Midsize SUVs are often considered the Goldilocks of the automotive world – not too big, not too small, but just right for many drivers and families. They offer a significant step up in cargo capacity compared to compact SUVs, often with the added bonus of extra seating, while remaining more fuel-efficient and easier to navigate in urban environments than their full-size counterparts. For those who prioritize hauling gear, whether it’s sports equipment, luggage for family vacations, or DIY project supplies, cargo space is a critical factor.
When defining “midsize,” we’re generally looking at SUVs ranging from approximately 190 to 200 inches in length. While some larger models blur the lines, this range typically excludes behemoths like the Chevy Traverse, which ironically is longer than a full-size Chevy Tahoe. Interestingly, our research revealed that the leaders in midsize SUV cargo space aren’t necessarily the usual suspects from American brands, nor are they exclusively from the most commonly recognized import marques. Let’s dive into our countdown of the Top 10 Midsize Suvs offering the most generous cargo areas.
10. 2019 GMC Acadia
Kicking off our list of midsize SUVs with substantial cargo capacity is the 2019 GMC Acadia. This three-row SUV provides a practical 12.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet when the third row is folded, and a maximum of 79 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.
GMC emphasizes “Professional Grade” features to enhance usability, offering options like a hands-free power tailgate for easy loading and unloading, durable all-weather floor liners to protect the interior, and various cargo management accessories to keep belongings organized. It’s worth noting that the smaller 2019 GMC Terrain, a two-row SUV, surprisingly offers slightly more cargo space in certain configurations. However, the Acadia compensates with advantages like a standard mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and available heated and ventilated leather seats for enhanced passenger comfort.
9. 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
Moving up our rankings of midsize SUVs renowned for their cargo volume, we encounter the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. Slightly larger than the GMC Acadia in overall dimensions and cargo capacity, the three-row Pathfinder provides a maximum cargo volume of 79.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. With the third row folded, cargo space is a useful 47.4 cubic feet, and with all rows in use, it still offers 16.2 cubic feet of space.
Nissan also equips the Pathfinder with a motion-activated tailgate, simplifying access to the cargo area when your hands are full. In terms of safety technology, automatic emergency braking is standard, contributing to the Pathfinder’s Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
8. 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
Among the midsize SUVs celebrated for their generous cargo capacity is the aptly named 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. As Hyundai’s largest SUV for the 2019 model year, the three-row Santa Fe XL boasts up to 80 cubic feet of rear storage when both the second and third rows are completely folded down. With the second row in use, it provides 40.9 cubic feet, and with all seats upright, the cargo area measures 13.5 cubic feet.
Similar to many competitors, the Santa Fe XL offers an optional hands-free liftgate for convenient cargo access. Hyundai highlights include standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for smartphone connectivity and available climate-controlled leather seats for enhanced comfort.
7. 2019 Ford Explorer
While an all-new 2020 model was introduced, the 2019 Ford Explorer remains a compelling option, particularly for buyers prioritizing cargo space. In its standard configuration, with all seats in their upright positions, the Explorer provides a substantial 21 cubic feet of dedicated rear storage. Folding the third row expands cargo capacity to 43.9 cubic feet. For maximum cargo hauling, folding both the second and third rows opens up an impressive 81.7 cubic feet.
This largest midsize SUV from Ford also enhances convenience with both a hands-free tailgate and an available power-folding third-row seat, making it easier to adapt the interior to passenger and cargo needs.
6. 2019 Toyota Highlander
The 2019 Toyota Highlander brings a unique advantage to the midsize SUV segment: a hybrid powertrain option. The Highlander Hybrid achieves impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while maintaining excellent cargo capacity.
Regardless of the powertrain, the Highlander offers consistent cargo dimensions. It provides 13.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum cargo capacity of 83.7 cubic feet, making it a versatile and efficient choice.
5. 2019 Honda Pilot
For those seeking midsize SUVs that combine generous cargo space with advanced standard safety technology, the 2019 Honda Pilot is a strong contender. Refreshed for the 2019 model year, the Pilot includes the Honda Sensing suite as standard equipment, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance.
The Pilot’s interior dimensions remain spacious, offering up to 83.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. Even with all three rows occupied, it provides 16.5 cubic feet of storage. In a two-row configuration, the Pilot accommodates a substantial 46.8 cubic feet of cargo.
4. 2019 Subaru Ascent
The 2019 Subaru Ascent, Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, ranks high among midsize SUVs for cargo capacity. Measuring 196.8 inches in length, the Ascent boasts up to 86.5 cubic feet of total storage. 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 utilized.
To further enhance usability, the Ascent is available with a Smart Rear View Mirror. This feature allows the rearview mirror to function as a display for a rear-facing camera, providing an unobstructed view behind the vehicle, even when cargo is stacked high inside.
3. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Leading the pack of three-row midsize SUVs in terms of cargo space is the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The Atlas not only offers the highest overall cargo capacity at 96.8 cubic feet but also leads with 55.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. Furthermore, its 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all seats in use is only surpassed by the Ford Explorer in this comparison group.
Beyond its practical cargo benefits, the Atlas includes standard technologies like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Available features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a premium Fender audio system.
2. 2019 Ford Edge
While the VW Atlas tops the three-row category, there’s also a growing market for spacious two-row midsize SUVs, such as the 2019 Ford Edge. Although on the shorter end of the midsize spectrum, the Edge surpasses cargo capacity of other two-row competitors like the Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Specifically, the Edge provides 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, making it exceptionally practical for its class.
1. 2019 Honda Passport
Taking the top spot among two-row midsize SUVs with the most cargo space is the all-new 2019 Honda Passport. The Passport nearly matches the total cargo capacity (77.9 cubic feet) of some three-row SUVs on this list. Honda states it’s “enough to accommodate mountain bikes or a week’s worth of camping gear.” With the rear seats in place, the Passport still manages a generous 41.2 cubic feet of cargo room.
Beyond cargo, the Passport offers robust performance, sharing its 280-horsepower V6 engine with the larger Honda Pilot, providing nearly 100 more horsepower than the compact Honda CR-V.
Conclusion
When cargo space is paramount in your midsize SUV considerations, these top 10 models from the 2019 model year demonstrate that you don’t have to sacrifice maneuverability or fuel efficiency for ample storage. From the versatile three-row options like the Volkswagen Atlas and Subaru Ascent to the spacious two-row leaders like the Honda Passport and Ford Edge, there’s a midsize SUV on this list to meet a variety of needs and priorities. Whether you’re regularly hauling family gear or need maximum space for weekend adventures, these SUVs offer the cargo capacity to handle it all.
