Will a full size mattress fit in a Chevy Equinox?
In most configurations, a standard full-size mattress will not lie flat inside a Chevy Equinox. It’s a tight fit even with the rear seats folded, and any attempt to load it flat may require angling or bending the mattress. For guaranteed transport, many people opt for a larger vehicle or a professional delivery option.
To understand why, it helps to look at the mattress’s dimensions and the Equinox’s interior geometry. A full-size mattress is typically 75 inches long and 54 inches wide. The Equinox offers a practical cargo space that is generous for many items, but the load floor is not as long or as wide as a mattress by itself, especially once wheel wells and interior trim are taken into account. Below are the key dimension considerations and loading guidance for real-world scenarios.
Cargo space and interior geometry you should know
The Equinox is a compact SUV with a versatile rear cargo area. Official figures place the seat-back-down cargo volume around the mid-60s cubic feet, while the space behind the rear seats is roughly 30 cubic feet. In terms of linear dimensions, the cargo floor length with the rear seats folded is typically around 74–75 inches, and the width across the floor between wheel wells is about 41 inches. The total interior width at the load floor is around the mid-50s inches, but wheel wells intrude enough to limit usable width. Taken together, these numbers mean a 75×54-inch mattress won’t lie flat across the floor in most configurations.
Is there a way to load it at an angle?
Some drivers report that a full mattress can be inserted diagonally with the rear seats folded, exploiting the interior diagonal length. The rough diagonal clearance of a compact SUV cargo area can exceed 75 inches, but achieving this requires careful maneuvering, removal of bulky packaging, and ensuring the mattress clears wheel wells and ceiling clearance. It’s not a guaranteed fit and can be awkward or risky for both the mattress and vehicle trim.
If you’re attempting to load, it’s essential to measure your exact model year’s interior and the mattress you own, then test in a parked, controlled setting to avoid damage or scuffing.
Practical loading tips
Before you try to fit a full mattress, prepare with these guidance points to maximize your chances and protect your gear.
- Fold the rear seats completely (and drop the seatbacks if your model allows) to create a longer cargo tunnel.
- Remove bulky packaging and consider rolling or vacuum-sealing the mattress if possible to reduce height and stiffness.
- Protect the interior with blankets or moving pads to prevent scuffs from the mattress edges and wheel wells.
- Load diagonally rather than straight along the floor to take advantage of the interior’s diagonal clearance, and keep the hatch partially open if the mattress won’t clear the ceiling when folded.
- Reassess after partial insertion; if you feel resistance or risk of damage, stop and consider alternate options.
While these steps can help in some cases, there’s no guarantee of a successful, safe fit. If you’re moving across town or have other heavy items, you may be better served by a larger vehicle or delivery service.
Alternatives if it won’t fit
When the full mattress won’t fit comfortably, consider these practical options to complete your move without damage to the car or mattress.
- Rent a pickup truck or a larger SUV for the move, which typically provides a longer, unobstructed cargo area.
- Use a professional mattress delivery or moving service that provides a suitable vehicle and protective wrapping.
- Dispose of or relocate the mattress in parts, such as transporting the mattress core separately if you have a way to preserve its integrity and warranty conditions allow.
- Try a smaller mattress option temporarily, like a twin or a queen by arranging multiple trips, or use an inflatable or foldable air mattress for the interim.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your timeline, budget, and the specific Equinox model you own. Always measure first and test-fit in a controlled setting before attempting a road move.
Summary: A standard full-size mattress (75" x 54") is not likely to lie flat in a Chevy Equinox due to limited cargo length and width, including wheel-well intrusions. Diagonal loading with the rear seats folded is possible in some cases, but it’s a tight, model-dependent maneuver. For guaranteed transport, consider a larger vehicle or professional delivery.
