26) 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 8.7 cubic ft (34 cu ft) | $21,900 | USN Score: 8.8/10
The two-door 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop doesn’t offer much space behind its rear seats. However, it does have a respectable amount of room if you fold the seats down for a small, sporty car.
The Cooper places at the top of our subcompact car rankings due in part to its agile handling, premium cabin, and strong engine options. It also earns a perfect five-out-of-five rating for predicted reliability. The two-door Cooper is also available as a convertible, though it offers even less room for cargo.
25) 2019 Fiat 500
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 9.5 cubic ft (30.1 cu ft) | $16,245 | USN Score: 7.2/10
If you’re looking for a decent city commuter car that’s easy to maneuver and uniquely styled, the 2019 Fiat 500 is an option. It comes with a generous standard feature set, which includes an easy-to-use infotainment system. The 500’s second-row seats are cramped and it’s short on cargo space in back. While folding this Fiat’s rear seats down more than triples its cargo volume, most rivals still offer more room in nearly every way.
24) 2019 Chevrolet Spark
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 11.1 cubic ft (27.2 cu ft) | $13,220 | USN Score: 7.7/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is the most inexpensive car on our list of hatchbacks and one of the cheapest cars on the market today. Nonetheless, it comes with an attractive list of standard features, such as a touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. In addition, the subcompact car is highly maneuverable and it returns good fuel economy. However, the Spark’s second row is tight and its cargo hold is small. Even with its rear seats folded down, the Spark’s cargo capacity pales in comparison to most rivals.
23) 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-Door
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 13.1 cubic ft (40.7 cu ft) | $22,900 | USN Score: 8.8/10
For just $1,000 more than its two-door counterpart, you can get the four-door 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop. It provides an additional 4.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, as well as nearly seven extra cubic feet with the second row folded down.
The four-door Cooper is similar to the two-door version in most ways, though you can’t get it as a convertible and it’s not available as a John Cooper Works model, which is the variant with the most powerful engine.
22) 2019 Ford Fiesta Hatchback
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 14.9 cubic ft (25.4 cu ft) | $15,790 | USN Score: 8.1/10
To get the 2019 Ford Fiesta as a hatchback you have to step up to at least the SE trim level. It offers a few extra features over the base Fiesta sedan, like power windows, cruise control, and Ford’s MyKey teen driver safety system. This Ford is one of the liveliest subcompact cars thanks to its agile handling and solid engine options. The Fiesta comes up short on rear-seat space and cargo volume, though.
21) 2019 Honda Fit
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 16.6 cubic ft (52.7 cu ft) | $16,190 | USN Score: 8.8/10
We named the Honda Fit our 2019 Best Subcompact Car for the Money. It doesn’t offer a ton of room behind its rear seats, but it’s still more than many subcompact cars offer. This Honda’s overall cargo volume is what’s most impressive. The Fit features Honda’s Magic Seat, which allows for a variety of versatile arrangements to maximize cargo and passenger space. Rounding out the Fit’s strengths are its high safety scores, excellent fuel economy, nimble handling, and upscale interior.
20) 2019 Chevrolet Bolt
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 16.9 cubic ft (56.6 cu ft) | $33,520 | USN Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is one of the few electric cars on our list of cargo-friendly hatchbacks. It boasts a fantastic all-electric range, eager acceleration, composed handling, high crash test ratings, and a competitive assortment of standard niceties. The Bolt offers a roomy cabin with a decent-sized rear cargo hold. Folding down the second-row seats provides plenty of room for transporting larger objects.
Keep in mind that the Bolt still qualifies for a federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $3,750 through October 1. Check with a tax professional to find out if you can take advantage of the credit.
19) 2019 Toyota Prius c
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.1 cubic ft (N/A) | $21,530 | USN Score: 7.7/10
The 2019 Toyota Prius c returns exceptional fuel economy and earns a near-perfect rating for predicted reliability. It’s packed with standard features, such as a 6.1-inch touch screen, voice recognition, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance technologies.
The Prius c offers more cargo space behind its second-row seats than most subcompact cars. However, it’s rear seats are constricting for taller adults and it doesn’t offer sufficient power for highway driving.
18) 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.2 cubic ft (47 cu ft) | $13,795 | USN Score: 5.7/10
The 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage struggles to compete in our subcompact car rankings despite its good cargo capacity and fantastic gas mileage. It delivers a rough ride and its engine is significantly underpowered. The Mirage's front seats aren’t supportive and its rear seats are tight. Additionally, it offers few safety features and its cabin is constructed of cheap materials. For these reasons, we don’t recommend this Mitsubishi.
17) 2019 Kia Rio 5-Door
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.4 cubic ft (32.8 cu ft) | $16,190 | USN Score: 8.4/10
You can opt for the 2019 Kia Rio in its hatchback configuration by choosing the top-of-the-line S trim level. It only costs $300 more for the S hatch over its sedan counterpart. The Rio gets high marks for safety and predicted reliability. It handles well and has an attractive cabin with superb cargo volume for a subcompact car.
The Rio is light on standard features, but the S model adds extras like a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a rear USB charging port.
16) 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.8 cubic ft (23.3 cu ft) | $20,140 | USN Score: 8.5/10
Toyota brought back its Corolla hatchback for the 2019 model year, and it’s an all-new model. The Corolla scores well on our site because of its impeccable predicted reliability, terrific safety ratings, first-rate fuel economy, and a multitude of standard active safety aids.
The Corolla hatchback has a reasonable amount of space behind its rear seats, but those seats are short on legroom for taller adults. If you fold them down you’ll have about five more cubic feet to work with. You have to step up to either the SE or XSE trim level to get the Corolla hatchback. This gets you the more powerful 2.0-liter engine, though the Corolla still won’t impress you with its acceleration.
14) (tie) 2019 Nissan Versa Note
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 18.8 cubic ft (38.3 cu ft) | $15,650 | USN Score: 7.3/10
The 2019 Nissan Versa is well-priced, has roomy seats, and earns a high predicted reliability rating. On the other hand, its engine is lackluster, it returns subpar fuel economy, it lacks safety features that come standard on rivals, it receives mediocre crash test scores, and its interior is filled with low-grade materials.
The Versa Note hatchback model has a starting price that’s over $3,000 more than the base Versa sedan. That extra money gets you a standard automatic transmission and about four more cubic feet of cargo space over the Versa sedan.
14) (tie) 2019 Kia Soul
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 18.8 cubic ft (49.5 cu ft) | $16,490 | USN Score: 8.8/10
The Kia Soul is the winner of our 2019 Best Compact Car for the Money award. It excels due to its top-notch safety scores, excellent predicted reliability rating, expansive cargo hold, and spacious interior. The Soul also offers a smooth ride, satisfactory handling, and an available turbocharged engine that delivers plenty of power. However, none of its engine options return very good gas mileage and it doesn’t offer as many standard features as competing models.
It’s important to note that the Soul features a “luggage under tray” as standard. If you remove it, this compact car’s cargo capacity behind the rear seats expands to 24.2 cubic feet and its overall cargo space grows to 61.3 cubic feet.
Kia redesigned the Soul for the 2020 model year. The new Soul comes with a more powerful base engine and offers a more competitive standard feature set.
13) 2019 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 19 cu ft (47.7 cu ft) | $18,020 | USN Score: 8.4/10
If you want a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback, you have to choose at least the LT trim level. The base model only comes as a sedan. The Sonic delivers responsive handling and offers good passenger space and comfort in both rows. The hatchback’s cargo capacity tops most other subcompact cars.
The Sonic comes with sought-after standard features, like an intuitive touch-screen interface with smartphone app integration and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The LT model adds niceties, including satellite radio, power windows, cruise control, and heated and power-adjustable outside mirrors.
12) 2019 Toyota Prius Prime
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 19.8 cu ft (47 cu ft) | $27,350 | USN Score: 8.1/10
The 2019 Toyota Prius Prime is the only plug-in hybrid vehicle on our list. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road today and is teeming with standard features, such as a 7-inch touch screen, a navigation system, satellite radio, HD Radio, heated front seats, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance technologies.
The Prime has more cargo space than most compact cars and receives exemplary ratings for safety and predicted reliability. However, it only seats four passengers and it’s acceleration feels sluggish.
If you purchase a new Prius Prime, you may be eligible for a federal electric vehicle tax credit of about $4,500.
11) 2019 Hyundai Veloster
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 19.9 cu ft (44.5 cu ft) | $18,500 | USN Score: 8.5/10
The Hyundai Veloster was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year after a hiatus in 2018. It’s much improved over the 2017 model thanks to its strong performance, supportive seats, and easy-to-use tech features.
The Veloster delivers nimble handling, a comfortable ride, and sufficient acceleration. Its base engine won’t wow you, but you can opt for an upgraded turbo-four that moves the car quite well. The Veloster is practical as well, with its large cargo hold and industry-leading warranty. However, its rear seats are not spacious enough for most adults on longer trips.
10) 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 20.1 cu ft (47 cu ft) | $23,600 | USN Score: 8.7/10
Mazda fully redesigned the Mazda3 for the 2019 model year. Opt for the hatchback configuration and you’ll enjoy more cargo space behind the rear seats than most compact cars. The Mazda3 hatchback’s overall cargo capacity is impressive as well.
Like most Mazdas, this hatch delivers dynamic handling, sharp steering, and a cushioned ride. In addition, the Mazda3 boasts a classy cabin and user-friendly infotainment features. It’s not perfect, however. Other compact cars offer more rear-seat space and better predicted reliability ratings.
9) 2019 Subaru Impreza
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 20.8 cu ft (55.3 cu ft) | $19,095 | USN Score: 8.1/10
Similar to nearly every Subaru vehicle, the 2019 Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive. It costs just $500 to upgrade any trim level from a sedan to a hatchback with praiseworthy cargo capacity. The Impreza has roomy seats, returns terrific gas mileage, and earns strong safety ratings. Standard features include a responsive touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
The Impreza provides communicative steering, great road grip, and a smooth ride, quiet ride. However, Its engine is uninspiring and many classmates offer nicer cabins.
8) 2019 Fiat 500L
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 22.4 cu ft (68 cu ft) | $21,910 | USN Score: 6.7/10
While the 2019 Fiat 500L doesn’t offer much in comparison to most rival wagons, its cargo capacity is impressive. Also, it’s relatively inexpensive, has spacious rear seats, and features an intuitive and well-equipped infotainment system. Still, it places at the bottom of our wagon rankings due to its poor fuel economy, low-quality cabin materials, uncomfortable seat cushions, average predicted reliability rating, and underwhelming handling and acceleration.
7) 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 22.7 cu ft (47.2 cu ft) | $19,620 | USN Score: 8.5/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is a solid compact car for many reasons. It features a high-quality cabin, spacious seats, an impressive infotainment system, a wealth of standard niceties, and excellent fuel economy. Additionally, the Cruze gets a top-notch predicted reliability rating and respectable crash test scores.
Choose the Cruze hatchback and this car’s list of strengths grows. It offers laudable cargo volume behind its second-row seats and good maximum cargo capacity. While the Cruze is not quick or athletic, it’s capable at highways speeds and it handles well.
6) 2019 Volkswagen Golf
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 22.8 cu ft (52.7 cu ft) | $21,845 | USN Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf impresses with its handsome cabin and praiseworthy driving dynamics. Despite its small footprint, it provides ample passenger space and more cargo room than many competing models. The Golf offers an admirable standard feature set with a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple advanced safety aids. However, it still finishes in the middle of our compact car rankings primarily because of its low predicted reliability rating.
5) 2019 Nissan Leaf
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 23.6 cu ft (30 cu ft) | $29,990 | USN Score: 7.7/10
The 2019 Nissan Leaf is less expensive than most electric cars, but pricier than all classmates aside from the Chevy Bolt. However, it qualifies for a federal electric vehicle tax credit of $7,500. If you can take advantage of that, its pricing is more competitive.
The Leaf offers a decent electric range in its base configuration, though you can choose the Leaf Plus ($36,500) if you need more range. The Leaf features lively acceleration, composed handling, spacious seats, and fantastic cargo capacity behind its rear seats. Since the seats don’t fold flat, folding them down doesn’t expand the Leaf’s cargo volume substantially. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 5-inch display screen.
4) 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 24.9 cu ft (55.1 cu ft) | $20,450 | USN Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra features an above-average predicted reliability rating, an inviting cabin with reasonable passenger space, and a coddling ride. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety designated the Elantra as a coveted Top Safety Pick+.
You have to choose the GT model if you want to get the Elantra in its hatchback configuration. It provides a ton of room behind its rear seats that more than doubles when you fold them down. The GT comes standard with a 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while the GT N-Line comes with a 201-horsepower turbo-four. Neither engine is very powerful, but they’re both better than the Elantra’s lethargic base engine.
3) 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 25.7 cu ft (46.2 cu ft) | $21,450 | USN Score: 8.6/10
The Honda Civic has been a top-selling compact car for years and for good reason. It’s safe, well-rounded, and fuel-efficient. The Civic is fun to drive, with agile handling and powerful engine options. It offers a roomy, high-end cabin with an appealing list of available features. In addition, the Civic comes standard with an entire suite of active safety aids.
You can get a Civic hatchback in any trim level for an additional charge. All hatchback models come standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers solid all-around performance and returns the best fuel economy in the Civic’s lineup. This compact hatchback offers more cargo space behind its second-row seats than most rivals, though some competitors have greater overall capacity.
2) 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 26.5 cu ft (N/A) | $22,400 | USN Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid returns exceptional fuel economy, earns an above-average predicted reliability rating, receives high marks in crash tests, and comes with a long warranty. It provides user-friendly features, like a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone app integration. The Ioniq has a massive cargo hold, but its rear seats are short on legroom. While it corners well and delivers instant torque, its ride and handling leave much to be desired.
The Ioniq comes in plug-in hybrid and all-electric configurations as well. Both get outstanding MPGe ratings from the EPA and qualify for federal electric car tax credits. However, if you opt for either of these variants, you’ll lose about 3.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.
1) 2019 Toyota Prius
Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 27.4 cubic ft (62.7 cu ft) | $23,770 | USN Score: 8.4/10
The Toyota Prius is not only a legend when it comes to fuel economy, but also a remarkable cargo hauler. It offers more space behind its second row than all other hatchbacks in our rankings. With the Prius’ rear seats folded down, it bests every vehicle on our list, except the Fiat 500L.
For the 2019 model year, the Prius gets newly available all-wheel drive and some styling updates. It provides a smooth ride, confident handling, and adult-friendly accommodations in both rows. Additionally, the Prius earns good ratings for safety and predicted reliability. However, it lacks power compared to many other compact cars.
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Did you find a cargo-friendly hatchback that fits your budget and priorities? If not, visit our hatchback rankings to compare models and research further.
When you’re ready to buy, check out our best car deals and lease deals pages for current manufacturer-sponsored offers. Also, be sure to use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealership in your area with the lowest prices. People who have used the program in the past saved an average of over $3,000 off their new car.
26 Hatchbacks With The Most Cargo Space
- 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 8.7 cubic ft (34 cu ft)
- 2019 Fiat 500: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 9.5 cubic ft (30.1 cu ft)
- 2019 Chevrolet Spark: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 11.1 cubic ft (27.2 cu ft)
- 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-Door: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 13.1 cubic ft (40.7 cu ft)
- 2019 Ford Fiesta Hatchback: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 14.9 cubic ft (25.4 cu ft)
- 2019 Honda Fit: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 16.6 cubic ft (52.7 cu ft)
- 2019 Chevrolet Bolt: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 16.9 cubic ft (56.6 cu ft)
- 2019 Toyota Prius c: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.1 cubic ft (N/A)
- 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.2 cubic ft (47 cu ft)
- 2019 Kia Rio 5-Door: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.4 cubic ft (32.8 cu ft)
- 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 17.8 cubic ft (23.3 cu ft)
- 2019 Nissan Versa Note: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 18.8 cubic ft (38.3 cu ft)
- 2019 Kia Soul: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 18.8 cubic ft (49.5 cu ft)
- 2019 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 19 cubic ft (47.7 cu ft)
- 2019 Toyota Prius Prime: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 19.8 cubic ft (47 cu ft)
- 2019 Hyundai Veloster: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 19.9 cubic ft (44.5 cu ft)
- 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 20.1 cubic ft (47 cu ft)
- 2019 Subaru Impreza: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 20.8 cubic ft (55.3 cu ft)
- 2019 Fiat 500L: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 22.4 cubic ft (68 cu ft)
- 2019 Chevrolet Cruze: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 22.7 cubic ft (47.2 cu ft)
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 22.8 cubic ft (52.7 cu ft)
- 2019 Nissan Leaf: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 23.6 cubic ft (30 cu ft)
- 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 24.9 cubic ft (55.1 cu ft)
- 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 25.7 cubic ft (46.2 cu ft)
- 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 26.5 cubic ft (N/A)
- 2019 Toyota Prius: Cargo Space (Max Cargo): 27.4 cubic ft (62.7 cu ft)
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Small Cars With Big Capacity
Hatchbacks offer multiple advantages over sedans and SUVs. When compared to sedans, most hatchbacks provide more practical interiors and more room for cargo. Many hatchbacks offer similar utility to crossover SUVs while delivering better overall driving dynamics. These cars tend to have a small footprint, which often leads to good maneuverability and handling, as well as peppy acceleration and commendable fuel efficiency.
While maximum cargo volume – with the rear seats folded down – is an essential vehicle metric, most people aren’t going to leave their second-row seats folded down on a regular basis. Sure, the space is there if you need it to transport larger objects. However, there’s a better chance you’ll be leaving those rear seats in their upright position and loading your cargo behind them, at least most of the time.
We sifted through our hatchback rankings to determine each vehicle’s cargo capacity behind its rear seats. Then, we ranked them from those that offer the least amount of room to those that offer the most. This way you can easily determine which hatchbacks appeal to you and how much space they provide.
Our scores and rankings are updated on a regular basis when new data and expert research become available. For this reason, some of the scores mentioned in this article may not match up with the scores in our new car rankings.
Navigate through the following pages for key details and cargo capacities of each 2019 hatchback.