One of the biggest advantages of owning a vehicle is the ability to travel places with family, friends as well as other items needed during the trip. For activities like grocery shopping, picnics, and more, a vehicle with ample cargo space is essential.
A Closer Look At Maximum Cargo Space
When buying a vehicle, one of the details provided by sellers is the maximum cargo space, which is measured in cubic feet - just like in regular refrigerators. This measurement gives you an idea of how much you can fit inside. The maximum cargo space is calculated by measuring the total space inside the vehicle with the seats removed or folded.
For a better understanding of what a cargo space is, here are the measurements of popular SUVs and pickup trucks in the US:
Popular SUVs:
- Toyota RAV4 - 69.8 cu. ft.
- Tesla Model Y - 76.2 cu. ft.
- Honda CR-V - 76.5 cu. ft.
- Nissan Rogue - 74.1 cu. ft.
- Chevrolet Equinox - 63.9 cu. ft.
Popular Pickup Trucks:
- Ford F-Series - 77.4 cu. ft. (8-ft Bed Version)
- Chevrolet Silverado - 89.1 cu. ft. (8-ft Bed Version)
- Ram Pickup - 74.7 cu. ft. (8-ft Bed Version)
- GMC Sierra - 89.1 cu. ft. (8-ft Bed Version)
- Toyota Tacoma - 47.1 cu. ft. (6-ft Bed Version)
Obviously, pickup trucks have larger cargo capacities compared to SUVs. However, they are measured based on their truck beds. The Ford F-Series for example, has a maximum cargo space of 77.4 cu. ft. for their biggest version (8-ft bed) but the 5.5-ft bed version has the maximum cargo space of only 52.8 cu. ft.
If you're considering buying a pickup truck for its cargo space, it's also important to remember the maximum passenger capacity.
There are 3 passenger capacity configurations for pickup trucks -single cab, double cab and crew cab. Single cab means it only seats two, double cab has an extra seat row while crew cab has an extra seat row and extended storage at the back.
Importance Of Cargo Space
Cargo space is important in a vehicle for many reasons. An individual without any family can easily store other items while on the go while those with families will have ample space for everyone and even more. Its practicality on the road is unmatched since a vehicle with good cargo space means everything needed is safely stored. Its versatility is also valued because a well-sized vehicle could be used for long road trips without compromising its use as a daily driver.
Vehicles with ample cargo space are also highly valued for their versatility and strong resale potential, provided they are well-maintained. As long as the vehicle is well taken care of, it can be resold in the market that can command a good price from the buyer.
How Do I Know The Maximum Cargo Space Of My Vehicle?
So you already have a vehicle and need to find out its maximum cargo space. Here are some methods worth giving a shot:
- Owner's Manual: Vehicles come with an owner's manual. Check the one that came with your vehicle; it usually contains detailed specifications, including maximum cargo space.
- Manufacturer's Website: Visit the official website of the manufacturer of your vehicle. Search for your specific make and model, you should be provided with the specifications of your vehicle including maximum cargo capacity.
- Vehicle-Focused Websites: There are many car websites that now focus on vehicle dimensions, specifications and more. You can visit any of such websites to confirm the maximum cargo space of your vehicle.
- Do It Yourself: You can do the calculations yourself if you are DIY-wired. Simply measure the length, width, and height of the cargo area in feet (with seats folded or removed) and then multiply the numbers to find the volume in cubic feet.
- Consult A Dealership: If you bought your car from a dealership you can visit them to confirm the maximum cargo space. Even if you didn't buy it from the dealership, you can still check them out to find out the maximum cargo space for that kind of vehicle.
Conclusion
Cargo space is definitely an important factor to consider when buying a vehicle. Whether you usually drive alone or have a large family, a vehicle with good cargo space provides flexibility and practicality.
