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The rear cargo area of a 2019 Honda CR-V compact crossover SUV
Crossovers

3 New Compact SUVs With the Most Cargo Space

Many people buy SUVs because they want all-wheel drive and space to haul plenty of people and their stuff. But smaller crossovers like the Honda CR-V have become popular for their car-like handling, affordable price point, and fuel efficiency. But some crossovers sacrifice space, including cargo capacity. So, if you want a new compact SUV …
by Desiree Homer
Published on
2 min read

Many people buy SUVs because they want all-wheel drive and space to haul plenty of people and their stuff. But smaller crossovers like the Honda CR-V have become popular for their car-like handling, affordable price point, and fuel efficiency. But some crossovers sacrifice space, including cargo capacity.

So, if you want a new compact SUV that’ll carry luggage for road trips, plenty of sporting gear, or enough groceries for your family, check out these three models.

The 2021 Honda CR-V’s cargo space impresses

The Honda CR-V‘s interior is deceptively large. According to Honda, the CR-V boasts a whopping 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That’s plenty of room for a few suitcases for a small family road trip. And if you need to haul a few things without the whole family on board, the CR-V offers 75.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

Other strong suits for the Honda CR-V are its roomy passenger area and quick acceleration. It also offers a comfortable ride and an above-average fuel economy. The CR-V’s cargo area is not only roomy but also thoughtful. And the 2021 Honda CR-V won U.S. News’ Best Car for the Money award.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4’s cargo capacity is also great

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 can compete in cargo space, too. According to Toyota, the RAV4 offers 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That’s 1.6 cubic feet less than the CR-V. Folding down the rear seats allows 69.8 cubic feet, a whole 6 cubic feet less than the CR-V. But that’s still enough to fit your golf clubs or a bulk grocery haul. 

You’ll also likely enjoy the Toyota RAV4‘s ride quality and plenty of passenger space. Its tech features and infotainment system are also easy to use and intuitive. And the 2021 Toyota RAV4 won U.S. News’ 2021 Best Compact SUV for Families.

The Nissan Rogue’s cargo area isn’t too shabby, either

The 2021 Nissan Rogue‘s cargo capacity is also impressive. This stylish crossover offers 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up. That’s less than both the CR-V and RAV4. However, with the back seats folded, the Rogue offers an impressive 74.1 cubic feet of space, Nissan‘s spec page shows. That’s more space than the RAV4 and only a couple of cubic feet less than the CR-V. And it’s plenty of room for an oversized dog to ride comfortably to the groomer.

The Nissan Rogue earns praise for its comfortable seats and smooth ride quality. It’s a peppy SUV that’s loaded with extras. Safety is a priority, as well, and the Rogue comes handsomely equipped with the advanced driver aids you want. Consumer Guide named the 2021 Nissan Rogue a winner of its 2021 Automotive Best Buy award for the seventh consecutive year in the compact crossover segment.

What the critics say about these three compact SUVs

Consumer Reports has tested several 2021 compact SUVs already. And you might not be shocked to learn that of the three listed above, the Honda CR-V comes out ahead with an overall score of 82 and an official CR recommendation. Consumer Reports also recommends the RAV4, but with a lower score of 69. According to CR, its reviewers are currently testing the 2021 Nissan Rogue, so we’ll have to wait to see how it fares against the other two.

When it comes to cargo space, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue take the cake. And they’ll easily haul that cake, too.

Best in Midsize SUVs
Contributing Writer

Desiree Homer

Desiree Homer began contributing content to MotorBiscuit in 2018. She is a veteran in all things sales and marketing and at writing results-oriented sales copy. Her professional credentials include: 15+ years in direct Sales (local, regional and national industries), 5+ years in Television Advertising, 5+ years in Staffing and Business Development, and 3+ Years in Automotive Sales.

She began contributing to Endgame360 in 2018. She is a Jeep enthusiast at heart and spent more than three years selling cars for GM and Ford dealerships. Desiree has sold everything from high-end Cadillac models to farm-reliable pickups. She has also written for Bob Vila.