Updated 8/27/19
September 1 is, for many city dwellers, the day to move into a new apartment or home. If you’re moving and need a vehicle with plenty of cargo space, we’ve got you covered. (Looking for a crossover that can handle cargo all year round? Check out our list of top-performing crossovers.)
If Moving All Your Stuff Is the Priority
If you’ve got only a few boxes of stuff, a roomy sedan may be the optimal choice. According to CarGurus’ user ratings, the Ford Taurus is our top pick thanks to its 10/10 rating for cargo capacity for 2015-2018 models.
If you’re packing up an entire apartment or house and also need to carry passengers to your new place, you’ll need more space. That’s where a full-size crossover like the GMC Yukon XL comes in handy. This crossover is the bigger and badder version of the GMC Yukon, with an additional 18 inches of length. According to CarGurus’ ratings, it also takes the number two spot for 2017 full-size SUVs for cargo capacity, offering 121.7 cubic feet of space.
Need even more space? The Toyota Sienna boasts even more cargo capacity than the GMC Yukon XL, with about 150 cubic feet available with the second- and third-row seats folded.
If Moving Large Objects Is the Priority
Perhaps you know how exhausting it can be to haul a dresser or bench down to the curb only to have it not fit in the car. For those items, the Honda Fit is a great option, thanks to its second-row Magic Seat. This seat folds up, giving you plenty of floor space as well as the width of the vehicle, which is 67 inches. It also has a height of 60 inches, making it easier to load items in and out.
If you need more space, there’s the Subaru Outback. It’s a top choice thanks to its 108.1-inch wheelbase and total length of 191.3 inches. It also has the benefit of 60/40 split-folding seats, so you don’t have to choose between carrying a dresser and a backseat passenger. If you don’t need the extra room for passengers but still need the length, you can turn your attention toward trucks like the Ram 1500. The 2015 model offers the option of an 8-foot bed, making it ideal for hauling your favorite bureau.
If Traveling Long Distances Is the Priority
If you’re using your vehicle for a cross-state or cross-country move, you’ll need a ride that returns good fuel economy. If you don’t need to carry a lot of items or people, the Chevy Bolt EV is a good choice, thanks to its 119 MPGe combined rating, according to the EPA.
Need to tow a few items for the move? The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers a towing capacity of 1,750 pounds and a fuel-economy rating of 34 mpg city, 30 highway, and 32 combined.
But if you need a green vehicle that offers plenty of room, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a solid choice. It gets 84 MPGe combined and offers 140 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seat. And with a 240-volt charger, the Pacifica Hybrid can reach a full charge in 2 hours.
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