CR’s 10 Compact SUVs With The Most Cargo Space - Subaru Forester Is Top 5

Does the Subaru Forester have the most cargo and luggage room in the compact SUV segment? SUV shoppers needing a vehicle to carry sports equipment, luggage, and cargo have many choices, but which models have the most usable cargo space? Among compact SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2024 Forester ranks fifth best in an updated ranking. I will explain why it's best for the most active compact SUV shoppers. 

According to the latest study from Consumer Reports, some compact SUVs have narrow, short, or oddly shaped rear hatch openings and need more usable space. It's not total cubic feet, but the volume enclosed by the SUV's rear box gives consumers a better idea of the cargo you can fit in the back and still get the hatch door closed.

CR's ten best compact SUVs with the most cargo space are ranked in order of cargo room in cubic feet, with the top performer first.

1. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
2. Kia Sportage Hybrid 
3. Honda CR-V Hybrid
4. Nissan Rogue
5. Subaru Forester 
6. Mazda CX-50
7. Volkswagen Tiguan
8. Chevrolet Equinox
9. Mitsubishi Outlander
10. Volkswagen Taos

Vehicles must have active safety technology to make the Consumer Reports recommended list. Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety technology is included in all 2024 Forester trim levels.

Related Story: KBB’S 16 Best SUVs For Families: Parents Chime In On Subaru Forester, Crosstrek

Last year, the 2023 Forester ranked fifth overall in cargo space. In the updated study, the Subaru Forester still has the fifth most functional cargo-carrying ability.

Consumer Reports recommends the 2024 Subaru Forester. The model has good road test scores, reliability, and high customer satisfaction to be recommended. 

What Does CR Say About The 2024 Subaru Forester?

"The popular Forester delivers a satisfying combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder CVT returns 28 mpg overall in our tests, among the best in class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant." 

"The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and easy access. Given its boxy shape, there should be no surprise that the cargo room is impressive: We measured 36.5 cubic feet of space. Subaru makes BSW and RCTW optional on the Premium trim level; they aren't available on the base trim. A redesigned Forester arrives later this year as a 2025 model."

What is the 2024 Forester price?

The Forester has six trim levels: Base ($28,190), Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

What is the Forester's fuel mileage?

The 2024 Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The Forester Wilderness gets an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg. 

What sets the Forester apart from the competition?

The Forester is the best compact SUV for active customers. Customers who want to go a bit further off the beaten path.

The significant difference between the Forester and the compact SUV competition is that it comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive and X-Mode. You won't pay extra for the all-weather, all-terrain features. In addition, the Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, gets the highest IIHS safety scores, is fuel-efficient, and is fun to drive.

Do You Want To Get Off The Grid?

The 2024 Forester has the rugged Wilderness trim level, extra ground clearance (9.2 inches), modified suspension, and underbody protection. 

Related Content: EPA Leaks 2025 Subaru Forester MPG - 2 Trim Levels Get Worse And Where’s The Hybrid?

What's next for the 2025 Forester?

The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester arrives this spring. Stay tuned, as I will bring the new pricing when Subaru of America announces its decision. 

The All-New Forester Hybrid Is Coming

Subaru has confirmed that a next-generation Forester Hybrid trim level will be coming for North American customers in the spring of 2025. 

We don't know if the Forester Hybrid will be a conventional or a Plug-In Hybrid. Subaru has yet to release information on the new Forester Hybrid. Stay tuned.

I am Denis Flierl, the top Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand, and I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: NFL Subaru