How big is the cargo space on a Toyota Corolla?
In brief, cargo space depends on the body style. The Corolla sedan offers about 13.0 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Corolla Hatchback provides roughly 23.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to about 46–47 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These figures come from Toyota’s current spec sheets and can vary slightly by year and trim.
Cargo space by body style
Sedan
The Corolla sedan’s trunk volume is listed at about 13.0 cubic feet (roughly 369 liters) behind the rear seats. The rear seats are designed with a 60/40 split to allow longer items to be loaded, but the overall volume behind the seats remains 13.0 cu ft in standard configurations.
Key figures for the sedan, drawn from official specs, help illustrate how much you can carry in daily use:
- Sedan trunk volume behind the rear seats: 13.0 cu ft (≈369 L)
- Maximum cargo area with rear seats folded (sedan): not published as a single flat-volume figure by Toyota; rear-seat folding extends usable length but the nominal trunk volume remains 13.0 cu ft behind the seats
- Notes: figures can vary slightly by year and trim; always check the exact specs for your model year
With the sedan, practical loading is governed by the fixed trunk opening and the fact that folding seats expand length more than the total published trunk volume, which remains 13.0 cu ft behind the rear seats.
Hatchback
The Corolla Hatchback delivers more cargo space behind the rear seats: about 23.2 cubic feet (approximately 657 liters). The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat to extend cargo capacity, providing a broader loading area for larger items. When the rear seats are folded, total cargo space rises to roughly 46–47 cubic feet (about 1300–1330 liters), forming a continuous loading floor capable of accommodating longer items.
Key figures for the hatchback highlight its greater versatility:
- Hatchback cargo volume behind the rear seats: 23.2 cu ft (≈657 L)
- Maximum cargo area with rear seats folded (hatchback): ~46–47 cu ft (≈1300–1330 L)
- Notes: numbers can vary slightly by year and trim; check the exact specs for the model year
In practical terms, the hatchback’s wider opening and flat loading floor make it easier to load bulkier items than the sedan, which relies on trunk space and a narrower aperture.
Factors that affect usable cargo space
Beyond published volumes, several design and packaging details affect how much you can actually load and how easy it is to load items:
- Rear-seat configuration: 60/40 split vs. fixed seating and whether seats fold flat
- Rear-seat folding capability: hatchback generally offers flat-folding seats for a continuous cargo floor
- Under-floor storage or spare tire setup: a full-size spare or air-inflation kit can reduce usable trunk space
- Interior height and wheel arch intrusion: larger wheels or roof racks can slightly constrain tall items
Overall, the Hatchback tends to maximize practicality for groceries, luggage, and long items thanks to its folding rear seats and wider hatch opening, while the Sedan prioritizes a secure, weather-tight trunk with a smaller, fixed opening.
Summary
The Toyota Corolla offers two main body styles with distinct cargo envelopes: the sedan delivers about 13.0 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Hatchback provides about 23.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, the Hatchback’s total capacity increases to roughly 46–47 cubic feet, giving it a clear advantage for larger loads. Numbers can vary by model year and trim, so always check the official specs for the exact configuration you’re considering.
How big is the cargo space in a Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla's luggage capacity varies by model: the sedan has around 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback offers about 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Both models can expand their cargo area by folding down the rear seats, and the hatchback has an optional "Enhanced Cargo Space" feature that increases capacity to 23 cubic feet.
You can watch this video to see how much luggage fits in a Toyota Corolla sedan: 54sNorth London ToyotaYouTube · Apr 8, 2019
Corolla Sedan
- Trunk Capacity: Approximately 13.1 cubic feet. This is generally enough for several pieces of luggage or groceries for a weekend trip.
- Rear Seats: You can fold down the rear seats to create more space for larger items.
Corolla Hatchback
- Cargo Area: Around 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
- Optional "Enhanced Cargo Space": This option replaces the spare tire with a tire repair kit, increasing the cargo capacity to 23 cubic feet.
- Rear Seats: The 60/40 split-folding rear seats can be folded down to accommodate larger or bulkier items.
Is Toyota discontinuing the Corolla?
No, Toyota is not discontinuing the Corolla globally, but it is discontinuing certain models and variants in specific markets. Production of the affordable Corolla Axio sedan and Fielder wagon in Japan will end in October 2025. In some regions, non-hybrid models are being phased out in favor of a hybrid-only lineup for certain body styles, like the hatchback.
This video discusses the discontinuation of the GR Corolla in Japan: 1mKirk KreifelsYouTube · May 27, 2025
- Specific models ending production: The Corolla Axio sedan and Fielder wagon, sold in Japan, will cease production in October 2025.
- Non-hybrid models phasing out: In markets like Japan and Europe, gasoline-only versions of some Corolla models have been discontinued to create a hybrid-only lineup. This is part of a strategy to meet emissions regulations.
- Future outlook: A completely new generation of the Corolla is expected to be revealed by the end of 2025, with a potential launch around mid-2026, so the model itself is not being discontinued globally, but rather is evolving.
- Performance models: Special editions like the 2026 GR Corolla are being released, though there are reports of production ending for the current generation in Japan, suggesting it will be replaced.
What is the weakness of the Toyota Corolla?
Common cons for the Toyota Corolla include occasional reliability issues like excessive oil consumption and transmission problems, especially in specific model years, along with a less refined interior and tighter rear seat space compared to some competitors. Other complaints mention a noisy ride, a sometimes clunky transmission, and some older infotainment systems being buggy.
Performance and driving experience
- Ride and noise: The ride can be firm and harsh on uneven roads, and road and turbo noise can be noticeable.
- Transmission: Some models, particularly earlier ones, have reported issues like jerky or clunky shifting, though newer models have improved.
- Engine: Some base engines can feel underpowered and loud.
Interior and space
- Rear seat: The rear seat can be tight, especially for adult passengers.
- Cargo space: Trunk space is not as large as some competitors, and the rear seats may not fold perfectly flat, making it harder to load long or bulky items.
- Interior materials: Some interior materials and finishes can feel less polished than those in rivals.
- Storage: Personal item storage inside the cabin is somewhat limited.
Reliability and maintenance
- Oil consumption: Some older models, particularly from 2000-2002 and 2009, are known for excessive oil consumption, which can lead to costly repairs.
- Transmission issues: Certain model years have reported issues with automatic transmissions failing or not shifting correctly.
- Other common problems: Depending on the model year, other issues have included EVAP system problems (leading to check engine lights), faulty mass airflow sensors, and EGR system complications.
Other potential downsides
- Infotainment: Early infotainment systems sometimes had bugs, such as Bluetooth issues, although software updates can often fix these.
- Build quality: Some owners have noted issues with flimsy materials, such as interior door panels, or exterior elements like window molding cracking.
- Doors: Some models have a tendency for doors to fill with water.
- Aesthetics: Some owners dislike the front grill design on certain newer models.
How many suitcases fit in a Corolla trunk?
three large suitcases
How much luggage can you fit in a Toyota Corolla? If you're someone who makes a lot of road trips, you'll appreciate knowing you can fit up to three large suitcases and a few small bags in the boot.
