Midsize SUVs represent a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance between spaciousness and practicality. Offering more cargo and passenger room than compact SUVs, yet remaining more fuel-efficient and maneuverable than full-size behemoths, they occupy a sweet spot in the automotive market.
Defining a midsize SUV by length typically places them between 190 and 200 inches. While this excludes models like the Chevrolet Traverse, which interestingly exceeds the length of a full-size Chevrolet Tahoe, our research revealed some surprising leaders in cargo capacity within this category. Contrary to expectations, the top contenders for cargo space aren’t dominated by American brands, nor are they necessarily the usual import suspects. Let’s explore the top 10 midsize SUVs of 2019 that offer the most generous cargo areas.
1. 2019 GMC Acadia
Kicking off our list of midsize SUVs renowned for their cargo space is the 2019 GMC Acadia. As a three-row SUV, the Acadia provides a starting point with 12.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and culminating in a total of 79 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are stowed.
GMC enhances the utility of this space with “Professional Grade” features, including an available hands-free power tailgate, durable all-weather floor liners, and various cargo organization accessories. It’s noteworthy that the smaller 2019 GMC Terrain, a two-row SUV, surprisingly offers slightly more cargo room than the Acadia in certain configurations. However, the Acadia compensates with benefits such as a standard mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and optional heated and ventilated leather seating, appealing to those prioritizing passenger comfort and connectivity.
2. 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
Moving up our ranking of midsize SUVs with the most substantial cargo capacity, we encounter the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. Slightly larger than the GMC Acadia in both overall length and cargo volume, the three-row Pathfinder provides a maximum of 79.5 cubic feet of storage when all rear seats are folded down. With the third row folded, cargo space measures 47.4 cubic feet, and with all rows upright, it still offers a respectable 16.2 cubic feet.
Nissan also incorporates a motion-activated tailgate for convenient, hands-free access to the cargo area, a valuable feature when your hands are full. In terms of safety technology, the Pathfinder includes standard automatic emergency braking, contributing to its Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, making it a family-friendly option with ample storage.
3. 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
The list of midsize SUVs boasting impressive cargo space includes the aptly named 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. As Hyundai’s largest SUV for the 2019 model year, the three-row Santa Fe XL offers up to 80 cubic feet of rear storage when both the second and third rows are completely folded. Utilizing the second row reduces cargo capacity to 40.9 cubic feet, while keeping all seat backs upright provides 13.5 cubic feet of space.
Mirroring many of its competitors, the Santa Fe XL offers an optional hands-free liftgate, simplifying cargo loading and unloading. Hyundai further enhances the Santa Fe XL with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and optional climate-controlled leather seats, blending practicality with modern technology and comfort.
4. 2019 Ford Explorer
While an updated 2020 model has since debuted, the 2019 Ford Explorer remains a compelling choice, particularly for those prioritizing cargo capacity within a midsize SUV. In its standard configuration, with all seats in use, the Explorer provides a generous 21 cubic feet of dedicated rear storage. Folding the third row expands this to 43.9 cubic feet, and maximizing cargo space by folding both rear rows yields an impressive 81.7 cubic feet.
Ford’s largest midsize SUV further enhances user-friendliness with available features like a hands-free tailgate and a power-folding third row, making it easier to adapt the vehicle to changing passenger and cargo needs.
5. 2019 Toyota Highlander
Consistent with Toyota’s reputation for innovation, the 2019 Highlander brings a unique advantage to the midsize SUV segment: a hybrid powertrain option. The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, leading our list in terms of efficiency among cargo-focused midsize SUVs. Crucially, the Highlander Hybrid doesn’t compromise on cargo space to achieve these impressive fuel economy figures.
Thanks to smart design, both the hybrid and gasoline versions of the Highlander offer identical cargo dimensions. This includes 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the middle row, and a maximum cargo capacity of 83.7 cubic feet, blending fuel savings with practical storage.
6. 2019 Honda Pilot
For those seeking midsize SUVs that combine substantial cargo space with advanced standard safety technology, the 2019 Honda Pilot is a standout option. Refreshed for the 2019 model year, the Pilot now includes the Honda Sensing suite as standard equipment. This comprehensive safety package incorporates automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance.
Retaining its spacious interior dimensions, the three-row Pilot continues to offer up to 83.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Even with the second and third rows occupied, it still provides 16.5 cubic feet of storage. In a two-row configuration, the Pilot expands to a generous 46.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it versatile for both passengers and gear.
7. 2019 Subaru Ascent
As Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, the 2019 Subaru Ascent earns its place on our list of midsize SUVs with the most cargo space. Measuring 196.8 inches in length, the Ascent boasts up to 86.5 cubic feet of total storage capacity. It also offers 47.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the second row in use, and 17.8 cubic feet when all three rows are occupied.
To further enhance usability, the Ascent is available with a Smart Rear View Mirror. This innovative feature allows the rearview mirror to function as a display for a rear-mounted camera, providing an unobstructed view of the area behind the vehicle, regardless of how high cargo is stacked within, improving safety and convenience.
8. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Leading the pack among three-row midsize SUVs in cargo space is the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The Atlas not only offers the highest overall cargo volume at 96.8 cubic feet, but also leads with the most cargo room behind the second-row seats, measuring 55.5 cubic feet. Furthermore, its 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all seats in use is only surpassed by the Ford Explorer in this comparison, highlighting its exceptional space efficiency.
Beyond its functional advantages, the Atlas incorporates user-friendly technology, including standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Available options include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a premium Fender audio system, blending spaciousness with modern features.
9. 2019 Ford Edge
At this point, you might wonder what remains to be covered after the Volkswagen Atlas, which topped the three-row midsize SUV category for cargo space. However, a growing segment of two-row midsize SUVs also exists, exemplified by the 2019 Ford Edge. While on the shorter end of the midsize spectrum, requiring a slight rounding up to reach the 190-inch length threshold, the Edge still surpasses cargo capacity of two-row competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Murano, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Specifically, the Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, and expands to 73.4 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded flat, demonstrating its capacity even within the two-row midsize SUV class.
10. 2019 Honda Passport
Crowning our list as the No. 1 two-row midsize SUV for cargo space is the all-new 2019 Honda Passport. The Passport boasts a total storage capacity of 77.9 cubic feet, nearly matching the cargo volume of some of the smaller three-row SUVs on this list. Honda describes this space as “enough to accommodate mountain bikes or a week’s worth of camping gear.” With the rear seats in place, the Passport still manages to provide a substantial 41.2 cubic feet of cargo room.
Adding to its practicality, the Passport offers considerable cargo-carrying power. Compared to its smaller sibling, the Honda CR-V, the Passport benefits from nearly 100 additional horsepower, sharing the same robust 280-hp V6 engine as the larger Honda Pilot, making it both spacious and powerful.
