Choosing the right SUV often boils down to one crucial factor: cargo space. If you're like most folks, you need a vehicle that can handle everything from weekly grocery runs to epic road trips. Today, we're pitting three popular contenders against each other: the Subaru Forester, the Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5. We'll dive deep into their cargo capacities, explore their interior dimensions, and ultimately help you decide which SUV reigns supreme in the storage department.

Subaru Forester: The Practical Champion

When it comes to maximizing space and utility, the Subaru Forester has always been a strong contender. Known for its boxy design and focus on practicality, the Forester doesn't sacrifice function for form. Let's break down what makes it a cargo-carrying champ.

Cargo Capacity

The Forester boasts impressive cargo numbers. With the rear seats up, you get around 28.9 cubic feet of space. Fold those seats down, and that number jumps to a whopping 76.1 cubic feet. This is where the Forester truly shines, offering more cargo volume than many of its competitors. Whether you're hauling camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage for a family vacation, the Forester has got you covered.

Interior Dimensions and Design

The Forester's design contributes significantly to its spacious feel. The tall roofline and upright seating position provide ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. This means that even with a car full of people, you still have plenty of room to pack your belongings. The rear seats also fold down relatively flat, making it easier to load and unload large or bulky items.

Real-World Usability

Beyond the numbers, the Forester excels in real-world usability. The wide rear opening and low cargo floor make it easy to load heavy items. There are also plenty of tie-down points and cargo nets to help secure your belongings and prevent them from shifting during transit. Plus, the available roof rails allow you to add even more cargo-carrying capacity with a roof rack or cargo carrier.

Forester Trim Levels and Cargo Space

It's worth noting that the cargo space remains consistent across all Forester trim levels. Whether you opt for the base model or a fully loaded Touring edition, you'll still enjoy the same generous cargo capacity. This makes the Forester a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on space.

In summary, the Subaru Forester is a practical and spacious SUV that excels in cargo-carrying capabilities. Its impressive cargo volume, combined with its user-friendly design, makes it a top contender in the compact SUV segment. If you prioritize space and utility, the Forester should definitely be on your shortlist.

Honda CR-V: The Balanced All-Rounder

The Honda CR-V has long been a favorite among SUV buyers, and for good reason. It offers a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality. But how does it stack up against the Forester in terms of cargo space?

Cargo Capacity

The CR-V offers a respectable 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. This is significantly more than the Forester in this configuration, making it ideal for families who frequently carry passengers and cargo simultaneously. With the rear seats folded down, the CR-V provides 75.8 cubic feet of space, slightly less than the Forester but still very competitive.

Interior Dimensions and Design

The CR-V's interior is well-designed and thoughtfully laid out. The rear seats are easy to fold down, and the cargo area is wide and spacious. The low cargo floor also makes it easy to load heavy items. However, the CR-V's sloping roofline may limit the vertical space available for taller items.

Real-World Usability

The CR-V is a practical choice for everyday use. The available hands-free power tailgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo when your hands are full. The cargo area also features tie-down points and a removable cargo floor, allowing you to customize the space to suit your needs. Plus, the CR-V's comfortable ride and quiet cabin make it a great choice for long road trips.

CR-V Trim Levels and Cargo Space

Like the Forester, the CR-V's cargo space remains consistent across most trim levels. However, the hybrid models offer slightly less cargo space due to the placement of the battery pack. If you're considering a hybrid CR-V, be sure to check the cargo capacity specifications to ensure it meets your needs.

In conclusion, the Honda CR-V is a well-rounded SUV that offers a good balance of passenger and cargo space. While it may not have quite as much cargo volume as the Forester with the seats down, it provides more space with the seats up, making it a great choice for families who frequently carry both passengers and cargo. If you prioritize versatility and practicality, the CR-V is definitely worth considering.

Mazda CX-5: The Stylish Contender

The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sleek design, sporty handling, and upscale interior. But does it have the cargo space to compete with the Forester and CR-V?

Cargo Capacity

The CX-5 lags behind the Forester and CR-V in terms of cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, it offers just 30.9 cubic feet of space. Fold the rear seats down, and that number increases to 59.6 cubic feet. This is significantly less than both the Forester and CR-V, making the CX-5 a less practical choice for those who prioritize cargo-carrying capabilities.

Interior Dimensions and Design

The CX-5's interior is stylish and well-appointed, but it's also more compact than the Forester and CR-V. The sloping roofline and smaller rear windows give it a more coupe-like appearance, but they also reduce headroom and cargo space. The rear seats are comfortable, but they don't offer as much legroom as the Forester or CR-V.

Real-World Usability

The CX-5 is still a practical choice for everyday use, but it's best suited for individuals or small families who don't need to haul a lot of cargo. The available power liftgate makes it easy to access the cargo area, and the rear seats are easy to fold down. However, the CX-5's smaller cargo area may be a limiting factor for some buyers.

CX-5 Trim Levels and Cargo Space

The CX-5's cargo space remains consistent across all trim levels. However, some trims offer additional features that can enhance cargo-carrying capabilities, such as a roof rack or cargo net.

In summary, the Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and sporty SUV that excels in design and driving dynamics. However, it falls short of the Forester and CR-V in terms of cargo space. If you prioritize style and performance over practicality, the CX-5 may be a good choice. But if you need maximum cargo-carrying capabilities, you're better off with the Forester or CR-V.

Cargo Space Comparison Table

To make it easier to compare the cargo space of these three SUVs, here's a handy table:

Which SUV is Right for You?

Choosing the right SUV depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximum cargo space, the Subaru Forester is the clear winner, especially with the rear seats folded down. If you need a good balance of passenger and cargo space, the Honda CR-V is a great choice. And if you value style and performance over practicality, the Mazda CX-5 may be the right fit.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive all three and see which one feels the most comfortable and practical for your needs. Consider how you'll be using the vehicle on a day-to-day basis and choose the one that best meets your requirements.

Happy car hunting, guys! I hope this helps you in your search for the perfect SUV!