For those familiar with efficient living principles, choosing the right car is paramount. It’s about optimizing your vehicle to perfectly match your primary needs, a concept often overlooked in favor of larger, more powerful models. Many car buyers in English-speaking markets, particularly in the United States and Canada, default to bigger vehicles, justifying the choice with infrequent, demanding scenarios – like towing a boat or occasional family trips. This leads to the popularity of vehicles like the Ford F-150 pickup truck, boasting 360 horsepower and a city MPG of just 17. It outsells even relatively large cars like the Toyota Camry, a 3200-pound sedan with 178 horsepower.
However, consider this: most driving is done solo. For the majority of commutes, errands, and daily tasks, a Small Car is the most efficient and logical choice. Anything larger is simply inefficient, impacting your wallet and potentially your environmental footprint. Fortunately, even the smallest cars available in North America offer ample space for families and comfortable features.
But what about those less frequent times when extra space is needed? Road trips, camping gear, or ski trips might seem to necessitate a larger vehicle. Does this justify opting for a Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, or even a Ford Excursion? The allure of a Ford F-350, capable of pulling a massive travel trailer, might be strong. Perhaps a Monaco Dynasty RV, towing a Ford Excursion for local errands, seems like the ultimate solution.
However, a more practical and financially sound approach, aligned with efficient living, involves sticking with your small car and employing smart, adaptable storage solutions for those occasional needs.
For years, the Scion xA has been a prime example of this philosophy. This small car, only slightly longer than a Mini Cooper, offers a surprising amount of practicality. Its four-door hatchback design comfortably accommodates five adults plus luggage and achieves impressive fuel economy, often exceeding 40 MPG with efficient driving techniques. It has proven its road-trip capability across diverse landscapes, from Moab to Phoenix, Santa Fe, and even the Great Lakes region.
One notable month-long road trip in the Scion xA, spanning Colorado, New Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas, included family beach camping and kayaking, all while carrying self-catered food supplies. This adventure, undertaken with a four-year-old child, demonstrated the surprising capacity of a small car.
To prepare for this trip, a cruise control system was added to the Scion xA, enhancing long-distance driving comfort. The key challenge, however, was maximizing cargo space. This led to exploring three effective strategies for expanding the carrying capacity of a small car.
1: Utilize Roof Cargo Solutions
Even without factory roof rails, aftermarket options from brands like Yakima and Thule provide easy installation. For basic needs, waterproof duffel bags strapped to a roof rack work well. For frequent travelers, aerodynamic roof boxes offer enhanced weather protection and security. These are often found second-hand at significant discounts.
2: Rear-Mounted Cargo Carriers
While roof boxes are convenient, mounting cargo at the rear of the vehicle is aerodynamically more efficient. Adding a trailer hitch (if not already present) allows for the use of various hitch-mounted accessories. Bike racks, cargo baskets, and enclosed, lockable cargo boxes can be easily attached, keeping gear secure and the passenger cabin clutter-free. This approach minimizes aerodynamic drag compared to roof-mounted options, potentially improving fuel economy.
3: Tow a Trailer
This option provides the most significant cargo capacity increase. Despite common misconceptions, small cars are capable of towing trailers. While car manufacturers may downplay towing capabilities for smaller vehicles, consider the power-to-weight ratio. Even a small car engine possesses considerable power relative to the weight it needs to pull, especially compared to human pulling power.
A basic utility trailer, such as a 4x8ft model, can be acquired affordably and customized for various needs. Enclosed trailers can serve as mobile workshops or additional storage space. The versatility of a trailer effectively negates the need for pickup trucks for most drivers, rendering them obsolete outside of specialized professions like farming or unique living situations.
While roof racks and roof boxes offer a readily available solution for expanding cargo capacity, costing between $300-$500, this is still significantly less expensive than the purchase and ongoing costs of a larger, less fuel-efficient vehicle. Roof boxes provide a simple method to temporarily transform a small car into a larger cargo carrier.
Taking a more customized approach, a DIY rear cargo box was designed and built for the Scion xA. This custom box maximized space and aerodynamics by contouring to the vehicle’s rear bumper. Utilizing existing tow hook mounting points, a metal support frame was fabricated and attached, providing a secure base for the box construction.
This custom-built box, with an 80-gallon capacity, proved lightweight yet robust.
Caution: When building a rear-mounted box, ensure proper exhaust routing to prevent heat damage. Direct exhaust flow away from the box structure using a flexible exhaust pipe.
This custom box was instrumental during the Gulf of Mexico road trip, providing ample storage and garnering positive attention from other efficiency-minded travelers. The material cost was minimal, approximately $30, utilizing reclaimed materials, and the construction was a rewarding DIY project.
Before considering an SUV upgrade for perceived cargo needs, logically assess your options. While traditional “coupe” or “sedan” trunk designs can be limiting, hatchbacks and wagons offer inherently more practical cargo space. These designs are prevalent in markets prioritizing efficiency. SUVs, essentially wagons with raised suspensions, sacrifice on-road efficiency for ground clearance that is often unnecessary for everyday driving. The wagon design, not the SUV features, is the source of their perceived practicality.
A small car hatchback can fulfill most needs typically attributed to SUVs or minivans. For occasional larger cargo requirements, roof boxes, rear cargo carriers, or trailers offer adaptable solutions.
Just as bicycle utility can be expanded with backpacks and trailers, a small car can be surprisingly versatile. Embrace the efficiency and practicality of a small car and explore the smart solutions for maximizing its utility. You might be surprised at how much you can do with less.
