There are a lot of small sedans on the market. Best-selling models from the likes of Honda and Toyota dominate this segment. So, which model has the most cargo space? Cars offers a unique approach to discovering the small cars that really give drivers the most space behind the back seat.
Car editors are beginning to measure cargo space in their own way. Reviewers do this because many of the merchandise specifications are provided by the manufacturer. This means that self-reported numbers can be decorated.
The numbers used by cars are consistent across sectors. Coupe, sedans, SUV, etc. can be easily compared. There is no maximum cargo size on different models because reviewers haven’t figured out a way to consistently calculate all the shapes involved in the cargo space.
Compared to the numbers given by the manufacturer, the car numbers are higher for trunk volume and lower for cars with a tailgate. Trim levels may also cause differences in cargo space, and some models may stand out in their class.
So, when it comes to small cars, five models with the largest cargo space stand out behind the back seat:
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Starting MSRP: $20,425
Toyota’s compact Corolla sedan ranks first in small cars with the most cargo space behind the back seat. Use the Cars website for the 2020 XSE, the most expensive piece in the model lineup.
The Corolla has 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That’s more than many small SUVs at car breakdowns – including the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-50. It’s also more than the figure given by the manufacturer of 13.1 cubic feet with all the seats in place.
Corolla 2020 launched the latest generation of the small car. In addition to the ample storage space, the Corolla has many features. All 2022 Toyota Corolla models come with at least a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi. There are also driver aids such as forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings.
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Starting MSRP: $20,500
The Hyundai Elantra is second only to the Toyota Corolla with 19 cubic feet of cargo space. The shape uses the SEL Premium design, a mid-level trim with a premium package included. By this measure, the Elantra has more cargo space than many SUVs in Hyundai’s lineup, including the Ioniq 5 and Kona.
All Elantra models come with at least an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that reaches 10.25 inches in the uppers. There’s also plenty of standard safety equipment, like forward collision mitigation, driver attention warning, rear automatic braking, and safe exit warning systems. The Elantra also comes with some of the best small car warranties. The basic warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles; The drivetrain warranty lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles; Free maintenance warranty is three years or 36000 miles; The warranties are on the roadside against rust for seven and five years, respectively. That’s part of why TrueCar calls the Elantra the best compact car on the market.
Honda Civic Sedan (model 2020)
Starting MSRP: $23,977 (per Kelley Blue Book)
The Honda Civic sedan is close to the Corolla and the Elantra, with 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. This analogy is the previous generation Civic models, using the 2020 Honda Civic Touring trim. This distinction was made because the Civic has been redesigned for 2022 and offers cargo space variants.
The 2020 Honda Civic is the previous generation of the popular small car, but there are still plenty of amenities. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) named it the Best Small Car of 2020. All models come with cruise control, keyless entry, remote start, and Bluetooth streaming. The Honda Sensing driver assistance package is standard on all models except the R-Class/Performance model. It includes systems such as lane departure mitigation, forward collision mitigation, automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist.
Nissan Sentra
Starting MSRP: $19,950
The Nissan Sentra is linked to the Honda Civic with 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. That number was measured using the 2020 Nissan Sentra SV trim, the Sentra’s mid-range option. The pickup debuted in its eighth generation for 2020, so the cargo space numbers from the Cars website are current for 2022.
The Sentra is the most affordable compact car on this list. Safety features such as collision warning systems, blind spot monitoring, and driver attention assist are all standard. KBB reviewers enjoy comfortable seats but note that this is not a car for driving enthusiasts. However, Consumer Reports still considers the 2022 Nissan Sentra the best new small car under $30,000.
Honda Civic Sedan
Starting MSRP: $22,500
Honda Civic 2022 launched the eleventh generation of the popular small car. As measured by the cars, the new generation has less room: 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the back seat. The Cars website used the 2022 Honda Civic Touring, which is the top of the lineup.
The Honda Civic was named Best Small Car of the Year 2022 by Edmunds. In addition, KBB approved its rankings of the Best Compact Cars for 2022 and 2023. Reviewers note how fun the drive is and the technology standard on all models, such as a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of driver aids. Helps like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision mitigation, driver attention monitoring and a traffic sign reading system are all standard.
Which small car is the best?
Each of the small cars with the largest cargo space in the car ratings offers a lot to drivers. It comes down to what you’re looking for in a small car.
The Nissan Sentra is a great and convenient option if you are on a tight budget and are looking to save even more. Drivers looking for maximum payload space and great resale value can’t go wrong with the Toyota Corolla. Hyundai Elantra is another good value with premium warranties and a lower starting price. Honda Civic is consistently rated by reviewers and combines safety and comfort with a great driving experience.
Related: Don’t Follow the Pack: 7 Reasons a Sedan Is Better Than an SUV