Can I fit a full size mattress in my Ford Escape?

Yes—it's often possible to fit a standard full-size mattress by folding the rear seats and loading it lengthwise, but the outcome depends on your model year, interior configuration, and how you load it. A full mattress (54" x 75") is larger than many vehicles' open cargo widths, so you’ll usually load it at an angle and may need to adjust or protect the seating and floor in the process. If you’re hoping to fit a larger queen or king, or you don’t want to risk damaging upholstery, you’ll want a bigger vehicle or an alternative transport method.

Understanding dimensions: mattress versus Escape space

The mattress you’re carrying measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. The Ford Escape's cargo space improves when you fold the rear seats down, but the usable length and the opening width vary by year and trim. In many recent Escapes, the length available with seats fully down approaches the mattress’s 75-inch mark, but this is not guaranteed for every configuration. The distance across the cargo area between wheel wells is narrower than the mattress width, so loading usually relies on angling the mattress along the vehicle’s length rather than laying it flat across the floor. Always measure your specific model’s space and compare it to the mattress before attempting the move.

Model-year considerations

Ford’s Escape has evolved across generations. Newer models that feature a 60/40 split rear seat and a flatter floor increase the chances of fitting a mattress when the seats are folded, but exact measurements vary. If you plan to maximize space, you may need to push the front passenger seat forward and ensure all interior components are clear of obstructions. Real-world results depend on your cargo setup and how much of the interior you’re willing to fold down.

Practical steps to load a full mattress

Here are practical loading steps to attempt fitting a full mattress into a Ford Escape. The steps emphasize preparation, careful measurement, and safe securing of the load.

• Measure the mattress (75" long, 54" wide) and compare it to your Escape’s available cargo length with the rear seats down.


• Clear the cargo area and fold down the 60/40 rear seats to maximize the length available for the mattress.


• Check if your model allows dropping or lowering the cargo floor for extra space and a flatter loading surface.


• Insert the mattress through the tailgate at an angle, aligning the long edge with the vehicle’s length, and gradually slide the mattress in.


• Adjust the mattress as you feed it deeper, keeping it as flat as possible once inside; you may need to pivot the mattress to fit around any obstructions.


• Protect the mattress and the interior with blankets or moving pads, then secure the load with straps or bungee cords to prevent shifting during transport.

Loading a full mattress into an Escape is feasible in many cases, but success hinges on the precise interior space of your vehicle and how you maneuver the mattress through the tailgate. If the mattress doesn’t fit once inside, don’t force it—reassess with alternative transport options.

Alternatives if it doesn’t fit

If the mattress won’t fit inside the Escape, consider these alternatives that can save time and protect your equipment during a move.

• Rent a moving truck or a larger SUV with a longer cargo area to ensure a stress-free load.


• Use a roof rack or roof cargo carrier designed for large, flat items, ensuring proper tie-downs and adherence to road regulations.


• Transport the mattress in two parts if your bed is foam or can be safely separated, or use a professional moving service for bulky items.


• Ask a local rental or moving service about a one-way transport option that suits your schedule and budget.

Choosing between these options depends on your timeline, budget, and willingness to handle a potentially awkward loading process. Always prioritize safety and protect both the mattress and your vehicle.

Bottom line

The Ford Escape can accommodate a full-size mattress in many situations when the rear seats are folded and loading is done carefully, but it’s not guaranteed for every model year or trim. If you have a newer Escape with a nearly flat-loading space and you can feed the mattress in lengthwise, you stand a good chance; otherwise, consider alternatives such as a larger vehicle or a roof rack for safer transport.

Summary

In short: a full mattress can fit in a Ford Escape in many setups, but success hinges on your specific model’s interior space and loading method. Always measure first, plan the orientation, protect the interior, and have a backup plan (larger vehicle or alternative transport) ready in case the mattress won’t fit. This approach minimizes risk and ensures a smoother move.

What can fit in the back of a Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape cargo space can fit up to 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Car and Driver journalists were able to fit eight carry-on suitcases in this area. The Ford Escape offers up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo room when the rear seats are folded, which equaled 21 suitcases in the same review.

Can I fit a full-size mattress in my car?

It is highly unlikely a full-size mattress will fit inside a standard car, but it may fit in a large SUV with seats folded down. For a standard car, you will most likely need to tie the mattress to the roof, which requires securing it with straps and padding the roof to prevent damage. Alternatively, consider buying a mattress that is vacuum-sealed in a box, as it can be made much smaller and easier to transport inside a car. 
Methods for transporting a full-size mattress
If your vehicle is large enough

• SUV: A large SUV may have enough interior space to fit a full mattress with the back seats folded down. A standard full-size mattress measures 54′′54 double prime54′′ x 75′′75 double prime75′′, so if the cargo area's length and width exceed these dimensions with the seats down, it should fit. 
• Memory foam/flexible mattresses: Some memory foam mattresses are more flexible and can be squeezed or bent to fit into smaller spaces than traditional mattresses. 

This video demonstrates how to fit a full-size mattress in a large SUV: 1mSOUTHERN LIFEYouTube · May 14, 2021
If the mattress won't fit inside

• Roof-top transport: This is a viable option for most vehicles, but it's crucial to secure the mattress properly to prevent it from flying off.
  • Pad the roof with blankets to protect your paint.
  • Place the mattress on the roof and secure it with ratchet straps.
  • Tie the straps securely to the car's frame or crossbars, not to a luggage rack which could be damaged.
  • Consider tying a second set of ropes from the front of the mattress to the front of the car and from the back of the mattress to the back of the car for extra security. 

This video demonstrates how to safely transport a mattress on the roof of a car: 1mSleepy SalYouTube · Jun 30, 2019

• Vacuum-sealed mattress: If you are buying a new mattress, consider a "bed in a box" option, which is a mattress that has been vacuum-sealed into a compact box. This can be easily loaded into the back of a standard car. 

How big is the back of a Ford Escape with the seats down?

With the seats folded down, a Ford Escape has a maximum cargo space of up to 65.4 cubic feet for non-hybrid models or 60.8 cubic feet for hybrid/plug-in hybrid models. This provides ample room for large items like bicycles or camping gear. The rear seats are a 60/40 split-folding design, allowing you to fold one or both sides to carry both passengers and bulky cargo simultaneously.
 
This video shows how to fold down the rear seats in a Ford Escape to maximize cargo space: 54sCars With SteveYouTube · Aug 10, 2020

• Non-hybrid models: Offer up to 65.465.465.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. 
• Hybrid models: Offer up to 60.860.860.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. 
• Rear seats: Feature a 60/40 split-folding design for versatility, allowing you to fold just one side or both. 
• Loading: The cargo hold has a low floor, making it easier to load bulky items. 

Why is Ford discontinuing Escape?

Ford is discontinuing the Escape to make room for new, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs), such as a new $30,000 electric pickup truck. Production is ending because the Louisville Assembly Plant is being retooled to produce these new EVs, a move Ford is calling its "Model T Moment" to simplify and streamline EV manufacturing. The decision is also influenced by a company-wide shift in strategy towards electrification and away from certain gasoline-powered models. 

• Focus on EVs: The discontinuation is part of a larger strategic shift at Ford to focus on building electric vehicles and away from gasoline-powered models, particularly two-row crossovers. 
• Factory retooling: The Louisville Assembly Plant, where the Escape is built, will be retooled to produce a new family of EVs, starting with a mid-size electric pickup truck expected to launch around 2027. 
• Cost and strategy: By phasing out the Escape and Lincoln Corsair, Ford can cut complexity and costs, freeing up resources for its electric division. 
• Market factors: The Escape has also faced falling sales and tough competition in a crowded SUV market, with the Bronco Sport taking some of its market share.