Midsize SUVs stand out as the ideal choice for many drivers, perfectly balancing size, comfort, and utility. They offer more cargo room and often increased seating compared to compact SUVs, while maintaining better fuel efficiency and maneuverability than full-size behemoths. If you’re prioritizing cargo space in your next vehicle, understanding what defines a midsize SUV and which models lead in storage capacity is crucial.
Generally, midsize SUVs range from 190 to 200 inches in length. While larger SUVs like the Chevy Traverse might be overlooked in this category due to their near full-size dimensions, our focus here is on those models that truly maximize cargo space within the midsize segment. Interestingly, our research reveals that the top contenders for cargo space aren’t always from the brands you might expect. Let’s dive into a detailed list of 10 midsize SUVs that offer the most impressive cargo capacity, perfect for families, adventurers, and anyone needing extra room.
1. 2019 GMC Acadia: Setting the Standard
The 2019 GMC Acadia serves as a solid starting point in our lineup of midsize SUVs renowned for cargo space. This three-row SUV provides a practical 12.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 79 cubic feet in total when both rear rows are down.
GMC enhances the Acadia’s utility with “Professional Grade” features designed to optimize cargo management. These include an available hands-free power tailgate for easy loading, durable all-weather floor liners to protect the interior, and a range of cargo organization accessories. It’s worth noting that the smaller 2019 GMC Terrain, a two-row SUV, offers slightly more cargo space, but the Acadia compensates with added passenger capacity and premium features like a standard Wi-Fi hotspot and optional heated and ventilated leather seats.
2. 2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Balancing Space and Safety
Moving up our list, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder surpasses the GMC Acadia in both overall length and cargo volume. This three-row SUV provides a maximum cargo capacity of 79.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, 47.4 cubic feet with the third row down, and 16.2 cubic feet when all seats are in use. This configuration ensures ample space for both passengers and luggage.
The Pathfinder also features a motion-activated tailgate for convenient, hands-free access to the cargo area, a valuable feature when your hands are full. Safety is also a priority, with standard automatic emergency braking contributing to the Pathfinder’s IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, making it a smart choice for families.
3. 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL: Spacious and Feature-Rich
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL lives up to its name, offering substantial cargo room within the midsize SUV category. As Hyundai’s largest SUV for the 2019 model year, the three-row Santa Fe XL boasts up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space when both the second and third rows are folded. With the second row in use, it still offers 40.9 cubic feet, and 13.5 cubic feet behind the third row when all seats are upright.
Like many of its competitors, the Santa Fe XL offers an optional hands-free liftgate, adding to the convenience of accessing the rear cargo area. Hyundai also packs in desirable tech features, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and optional climate-controlled leather seats for enhanced comfort.
4. 2019 Ford Explorer: A Blend of Space and Innovation
While a redesigned 2020 model was on the horizon, the 2019 Ford Explorer remained a compelling option, particularly for those prioritizing cargo space. Even with all seats in use, the Explorer provides a notable 21 cubic feet of rear storage. Folding the third row expands this to 43.9 cubic feet, and with both rear rows down, the Explorer offers an impressive 81.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.
Ford’s largest midsize SUV enhances usability with both a hands-free tailgate and a convenient power-folding third-row seat, making it easier to adapt the interior space to passenger and cargo needs.
5. 2019 Toyota Highlander: Efficiency Meets Capacity
The 2019 Toyota Highlander brings a unique advantage to the midsize SUV segment: a hybrid powertrain option. The Highlander Hybrid achieves excellent fuel economy ratings, up to 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway/29 mpg combined, while maintaining impressive cargo capacity. Importantly, choosing the hybrid version doesn’t compromise storage space.
Regardless of the powertrain, the Highlander offers 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. This consistent cargo capacity across models makes the Highlander a versatile and efficient choice.
6. 2019 Honda Pilot: Safety and Spaciousness Combined
For buyers seeking midsize SUVs with both generous cargo space and advanced standard safety features, the 2019 Honda Pilot is a top contender. Refreshed for 2019, the Pilot includes the Honda Sensing suite as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance, providing peace of mind for families.
The Pilot’s cabin remains remarkably spacious, offering up to 83.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Even with all three rows occupied, there’s still 16.5 cubic feet of storage. In a two-row configuration, the Pilot provides a substantial 46.8 cubic feet of cargo room, making it incredibly versatile for various needs.
7. 2019 Subaru Ascent: The Biggest Subaru Ever with Big Cargo
The 2019 Subaru Ascent marks Subaru’s entry into the larger midsize SUV market and is their largest vehicle to date. Measuring 196.8 inches in length, the Ascent provides up to 86.5 cubic feet of total cargo space. It also offers 47.5 cubic feet with the second row in use and 17.8 cubic feet when all three rows are occupied, maximizing space for both passengers and gear.
To further enhance utility, the Ascent offers an available Smart Rear View Mirror. This innovative feature uses a rear-facing camera to display a clear view behind the vehicle in the rearview mirror, regardless of how high cargo is piled inside, improving safety and visibility.
8. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas: Leading in Three-Row Cargo Space
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas truly stands out as a leader among three-row midsize SUVs in terms of cargo space. Not only does it offer the highest overall cargo capacity at 96.8 cubic feet, but it also leads with 55.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. Even with all seats in use, the Atlas provides a competitive 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room, surpassed only slightly by the Ford Explorer in this configuration.
Beyond its spaciousness, the Atlas includes user-friendly technology like standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Available safety and convenience features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a premium Fender audio system, making it a well-rounded family SUV.
9. 2019 Ford Edge: Top Two-Row Midsize Cargo Champion
While most of the SUVs listed are three-row models, the 2019 Ford Edge represents the best in cargo space among two-row midsize SUVs. Though slightly shorter than three-row options, the Edge still qualifies as midsize and outpaces two-row competitors like the Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano, and Jeep Grand Cherokee in cargo capacity.
The Ford Edge provides 39.2 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize cargo space without needing a third row of seats.
10. 2019 Honda Passport: King of Two-Row Midsize SUVs for Cargo
Crowning our list for two-row midsize SUVs with the most cargo space is the all-new 2019 Honda Passport. The Passport offers a total cargo capacity of 77.9 cubic feet, nearly matching some of the smaller three-row SUVs on this list. Honda states this is “enough to accommodate mountain bikes or a week’s worth of camping gear,” highlighting its practicality for outdoor enthusiasts. With the rear seats in use, it still provides a generous 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Passport also boasts impressive power, sharing the same 280-hp V6 engine as the larger Honda Pilot, offering nearly 100 more horsepower than the compact Honda CR-V. This combination of space and power makes the Passport a top choice for those needing a capable and spacious midsize SUV.
