Best SUVs for Hauling Large Items in 2025

Why Cubic Feet Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Car manufacturers advertise cargo space in cubic feet, but that number is almost useless when you're trying to figure out if a specific piece of furniture will fit. A high cubic feet number could mean a very tall but narrow space, or a wide but shallow one. What actually matters is the floor dimensions — length, width, and height in inches. That's exactly what we track in our database, and it's the basis for the rankings below.

Quick Comparison: Top SUVs for Cargo

Vehicle	Cargo Length (seats down)	Cargo Width	Cargo Height
Chevrolet Tahoe (2023)	122.9"	57.2"	41.5"
Ford Expedition (2023)	104.5"	49.0"	35.0"
Honda Odyssey (2023)	92.0"	48.5"	48.5"
Ford Explorer (2023)	85.8"	45.0"	32.5"
Toyota Highlander (2023)	81.0"	42.0"	32.5"
Toyota RAV4 (2023)	69.0"	39.5"	31.0"

1. Chevrolet Tahoe — Best Overall for Maximum Cargo

The Chevrolet Tahoe is the undisputed king of cargo space among mainstream SUVs. With rear seats folded flat, the Tahoe offers over 122 inches of cargo length — that's more than 10 feet of usable floor space. The cargo width tops 57 inches, meaning you can fit items that would be impossible in any crossover or midsize SUV.

If you regularly haul large furniture, appliances, or construction materials, the Tahoe is hard to beat. The trade-off is fuel economy and city maneuverability, but for pure hauling capability, nothing in its class comes close. The Tahoe is the go-to vehicle for serious furniture flippers and estate sale regulars who need to move large pieces regularly.

2. Ford Expedition — Best Full-Size SUV for Long Items

The Ford Expedition offers extraordinary cargo depth — up to 108 inches with all seats folded in the latest 2025 models. That's enough room for an 8-foot piece of lumber with room to spare. The Expedition's high roof also means less worry about tall items like filing cabinets or wardrobe boxes.

Its wide cargo opening makes loading and unloading significantly easier than many competitors. If you need to move long, awkward items regularly — sofas, headboards, large shelving units — the Expedition deserves serious consideration. It also holds its value well on the used market, making it a reasonable long-term investment for regular haulers.

3. Honda Odyssey — Best Minivan for Hauling (Don't Sleep on This)

Minivans get overlooked by haulers, but the Honda Odyssey deserves serious consideration. With seats folded, it offers a massive 92 inches of cargo length and nearly 49 inches of width — figures that rival many full-size SUVs. The Magic Slide second-row seats make reconfiguring the interior fast and easy.

The Odyssey also offers one of the tallest cargo openings in its class at 48.5 inches, making it ideal for bulky items. If you can get past the minivan stigma, the Odyssey is one of the most practical vehicles you can own for moving furniture and large items. It's also far more fuel-efficient than a Tahoe or Expedition.

4. Ford Explorer — Best Value for Cargo Space

The Ford Explorer consistently delivers impressive cargo numbers for its price point. The 2020 and newer generation offers over 85 inches of cargo length with seats down and a generous 45-inch width. The Explorer is widely available on the used market, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers who still need serious hauling ability.

Its boxy cargo floor is particularly useful — unlike some SUVs with sloping cargo areas, the Explorer's relatively flat floor makes stacking items much easier. It's also available in many trim levels, meaning you can find one to fit virtually any budget.

5. Toyota Highlander — Best Midsize SUV for Families Who Also Haul

The Toyota Highlander strikes a perfect balance between everyday family utility and hauling capability. With seats folded down, recent models offer around 81 inches of cargo length at a very practical 42-inch width. It's reliable, fuel-efficient compared to full-size SUVs, and the three-row configuration means you can still carry passengers when you're not hauling.

For Facebook Marketplace flippers who also use their vehicle as a daily driver, the Highlander is one of the most versatile options available. Toyota's legendary reliability also means lower long-term ownership costs.

6. Toyota RAV4 — Best Compact SUV for Occasional Hauling

If you don't need to haul large items every week but want a capable everyday vehicle that can handle a furniture run when needed, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice. With seats folded down, you get nearly 69 inches of cargo length — enough for most flat-pack furniture, smaller sofas, and most appliances.

The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in America for good reason: it balances cargo capability, fuel efficiency, reliability, and everyday practicality better than almost any other vehicle in its class.

What to Look for When Buying an SUV for Hauling

• Flat-folding rear seats: Many SUVs have seats that don't fold completely flat, creating a slope that makes it difficult to slide items in. Look for models with truly flat load floors.
• Low load floor height: A lower cargo floor makes it much easier to load heavy items without lifting them too high.
• Wide cargo opening: The width at the rear opening is often the limiting factor — an item that fits inside might not fit through the opening.
• Tie-down points: Built-in cargo tie-down hooks make it much easier to secure loads safely.
• Power liftgate: When your hands are full, a power liftgate is a genuinely useful feature for regular haulers.

The Bottom Line

The best SUV for hauling depends entirely on what you're hauling and how often. For maximum length, go with the Expedition or Tahoe. For a balance of everyday use and hauling, the Highlander or Explorer are hard to beat. And don't overlook the Odyssey if pure cargo practicality is your priority.

Before your next pickup, use our free cargo checker to compare your specific vehicle's dimensions against whatever you're trying to move — it takes just seconds and can save you a wasted trip.