When everyday tasks require the transportation of large cargo, a large car with an open trunk comes to the fore. This is not just a whim, but a functional necessity for those who value practicality and preparedness for any situation on the road. Whether it's a trip to the supermarket to buy building supplies or preparing for a family camping trip, cargo space is often a deciding factor when choosing a vehicle.
In today's automotive world, the term "open trunk" is most often associated with hatchback, station wagon or SUV body styles, where the tailgate lifts up to provide direct access to the space behind the last row of seats. Versatility of such cars allows you to transform the interior to suit specific needs, removing the rear seats and getting an almost flat loading area. It is this aspect that makes them a favorite among active people and professionals who need to load equipment quickly.
However, choosing such a car is not only a matter of volume in liters. It is necessary to take into account the ergonomics of loading, the height of the side, the presence of additional fastenings and even the electric door system, which makes life much easier when your hands are busy. In this article, we will analyze in detail which models are considered the benchmark in their class, how to properly operate a wide opening, and what to look for when buying a used vehicle with a large cargo compartment.
Advantages of station wagon and liftback cars
The main trump card that a large car with an open trunk has is, of course, lifting capacity combined with the maneuverability of a passenger car. Unlike cargo vans, such vehicles retain comfort of movement, acceleration dynamics and low fuel consumption. The ability to fold the rear seatbacks in a 60/40 or even 50/50 ratio turns the passenger compartment into a full-fledged cargo compartment, where long items like skis or surfboards can easily fit.
In addition, vertical loading through the wide fifth door is much more convenient than in sedans with a narrow opening. You don't have to "push" boxes at an angle and risk damaging the lining or denting the load. Toyota RAV4, Skoda Octavia Combi and Kia Sportage - vivid examples of how engineers design space, maximizing every cubic centimeter of usable volume. Such cars often have a double floor, which allows you to organize hidden niches for tools or dirty shoes.
Another major benefit is improved ventilation when the rear door is open. If you need to quickly ventilate the interior from odors of paint, construction mixtures or after transporting animals, the large opening provides excellent air circulation. This is especially true in the summer, when the confined space of a car can become stuffy even when driving.
The key advantage of a station wagon or liftback body is the ability to transport long cargo while maintaining passenger seats, which is not possible in sedans or coupes.
Criteria for choosing a spacious car
When looking for the ideal candidate for your future big car with an open trunk, you can't rely only on advertising brochures with volume numbers. Real practicality determined by the shape of the opening and the loading height. A trunk that is narrow but deep may be less comfortable than a trunk that is wide and not very deep, especially if you often carry large but lightweight items such as strollers or bicycles.
Pay attention to the geometry of the rear bumper. If the boot lip is high, you will have to lift loads to a considerable height, which will quickly tire your back. Low floor level is critical parameter for those who plan to regularly load heavy bags of groceries or equipment weighing more than 10-15 kg. Some models, for example Volkswagen Passat Variant, are famous for their low loading height.
It is also worth checking that you have a full spare tire or a tire repair system. A full-size spare tire is often hidden in large niches in trunks, which is a huge plus for traveling around Russia. The lack of a spare wheel (only a repair kit) can be an unpleasant surprise on a long journey, when there seems to be space, but it cannot be used under a wheel due to the design of the floor.
- 📏 Volume to roof: a standard figure, but it doesn't take into account headroom with the seats folded down.
- 🚪 Opening width: the distance between the wheel arches, which determines the dimensions of the cargo that can be placed inside.
- 📉 Door opening angle: The higher the door rises, the more convenient it is to load tall objects while standing close to the car.
Technical features and ergonomics of loading
Ergonomics is the science of comfort, and in the context of a car with an open trunk, it plays a decisive role. A large car with an open trunk should be easy to use. Modern systems open from a light touch of the foot under the bumper (function Smart Tailgate), which is indispensable when both hands are busy with boxes. However, the mechanics of the hinges and shock absorbers require periodic maintenance, especially lubrication of the hinges, so that the door does not sag over time.
An important element is the load securing system. The presence of longitudinal guides in the trunk floor allows you to install additional partitions or organizers that prevent things from moving while driving. Fixation cargo is a safety issue, since a loose box in the trunk during sudden braking turns into a projectile that can cause serious injury to passengers or damage the interior.
Don't forget about protecting the trunk itself. A rug with high sides is a must-have accessory for any practical owner. It will save the pile from dirt, snow and spilled liquids. In some premium models such as BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, there are even removable plastic inserts that can be washed with a hose, turning the car into something like a small pickup truck.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the tailgate open for a long time with the engine running in a closed garage. This can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to quickly accumulate inside the cabin and living areas, which can be deadly.
Comparison table of popular models
To help you navigate the variety of offers on the market, we have prepared a comparison of the characteristics of several popular models, which are often chosen for their capacity. These parameters will help you understand which large car with an open trunk will suit your needs.
| Car model | Trunk volume (min/max) l | Length with seats folded (cm) | Design Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Superb Combi | 660 / 1950 | 205 | Tailgate Bifold Door |
| Toyota RAV4 | 580 / 1690 | 180 | Low floor and wide opening |
| Kia Sportage | 591 / 1780 | 185 | Electric door drive in base |
| Lada Vesta SW | 480 / 825 | 165 | Affordable price and maintainability |
As you can see from the table, market leaders offer similar indicators, but the devil is in the details. For example, a double door Skoda allows the top to be used as a table or rain guard when unloading, which is unique for this class. At the same time, Toyota benefits from more efficient use of space in the lower part.
Secret niches
In many cars, not only spare tires are hidden under the raised trunk floor, but also organizers for a jack, cable and small tools. Check your model's packaging to see if you're missing out on convenient storage space.
Safety and protection of cargo when the door is open
Operating a car with an open trunk requires compliance with special safety rules. If you need to transport long items (pipes, boards, skis) with the back door open, the first thing you need to take care of is fixation the door itself is in the up position. Not all stock shock absorbers are designed to hold the door when driving at speed, especially in a headwind that can create lift.
For such cases, there are special fastener belts or telescopic stops that are attached to the body and securely hold the door. However, remember that when the door is open, the aerodynamics of the body are disrupted: fuel consumption increases sharply, visibility in the rear-view mirror deteriorates, and dust and exhaust gases from the vehicle ahead can enter the cabin.
Pay special attention to marking protruding weights. According to traffic rules, if the cargo protrudes beyond the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 1 meter, it must be marked with signal flags or lights at night. Ignoring this rule not only leads to a fine, but also creates a real threat to road users who may not notice a long vehicle in traffic.
- 🚗 Use special nets or stretchers to prevent things from falling onto the road during a sharp maneuver.
- 👁️ Make sure that the load does not block the driver’s view through the rear view mirror.
- 🔦 Attach a red reflective element to the extreme end of the weight for night visibility.
⚠️ Attention: Driving with the rear door open is only permissible if the load and the door itself are securely secured. Make sure that the exhaust system does not direct gases directly into the cabin, which is especially true for diesel engines.
Caring for mechanisms and maintaining useful volume
A large car with an open trunk is a tool that requires maintenance. The fifth door hinges and gas stops experience increased loads, especially in winter, when the seals freeze and the weight of snow on the roof increases resistance when opening. Regular lubrication of rubbing mechanisms and treatment of rubber seals with silicone grease will prolong the life of these components and maintain the tightness of the interior.
Cleanliness in the trunk is not only aesthetics, but also health. Dust, fluff and food residues clogged into the carpet pile become an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which is then very difficult to remove. Periodic dry cleaning or at least thorough vacuuming with a blower function will help maintain sanitation at the proper level.
If you often transport building materials or seedlings, it makes sense to purchase or make your own hard liner from plywood or plastic. It will protect the standard upholstery from scratches and punctures. In addition, such a liner is easier to remove and wash than to clean the pile of the main covering. To protect the side plastic panels, you can use self-adhesive film or special patch pockets.
☑️ Trunk care
To quickly remove small debris and dust from hard-to-reach corners of the trunk, use a stocking stretched over the vacuum cleaner hose. It will collect all the crumbs without scratching the plastic.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to legally drive with an open trunk if the cargo does not fit?
Yes, traffic rules allow the transportation of goods whose dimensions exceed the dimensions of the vehicle, subject to a number of conditions. The load must be securely secured, not interfere with other traffic participants, and be marked with appropriate signs (flags, lights) if it protrudes more than 1 meter. However, the design of the vehicle must allow the door to be safely closed or securely locked when open.
How to increase trunk volume without removing seats?
There are several ways: using a luggage basket on the roof, installing a tow bar with a platform rack, or using soft luggage racks (“boxes”) on the roof. You can also organize vertical storage using organizers that attach to the seat backs, which frees up the floor.
Why does the rear door glass fog up when fully loaded?
This occurs due to impaired air circulation in the cabin. When the trunk is filled to the roof, the air flow from the climate system does not reach the rear window. Solution: Leave small gaps for ventilation, use recirculation mode sparingly, or open windows more often for ventilation.
Is constantly carrying heavy items in the trunk harmful to your body?
Yes, constant overload of the car in excess of the permissible limit (indicated in the operating instructions) leads to sagging of the rear springs, accelerated wear of the shock absorbers and deformation of the body side members. Always check the axle load rating chart.