When shopping for a new vehicle, cargo space often ranks among the top considerations for buyers. However, comparing storage capacity between different vehicles isn't as straightforward as it seems. The automotive industry uses varying measurement methodologies that can lead to significant discrepancies in reported cargo volumes.
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2020 Lincoln Aviator
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Key Takeaway:
Cargo space measurements differ substantially between vehicle types due to industry measurement standards. Sedan trunks are measured using standardized blocks simulating luggage, while hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans use spatial calculations of length, width, and height. These methods produce non-comparable results, making direct comparisons between body styles misleading.
Understanding the SAE J1100 Measurement Standard
The root of these inconsistencies lies in SAE International's J1100 Motor Vehicle Dimensions standard. This document provides guidelines for automakers to measure various vehicle dimensions, including cargo capacity. However, it outlines different methodologies for different vehicle types:
- Enclosed spaces (sedan trunks): Measured using standardized blocks representing luggage pieces
- Open areas (hatchbacks, SUVs, minivans): Calculated through spatial measurements of length, width, and height
Brian Shanfeld, a Honda engineer specializing in interior packaging, emphasizes that these two measurement approaches are "not in the least comparable." This fundamental difference explains why a hatchback might appear to offer significantly more cargo space than a sedan, even when real-world usability might tell a different story.
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Why Measurement Methods Matter
The distinction between these measurement approaches has significant implications for car shoppers:
Sedan Trunk Measurements
The SAE standard for enclosed trunks calls for using specific simulated luggage parcels:
- 16 rectangular blocks with handles representing various suitcase sizes
- 2 standardized golf bags
- 20 smaller boxes to fill remaining spaces
Jeff Omichinski, a vehicle architecture manager at Ford, explains the limitations: "Depending on what you're able to fit in there, you're going to leave potentially a lot of air space in a cargo area." This means the block method often underestimates actual usable space in enclosed trunks.
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Open Area Measurements
For hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans, the spatial calculation method presents different challenges. As Omichinski notes, "The length is affected by the seatback angle. You end up with a cube that essentially fits in an empty space... It could be poking through the backlight glass a bit." This approach tends to overestimate truly usable space.
Chad Harrison, chief engineer of the Honda Odyssey, summarizes the situation: "J1100 in an open car generally tends to overestimate the usable space, while in enclosed compartments, the methodology generally underestimates the actual usable space."
Industry Inconsistencies in Applying Standards
While SAE J1100 provides measurement guidelines, automakers implement them differently, creating additional variations in reported cargo volumes:
- Handle variations: Some manufacturers include handles on measurement blocks while others omit them
- Under-floor storage: Some include this space in total volume while others exclude it
- Measurement boundaries: Differing interpretations of where measurements should stop
These inconsistencies mean that even when comparing similar vehicle types, cargo volume numbers might not tell the whole story. For example, Honda includes under-floor storage areas in its cargo volume calculations, while Ford excludes these spaces when using SAE-defined measurements.
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Body Style Variations and Their Impact
The type of vehicle introduces another layer of complexity to cargo space comparisons:
Hatchbacks vs. Sedans
Consider the case of the Honda Civic. The hatchback version reports 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats—a 70% increase over the sedan's trunk capacity. However, these numbers come from completely different measurement methods, making direct comparisons meaningless.
Hatchbacks vs. Wagons/SUVs
SAE J1100 specifies different measurement boundaries for different body styles. For hatchbacks, cargo volume extends to the top of the seatbacks, while for wagons and SUVs, it extends to the ceiling. This creates another apples-to-oranges comparison scenario for consumers.
Some automakers, like GM, have chosen to depart from SAE guidelines for marketing purposes. GM measures hatchback cargo volumes up to the ceiling (like SUVs) rather than to the seatback top as SAE recommends, making their hatchback numbers appear more competitive against SUV alternatives.
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Real-World Examples of Measurement Discrepancies
The differences in measurement approaches can produce dramatic variations in reported cargo volumes:
The Chevrolet Traverse Case
When GM redesigned the Traverse, the cargo volume appeared to decrease from 116.3 cubic feet (2017 model) to 98.5 cubic feet (2018 model). However, this change actually reflected a switch to a newer SAE measurement formula. When measured consistently, the 2017 model would have shown just 91.8 cubic feet—a 21.1% difference based solely on measurement methodology.
Hatchback Comparisons
The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback reports 24.7 cubic feet behind the backseat, while the Honda Civic hatchback shows 25.7 cubic feet. While these numbers appear similar, the different measurement approaches each manufacturer uses mean the actual usable space could vary significantly.
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Practical Tips for Comparing Cargo Space
Given these measurement inconsistencies, how can consumers make informed comparisons? Consider these practical approaches:
- Compare within body styles: Only compare sedan-to-sedan or SUV-to-SUV cargo measurements
- Bring measuring tools: A tape measure can help you assess real-world dimensions
- Use consistent reference objects: Photograph cargo areas with the same item (like a suitcase) for comparison
- Test with your own items: Bring typical cargo you regularly transport to test fit
- Consider seat folding options: Measure space with seats both up and down
Automotive reviews often provide more practical assessments of cargo space by showing how many real-world items (like grocery bags or suitcases) actually fit, which can be more useful than cubic footage numbers alone.
The Future of Cargo Space Measurements
As consumer awareness of these measurement inconsistencies grows, pressure may mount for more standardized and transparent reporting. Potential developments could include:
- New industry standards that allow for more direct comparisons
- Dual measurements showing both SAE and practical cargo capacities
- Standardized real-world packing tests alongside cubic footage numbers
- Digital tools allowing virtual loading of cargo spaces
Until such improvements emerge, informed consumers will need to look beyond the published numbers to truly understand a vehicle's cargo capabilities.
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Conclusion: Becoming a Savvy Cargo Space Shopper
Understanding the nuances behind cargo space measurements empowers car buyers to make better purchasing decisions. Remember that:
- Published cargo volumes represent calculations, not necessarily real-world usability
- Different measurement methods make cross-category comparisons invalid
- Automaker implementation of standards varies significantly
- Practical testing trumps published numbers
By approaching cargo space specifications with this knowledge, you can avoid misleading comparisons and find the vehicle that truly meets your storage needs. The next time you see impressive cargo volume numbers, you'll know the right questions to ask and tests to perform before making your decision.
