Compact cars are the best of both worlds—they’re easy to drive, park, and maneuver, but they still offer tons of versatility.
And while most people assume small cars don’t have much space, there are some fantastic options that defy that stereotype.
So, if you’re looking for a compact car with plenty of room for groceries, gear, or whatever life throws at you, here’s a guide to the 20 best compact cars that pack a punch in the cargo department.
1. Honda Civic Hatchback
The Honda Civic Hatchback is known for its reliability, sporty look, and surprisingly spacious cargo area. With 24.5 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and even more with them folded down, it’s perfect for carrying everything from camping gear to Costco hauls.
2. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback delivers on style and space. This hatchback has about 17.8 cubic feet of cargo room, which expands significantly with the back seats folded. Plus, it has a sleek design and Toyota’s legendary reliability.
3. Kia Soul
Technically a subcompact SUV, the Kia Soul has one of the most spacious cargo areas in the compact category. With a boxy design that maximizes space, the Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet behind the seats, giving you more room than many traditional compact cars.
4. Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a staple in the compact car world, and for good reason. It has a spacious and practical 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 52.7 cubic feet when you fold them down—perfect for a weekend road trip.
5. Mazda3 Hatchback
The Mazda3 Hatchback brings together style and cargo space. With up to 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room, it’s on the larger side of compact cars, and its premium interior gives it a sophisticated edge that many competitors lack.
6. Subaru Impreza Hatchback
The Subaru Impreza Hatchback offers all-wheel drive and impressive cargo capacity, making it ideal for adventurous types. You’ll get 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and with Subaru’s rugged reputation, it’s a fantastic choice for weekend warriors.
7. Hyundai Elantra GT
With a roomy 24.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the Hyundai Elantra GT is one of the more spacious compact cars. It’s stylish, sporty, and practical, making it great for those who want a little extra cargo room without compromising on looks.
8. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a compact electric car that doesn’t skimp on space. It has 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and when the seats are folded down, it opens up to a generous 57 cubic feet, making it ideal for eco-conscious drivers who still need cargo versatility.
9. Ford Focus Hatchback
While the Ford Focus Hatchback is no longer available new in the U.S., it remains popular in the used car market. With around 23.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, it’s a solid choice for those who need a compact car with room to spare.
10. Mini Clubman
The Mini Clubman might be compact, but it’s also one of the most spacious Mini models around. It has 17.5 cubic feet of cargo room, and with the iconic Mini style, it offers a unique blend of space and personality.
11. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is another small SUV that competes well with compact cars. It has 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, making it an ideal choice for those who want a bit of a higher driving position without going full SUV.
12. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius isn’t just a fuel-sipper; it also has fantastic cargo space for a compact hybrid. You get around 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a great option for eco-friendly drivers who still need room for their belongings.
13. Honda Fit
The Honda Fit has an ingenious design with a “Magic Seat” that allows you to configure the interior in multiple ways, giving you up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Fit may be small, but it’s one of the most versatile cars on the market.
14. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric car with a surprisingly spacious interior. It has around 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the hatch, which is more than enough for most everyday needs. It’s a solid choice for city dwellers who want an EV with room.
15. Mazda CX-30
Technically a subcompact SUV, the Mazda CX-30 still falls into compact territory and has 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s stylish, fun to drive, and comes with Mazda’s high-quality interiors, making it a great choice for those who want a small crossover.
16. Volkswagen Jetta
For a sedan, the Volkswagen Jetta offers ample trunk space with around 14.1 cubic feet of room. While it doesn’t have the flexibility of a hatchback, the Jetta’s large trunk and roomy back seat make it a compact car that can carry a lot.
17. Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is a small SUV with 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space, but its compact dimensions mean it’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces. For those who want the best of both worlds, it’s a perfect blend of cargo space and city-friendly size.
18. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is another sedan that surprises with its spacious trunk, offering 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s practical, affordable, and comes packed with features, making it a solid choice for compact car shoppers.
19. Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax offers SUV-like cargo space in a compact package. With 18.7 cubic feet of space, it’s ready for whatever you need to haul around town, and it’s still small enough to easily park and maneuver in tight spaces.
20. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV with a cargo-friendly layout and up to 24.3 cubic feet of space. With its Magic Seat feature, you can easily adapt the HR-V’s interior to carry anything from tall plants to a full load of luggage.
Why Compact Cars with Spacious Interiors Make a Great Choice
Compact cars with lots of cargo space are an excellent choice for urban drivers, commuters, and anyone who needs room to haul things without driving a large vehicle. Here are some reasons why these space-savvy cars make such a smart choice:
1. Fuel Efficiency: Compact cars tend to get better gas mileage than larger vehicles, making them budget-friendly over time.
2. City-Friendly: Smaller cars are easier to park, maneuver, and handle, especially in crowded urban areas.
3. Versatility: With foldable seats and clever designs, you can fit more into these compact cars than you might think.
How to Pick the Right Compact Car for Cargo Needs
If you’re on the hunt for a compact car that can carry all your gear, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Consider a Hatchback: Hatchbacks usually offer more cargo flexibility than sedans, as the rear seats can be folded down for added space.
2. Check Interior Configurations: Some cars have unique seat configurations, like the Honda Fit’s Magic Seat, which can add to your cargo options.
3. Think About Your Driving Needs: If you often drive in snowy or uneven terrain, a compact SUV or crossover like the Subaru Impreza or Mazda CX-30 with AWD might be ideal.
4. Look at Real-World Reviews: Checking out what current owners say about cargo space can give you a real sense of the car’s practicality.
Final Thoughts
Compact cars have come a long way, and these models prove you don’t need to sacrifice space for efficiency. Whether you’re carrying camping gear, hauling home improvement supplies, or packing for a long road trip, these cars have the space to make it happen without a hitch.
So go ahead, find the compact car that fits your lifestyle, and enjoy the freedom of a roomy ride that’s still easy on the road!
