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Compact SUVs and a wealth of space don’t often go hand in hand. But if you’re in the market for a new compact SUV with plenty of space? You’ll be pleased to know that U.S. News recently highlighted new compact SUVs with the most cargo space. Let’s talk about their top five picks for new compact SUVs with the most cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a new compact SUV with plenty of cargo space

A 2021 Toyota RAV4 parked in the wilderness, the RAV4 is a new compact SUV with the most cargo room
2021 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

There’s no denying that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has a lot going for it. It’s a new compact SUV under $30,000. At the heart and soul of it is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. And when it comes to safety? This year’s new Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a slew of driver-assist safety features. The IIHS recognized it as a 2021 Top Safety Pick too.

That’s not all the new Toyota RAV4 has going for it either. As a matter of fact, U.S. News reports that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is one of several new compact SUVs with the most cargo space. While the base model RAV4 offers up 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, all other trims boast 37.5 cubic feet of space. 

And if you need even more space? Fold the rear seat down and this new compact SUV offers an impressive 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Even better? This year’s new RAV can be had with a height-adjustable power liftgate that makes accessing its cargo area an easy feat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is a spacious new compact SUV  

A 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan driving, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is a new compact SUV under $30,000
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | Volkswagen

U.S. News reports that the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is also one of many new compact SUVs with the most cargo space. In fact, this year’s model found itself in the fourth spot on U.S. News’ list. However, unlike other compact SUVs on the list, it’s also available with a third row. With its third-row in use, the Tiguan offers 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold it down and that figure swells to 33 cubic feet. With both rows of seating folded down, this year’s Tiguan boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 65.7 cubes.

And if you opt for the base Volkswagen Tiguan without its available third-row of seating? This new compact SUV provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. Fold the rear seat down and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offers up a spacious 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Much like the RAV4, this year’s Tiguan is also available with a power liftgate and a hands-free power liftgate.

As for how much the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan costs? This year’s model starts at $25,245. At its most expensive, this year’s new Volkswagen Tiguan costs approximately $39,095. For budget-conscious shoppers in the market for a new compact SUV under $40,000, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan makes for a compelling option.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a spacious new SUV under $30,000

A red 2021 Nissan Rogue parked with the sun shining on it
2021 Nissan Rogue | Nissan

In the third spot on U.S. News’ list of new compact SUVs with the most cargo space is the 2021 Nissan Rogue. According to U.S. News, the Nissan Rogue is a fairly popular choice among its segment. It handles well, delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, and was given a Great quality and reliability rating by J.D. Power.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers no shortage of interior space either, especially when it comes to cargo space. In fact, opt for this year’s new Nissan Rogue and you’ll be pleased to find 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the back seat. Fold those seats down and this year’s Rogue boasts a full 71.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

This year’s Rogue is among the most affordable new compact SUVs too. It starts at $25,850, making it a budget-friendly choice for those in the market for a new SUV under $30,000. Even at its most expensive, the Nissan Rogue will only have you spending $37,030.

The 2021 Honda CR-V is one of the best new compact SUVs with the most cargo space

A 2021 Honda CR-V driving down a suburban street
2021 Honda CR-V | Honda

When it comes to the 2021 Honda CR-V, U.S. News claims that it does just about everything right. It provides ample amounts of acceleration and handles well. This year’s model also features a spacious cabin that passengers will be sure to appreciate. When equipped with its standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway too. 

According to U.S. News, the 2021 Honda CR-V also landed itself the second spot on its list for new compact SUVs with the most cargo space. In fact, this year’s model offers up some of the most cargo space for its class. There are 39.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the SUV’s rear seat. With those seats folded down, the new Honda CR-V boasts as much as 75.8 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aims to please when it comes to pricing too. As a matter of fact, base models start at $25,350, making the new Honda CR-V a great option for those shopping for a new SUV under $30,000. Treat yourself to the range-topping Honda CR-V Touring and this year’s model will have you spending roughly $33,560.  

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a new compact SUV with the most cargo space

A green 2021 Subaru Forester at an auto show
2021 Subaru Forester | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

When it came to choosing a new compact SUV with the most cargo space, U.S. News went with none other than the 2021 Subaru Forester. The new Subaru Forester is the only compact SUV standard with all-wheel drive on the list. This year’s model also starts at  $24,795, making it a compelling choice for shoppers on the lookout for a versatile new SUV under $30,000.

The 2021 Subaru Forester comes standard with a slew of driver-assist features too. Even base models come stocked with popular safety features like automatic pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with sway warning and pre-collision throttle management. With so many driver-assist safety features to its name, it should come as no surprise that the new Subaru Forester is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

As for cargo space? This new compact SUV offers no shortage of it. The base Subaru Forester offers up to 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright. Fold them down and that figure expands to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space. As for other trim levels? With the rear seats up, the Forester delivers 28.9 cubic feet of cargo spaces. And with them folded? The 2021 Subaru Forester boasts 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

The new compact SUVs are everything but small

When it comes to these new compact SUVs, they’re anything but small. To determine which model is the best fit for you and your cargo, we recommend take each of these models out for a spin. After all, that is the best way to find out which of these new SUVs is the best fit for your daily driving needs.