Cars With The Most Trunk Space: The Ultimate Guide to Using Trunk Space Effectively

If you're shopping for a family car, chances are trunk space is near the top of your priority list. Between strollers, sports equipment, grocery runs, diaper bags, road trips, and everything else that comes with family life, our trunks work hard.

But here's my hot take: most families don't need the vehicle with the biggest trunk. They need the vehicle with the right trunk.

If you’re new here—I’m Kelly the Car Mom and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of four, and if there is one thing I know better than anything else—it’s family cars.

Over the years, I've learned that cargo space isn't just about cubic feet. It's about how you use your vehicle every day. Are you using your third row? Are you hauling a double stroller? Are you packing for soccer tournaments every weekend?

Let's talk about what actually matters when it comes to trunk space.

How Much Trunk Space Do You Really Need?

Before you start shopping for the largest SUV on the lot, ask yourself one question:

How often do you use your third row? This is almost always the deciding factor.

If your third row is folded down most of the time, you probably don't need a full-size SUV. Many midsize three-row SUVs offer excellent cargo space when that third row isn't in use. But once every seat is occupied, cargo room disappears fast — and that's where families get caught off guard.

I also encourage you to think realistically about what you're actually hauling. Bring your stroller, sports gear, or whatever lives in your trunk to the dealership and test it yourself. No spec sheet replaces that.

Best Midsize SUVs for Trunk Space

If you're not using your third row every day, these are some of my favorites for cargo space.

Cheverolet Traverse

The Traverse continues to be one of the best cargo-hauling midsize SUVs available. It offers generous space behind the third row and an impressive cargo area when that row is folded flat. If you need room for strollers, sports equipment, and Costco runs, put the Traverse on your list.

GMC Acadia

The redesigned Acadia grew significantly — and families are noticing. If you haven't looked at the newest generation, I'd highly recommend it. The larger footprint gives it cargo numbers that compete with some full-size SUVs while still being easier to drive day-to-day.

Buick Enclave

The Enclave is one of the most underrated family vehicles out there. Comfortable ride, spacious seating, and one of the largest cargo areas in the midsize SUV category. If you want the Traverse with more refinement, this is it.

Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander is what many families wished the regular Highlander had always been. Toyota added third-row space, more legroom and more cargo room...and it's available as a hybrid. Huge win there.

Volkswagen Atlas

You knew this was coming.

The Atlas remains one of my favorites because it does so many things well — excellent third-row access, great car seat compatibility, and plenty of everyday cargo space. If you're a three-row SUV family who doesn't need full-size, the Atlas deserves a serious look.

Don't Overlook Minivans

I know. But hear me out.

If we're talking strictly about cargo space and family practicality, minivans deserve a real seat at the table. The Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Pacifica all offer exceptional cargo room and often more usable space than SUVs that cost significantly more.

The Kia Carnival continues to impress me because it combines SUV-like styling with the functionality families love from a minivan. The Toyota Sienna is another standout — and now that every Sienna is a hybrid, it's hard to argue with the efficiency.

If your goal is maximum practicality, don't rule it out before you take one for a test drive. You might surprise yourself! 

If Your 3rd Row Is Always In Use, Consider A Full-Size SUV.

If your third row is occupied every single day, a full-size SUV may be the right call.

Vehicles like the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada, Jeep Wagoneer, and Lincoln Navigator all offer more cargo space behind the third row than most midsize options.

But here's something that surprises a lot of families: the jump from a midsize to a standard full-size SUV often isn't as dramatic as people expect. Yes, you gain space — but you also gain a much larger vehicle, a higher price tag, and lower fuel economy. That's why I always encourage families to test drive both before deciding.

For An Extra ~15 Inches, Consider The Extended Wheelbase SUVs

If your third row is full every day and you need maximum cargo room, extended wheelbase SUVs are where you'll find it. You'll gain an extra 15 inches when comapred the standard wheelbase. This is the MOST trunk space available in any family car.

• Ford Expedition MAX
• Chevy Suburban
• GMC Yukon XL
• Cadillac Escalade ESV
• Lincoln Navigator L
• Jeep Wagoneer L

Most of the added length in these vehicles sits behind the third row, about 15 inches) — which means you can fill every seat and still have room for strollers, luggage, sports gear, and everything else.

The tradeoff is real: these vehicles are significantly larger, harder to park, and may not fit in every garage. If you're considering one, I'd recommend reading my guide on Regular vs. Extended Wheelbase SUVs before committing.

Family Cars With The Smallest Trunks

Toyota Highlander

I like the Highlander — but if trunk space matters to you, I'd strongly consider the Grand Highlander instead. The difference in cargo room is noticeable and worth the conversation.

Toyota Sequoia

This one catches families off guard. Despite its size, the Sequoia's hybrid battery placement creates a higher cargo floor, which limits usable storage space behind the third row more than you'd expect from a vehicle this large.

It's INCREDIBLY small!

Lexus LX

Beautiful. Luxurious. Not a cargo champion. Given its size and price point, many families expect more room than it actually delivers.

My Final Recommendation

If your third row isn't used often, start with a midsize SUV — the Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Grand Highlander, or Atlas are all excellent places to start.

If cargo space is your number one priority, test drive a minivan before you count it out.

If your third row is occupied every day, look at full-size SUVs.

And if you truly need maximum trunk space while using every seat in the vehicle, an extended wheelbase SUV is probably worth the conversation.

Most importantly: bring your actual gear to the dealership and test it yourself. The best family vehicle isn't the one with the biggest cargo number on paper — it's the one that fits your real life.