How much luggage is in a full size car?
In general, a full-size sedan offers about 15 to 18 cubic feet of trunk space (roughly 425 to 510 liters), enough for 2 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons, depending on bag size and packing. Actual capacity varies by model year, trim, and whether rear seats fold down.
Below is a guide to what “full-size” means in today’s market, which models typically fall into this category, and how that space translates into real-world luggage scenarios for travelers.
What counts as a full-size car
Across markets, “full-size” or “large sedan” refers to the largest conventional passenger cars in the typical four-door category. They prioritize interior space, comfort, and trunk capacity, standing in contrast to mid-size and compact models. While definitions vary slightly by region, the practical takeaway is that full-size cars generally offer more trunk space than smaller sedans and are better suited for longer trips with more luggage.
Typical luggage capacity in full-size sedans
Here are representative trunk volumes for popular full-size sedans, with what those figures mean for bags.
- Chevrolet Impala — 18.8 cubic feet (532 liters)
- Dodge Charger — 16.5 cubic feet (467 liters)
- Chrysler 300 — 16.3 cubic feet (462 liters)
- Toyota Avalon — 16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)
- Nissan Maxima — 14.3 cubic feet (404 liters)
Note: These figures reflect trunk volume and do not account for rear-seat folding or additional interior storage spaces. They are model-year dependent and can vary with optional equipment or spare-tire configurations.
How many suitcases can you fit in practice
Translating cubic feet into bags helps travelers plan for trips. The following estimates assume standard luggage dimensions and typical packing layouts.
- 2 large suitcases (about 28–30 inches each) plus 2 carry-ons is a common, comfortable baseline.
- 3 large suitcases are possible in some models if bags are compact or placed carefully; rear seats may need to fold or shift.
- 4 medium suitcases may fit on a tight schedule with rear-seat folding or when using trunk floor space efficiently, but comfort and access can be limited.
In everyday planning, most travelers find that 2 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons cover the majority of trips in a full-size sedan. For more luggage or bulky items, alternatives like a wagon, SUV, roof rack, or shipping items separately can be more practical.
Tips for maximizing luggage space
Small changes in packing and vehicle use can significantly increase how much you can carry in a full-size car.
- Pack efficiently with packing cubes and compression bags to reduce bulk and keep shapes uniform.
- Distribute weight: place heavier items low and toward the center of the trunk to improve stability and space utilization.
- Fold down the rear seats if your model allows, to extend trunk length for longer items.
- Utilize floor storage and side compartments; remove unused mats or the spare tire setup if feasible to gain extra room.
- Consider alternate options for excess luggage (roof box, hitch-mounted carrier, or shipping items ahead) when space is tight.
With deliberate packing, most travelers can maximize a full-size sedan’s cargo, but always verify your specific model’s trunk geometry and any seating configurations before a trip.
Bag layouts and small-sample case studies
For a quick sense of layout, some owners report that two large suitcases plus two carry-ons fit neatly in the trunk of many full-size sedans, with the option to push a smaller bag under a folded rear seat or nestle it beside larger bags. In models with split-folding rear seats, you can sometimes extend the cargo area into the cabin to accommodate unusually long items.
Alternative configurations to consider
If you regularly travel with more luggage than a full-size car can handle, you have several options to maintain convenience without sacrificing space:
- Wagons or full-size SUVs, which often offer a larger cargo area and flexible folding seats.
- Roof racks or cargo boxes for bulky but lightweight items.
- Shipping or courier services for oversized items in multi-stop trips.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your typical packing list, trip length, and comfort with rearranging bags on the road.
Summary
Most full-size cars provide 15–18 cubic feet of trunk space, enough for about 2 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons in everyday trips. Exact capacity varies by model and year, so check official specs for your vehicle. For bigger trips or unusual luggage, consider a wagon, SUV, or roof storage, or plan to ship some items separately.
What car fits four suitcases?
What are the different sizes of rental cars?
| Rental Car Category | Luggage Capacity & Passengers |
|---|---|
| Jeep / SUV | 4-8 x seats & 3-4 x medium size suitcase |
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2-4 x seats & 1-2 x medium size suitcase |
| People Carrier / Large MPV | 7 x seats & 2-5 x medium size Suitcase |
| Large Family | 5 x seats & 4 x medium size Suitcase |
How many suitcases can a full-size car hold?
Rental Car Luggage Capacity Guide
| Car Group | Passengers | Luggage Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 5 | 2 Big bags 2 Small bags |
| Full-Size | 5 | 2-3 Big bags 2 Small bags |
| Estate | 5 | 3 Big bags 2 Small bags |
| Minivans | 7-9 | 4-5 Big Bags 3 Small bags |
What is considered a full-size car?
A full-size car is defined as the largest class of sedans, typically over 16 feet long and with a combined passenger and cargo volume of more than 120 cubic feet. These vehicles are spacious, comfortably seating five adults and offering more legroom and trunk space compared to smaller car classes. Examples include models like the Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger, and Ford Fusion.
Key characteristics of full-size cars
- Dimensions: They are generally 16 to 18 feet long and 6 to 7 feet wide.
- Interior space: The combined passenger and cargo volume is over 120 cubic feet for sedans, making them the roomiest class of cars.
- Seating: They can comfortably seat five passengers and provide ample legroom, especially in the back seats.
- Cargo capacity: Full-size cars have generous trunk space, often ranging from 14 to 27 cubic feet.
- Performance: They often have more powerful engines and may include advanced features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Examples of full-size cars
Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon.
Can you fit 3 large suitcases in a Camry?
If you're wondering how many suitcases a Toyota Camry can hold, I'd say it fits about three large bags. I loaded mine for a family trip, and it had plenty of room. It's such a practical and comfortable car!
