What can fit in a Toyota Corolla?
In short, a Toyota Corolla’s storage varies by body style: the sedan offers about 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provides roughly 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to about 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Real-world fits depend on model year, trim, and whether you fold seats or add roof storage.
The following article breaks down what those space figures mean for everyday items, compares sedan and hatchback configurations, and offers practical tips for maximizing cargo capacity.
Cargo capacity by body style
Before listing the typical figures, here is a snapshot of storage capacities across common Corolla configurations.
- Sedan: trunk space around 13 cubic feet.
- Hatchback (rear seats up): about 17.8 cubic feet.
- Hatchback (rear seats folded): up to roughly 42 cubic feet.
In practical terms, the sedan is well-suited for groceries, luggage for a weekend trip, and daily errands, while the hatchback’s larger cargo area accommodates more luggage, gear, and longer items when the rear seats are folded.
Practical fits and configurations
To understand real-world possibilities, consider how different items fit in each body style and how folding seats or roof storage can change capacity.
Sedan: what fits with the trunk alone
With the trunk space alone, typical users can stow a mix of luggage and everyday items without rearranging seats:
- 2 large suitcases and several smaller bags
- A week’s worth of groceries for a small family
- A folded stroller plus bags for travel or errands
- Multiple backpacks and small electronics cases for daily commuting
Note: Bulky items like bicycles generally don’t fit in the sedan’s trunk without folding the rear seats, removing wheels, or using alternative transport solutions.
Hatchback: maximizing space with rear seats up or down
The hatchback configuration adds flexibility for larger loads, both with the rear seats up and folded:
- 3–4 large suitcases behind the rear seats
- 4–6 carry-on bags, depending on size
- Two golf bags with room for accessories
- Groceries, camping gear, or disassembled bikes with wheels removed
For truly bulky or long items, folding the rear seats dramatically increases cargo volume, and a roof rack or roof box can add even more capacity.
Tips to maximize cargo space
Maximizing storage often comes down to configuration and accessories. Here are common strategies used by Corolla owners:
- Fold the rear seats to extend cargo length for long items like bikes or furniture parts.
- Use a roof rack or roof box to add substantial external storage for trips or sports gear.
- Remove bulky items from the cabin by rethinking packing strategy—think stacking and compressing bags where possible.
Remember that actual capacity depends on the model year, trim, and any added roof storage equipment, so check your specific configuration for precise figures.
Summary
The Corolla’s sedan offers about 13 cubic feet of trunk space, making everyday tasks straightforward but limiting larger loads. The hatchback significantly expands cargo potential, delivering roughly 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to about 42 cubic feet with seats folded. For the best balance of convenience and capacity, many owners turn to the hatchback or add roof storage when transporting larger items. In all cases, folding the rear seats and using roof storage can dramatically increase what fits inside or on top of the vehicle.
