Which 2026 Honda SUV Has the Best Cargo Space? A Guide for Orland Park Shoppers
Which 2026 Honda SUV Has
the Best Cargo Space?
A Guide for Orland Park Shoppers — comparing the Pilot, Passport, CR-V, and HR-V side by side so you can find the right fit for your family and your gear.
The 2026 Honda Pilot currently offers the highest maximum cargo volume in the lineup, providing roughly 87 to 113 cubic feet of total space when all rear seats are stowed. This capacity varies slightly depending on the specific trim and seating configuration, but it consistently places the vehicle at the top of our SUV hierarchy for pure hauling potential. For residents in Orland Hills who frequently visit local parks and recreational facilities, this volume is often the deciding factor when choosing between a midsize and a compact crossover.
While the largest model leads in total volume, other crossovers in our inventory provide significant utility in smaller footprints. The 2026 Honda Passport offers about 78 to 83 cubic feet of maximum space, while the popular 2026 Honda CR-V delivers roughly 77 cubic feet. Even the most compact option, the 2026 Honda HR-V, manages about 55 to 60 cubic feet of total room. Each of these models features a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, which allows you to balance passenger needs with the need to carry long or bulky items.
Choosing the right fit depends on your specific daily requirements. If you regularly need to transport large items, we recommend checking our current Honda Pilot inventory or exploring the new Honda Passport models. For those prioritizing efficiency alongside space, the new Honda CR-V Hybrid is an excellent alternative. However, the battery placement reduces the area behind the rear seats to about 36 cubic feet, down from the 39 cubic feet in the standard new Honda CR-V.
Beyond standard SUVs, we also carry versatile options like the Honda Odyssey for maximum passenger-to-cargo flexibility and the Honda Ridgeline for those needing an open bed. If you are interested in transitioning to electric power, you can shop our new Honda Prologue selection. For any questions about specific dimensions or to see these layouts in person, you can call our team or get directions to our showroom. We also maintain a wide variety of other models, including the Honda HR-V, and our sedan lineup featuring the Honda Civic and Honda Accord, along with their respective Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid variants.
Table of Contents
- 1The 2026 Honda Pilot: Three-Row Versatility and Interior Dimensions
- 2The 2026 Honda Passport: Rugged Two-Row Utility and Cargo Dimensions
- 3Evaluating the 2026 Honda CR-V: Family Strollers, Car Seats, and Floor Adjustability
- 4Hands-Free Convenience and Custom Dealer-Installed Cargo Accessories
- 5Common Questions About Honda SUV Cargo Space
- 6Find the Perfect Cargo Fit at Community Honda Of Orland Park
The 2026 Honda Pilot: Three-Row Versatility and Interior Dimensions
Can the third row of the 2026 Honda Pilot actually accommodate adults on a longer drive? This is a common question from families in Orland Township who often carpool to the Orland Square Mall or take extended trips across Illinois.
Exterior
Interior
3rd Row
While the second row remains the most spacious area for taller passengers, the third row is sized to seat adults for shorter hops. It is generally very comfortable for children and teenagers on long-distance journeys. The cabin is designed with a wide body and boxy proportions to maximize shoulder and hip room across all three rows.
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7–8 |
| Length | 200.2 in |
| Width | 73.5 in |
| Height | 66.5 in |
Cargo Floor
Hidden Underfloor Storage
When all eight seats are in use, you still have about 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. One of the most useful features is the hidden underfloor storage compartment — this area lets you secure valuables out of sight or organize smaller items like emergency kits and jumper cables.
The 2026 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing the necessary muscle to move a fully loaded cabin with ease.
The 2026 Honda Passport: Rugged Two-Row Utility and Cargo Dimensions
A frequent misconception is that you must move up to a three-row vehicle to get significant cargo depth, but the 2026 Honda Passport proves otherwise.
Exterior
Dashboard
Sunroof
41 Cubic Feet Behind the Second Row
As a midsize two-row SUV, the Passport offers about 41 cubic feet of space behind the second row — actually more immediate storage than the Pilot provides when its third row is upright. The Passport offers a massive, flat load floor that is perfect for hauling larger items like coolers, camping gear, or home improvement supplies.
Wide Tailgate & Underfloor Bins
It features a wide tailgate opening and a relatively low load floor, which reduces the effort required to lift heavy objects into the back. Similar to the Pilot, the Passport also includes underfloor storage bins that are ideal for organizing tools or stowing away wet gear after a hike.
Cargo Area — Folded Seats
Maneuverability Without Compromise
For those interested in exploring the full range of features available on this rugged SUV, our homepage provides a great starting point to view our current stock and research different trim levels. The Passport is often favored by those who want a vehicle that feels substantial on the road but remains easy to maneuver in suburban parking lots. With its standard V6 engine and available all-wheel drive, it offers a confident driving experience that matches its muscular exterior styling.
Evaluating the 2026 Honda CR-V: Family Strollers, Car Seats, and Floor Adjustability
The 2026 Honda CR-V is often the benchmark for how much a compact SUV can actually hold. One specific stat that surprises many shoppers is the about 76.5 cu ft of maximum cargo volume available with the rear seats folded.
Exterior
Interior
Cargo
Double Stroller Ready
In practical terms, this means the CR-V is large enough to fit a full-size double stroller in the cargo area while still leaving room for a diaper bag and other essentials. The low-load floor is a physical benefit you will notice immediately when lifting heavy car seats or bulky gear into the back, as it requires less vertical reach than many competitors'.
41 Inches of Rear Legroom
The interior dimensions remain generous, offering about 41 inches of rear legroom, making it much easier to install rear-facing car seats without cramping the driver or front passenger. Some models feature a height-adjustable floor that can be lowered to accommodate taller items or raised to create a flat transition when the rear seats are folded.
| Feature | LX | EX | Sport | EX-L | TrailSport | Sport-L | Sport Touring | e:FCEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L I4 | 1.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 | 1.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 | — |
| Transmission | CVT | Automatic | CVT | Automatic | Automatic | CVT | CVT | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | FWD | FWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | FWD |
TrailSport
Adaptable for Every Lifestyle
The Sport trim moves to a 2.0L I4 hybrid powertrain with FWD in its base form, offering an EPA-rated 43 mpg city. Regardless of the engine choice, the 2026 Honda CR-V remains a top choice for its ability to punch above its weight class in terms of usable interior volume. The cargo floor flexibility is particularly useful for those who need to switch between hauling tall plants from a nursery and sliding in flat-packed furniture.
Hands-Free Convenience and Custom Dealer-Installed Cargo Accessories
For the 2026 Honda Pilot, the EX-L trim and higher typically include a power tailgate, while the Elite and Black Edition trims add hands-free access — letting you open the rear hatch with a simple kick under the bumper.
Power Tailgate on CR-V EX-L and Above
Starting at an MSRP of $33,870 for the LX trim, the 2026 Honda CR-V also offers power tailgate options on its higher-tier models. The EX-L at $38,350 and the Sport Touring at $44,002 provide enhanced convenience features that simplify daily errands and grocery runs.
Factory-Approved Accessories
Our team can also install a variety of factory-approved accessories before you take delivery of your new vehicle, ensuring they are covered by the vehicle's warranty and fit perfectly. Whether you are looking at the rugged TrailSport at $40,705 or the high-end e:FCEV at $51,450, customizing your cargo setup lets you tailor the vehicle to your lifestyle.
| Feature | LX | EX | Sport | EX-L | TrailSport | Sport-L | Sport Touring | e:FCEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,870 | $36,103 | $37,535 | $38,350 | $40,705 | $41,529 | $44,002 | $51,450 |
Lowest starting MSRP: LX at $33,870
Common dealer-installed additions include:
- Roof rails and crossbars for mounting bikes or kayaks.
- Cargo organizers, nets, and heavy-duty all-season floor mats.
- Trailer hitches for models like the Pilot, which has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Common Questions About Honda SUV Cargo Space
Find the Perfect Cargo Fit at Community Honda Of Orland Park
Every driver has a different definition of the "best" cargo space, whether it is the raw volume of a three-row SUV or the clever underfloor bins of a midsize crossover. The 2026 Honda Pilot stands as the ultimate hauling machine in the lineup, but the 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Honda CR-V offer massive utility in more maneuverable packages. Seeing these configurations in person and testing the fold-flat seats is the best way to determine which layout fits your gear and your family's routine.
Our team is ready to help you compare these dimensions side by side and explore the various trim levels that add convenience features such as power tailgates and hands-free access. We invite you to browse our new Honda CR-V inventory or visit our showroom to experience the full SUV lineup for yourself. Whether you are prepping for a cross-country move or just need a reliable way to get the kids to practice, we have the right Honda SUV to handle the job.
Ready to See the Space for Yourself?
Visit Community Honda of Orland Park and test every fold-flat configuration in person.
