SUVs have become the vehicles of choice for many Americans looking for a safe and practical way to haul the family around in comfort while having enough space to accommodate luggage for a week's holiday. To make things even more exciting, most compact SUVs continue to grow with every model year, providing consumers with larger vehicles that are big enough for adults to get comfortable. Witness the 2023 Honda CR-V, which is a bigger vehicle on the whole when compared with its predecessor from just a year ago.
For modern customers, that means more headroom, more legroom, and more space to fit in all that hefty luggage or bulky sports equipment. But, some automakers have made much more progress than others in this respect, and this clearly reflects in their maximum cargo capacity. If you haul a lot of things, these are the best compact 2022 SUVs to consider.
10 2023 Ford Bronco Sport – 65.2 Cubic Feet
The new Bronco Sport is the definition of bold and beautiful. It is rugged, off-road capable, and drives competently on the road thanks to its highly composed ride (assuming you don't choose the jittery Badlands trim) and secure, stable handling dynamics. Under the hood, there are three powertrain choices: a standard 300-hp turbo-four, an optional 330-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, and a higher-output turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque on tap.
Ford Bronco Sport has room for five passengers plus all of their stuff, with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With just the front seats being used, you can fold the rear to reveal an impressive 65.2 cubic feet of cargo volume.
9 2023 Ford Escape – 65.4 Cubic Feet
The Ford Escape returns for 2023 with a mild mid-cycle refresh, which includes a redesigned front end with a broader grille featuring Ford's blue oval badge, revised headlights, and reworked taillights.
Consistent with its predecessor, the 2023 Escape offers excellent versatility, with up to 37.5 cubic feet of room behind its rear seats and 65.4 cubes with them folded down.
8 2023 Toyota RAV4 – 69.8 Cubic Feet
If, in addition to space, you value comfort and reliability, you'll want to consider a 2023 Toyota RAV4, which has a high-quality, upmarket interior that's neatly designed and charms with its enveloping character.
Of course, the RAV4 is also versatile and practical, with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats. Fold that down, and you've got 69.8 cubic feet to fit in longer items.
7 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 73.4 Cubic Feet
Inarguably one of the most well-equipped vehicles on this list, the 2023 Tiguan brings a long list of standard items and functionality, including heated front seats, push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, keyless entry, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and similar.
You'll also find that the Volkswagen Tiguan is cargo-friendly, thanks to its generous interior. On the two-row version of the Tiguan, you get 37.6 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet behind the front seats. Three-row Tiguan models offer 12 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 33 cubic feet behind the second row, and 65.3 cubic feet behind the first row.
6 2023 Nissan Rogue – 74.1 Cubic Feet
If you're looking for a compact SUV with precise steering that provides generous feedback as well as a very compliant suspension, the 2023 Nissan Rogue will be the vehicle you want. This SUV comes standard with a four-wheel independent suspension that delivers exceptionally smooth road manners and allows you to enjoy a remarkably high level of comfort and ease.
It's also massive inside. Even with all seats in place, you gain 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the S and SV grades. Move up a level to the SL or two to the Platinum trim, and you'll find up to 36.5 cubic feet. That’s because these models have a clever Divide-N-Hide cargo system that can be configured in up to 18 different ways to enhance practicality. Put the rear seats down, and you get 74.1 cubic feet of space regardless of your model of choice.
5 2023 Kia Sportage – 74.1 Cubic Feet
The 2023 Kia Sportage will go down as one of the most memorable Sportages ever made. Its elegance, design, and captivating beauty make this vehicle ideal for modern consumers who value individuality and expression. But there's more that contribute to huge excitement in this SUV than the bold lines and sophisticated details: the high-tech interior, roomy seating, and massive cargo area.
In front of the driver is a well-designed dashboard with a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster that provides at-a-glance information on critical vehicle systems. The panel is complemented by an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen that lets you connect your smartphone wirelessly via either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Should you want a larger screen, Kia offers the option of a 12.3-inch unit that comes bundled with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Meanwhile, the 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat provides the kind of potential that seems practically endless. With all seats in use, its 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room can swallow all your belongings with space to spare. Lowering the rear seats increases the cargo area to a humongous 74.1 cubes.
4 2023 Subaru Forester – 74.2 Cubic Feet
The Subaru Forester has long proved that agility doesn't have to limit comfort, so it's not surprising that there hasn't been a compromise on space.
There's an enormous amount of room, even with all five seats in use (28.9 cubic feet). If that's not enough for your stuff, the rear seats can fold down to give you a whopping 74.2 cubic feet. And, whether It's for a couple's getaway or a fun-filled family vacation close to nature, Forester's standard all-wheel drive and off-road prowess also mean you can get out into rocky terrain, mountain tracks, and forest roads with confidence.
3 2023 Hyundai Tucson – 74.8 Cubic Feet
Like its cousin, the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson is all about style and convenience. Regardless of the trim you choose, you can be sure that your Tucson will be laden with a great amount of comfort-enhancing amenities, up-to-date technology, and a plethora of safety systems.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Tucson offers 38.7 cubes behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet with them folded down.
2 2023 Honda CR-V – 76.5 Cubic Feet
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If you're familiar with previous CR-V models and have keen eyes, you will notice that Honda's best-selling SUV is longer and wider than before. The vehicle is 1.7 inches longer and half-inches wider than the model it replaces, resulting in plenty of space for your passengers to stretch out and relax.
Cargo volume is just as plentiful, with 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet behind the first.
1 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander – 79.7 Cubic Feet
Mitsubishi's Outlander takes the title of the most spacious compact SUV in terms of the maximum cargo area. The three-row, seven-seater vehicle has 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rearmost seats and up to 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down. Fold the second row down, and you've got an expansive 79.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
In addition, the Outlander is well-equipped, even at the base level, with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, dual-zone automatic climate control, 40/20/40-split folding second-row seats, 50/50-split third-row seat, and dark-tinted rear privacy glass.
Sources: USNews.com