In the world of car rental and personal use, the concept of "capacity" is undergoing a fundamental shift. While ten years ago we were simply looking for a "big car," in 2024-2025 the "cargo utility ratio" is taking center stage. Consumer demand has evolved: a vehicle must simultaneously serve as a mobile office, a family logistics hub, and a tool for active leisure.
As a market operator with a fleet of over 500 vehicles, I see that customers often get confused by the numbers. In this article, we will analyze the TOP 10 cars with maximum cargo capacity, based on the global analytical report from October 2025. We will look deeper than simple figures and examine engineering compromises - from the impact of independent suspension to battery placement in hybrids.
If you are looking for a car with a large trunk, it is important to understand the methodology. The American SAE J1100 standard measures volume "to the roof" (in cubic feet), often inflating expectations, whereas the European VDA uses the "brick" method (200x100x50 mm blocks), which is closer to reality. In this review, we will bring everything to a common denominator.
Segment I: American Hegemony (Full-Size SUV)
When it comes to maximum space, American full-size SUVs with extended wheelbases remain the unshakable benchmark. In 2025, competition here reached a technological peak. These are not just "boxes on wheels"; they are complex engineering structures where the battle is fought for every inch of internal space ("packaging").
Planning a long trip with a large group, many of our clients immediately consider SUV rental, because this class guarantees that you won't have to hold your belongings on your lap.
Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL (2025): Platform Benchmark
General Motors maintains its leadership thanks to the T1 platform. The key engineering solution for the 2025 models is the transition to Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Moving away from the solid axle allowed engineers to lower the trunk floor by several inches.
What this means in practice:
- Floor Geometry: The third row of seats now folds into a perfectly flat plane with the push of a button. Previously, seats had to be removed.
- Vertical Volume: The lowered floor increased the distance to the ceiling, allowing for the transport of bulky items vertically.
According to the report, the Suburban delivers a maximum volume of 4,097 liters (144.7 cu. ft.). But most impressive is the 1,175 liters of space available even with the third row up. This is effectively the trunk volume of a compact crossover, available with a full load of passengers. The GMC Yukon XL, being a technical twin, offers the same metrics but in a premium "package."
Jeep Wagoneer L (2025): Full Load Record Holder
Stellantis challenged GM by introducing the extended Wagoneer L. Engineers aggressively increased the wheelbase by 7 inches and the overall length by 12 inches.
Here we observe an interesting "length paradox." In terms of maximum volume (3,706 L), the Wagoneer L trails the Suburban. However, if you need a car with a large trunk for seven people, the Jeep wins. Its figure behind the third row is 1,192 liters (42.1 cu. ft.), which is the best result in its class. Engineers optimized the rear overhang specifically for the "touring" scenario: a full cabin of people plus all their luggage. The rectangular body shape allows for loading a standard plywood sheet (4x8 feet) flat.
Ford Expedition Max (2025): Space Management
In 2025, Ford bet not on the race for liters, but on flexibility. The model's innovation is the Ford Split Gate system. The rear door is divided: the glass lifts up, while the lower tailgate folds down, supporting a load of up to 220 kg (500 lbs). This turns the trunk into a seating area and simplifies loading, preventing items from rolling out.
Although the maximum volume (3,485 L) is smaller here than competitors, Ford offers a sliding second row of seats, allowing you to vary the balance between passenger comfort and cargo space.
Segment II: MPV Renaissance (Minivans)
Despite the SUV trend, the minivan segment demonstrates unmatched efficiency. A boxy body, low floor, and lack of transmission tunnels make them the "kings" of useful volume.
Kia Carnival (2025): Leader Among Passenger Cars
The Kia Carnival is positioned as an MPV with SUV design, but the numbers speak for themselves. The maximum volume is 4,108 liters (145.1 cu. ft.). Technically, it surpasses even the Chevrolet Suburban!
However, there is an ergonomic nuance: to get these record figures, you have to physically remove the heavy second-row seats and store them somewhere. On the plus side, the deep well in the floor behind the third row (1,138 L) allows for transporting tall items, such as folded strollers, vertically.
Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica: Battle of Transformations
If you are looking for a car with a large trunk without the need to work as a loader, pay attention to the Chrysler Pacifica. It is the only vehicle on the market with the Stow 'n Go system: the second and third-row seats completely disappear into the floor, creating a flat deck in 30 seconds. Maximum volume is 3,978 liters.
The Honda Odyssey responds with the Magic Slide system, allowing the second-row seats to slide sideways. The useful volume without removing seats here is impressive - about 2,600 liters (91-92 cu. ft.).
Toyota Sienna (2025): Hybrid Compromise
The 2025 Sienna is a great example of how the powertrain affects architecture. The model is available only as a hybrid. The battery and side airbags prevent the removal of the second row of seats - they only slide and fold forward. Because of this, the maximum volume is only 2,860 liters (101 cu. ft.), which is significantly less than competitors.
Segment III: "Super-Crossovers" and the European Approach
This segment emerged as a response to those who want minivan capacity but in a crossover or estate body. Often, BLS Car Rental clients ask for exactly this compromise option for the city.
Toyota Grand Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse
A crossover with a large trunk is perhaps the most popular request of recent years.
- Chevrolet Traverse (2025): Leader of the mid-size class with a maximum volume of 2,775 liters (98 cu. ft.). It offers capabilities comparable to a short Tahoe, but in a unibody construction.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Created to solve the problem of the cramped third row in the standard Highlander. Volume is 2,761 liters, with an "adult" third row that fits 7 carry-on suitcases behind it.
VW Atlas (2025): Efficiency of the Square
The VW Atlas exploits the concept of a maximally "cubic" design. Vertical sides and a high roof allow it to reach a volume of 2,740 liters. This is a clear example of how body shape is more important than length.
Skoda Superb Estate (2024-2025): The Last Estate Hero
In a world taken over by SUVs, the Skoda Superb Estate remains the benchmark in the classic body style. If you are interested in station wagon rental with record metrics, this is the best choice.
Trunk volume with seats up is 690 liters. This is more than the Mercedes E-Class Estate and Audi A6 Avant. Maximum volume is 1,920 liters. Increasing the body length by 40 mm allowed Skoda engineers to create a trunk that rivals many crossovers in depth, while maintaining the handling and aerodynamics of a sedan.
Segment IV: Electric Revolution and Premium Vans
Mercedes-Benz V-Class / EQV (Extra Long)
Speaking of raw numbers, the V-Class in the Extra Long version is the absolute champion of our report with a fantastic volume of 4,630 liters (163 cu. ft.). This is commercial van level with S-Class trim. However, achieving this volume requires completely removing the seats, making it more of a niche choice for VIP transfers.
Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X: New Paradigm
Electric vehicles are changing the rules of the game.
- Rivian R1S (2025) demonstrates trunk decentralization. It features a Frunk (front trunk) of 314 liters. This allows separating "dirty" cargo (cables, sports gear) from "clean" items riding in the cabin. Total volume with seats folded is 2,964 liters.
- Tesla Model X: Here it is important to be attentive to the configuration. Maximum volume (about 2,600 liters) is available only in the 5- and 7-seat versions. In the 6-seat version with "captain's" chairs, the second row does not fold, which dramatically reduces the car's utility.
Consolidated Analytical Matrix TOP-10 (2025)
Below is the ranking of vehicles by their maximum cargo potential. Pay attention to the "Behind 3rd Row" column - this is a critical metric for family trips.
| Rank | Model (2025) | Segment | Max. Volume (L) | Volume behind 3rd row (L) | Feature |
| 1 | Mercedes-Benz V-Class XL | Lux Van | ~4,630 | 1,410 | Requires seat removal |
| 2 | Honda Odyssey | MPV | ~4,410 | 1,093 | Max cabin width |
| 3 | Kia Carnival | MPV | ~4,108 | 1,138 | Balance of SUV design & MPV volume |
| 4 | Chevy Suburban / Yukon XL | Full SUV | ~4,097 | 1,175 | Flat floor without removal (IRS) |
| 5 | VW Multivan T7 Long | MPV | ~4,053 | 763 | Modular rail system |
| 6 | Chrysler Pacifica | MPV | ~3,978 | 915 | Stow 'n Go system (floor level) |
| 7 | Jeep Wagoneer L | Full SUV | ~3,706 | 1,192 | Record holder with passengers |
| 8 | Ford Expedition Max | Full SUV | ~3,485 | 1,022 | Split Gate and sliding row |
| 9 | Rivian R1S | EV SUV | ~2,964 | 501 | Unique Frunk (314 L) |
| 10 | Toyota Sienna | Hybrid | ~2,860 | 949 | Limited by non-removable 2nd row |
Conclusions and Trends
The analysis of 2025 shows that universality is becoming a thing of the past. The market is moving towards specialization:
- Need maximum volume for cargo? Your choice is the Chevrolet Suburban.
- Is passenger logistics important (7-8 people + suitcases)? The Jeep Wagoneer L leads.
- Need instant cabin transformation? The alternative-free option is the Chrysler Pacifica.
- Looking for the comfort of a passenger car with a huge trunk? Skoda Superb Estate.
We also see how electrification is changing the concept of a "trunk." Models like the Rivian R1S offer split storage, opening up new usage scenarios.
At BLS Car Rental, we closely monitor these trends, shaping our offer so that for every task - be it moving, a family vacation, or a business transfer - the client has the perfect tool. Choosing a car with a large trunk has ceased to be a simple comparison of liters; now it is a choice of engineering philosophy that suits you best.