How much can you fit in a Toyota Corolla?
In short: a Corolla sedan offers about 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback variant provides significantly more cargo area. With the rear seats folded, you can tote larger items, roughly up to 40 cubic feet in the sedan and as much as about 47 cubic feet in the hatchback. Interior seating generally accommodates five adults, with flexibility to expand cargo space by folding rear seats.
Cargo capacity by body style
The amount you can carry depends on whether you’re driving the sedan or the hatchback, and whether the rear seats are up or down. The figures below reflect typical capacities for the latest Corolla models sold in the United States as of 2024.
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Key numbers for trunk and folding-rear-seat capacity are listed below.
- Trunk volume (seats up): about 13.0 cubic feet
- Rear seats folded: up to roughly 40 cubic feet
Key cargo numbers for the Corolla Sedan:
Note: Exact figures can vary slightly by year, trim, and whether the vehicle carries a spare tire or a jack setup, but the sedan remains the more modest option for cargo space among the two body styles.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Key numbers for the hatchback emphasize greater everyday cargo flexibility.
- Cargo volume behind the rear seats: about 25.7 cubic feet
- Rear seats folded: up to roughly 47 cubic feet
Key cargo numbers for the Corolla Hatchback:
Note: Hatchback configurations can vary slightly with trim and model year, but the hatch generally offers substantially more usable space than the sedan when carrying bulkier items.
Interior space and seating
Beyond cargo, the Corolla is designed to seat five passengers with a focus on practical interior packaging. The total interior passenger volume is typical for compact cars, allowing comfortable front seating and adequate space in the rear for adults on shorter trips. Folding the rear seats increases versatility for bringing longer items inside the car.
Practical loading tips
Maximizing what you can carry depends on item size, packing method, and how you place items in the cabin or trunk. The following tips help you optimize available space.
- Use low, wide boxes and place heavy items on the floor or lower seatbacks to maintain center of gravity.
- Fold the rear seats flat to create a continuous loading area when transporting long or bulky items.
- Disassemble tall items when possible (e.g., remove legs from tables) to reduce height and fit more efficiently.
- Utilize trunk hooks, nets, and organizers to stabilize cargo and maximize usable space.
Tips to improve loading efficiency:
Careful packing can help you move more with less time and reduce the risk of shifting cargo during driving.
Summary
The Toyota Corolla offers solid cargo versatility within a compact footprint. For everyday use, the sedan provides about 13 cubic feet of trunk space, with rear seats that fold to about 40 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. If you need more room, the Corolla Hatchback increases cargo capacity significantly—about 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to around 47 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Across both styles, five-passenger seating remains comfortable for daily commuting, with space and flexibility improved by rear-seat folding when needed.
Conclusion
Whether you prioritize trunk space for groceries and luggage (sedan) or require expanded cargo for larger items (hatchback), the Corolla line offers practical loading options without moving to a larger vehicle. Always check the exact specifications for your specific model year and trim, as capacities can vary slightly with design updates and equipment.
How big is the trunk of a Toyota Corolla?
The trunk size for a Toyota Corolla sedan is approximately 13.1 cubic feet, while the Corolla Hatchback has more space, with about 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Both models feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to increase cargo capacity for larger items.
Sedan
- Trunk Volume: 13.1 cubic feet
- Capacity: Enough for about three large suitcases and some smaller bags
- Flexibility: The 60/40 split-folding rear seats can be folded down to accommodate longer or bulkier items
Hatchback
- Trunk Volume: 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Comparison: This is roughly 36% more space than the sedan's trunk
- Flexibility: Also features 60/40 split-folding rear seats to expand cargo space into the passenger area
What is the load limit for a Toyota Corolla?
The towing capacity of the 2025 Toyota Corolla supports up to 1300kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.
How much weight can I put in a Toyota Corolla?
A Toyota Corolla's weight capacity depends on whether you are carrying passengers/cargo or towing. The passenger and cargo capacity is typically around 850 to 1,000 lbs for older models, while towing capacity is often rated for up to 1,500 lbs for newer models with a braked trailer, or 1,300kg (about 2,866 lbs) for certain models, but you should always check the driver's side door jamb for the exact load limit.
Passenger and cargo
- Payload capacity: This is the combined weight of passengers and cargo you can put inside the car. For older models like the 2000 Corolla 1.3L, this is around 850 lbs (385 kg).
- Check the door jamb: The most accurate way to determine the load limit for your specific Corolla is to check the placard on the driver's side door jamb, as this information varies by model, year, and trim.
Towing
- Towing capacity: This is the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to pull.
- 1,500 lbs: Many newer models and the crossover version, the Corolla Cross, have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs for a braked trailer.
- 1,300 kg: Some models, like certain 2017 Corolla versions, have a braked towing capacity of up to 1,300 kg (approximately 2,866 lbs).
- Unbraked trailer: The maximum weight for a trailer without its own brakes is generally lower, around 750kg (about 1,653 lbs) for models rated to tow that much.
- Towing safety: Always ensure your trailer's weight is within the vehicle's capacity and that the load is balanced. Avoid towing on steep inclines to reduce strain on the engine and transmission.
Can a Toyota Corolla fit a large suitcase?
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. In the estate version, you'll benefit from a boot capacity of 581 litres with the back seats in place.
