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The SUV segment is popular for many reasons. Many of those reasons concern what SUVs offer compared to sedans. SUVs are larger than sedans. So, in general, SUVs will provide families the space to comfortably go about life. One of the most critical specs families look for in an SUV is cargo capacity, so here’s a look at the five small SUVs with the most cargo space.

Why cargo capacity matters 

Cargo capacity isn’t significant every day, but it is imperative when drivers go grocery shopping or on road trips. This is especially true for larger families. When families go grocery shopping, buying in bulk is very common. This is where an extra cubic foot or two can make a big difference.

Some car shoppers may want to know their car’s max cargo capacity, but this isn’t the perfect way to measure it. For instance, families on a road trip can’t fold the second row down. That’s why car shoppers may want to consider SUVs with a good amount of cargo capacity behind the second row of seats.

5. The Tesla Model Y has a few cargo options

According to Cars, the Tesla Model Y is a small SUV with a lot of cargo capacity behind its second row. It has about 20.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity behind its second row, which isn’t far from what the most spacious options in the segment have. 

However, unlike the other cars on this list, the Tesla has a frunk. This frunk has 2.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity, but since the frunk isn’t connected to the rest of the car’s cargo area, owners won’t be able to take full advantage of that extra space. The Model Y starts at about $65,000 and is the only EV on the list. 

4. The Honda CR-V is solid all-around

A dark color 2023 Honda CR-V as a one of the small SUVs with the most cargo space with its trunk open.
2023 Honda CR-V | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

The CR-V is a popular SUV from Honda, and it’s tied for second place. It has 21.5 cu-ft of space behind the second row seats. However, car shoppers who equip the Honda with the hybrid option will lose 0.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity. The CR-V starts at about $31,000, and the hybrid option will cost about $1,500 more. 

3. The Hyundai Tucson is tied for second place

Like the CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson also has 21.5 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row seats. That said, the Tucson is more affordable than the Honda SUV, starting at about $25,000. Overall, the Tucson is a solid small SUV with a good balance of traits. 

2. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is tied for first place for the SUV with the most cargo space

The Sportage Hybrid is tied for first place, as it has 21.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity behind the second row seats. Since Kia and Hyundai work closely together, the Sportage is relatively similar to the Tucson. The Sportage Hybrid, for example, starts at about $27,000. Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, it gets about 38 mpg combined.

1. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has a lot in common with the Sportage Hybrid

Unsurprisingly, since the Sportage and the Tucson are so similar, the Tucson Hybrid was tied with the Sportage Hybrid for first place. This hybrid Hyundai also has 21.7 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row seats. It’s a more expensive SUV, starting at about $30,000. That said, it has the same fuel economy as the Sportage Hybrid, as its powertrain also delivers 38 mpg combined.

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