very last.
4. Fiat 500 — 5.0 cu ft
The Fiat 500 may be charming, efficient, and undeniably unique, but when it comes to trunk space, it’s one of the most limited offerings in the modern automotive world.
With just 5.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, the Fiat 500 challenges even the smallest city cars in terms of how little it can carry.
While it was designed primarily for tight European cityscapes, the limitations of its trunk are just as real for U.S. drivers looking for everyday practicality.
Pop open the 500’s rear hatch, and you’ll quickly see the issue. The trunk floor is extremely short and shallow—barely big enough for a backpack or a couple of grocery bags. Anything bulkier than a single carry-on suitcase becomes a challenge.
Even more frustrating, the rear seatbacks don’t fold completely flat, which limits how well you can utilize the additional space when the seats are down. That expanded cargo space is only marginally better and still awkwardly shaped.
It’s not just the volume that hurts the Fiat 500’s utility—it’s also the shape and configuration. The rear window is sharply angled, cutting into the vertical cargo area.
The trunk opening itself is narrow and high, making it harder to slide items in and out. Whether you’re running errands or picking someone up from the airport, the lack of room is immediately noticeable.
Of course, Fiat never positioned the 500 as a practical hauler. It’s a fashion-forward subcompact designed for narrow city streets and minimalist lifestyles. Its short wheelbase, quick steering, and quirky looks make it a perfect choice for urban environments.
In countries where parking is tight and distances are short, the 500 thrives. But in more suburban or rural settings—where drivers expect a car to do more than just look cute—it can fall short.
Still, for the right buyer, the Fiat 500’s tiny trunk may be a manageable trade-off. It’s ideal for students, singles, or anyone who simply needs a compact commuter. Just be sure to pack light—or consider keeping a collapsible storage bin on the back seat.
In the end, the Fiat 500 proves that style and character can come in small packages—but unfortunately, so does its cargo capacity.
5. Toyota GR Supra — 10.2 cu ft
The Toyota GR Supra is a modern sports car with deep roots in performance and enthusiast culture. With its aggressive stance, turbocharged powertrains, and razor-sharp handling, it offers one of the most rewarding drives in Toyota’s entire lineup.
But while the Supra checks nearly every box for style and speed, one area where it comes up short—quite literally—is trunk space. At 10.2 cubic feet, the Supra offers more than a few rivals in raw volume, but its layout and accessibility make it feel smaller in everyday use.
Unlike most sedans or hatchbacks, the Supra is a two-seat coupe with a rear hatch. This might suggest greater cargo flexibility, but the reality is mixed.
The cargo area is tucked under a fastback roofline that curves dramatically toward the tail, which means vertical space is limited. The actual floor of the cargo area is shallow and wide, but oddly shaped due to structural braces that limit what can fit—and how.
While you can technically store a couple of duffel bags, a backpack, or a few grocery bags, fitting anything larger—like a suitcase or gear for a weekend getaway—requires creative stacking or downsizing.
The hatch opening is also relatively small, making it tricky to load bulkier items. And unlike many liftbacks or coupes, there’s no real separation between the trunk and the cabin—so noise from items in the cargo area can echo into the interior.
That said, the Supra isn’t pretending to be practical. It was co-developed with BMW (sharing a platform with the BMW Z4) and was clearly engineered with performance as the priority.
Lightweight construction, low center of gravity, and a tight chassis all contributed to design decisions that restricted trunk space.
For buyers who view the Supra as a weekend car or fun secondary vehicle, the cargo limitations might be irrelevant.
However, for anyone looking to use the Supra as a daily driver, it’s essential to consider the car’s spatial constraints when planning your packing.
In short, the Toyota GR Supra gives you a race-ready experience with head-turning design—but its 10.2 cu ft of trunk space is a reminder that in the world of sports cars, storage often takes a back seat… or in this case, no seat at all.
Trunk space isn’t usually the headline feature in a car brochure—but for many drivers, it quietly defines the difference between a vehicle that fits into your life and one that just falls short.
Whether it’s hauling luggage for a family trip, packing up gear for the weekend, or just making room for daily errands, cargo capacity affects how useful and adaptable a car really is.
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