What is the cargo capacity of a Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla’s cargo capacity varies by body style: the sedan trunk holds about 13 cubic feet, while the hatchback offers about 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Beyond those basics, cargo space depends on model year and whether the rear seats fold. Toyota’s current-generation sedans and hatchbacks use split-folding rear seats to expand capacity, and with all rear seats folded you can significantly increase usable space. The exact figures can shift slightly from year to year, so buyers should check the specific specs for their trim and generation.
Cargo space by body style
Typical figures for recent Corolla models, noting variations by year and trim.
- Sedan: about 13.0 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats.
- Hatchback: about 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
In practice, the hatchback configuration provides noticeably more versatility for larger items, while the sedan offers a compact, secure trunk suitable for daily groceries and smaller loads. If you regularly haul bulky gear, the hatchback is the more capable choice.
Maximum cargo with rear seats folded
When the rear seats are folded, total cargo capacity climbs substantially. Estimates for recent generations fall roughly within these ranges.
- Sedan (rear seats folded): about 33–40 cubic feet of usable space.
- Hatchback (rear seats folded): about 40–50 cubic feet of usable space.
These expanded figures illustrate why folding rear seats are a standard convenience feature on many Corolla trims, enabling more flexible transportation of larger items when needed.
Practical considerations for buyers
When evaluating cargo space, consider how you’ll use the car day to day and what items you typically carry.
- Measure your most common loads to compare against trunk dimensions.
- Check the rear-seat folding configuration (60/40 vs. all-or-nothing) for the model year you’re considering.
- Account for any intrusions from a spare tire, subwoofers, or battery placement, which can affect usable cargo volume.
- Consider roof rack compatibility if you frequently transport long items like ladders or kayaks.
Summary
In brief, cargo capacity on a Toyota Corolla depends on the body style and year: the sedan typically offers around 13 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the hatchback about 23 cubic feet. With rear seats folded, capacity increases to roughly 33–40 cubic feet for the sedan and 40–50 cubic feet for the hatchback, though exact numbers vary by generation and trim. For the most accurate figure, consult the specifications for the exact model year you’re interested in.
What year of Corolla to stay away from?
You should be wary of the 2000-2008 and 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla years, with common problems including excessive oil consumption, engine issues, and transmission problems. Specifically, the 2009 model had widespread complaints about transmission and water pump failures. The 2003-2008 models have a high number of complaints, particularly concerning the 1ZZ-FE engine's tendency to burn oil, and airbag issues due to the Takata airbag recalls. The 2014 model also experienced some oil consumption and other issues.
Model years to be cautious of
- 2000-2008: This wide range has the most significant issues, including engine oil consumption, with the 1ZZ-FE engine particularly prone to burning oil. The years 2003-2008 are also noted for a high volume of complaints, including engine and transmission issues.
- 2009-2010: These models are part of the 10th generation and are frequently cited as problematic.
- 2009: This model year is especially problematic, with widely reported issues including transmission failure, water pump failure, and steering problems.
- 2010: Issues include sticking gas pedals, electrical fires, and brake problems.
- 2014: This year is also mentioned for potential oil consumption, as well as other engine, AC, and airbag troubles.
Common problems by year
- Excessive oil consumption: This is a very common issue in the 2000-2002, 2009, and 2014 models.
- Transmission issues: Reported in the 2003 and 2009 models.
- Water pump failure: A significant complaint for the 2009 model year, which can lead to cooling problems.
- Airbag problems: Some models, particularly the 2012 and 2010, are noted for airbag issues related to the Takata recall, as well as other problems.
- Steering problems: These were frequently reported in the 2009 and 2010 models.
How big is the cargo space in a Toyota Corolla?
about 13.1 cubic feet
The trunk offers a total capacity of about 13.1 cubic feet, which is impressive for a compact sedan.
Is Toyota discontinuing the Corolla?
No, the global Toyota Corolla has not been discontinued, though specific models in certain markets are ending production. In Japan, all gasoline-only Corolla versions have been replaced with hybrid-only models, and the budget-friendly Corolla Axio and Fielder models will cease production in October 2025. Production of some specific non-hybrid sedan grades has also ended in markets like Australia.
- Specific model changes: The Corolla Axio sedan and Corolla Fielder wagon are being discontinued in Japan in October 2025.
- Hybrid shift: In Japan, all non-hybrid Corolla versions have been discontinued, making the lineup hybrid-only.
- Market-specific changes: Some specific trims, such as the Corolla Sedan ZR grade in Australia, have been discontinued from production.
- Global availability: The overall Corolla model line remains available in many other markets, with the latest models receiving updates and continued production.
Can a Toyota Corolla fit three suitcases?
Down. Three full size four carryons and the driver. Still has line of visibility. So put it down. And number six in our list is of the Corolla 2019 hatchback.
