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If you’re hauling gear, moving furniture, or simply need room for the whole family’s luggage, cargo space can make or break a vehicle’s usefulness. As of April 8, 2025, manufacturers are pushing the limits of interior volume, blending clever packaging with updated platforms. Here are five vehicles that currently lead their segments in best-in-class cargo space—backed by official measurements and hands-on reviews.
Ford’s full-size van remains the king of raw space, especially in the extended-length, high-roof configuration. For 2025, the Transit gets a small powertrain refresh, adding a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid option that delivers up to 310 horsepower while still offering the same cavernous interior. The cargo floor is flat, tie-downs are plentiful, and the rear doors open 270 degrees. No other vehicle in the non-commercial class can match its sheer volume for under $60,000.
Expert note: Ford also improved the rearview camera with a wide-angle lens, making backing into tight loading docks easier.
Minivans aren’t dead—they’re among the most practical vehicles you can buy. The Honda Odyssey’s “Magic Slide” seats fold flush into the floor, creating a flat load surface that’s 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. With 38.6 cubic feet behind the third row, it still leads the segment. For 2025, Honda added a 10.2-inch infotainment screen as standard and improved the rear air conditioning controls—small touches that matter for families hauling cargo and kids.
Why it wins: No SUV under $50,000 offers a lower load floor and easier access for bulky items than the Odyssey.
The Suburban is the king of full-size SUVs for cargo. Behind the third row, you get 41.5 cubic feet—enough for a full set of golf clubs and a stroller. Folding the second and third rows opens up 144.7 cubic feet, which is more than some compact apartments. The 2025 model introduces a new air suspension that can lower the rear by two inches for easier loading. Combined with a 6.2L V8 (420 hp), it hauls both people and possessions with authority.
Exclusive insight: According to GM engineers, the Suburban’s cargo length with all seats folded is 10 feet 2 inches—long enough to carry 2x4 lumber.
The redesigned Santa Fe has made cargo a headline feature. The 2025 model now offers a flat load floor with the second row folded, plus an optional underfloor storage bin that can hold a spare tire or valuables. Maximum cargo volume is 79.6 cubic feet—best-in-class among mid-size SUVs, beating the Toyota Highlander (75.9) and Kia Telluride (75.8). The boxy shape pays off: you can fit a 4×8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed (barely).
Real-world test: In CarBuzz’s October 2024 test, the Santa Fe swallowed 16 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats up and 43 with them down.
The electric pickup from Rivian redefines what “cargo space” means. While the bed offers 45 cubic feet (with tailgate down), the vehicle also features a lockable gear tunnel (11.7 cubic feet) behind the cab and a front trunk (frunk) at 11.6 cubic feet. That’s a total of 68.3 cubic feet across three compartments—best-in-class for a midsize pickup. For 2025, Rivian upgraded the tonneau cover to a power roll-up with improved reliability, solving a pain point from earlier models.
Why it matters: No other pickup can keep tools, valuables, and groceries separate while still offering a 1,760-pound payload capacity.
How we evaluated: All measurements come from manufacturer specs using SAE J1100 standards for cargo volume. We prioritized vehicles that lead their direct segment (full-size van, minivan, full-size SUV, mid-size SUV, midsize pickup). Prices as of April 2025 are estimated.
Bottom line: Whether you need to haul drywall for a renovation or camping gear for a cross-country trip, these five vehicles offer the most usable space in their classes—and each one brings unique loading features that set it apart.
