What can you fit in a Ford Escape?
In its current generation, the Ford Escape prioritizes versatility for everyday hauling, weekend adventures, and hobby gear. The short answer: about 37 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to roughly 65 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. If you need to squeeze in very long items, the front passenger seat can be folded forward to gain additional length, though the exact limit depends on the model and seating arrangement. This article breaks down those capacities and offers real‑world packing examples.
Cargo capacity by configuration
These figures reflect the common specifications for contemporary Escape models, including gasoline and hybrid variants. Across trims, the cargo footprint behind the rear seats is similar, with hybrids sometimes offering slightly less behind the second row due to battery packaging.
- Behind the rear seats: about 37 cubic feet (roughly 1.05 cubic meters) of space, suitable for several large suitcases, groceries, or daily gear.
- With the rear seats folded: about 65 cubic feet (roughly 1.84 cubic meters), allowing longer items and larger loads such as camping gear, multiple bikes with wheels removed, or a kayak with careful arrangement.
- With the front passenger seat folded forward (for extra length): you can load longer items that exceed the standard footprint, though the exact maximum length depends on the model and seating setup.
In practical terms, these configurations translate to solid everyday usefulness: the Escape handles shopping trips, weekend getaways, and hobby equipment with room to spare for the average family.
Practical packing scenarios
Here's how the Escape performs in common loading tasks, with guidance on what to expect in each configuration.
- Groceries and daily errands: The 37 cubic feet behind the rear row accommodates several large grocery runs, plus bags and small boxes, without crowding the cabin.
- Weekend trips for a family: With the rear seats folded, you can stack multiple suitcases, duffel bags, and a portable cooler, leaving space for a few personal items or a compact camping setup.
- Sports and outdoor equipment: Two mountain bikes (with wheels off) or a combination of gear such as golf bags, tents, and sleeping bags can fit with the back seats down; a kayak or longer items may require rearranging or a second load.
These scenarios illustrate the Escape’s versatility for everyday use, family travel, and hobbyist gear alike, without needing a roof rack for most loads.
Special cases and tips
When you need to carry awkward shapes or unusually long items, these tips can help maximize space and keep loads secure.
- Bicycles: Two bicycles can often fit with wheels removed and the rear seats folded; secure frames with straps and use protective padding to prevent contact with the interior.
- Skis, snowboards, and long equipment: Skis or snowboards fit along the floor with the rear seats down; longer gear can be stacked with padding to avoid damage to interior panels.
- Ladders, lumber, and other long items: Folding the front passenger seat forward can provide extra length for longer items, but check that the load doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view or collide with the dash area.
For unusually shaped or oversized loads, measure the items and compare them with your Escape’s cargo dimensions, or consider a roof rack or hitch attachment as needed.
Summary
The Ford Escape offers about 37 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and roughly 65 cubic feet with those seats folded, making it capable for everyday errands, family trips, and many hobby loads. Folding the front passenger seat forward provides additional length for longer items, though exact limits vary by model and configuration. For most users, the Escape balances compact exterior size with surprisingly flexible interior space, supported by practical packing configurations and clear guidance on how to secure and organize your cargo.
How big is the cargo space in the Ford Escape?
Take a look at the dimensions of the 2022 Ford Escape cargo space below: Behind 1st row: 65.4 cubic feet. Behind 1st row (FHEV/PHEV): 60.8 cubic feet. Behind 2nd row: 37.5 cubic feet maximum.
How much luggage can you fit in a Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape has a luggage capacity of 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, but this can be less for hybrid models. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions have slightly less space, with about 34.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.8 cubic feet when the back seats are folded.
Cargo space by model year and configuration
- Non-hybrid models:
- With rear seats up: 37.5 cubic feet
- With rear seats folded down: 65.4 cubic feet
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models:
- With rear seats up: 34.4 cubic feet
- With rear seats folded down: 60.8 cubic feet
Additional features
- The 60/40-split rear seats can be folded to provide a versatile mix of passenger and cargo space.
- A sliding second-row seat allows for adjusting the balance between rear legroom and cargo capacity.
- For even more space, roof rack side rails are available to secure larger items like bikes or kayaks.
What can fit in a Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape cargo space can fit up to 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Car and Driver journalists were able to fit eight carry-on suitcases in this area. The Ford Escape offers up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo room when the rear seats are folded, which equaled 21 suitcases in the same review.
What size mattress fits in a Ford Escape?
Q: What size mattress will fit in an Escape? In terms of standard mattress sizes, the closest mattress that will fit in the back of most Escape models is a Twin. However, standard-sized mattresses do not take advantage of all of the available space. Because of this, it's best to have a custom mattress made.
