Choosing the right SUV or van often boils down to one crucial factor: cargo space. Whether you're hauling kids and their gear, tackling home improvement projects, or running a small business, having ample room to transport your belongings is essential. This article delves into the world of SUVs and vans, identifying the models that offer the most generous cargo capacity and providing detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

Vehicle Maximum Cargo Space (Cubic Feet) Key Features
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica 140.5 Stow 'n Go seating, available hybrid powertrain, family-friendly features.
Honda Odyssey 158.0 Magic Slide 2nd-row seats, Honda Sensing safety features, refined driving experience.
Kia Carnival 145.1 Stylish design, comfortable interior, advanced driver-assistance systems.
Toyota Sienna 101.0 Standard hybrid powertrain, available all-wheel drive, comfortable ride.
Full-Size SUVs
Chevrolet Suburban 144.7 Rugged construction, powerful engine options, extensive technology features.
GMC Yukon XL 144.7 Upscale interior, advanced suspension options, similar to the Suburban but with unique styling.
Cadillac Escalade ESV 142.8 Luxurious interior, advanced technology, powerful engine, extended wheelbase version.
Ford Expedition MAX 121.5 Strong towing capability, comfortable ride, available advanced driver-assistance features.
Jeep Wagoneer L 130.9 Luxurious interior, powerful engine options, impressive towing capacity.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer L 119.2 More upscale version of the Wagoneer L, with premium materials and features.
Full-Size Vans
Ford Transit Cargo Van 487.3 Highly customizable, available in various lengths and heights, work-oriented features.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van 488.1 Refined driving experience, available advanced technology, customizable options.
Ram ProMaster Cargo Van 520.0 Wide body for easier loading, front-wheel drive for improved traction, customizable options.
Nissan NV Cargo Van 323.1 Simple and functional design, durable construction, work-oriented features. Discontinued after 2021 model year.
Other Notable SUVs & Vans
Hyundai Palisade 86.4 Mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent value.
Kia Telluride 87.0 Mid-size SUV with a stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced features.
Volkswagen Atlas 96.8 Mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available third-row seating.
Chevrolet Traverse 98.2 Mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy.
GMC Acadia 79.0 Mid-size SUV with a stylish design, comfortable interior, and available advanced features.
Buick Enclave 97.6 Mid-size SUV with a luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and available advanced features.
Honda Pilot 87.0 Mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and Honda Sensing safety features.

Detailed Explanations

Chrysler Pacifica: The Chrysler Pacifica minivan is known for its innovative Stow 'n Go seating, which allows the second and third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor, creating a completely flat cargo area. It also offers an available hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families.

Honda Odyssey: The Honda Odyssey is another popular minivan choice, offering Magic Slide 2nd-row seats that can be easily moved to create more space or access to the third row. It also comes standard with Honda Sensing safety features, providing added peace of mind for families.

Kia Carnival: The Kia Carnival stands out with its stylish design and comfortable interior. It offers a range of advanced driver-assistance systems and a smooth ride, making it a compelling option in the minivan segment.

Toyota Sienna: The Toyota Sienna is unique for its standard hybrid powertrain, providing excellent fuel economy. It also offers available all-wheel drive, making it a capable choice for various weather conditions. While offering less cargo space than some competitors, its fuel efficiency and available AWD are compelling features.

Chevrolet Suburban: The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV renowned for its rugged construction and powerful engine options. It offers a vast interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for large families or those who need to haul heavy loads.

GMC Yukon XL: The GMC Yukon XL is essentially the same vehicle as the Chevrolet Suburban, but with a more upscale interior and unique styling. It offers similar capabilities and features but with a more premium feel.

Cadillac Escalade ESV: The Cadillac Escalade ESV is the luxury version of the Suburban and Yukon XL, offering a luxurious interior, advanced technology, and a powerful engine. The ESV (Extended Stretch Vehicle) designation indicates the extended wheelbase version, which provides even more cargo space.

Ford Expedition MAX: The Ford Expedition MAX is a full-size SUV with strong towing capability and a comfortable ride. It offers available advanced driver-assistance features and a spacious interior, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers.

Jeep Wagoneer L: The Jeep Wagoneer L is a full-size SUV that offers a luxurious interior, powerful engine options, and impressive towing capacity. The "L" designation indicates a longer wheelbase, which translates to more cargo space behind the third row.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer L: The Jeep Grand Wagoneer L is a more upscale version of the Wagoneer L, with premium materials and features. It offers a luxurious and comfortable ride with ample space for passengers and cargo.

Ford Transit Cargo Van: The Ford Transit Cargo Van is a highly customizable van available in various lengths and heights, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial and personal uses. It offers a vast cargo area and work-oriented features.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van: The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van offers a refined driving experience and available advanced technology. It is also highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the van to their specific needs.

Ram ProMaster Cargo Van: The Ram ProMaster Cargo Van features a wide body for easier loading and front-wheel drive for improved traction. It is a practical and customizable option for businesses that need a reliable cargo van.

Nissan NV Cargo Van: The Nissan NV Cargo Van offered a simple and functional design and durable construction. While discontinued after the 2021 model year, it remains a viable option in the used market for those seeking a work-oriented cargo van. It offered ample space, but less than the other full-size vans.

Hyundai Palisade: The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent value. It is a popular choice for families who need three rows of seating and ample cargo space.

Kia Telluride: The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV with a stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced features. It is often compared to the Hyundai Palisade, offering a similar blend of value and practicality.

Volkswagen Atlas: The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available third-row seating. It is a practical choice for families who need a versatile SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

Chevrolet Traverse: The Chevrolet Traverse is a mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. It is a popular choice for families who need a reliable and efficient SUV with ample cargo space.

GMC Acadia: The GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV with a stylish design, comfortable interior, and available advanced features. While its cargo space is less than some competitors, it offers a refined driving experience and a comfortable ride.

Buick Enclave: The Buick Enclave is a mid-size SUV with a luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and available advanced features. It offers a more premium experience than the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia.

Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and Honda Sensing safety features. It is a reliable and practical choice for families who need a versatile SUV with a good reputation for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of vehicle generally offers more cargo space: SUV or van?

Vans typically offer significantly more cargo space than SUVs, especially full-size vans.

What is "Stow 'n Go" seating?

Stow 'n Go seating, found in Chrysler Pacifica minivans, allows the second and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating a completely flat cargo area.

Which full-size SUV has the most cargo space?

The Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL share the top spot for full-size SUVs with approximately 144.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

What is the difference between the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer?

The Grand Wagoneer is a more luxurious version of the Wagoneer, with premium materials, advanced features, and often a more powerful engine.

Is cargo space measured with all seats up?

No, maximum cargo space is measured with all rear seats folded down or removed. Cargo space behind the last row of seats is a separate measurement.

Conclusion

When it comes to maximizing cargo space, vans like the Ram ProMaster, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Ford Transit reign supreme. However, full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV offer substantial cargo capacity while providing passenger comfort and towing capability. Consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing between a van and an SUV, prioritizing either maximum cargo volume or passenger comfort and vehicle handling.