How many suitcases fit in the back of a RAV4?
Typically, behind the rear seats you can fit about 2 to 3 large suitcases (28–30 inches) or 4 to 6 medium suitcases (24–26 inches). If you fold the rear seats flat, you can usually accommodate about 4 to 5 large suitcases or 6 to 8 medium suitcases, depending on size and packing. Exact counts vary by model year and configuration.
Cargo space in numbers
For recent RAV4 models, the official cargo volume behind the rear seat is 37.6 cubic feet, and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Those figures translate into practical packing options described below, with actual counts depending on the sizes of luggage and how efficiently bags are stacked.
The estimates below assume common luggage sizes: large (28–30 inches), medium (24–26 inches), and carry-on (22–24 inches).
- Behind the rear seats (seats up): 2 large suitcases comfortably, with room for a few smaller bags; or 3 medium suitcases with space for a couple of carry-ons.
- Behind the rear seats (seats up): up to about 4 carry-on bags or small duffels, depending on their shapes and stacking.
In practice, the best approach is to mix and match bags and test-fit before a trip, using soft bags to fill gaps and maximize space.
Maximum space with the seats folded
When the rear seats are folded, the RAV4 opens a larger flat load area, allowing longer and more bags to fit. The following configurations illustrate typical upper-end packing scenarios, though exact counts depend on bag sizes and packing technique.
- 4–5 large suitcases (28–30 inches) plus smaller bags or duffels
- 6–8 medium suitcases (24–26 inches) or a mix of medium suitcases and carry-ons
- 8–12 carry-ons/duffels if packing efficiently with soft, flexible bags
These ranges show the RAV4’s versatility for road trips and family travel, while acknowledging that actual numbers hinge on luggage shape and how you arrange it.
Packing tips to maximize space
To get the most use out of the RAV4’s cargo area, try these strategies before you hit the road.
- Use soft-sided bags to fill irregular gaps and conform to the cargo floor
- Lay heavier items on the floor and toward the front of the cargo area for stability
- Fill vertical space with stacked bags and use compressible duffels to minimize wasted room
- Employ a trunk organizer or cargo net to keep bags from shifting during travel
- Consider roof racks or an external cargo carrier for extra capacity if passengers are onboard
With thoughtful packing, most travelers can fit a full wardrobe, gear, and essentials without compromising safety or comfort.
Summary
The RAV4 offers about 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and about 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, enabling a flexible range of packing options. Expect to fit roughly 2–3 large suitcases or 4–6 medium suitcases behind the seats up, and about 4–5 large suitcases or 6–8 medium suitcases when the seats are folded, with even more capacity for smaller bags. Actual numbers depend on luggage size and packing method, but the vehicle remains a practical option for road trips and family travel.
