Midsize SUV Dimensions and Cargo Space: Every Model Compared
Midsize SUVs vary by as much as 7 cubic feet behind the third row and 18 cubic feet in maximum cargo volume. The Chevrolet Traverse leads both cargo categories, while the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder trail significantly in third-row storage. Below is the full comparison across 10 popular models so you can match the numbers to your actual gear, passengers, and parking situation.
Every Model” /> Compared
Cargo Space Behind Each Row – Side-by-Side Comparisons
All figures are cubic feet from manufacturer specs using SAE standard measurements. “Behind third row” is the usable space with all seats up; “behind second row” is with the third row folded.
| Model | Cargo Behind 3rd Row | Cargo Behind 2nd Row | Max Cargo (1st row) | Overall Length (in) | Overall Width (in) | Overall Height (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse | 23.0 | 57.8 | 98.2 | 204.3 | 78.6 | 70.7 |
| Kia Telluride | 21.0 | 46.0 | 87.0 | 196.9 | 78.3 | 69.3 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 20.6 | 55.5 | 96.8 | 200.7 | 78.3 | 70.0 |
| Honda Pilot | 18.5 | 50.7 | 83.9 | 196.5 | 78.6 | 70.6 |
| Ford Explorer | 18.2 | 47.9 | 87.8 | 198.8 | 78.9 | 69.6 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 18.0 | 45.8 | 86.4 | 196.1 | 77.8 | 69.1 |
| Subaru Ascent | 17.8 | 47.6 | 86.5 | 196.8 | 78.0 | 71.6 |
| Toyota Highlander | 16.0 | 48.4 | 84.3 | 194.9 | 76.0 | 68.1 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 16.6 | 45.0 | 80.5 | 197.7 | 77.9 | 69.9 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 17.2 | 46.9 | 84.6 | 204.9 | 77.5 | 70.8 |
Key Takeaways from the Cargo Table
- Chevrolet Traverse offers the most space behind the third row (23.0 cu ft) and the most maximum cargo capacity (98.2 cu ft). It also has one of the longest wheelbases, which helps passenger legroom.
- Volkswagen Atlas trails only the Traverse in max cargo (96.8 cu ft) and has a strong 55.5 cu ft behind the second row. The squared-off roofline helps pack bulky items.
- Toyota Highlander underwhelms in third-row storage (16.0 cu ft). If you regularly carry all three rows of passengers with luggage, it may feel cramped.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the longest model at 204.9 inches, but its third-row cargo (17.2 cu ft) is middle of the pack. Check garage clearance before buying.
How These Dimensions Affect Everyday Parking and Garage Fit
Exterior dimensions matter just as much as cargo volume. A model that barely fits your garage or feels tight in parking lots can outweigh any interior space advantage.
Length: The Biggest Fit Factor
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L (204.9 in) and Chevrolet Traverse (204.3 in) are the longest midsize SUVs. Both extend beyond 17 feet, which means they may not fit in garages designed for smaller vehicles. Measure your garage depth before committing — many standard two-car garages run 20–22 feet deep, but older homes may be 18 feet or less.
The Toyota Highlander (194.9 in) is the shortest in this group, nearly 10 inches shorter than the Traverse. That difference can make parallel parking or tight driveway maneuvering noticeably easier.
Width and Mirrors
Most midsize SUVs measure between 76 and 79 inches wide without mirrors. Add 6–10 inches for the side mirrors on each side. The Ford Explorer (78.9 in) and Chevrolet Traverse (78.6 in) are among the widest, while the Toyota Highlander (76.0 in) is the narrowest. If your garage has a 9-foot-wide door, every inch matters when squeezing through.
Height: Garage Door Clearance
The Subaru Ascent (71.6 in) and Jeep Grand Cherokee L (70.8 in) are the tallest. Most standard garage doors open to 7 feet (84 inches), so these fit easily. But if you have a low-clearance parking structure or an older garage door, verify the actual opening height.
Third-Row Passenger Room: Not All Midsize SUVs Fit Adults
Cargo space isn’t the only dimension that matters — third-row legroom determines whether that back seat is useful for actual people or just kids and gear.
| Model | Third-Row Legroom (in) | Third-Row Headroom (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 31.4 | 37.8 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 31.4 | 37.6 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 33.5 | 38.2 |
| Ford Explorer | 32.2 | 37.6 |
| Honda Pilot | 32.5 | 37.6 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 33.7 | 37.7 |
| Toyota Highlander | 27.7 | 35.9 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 28.7 | 36.5 |
| Subaru Ascent | 31.7 | 37.6 |
Towing Capacity” />: What Each Model Can Pull
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 30.3 | 37.3 |
Which Models Actually Fit Adults in the Third Row?
- Volkswagen Atlas (33.7 in) provides the most third-row legroom. Adults over 6 feet can sit back there for short trips without complaint.
- Chevrolet Traverse (33.5 in) is nearly identical. Combined with its best-in-class cargo behind the third row, it’s the strongest choice for eight-person trips with luggage.
- Toyota Highlander (27.7 in) and Nissan Pathfinder (28.7 in) are clearly child-only third rows. Adults will feel cramped after 15 minutes.
Towing Capacity: What Each Model Can Pull
Cargo and passenger dimensions tell part of the story, but towing capacity determines whether the SUV can handle a boat, camper, or utility trailer.
| Model | Max Towing (lbs) | Drivetrain Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 | AWD required for max rating |
| Kia Telluride | 5,000 | AWD required for max rating |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 5,000 | AWD required for max rating |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 | AWD required for max rating |
| Ford Explorer | 5,600 | Rear-drive platform; V6 required |
| Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 | AWD required for max rating |
| Subaru Ascent | 5,000 | Standard AWD |
| Toyota Highlander | 5,000 | V6 required; AWD optional |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 | V6 with AWD |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 6,200 | V6 with towing package; 7,200 lb with optional V8 |
Towing Trade-Offs
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L tops the group at 6,200 lbs with the V6 (7,200 lbs with the 5.7L V8). If you tow a medium-sized boat or a camper, this is your best bet.
- Nissan Pathfinder tows 6,000 lbs with the V6 — strong for a unibody SUV without a heavy-duty frame.
- Ford Explorer tows 5,600 lbs, but only with the available 3.0L V6. The base 2.3L four-cylinder drops to 5,000 lbs.
- All other models cap at 5,000 lbs, which is enough for a small boat, pop-up camper, or utility trailer. If you need more, step up to the Grand Cherokee L or a body-on-frame SUV like the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Ground Clearance: Off-Road vs. Pavement
Most midsize SUVs sit between 7.5 and 8.5 inches of ground clearance — adequate for gravel roads, snow, and mild trails. But a few stand out for different reasons.
| Model | Ground Clearance (in) |
|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 8.4 (air suspension: 10.0) |
| Subaru Ascent | 8.7 |
| Ford Explorer | 7.6 (XLT); 8.2 (Timberline) |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 7.5 |
| Kia Telluride | 8.0 |
| Honda Pilot | 7.3 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 7.8 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 7.7 |
| Toyota Highlander | 8.0 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 7.0 |
The Subaru Ascent offers the highest fixed clearance at 8.7 inches without air suspension. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L can raise to 10.0 inches with the optional air suspension, but that’s an extra-cost option. The Nissan Pathfinder sits lowest at 7.0 inches — fine for pavement but not ideal for deep snow or rutted roads.
Interior Width and Shoulder Room: How Three Across Feels
If you regularly seat three adults in the second row, shoulder room matters. Compare these second-row figures:
| Model | Second-Row Shoulder Room (in) |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse | 59.7 |
| Ford Explorer | 59.0 |
| Kia Telluride | 58.9 |
| Honda Pilot | 59.1 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 58.2 |
| Subaru Ascent | 58.1 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 58.4 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 60.8 |
| Toyota Highlander | 57.7 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 57.6 |
The Volkswagen Atlas has the widest second row (60.8 in), making it the best choice for three-across seating. The Toyota Highlander (57.7 in) and Nissan Pathfinder (57.6 in) are narrowest — expect tighter shoulders on longer trips.
Which Model Fits Your Needs? Decision Guide
Best for Maximum Cargo and People Capacity
Chevrolet Traverse – 23.0 cu ft behind the third row, 98.2 cu ft max, 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, and 5,000 lbs towing. It’s the largest in nearly every dimension. The trade-off: it’s long (204.3 in) and wide, so tight parking spaces and older garages are a problem.
Best for Third-Row Passenger Comfort
Volkswagen Atlas – 33.7 inches of third-row legroom and a wide 60.8-inch second row. Adults can genuinely sit in all three rows. Cargo behind the third row (20.6 cu ft) is strong, though max cargo (96.8 cu ft) trails the Traverse by a small margin.
Best for Towing
Jeep Grand Cherokee L – 6,200 lbs with the V6, 7,200 lbs with the V8. No other midsize SUV comes close. The trade-off: it’s the longest model at 204.9 inches and has only middle-of-the-pack cargo space (17.2 cu ft behind the third row).
Best for Tight Parking and Garages
Toyota Highlander – Shortest length (194.9 in), narrowest width (76.0 in), and lowest height (68.1 in). It fits where others won’t. The trade-off: 16.0 cu ft behind the third row and only 27.7 inches of third-row legroom — this is a 7-seater for smaller kids only.
Best for Off-Road Capability
Subaru Ascent – 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard AWD. It’s the best choice for gravel, snow, and mild trails right out of the box. The trade-off: third-row space (17.8 cu ft) and towing (5,000 lbs) are average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cargo space do I need behind the third row for a family road trip?
For a family of six or seven with luggage, aim for at least 18 cubic feet. That fits two large checked suitcases or several duffel bags. Models like the Traverse (23.0), Telluride (21.0), and Atlas (20.6) handle this comfortably. The Highlander (16.0) and Pathfinder (16.6) will require roof cargo or a trailer for longer trips.
Will a midsize SUV fit in a standard garage?
Most midsize SUVs fit standard 20-foot-deep garages, but the longest models — Jeep Grand Cherokee L (204.9 in) and Chevrolet Traverse (204.3 in) — may leave little room to walk around the front. Measure your garage depth from the closed door to the back wall, then subtract at least 24 inches for clearance. If your garage is 18 feet deep or less, stick with the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, or Honda Pilot.
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