For many people, cargo space is a determining factor in whether they buy a car. This is especially true for owners who use their vehicles for carpooling, weekend adventures, and even small business errands. With most SUVs having more cargo space than small cars, it’s also why some buyers are flocking to SUVs. There is only one two-row SUV with less than 20 cu-ft of space behind the backseat.

The only two-row SUV with less than 20 cu-ft of cargo space

Cars.com lists the 2022 Subaru Outback as the only mid-size two-row SUV with less than 20 cu-ft of space behind the backseat at 19.6 cu-ft. This starkly contrasts the 32.5 cu-ft figure provided by the manufacturer.

Because manufacturers measure the entirety of the cargo space for vehicles with a liftgate, Cars.com’s measurements only get to the top of the rear seatback. Most owners are unlikely to pack cargo past this point to maintain visibility behind the car. This also helps prevent the cargo from turning into projectiles that hurt passengers in case of an accident. As such, the Cars.com cargo space figures are more accurate for real-world utility.

Also, Cars.com only measured the cargo space specs of the 2022 model. However, Car and Driver notes that the only changes to the 2023 model are on the front fascia. As such, the cargo space should remain unchanged even in the 2023 model.

The Subaru Outback specs

In addition to having about 19.6 cu-ft of storage space behind the rear seatback, the 2023 Subaru Outback can be had from $28,395 with a choice of two engines. This includes a 2.5L Subaru engine with the Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and touring trims.

Alternatively, you could get the more powerful turbocharged 2.4L Subaru engine with the Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, Wilderness, and Touring XT trims.

The 2.5L non-turbocharged variant produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while its 2.4L counterpart adds 78 hp to the performance for a total of 260 hp. As for the torque, it produces 277 lb-ft.

All trims share a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. That said, variants with the 2.5L engine can only tow 2,700 lbs, while trims with the turbocharged 2.4L engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

There are also differences in fuel economy where the Base to Touring trims offer 32 mpg highway mileage and 26 mpg in the city. The Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims provide 29 and 22 mpg on the highway and in the city, respectively.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness has a few upgrades, e.g., extra ground clearance, re-tuned gears, and a beefed-up suspension, allowing it to go off-road. However, they also lead to higher fuel consumption at 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.

Cargo space behind the backseat in the other two-row SUVs

According to Cars.com, the two-row SUV with the most cargo space behind the backseat is the Hyundai Santa Fe at 25.3 cu-ft.

While the automotive website only measured the 2021 model, there haven’t been significant design changes to the 2022 and 2023 model year models. As such, the space available should still be the same.

Like the Subaru Outback, the 36.4 cu-ft cargo space figure provided by Hyundai is significantly higher than the 25.3 cu-ft figure on Cars.com.

Also, just behind the Santa Fe are the Genesis GV80 and Ford Bronco with 23.5 cu-ft and 22.3 cu-ft, respectively. As for the model closest to the Subaru Outback, it’s the Audi SQ8 at 20.2 cu-ft. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW iX, and Cadillac XT5 are tied above the Audi at 20.3 cu-ft.