How do the 5 crossovers behind some of CarGurus’ most-watched 2019 Test Drive Reviews compare when it comes to cargo space? We put them to the turkey test.
The drive to Thanksgiving festivities can be hectic. And no one wants the added stress of not knowing if they can fit all their passengers and the fixings for turkey. So we took a closer look at five of our most-watched 2019 Test Drive Review videos and asked a critical question: How many turkeys can they fit? (We update this list yearly. Want to see our favorites from previous years? Scroll to the bottom of the page.)
How We Calculated the Base Turkey Measurement
Anyone who’s been car shopping knows that automakers list cargo-space capacities in cubic feet. To give you comparable numbers, we calculated the size of a turkey in cubic feet. Since all turkeys are oddly shaped—and after all, you have to carry those turkeys in something—we decided to create a consistent measurement. A 21 x 14 x 8.5-inch roasting pan with a lid (which, for those keeping score at home, can hold a 20-pound turkey) measures approximately 1.46 cubic feet. And now for the fun part.
Most-Watched 2019 Test Drive Reviews
2019 Honda CR-V
When it comes to traveling with passengers and cargo, the 2019 Honda CR-V is up to the task. The CR-V offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use, enough to hold 26 turkeys. Fold them down and cargo space expands to 75.8 cubic feet, giving you enough room for 52 turkeys. Its ample room is just part of the reason our reviewer gave the CR-V a 9/10 for Form & Function.
2019 Subaru Forester
The 2019 Subaru Forester gets a few updates from the previous model year, including a 5-inch wider tailgate opening. You’ll also get access to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the base trim, which can hold up to 52 turkeys, just like the CR-V. If you want to unlock some of the features available in upper trims, your cargo space will drop to 70.9 cubic feet, or 48 turkeys. And with all-wheel drive standard in this capable crossover, you can drive in nearly any weather.
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2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid checks many boxes. Rugged good looks? Check. Fewer stops at the pump thanks to its improved fuel economy of 40 mpg combined? Check. Plenty of room for rear passengers and gear? Check. When you’re using the rear seats, you’ll get 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, just enough room for 25 turkeys. You’ll have access to 70 cubic feet, enough to hold 47 turkeys, with them folded.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is “the rare SUV that performs admirably on and off road,” according to our reviewer. However, it has slightly less cargo area than the other top-watched crossovers, with just 36.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, which can fit 24 turkeys. Without second-row passengers, you can fit 46 turkeys in its 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Turkeys sometimes need to ride in luxury, too. For those situations, take a look at the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. This two-row SUV offers 37.2 cubic feet, about 25 turkeys’ worth of space. A push button can fold the second-row seats, making 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space available. That’s enough room for 47 turkeys. It also comes with a power tailgate with foot gesture control, making it easier to load the trunk when your hands are full.
If you’re torn between two models, you can learn more about each using our car comparator page. Scroll to the bottom of any Overview page and look for the “Cars compared to…” heading to access the tool. No matter which crossover you choose, we suggest you don’t try to fit all those turkeys at once (unless you’re doing it for a good cause). You’ll want room for pie, after all.
Most-Watched 2018 & 2017 Crossovers
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek “puts practicality above all else,” according to our reviewer. It offers AWD and a 4-inch-wider hatch than the first-generation Crosstrek. With all its seats down, it offers 51.9 cubic feet; that’s 35 turkeys’ worth of space. Put all seats up and you’ve got 20.8 cubic feet—the equivalent of 14 turkeys. Not bad.
2018 Honda HR-V
The 2018 Honda HR-V continues to be the reason behind one of our most popular Test Drive Reviews. We get it: It offers all-wheel drive (AWD), a roomy backseat, and an available manual transmission. Its cargo space doesn’t hurt, either. The maximum cargo area for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) Honda HR-V, with all seats folded, is 58.8 cubic feet. That’s approximately 40 turkeys. Interestingly, with AWD, you lose a few cubic feet of cargo space; only 38 turkeys will fit. But with all seats deployed for the FWD, you have 23.2 cubic feet available. That’s room for 15 turkeys. With FWD, you could fit one extra turkey.
2018 Jeep Compass
The 2018 Jeep Compass is best if your Thanksgiving trek will have you going through dodgy weather—which a recent survey cited as a top concern for drivers. It offers great off-road capability along with available AWD. The Compass also features the most cargo space of any midsize crossover we’ve featured in a Test Drive Review. It offers 59.8 cubic feet with all seats folded, enough to hold 41 turkeys. With all seats in use, it offers 27.2 cubic feet, or 18 turkeys.
2018 Hyundai Kona
The 2018 Hyundai Kona made quite a splash this year. While our reviewer liked its exterior styling, he was underwhelmed by the car’s interior. That’s in part because it has the least cargo space in the class. It offers 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space—otherwise known as enough space for 31 turkeys. Put all the seats up and you’ve got 19.2 cubic feet available, aka 13 turkeys.
2017 Kia Soul
The 2017 Kia Soul is another great option for manual lovers who are also interested in quirky styling. It offers a maximum cargo capacity of 61.3 cubic feet, which can hold 42 turkeys. Flip the seats up and you’ll be able to fit 16 turkeys. And while our reviewer loved the tech features that came with the Soul, he found its combined mileage disappointing.
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The Turkeys illustration is great. Wow I never knew the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek had so much space. This article is great for picnic lovers and travellers who usually want to carry the whole house in a single car. After reading this, you will know the most spacious car to buy.