Boot Space & Seating
How to judge real-world boot space and seating: litres versus shape, folding seats, third rows, ISOFIX and what different families actually need.
Boot capacity in litres is one of the most quoted and least useful numbers on a spec sheet. A tall, boxy SUV boot with a low floor can be far more practical than a longer sedan boot with the same figure, and the opposite is true if you carry suitcases. What matters is the shape of the space, the loading height, whether the rear seats fold flat and split, and how much room is left when a third row is in use.
Seating deserves the same honesty. Five seats on paper can mean a cramped middle position, and a 7-seater's third row may suit children rather than adults. Take the pram, the golf bag or the crates you actually carry to the test drive and try them. The Car4Less showroom lists boot capacity and seat count for every model so you can shortlist before you visit a dealer.
Articles on boot space & seating
Boot Space & Seating — questions
The questions people ask about boot space & seating, answered plainly.
How much boot space do I really need?
+
Think in terms of what you carry weekly, not the biggest load you can imagine. A couple with weekend luggage manages easily in a compact hatchback; a family with a pram and shopping needs a boot that takes both without folding seats; regular airport runs or camping trips justify a medium SUV or estate. Shape and loading height matter as much as the litre figure.
Are 7-seater third rows suitable for adults?
+
In compact 7-seaters the third row is usually best for children or short trips, with limited legroom and little boot space behind it. Larger SUVs and MPVs offer more usable third-row space for adults. If you regularly carry six or seven adults, look at the bigger vehicles and check how much boot remains with all seats in use.
What does a 60/40 split rear seat mean?
+
It means the rear backrest folds in two unequal sections, so you can carry a long item on one side while a passenger still sits on the other. Some cars offer a 40/20/40 split with a narrow centre section for skis or planks. A fully flat fold and a low load lip make the space much more useful than the split alone.
Which is better for a pram, a hatchback or an SUV?
+
Most modern prams fold to fit a compact hatchback boot, but an SUV's taller opening and higher floor make lifting and loading easier on your back, and there is usually room left for shopping. If you also fit a rear-facing child seat, check that the front seat still has comfortable legroom. Take the pram along when you test drive.
Ready to find your car?
Browse over 1 318 new cars, every one below the manufacturer's retail price.