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CR’s 6 Two-Row SUVs With The Most Cargo Room, Subaru Outback Is Now 5th Best

How much cargo and luggage space does the 2024 Subaru Outback and Ascent have? An updated study compares the Outback and Ascent with other 2-and-3-Row SUVs. Check out the best models here.
2024 Subaru Outback

Does the 2024 Subaru Outback have the most cargo and luggage room in the 2-Row 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? 

In an updated ranking of 2-Row SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2024 Outback ranks fifth best. I will explain why it's best for the most active compact SUV shoppers. 

The 2024 Subaru Ascent has one of the best cargo rooms in the 3-Row SUV segment. Check out the best models here. 

Related Subaru Cargo Room Content: CR's 10 Compact SUVs With The Most Cargo Space - Subaru Forester Is Top 5

According to the latest study from Consumer Reports, some 2-and-Row 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 best midsize SUVs with the most cargo space are ranked in order of cargo room in cubic feet, with the top performer first.

What Are The Best 2024 Model Year 2-Row SUVs In Cargo Space? Here is the list of the top 6 new 2-row SUVs in 2024 that have the best cargo space.

  1. Jeep Wrangler
  2. Ford Bronco
  3. Ford Edge
  4. Honda Passport
  5. Subaru Outback
  6. Volkswagen Atlas Cross

What does CR say about the Subaru Outback?

  • Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
  • CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
  • #2 of 16 Midsized 2-Row SUVs

"Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items and has a competitive 37 cubic feet of usable cargo room. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained when quicker speed is needed. The optional 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine has effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and the handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step, and the system must respond faster to inputs. BSW and RCTW are optional."

A 2-Row SUV may not be big enough for your family, so I also included the best Midize 3-Row SUVs ranked in order of cargo-carrying ability. 

What Are The 13 Best 2024 Model Year 3-Row SUVs In Cargo Space?

  1. Volkswagen Atlas
  2. Rivian R1S
  3. Toyota Grand Highlander
  4. Hyundai Palisade
  5. Kia Telluride
  6. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  7. Ford Explorer
  8. Nissan Pathfinder
  9. Toyota 4Runner
  10. Dodge Durango
  11. Honda Pilot
  12. Toyota Highlander
  13. Subaru Ascent

What does CR say about the Subaru Ascent?

  • Price Range:  $34,395 - $48,695
  • CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
  • #8 of 21 3-Row Midsized SUVs

"The roomy Ascent looks like an inflated version of the Forester compact SUV, which isn't a bad thing, given the smaller SUV's great visibility and roomy cabin. Folding down the second-and third-row seats opens up a tad more than 45 cubic feet of usable cargo room. The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. We like the Ascent's steady and controlled ride and found that the suspension does an excellent job of mopping up bumps."

Related Story: The Subaru Ascent Just Passed The Outback In One Critical Area

"The cabin is quiet, the second-row captain's seats are roomy and comfortable, and adults can use the third-row seat for shorter trips. BSW and RCTW aren't available on the base trim; they're standard on all the other trim levels."

What sets the Outback and Ascent apart from the competition?

I think there are three essential things SUV shoppers should know.

The Outback and Ascent are the best midsize SUVs for active customers and people who want to go further off the beaten path.

1. The significant difference between the Outback and Ascent and the midsize SUV competition is that they come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive and X-Mode. You won't pay extra for the all-weather, all-terrain features.

2. In addition, the Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Ascent gets the highest IIHS safety scores; they are fuel-efficient and fun to drive.

Do You Want To Get Off The Grid?

3. The 2024 Outback has the rugged Wilderness trim level, extra ground clearance (9.4 inches), modified suspension, and underbody protection. You’ll be able to take your outdoor gear even further off the beaten path. 

Your Turn 

What about you? Do You like either the Outback or Ascent for carrying your cargo? Which would you pick? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Outback and Ascent story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. 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.

I’ve got you covered! Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

photo credit: Competition Subaru 

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