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    Compact SUVs With the Most Cargo Space

    These smaller models punch above their class with abundant room for luggage and gear

    cargo space of 2023 Subaru Forester showing cooler, blanket, hiking pack, and lantern Photo: Subaru

    Advertisements for new SUVs may have you thinking that a midsized SUV is a better choice than a compact model for a family vehicle. But bigger isn’t always better. In fact, some compact SUVs will deliver the same—or more—cargo room as a two-row midsized model, while also getting better fuel economy and being an easier vehicle to live with on a daily basis.

    Still, it can be hard to figure out how much "stuff" an SUV can carry. Automakers tout how many cubic feet their SUVs can hold, as if you’re filling that space with ping-pong balls.

    More on SUVs

    But if the roofline is severely tapered or the liftgate opening is small and oddly shaped, you’re limited in what you can carry.

    Below, we feature the compact SUVs with the most usable cargo room based on our testing process. They are ranked in order of cargo room in cubic feet, with the top performer first.

    Note that not every vehicle is recommended. This may be because of below-average reliability or a too-low Overall Score.

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    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.