A car with an open trunk: what is it called and how do the body types differ?

Have you ever wondered what the correct name is for a car with an open trunk? This question most often arises among newcomers to the automotive field or when purchasing a used car with a non-standard body. The fact is that “open trunk” is a general description that can apply to several types of cars with different designs and purposes.

In the automotive industry, there are at least 5 main body types, where the luggage compartment can be open or transformable. From classic pickups with separate cargo compartment up to roadsters with a soft roof - each option has its own characteristics. In this article we will analyze all types of such machines, their pros and cons, and also give recommendations on choosing for specific tasks.

It is important to understand that the term "open trunk" is not an official designation in the body classification. This is rather a common name that can be misleading. For example, at hatchback The trunk isn't technically "open" but can be converted by folding the rear seats. But at pickup truck The cargo bed is actually open at the top. Let's take a closer look.

1. Pickup - a classic truck with an open body

If you imagine a car with an open trunk as a truck with a separate platform for transporting things, then we are talking about pickup truck. This is the most common type of car with an open cargo compartment, which can be either integrated into the body (like Ford Ranger), and removable (in older models GAZ-66).

Main features of pickups:

• 🚛 Separate cargo platform (sometimes with a removable awning)
• 🔧 High load capacity (from 500 kg to several tons)
• 🛠️ Possibility of installing additional equipment (winches, luggage boxes)
• 🚗 Often built on the basis of frame SUVs (for example, Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara)

Pickups are divided into several subtypes:

• 🔹 Compact (for example, Ford Maverick) - up to 5 meters long, suitable for the city.
• 🔹 Full size (for example, Ram 1500) - from 5.5 meters long, for heavy loads.
• 🔹 Double cabin — with 4-5 seats and a shortened platform.
• 🔹 Single cabin — driver + passenger only, maximum body length.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia, pickup trucks with a payload capacity of more than 1 ton require category "C" on a driver's license, even if their weight does not exceed 3.5 tons. Check this point before purchasing!

Pickup type	Model example	Load capacity	Body length
Compact	Hyundai Santa Cruz	500–700 kg	1.5–1.8 m
Medium size	Toyota Tacoma	800–1200 kg	1.8–2.4 m
Full size	Ford F-150	1200–2500 kg	2.4–3.5 m
Heavy	Ram 3500	From 3 tons	From 3.5 m

Pickup trucks are popular among farmers, construction workers and travelers due to their versatility. However, in the city they can be inconvenient due to their large dimensions and high fuel consumption. If you need a car for everyday driving with the ability to occasionally carry large loads, consider alternatives like station wagons or crossovers with convertible trunk.

2. Station wagon - a family option with a large trunk

If you want a car with an opening trunk, but not a truck, then most likely we are talking about station wagon. This body type is characterized by an enlarged luggage compartment, which is integrated into the cabin and can be expanded by folding the rear seats. Classic examples: Volkswagen Passat Variant, Skoda Octavia Combi or domestic Lada Vesta SW.

Advantages of station wagons:

• 🚗 More comfortable for daily driving than pickups.
• 🔄 The trunk can be “opened” completely by folding the seats (volume up to 1800–2000 liters).
• 💰 Cheaper to maintain than pickups or SUVs.
• 🛣️ Better handling at high speeds thanks to a low center of gravity.

Station wagons are:

• 🔹 Classic - with a high roof and a vertical rear door (for example, Volvo V60).
• 🔹 Liftbacks - with a sloping roof and a rear door that opens with the glass (for example, Audi A4 Avant).
• 🔹 Extended - with an extended wheelbase (for example, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate).

The main difference between a station wagon and a hatchback is trunk volume in standard position (without folding seats). For station wagons it usually starts from 500–600 liters, while for hatchbacks it rarely exceeds 400 liters. Also, station wagons are often equipped rails for securing cargo, mesh dividers and electric rear door.

3. Hatchback - compactness with the possibility of transformation

Hatchbacks are often confused with station wagons due to their similar rear design, but they are more compact and have a more sloping roof. However, hatchbacks also have the ability to “open” the trunk by folding the rear seats. Popular models: Volkswagen Golf, Kia Rio, Renault Clio.

Features of hatchbacks:

• 🚗 Short wheelbase (convenient for parking in the city).
• 🔄 The trunk expands to 1200–1400 liters (with seats folded).
• 💰 The most budget option among cars with a transformable trunk.
• 🛠️ Often equipped Easy Fold system for quick folding of seats.

Hatchbacks are divided into classes by size:

Class	Body length	Trunk volume (min/max)	Model example
Small (B-class)	3.6–4.0 m	250–1200 l	Hyundai i20
Compact (C-Class)	4.0–4.5 m	350–1400 l	Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Middle (D-class)	4.5–4.8 m	400–1600 l	Volkswagen Golf

Hatchbacks are ideal for the city, but have limitations on load capacity (usually up to 400–500 kg). If you need to transport heavy items (such as construction materials), it is better to consider a station wagon or pickup truck. Also note loading opening height — in hatchbacks it is often higher than in station wagons, which is inconvenient when loading heavy objects.

Seat folding mechanism (should operate smoothly)|Height of the loading opening (optimally up to 70 cm)|Presence of cargo fastenings (hooks, belts)|Condition of the rear door seals (to prevent water leakage)-->

4. Roadster and convertible - open top, but no trunk

Sometimes the term "car with an open trunk" is mistakenly understood roadsters or convertibles. However, these cars do not open the trunk, but roof (soft top or removable hard panel). Their luggage compartment, as a rule, is very small and not transformable. Examples: Mazda MX-5, BMW Z4, Porsche 718 Boxster.

Differences between roadsters and convertibles:

• 🚗 Roadster - a two-seater open-top sports car (e.g. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider).
• 🚖 Convertible - can be a 4-seater with a soft or hard folding roof (for example, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet).
• 🔄 The trunk usually does not exceed 200–300 liters (due to the roof folding mechanism).
• 💨 The speed of opening/closing the roof is from 10 to 30 seconds.

These cars are not suitable for hauling cargo, but they are often chosen for their style and drive. If you want both an open top and a practical trunk, consider convertible crossovers (for example, Range Rover Evoque Convertible), but they are extremely rare and expensive to maintain.

⚠️ Note: Convertible soft tops require regular treatment with water-repellent compounds (for example, Renovo Soft Top Cleaner). Otherwise, the fabric loses elasticity and begins to leak after 3–4 years.

5. SUVs with open trunks are rare

Some SUVs have modifications with an open cargo compartment. For example, Suzuki Jimny in version pickup (sold outside Russia) or Mercedes-Benz G-Class with body cabriolet (produced in limited editions). There are also cabover jeeps (for example, Land Rover Defender 90 without rear seats), where the luggage compartment is actually open.

Features of such machines:

• 🏔️ High ground clearance and all-wheel drive (like classic SUVs).
• 🔧 Possibility of installing additional equipment (winches, luggage baskets).
• 🚗 Often built on a frame structure (stronger than a monocoque).
• 💰 Very expensive to purchase and maintain (due to low serial production).

Examples of rare SUVs with an open trunk:

Model	Body type	Load capacity	Features
Suzuki Jimny Pickup	Pickup	500 kg	Short wheelbase, all-wheel drive
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabrio	Convertible	200 kg	Soft top, 4 seats
Land Rover Defender 90 (cabover)	Station wagon without roof	800 kg	Removable doors and roof

Such cars are bought more for a hobby or collection than for practical purposes. They require special care (eg. anti-corrosion treatment of exposed metal parts) and are often not certified for Russia. If you need an SUV with a large trunk, it is better to pay attention to Toyota Land Cruiser 76 (long wheelbase) or Nissan Patrol.

6. How to choose a car with an open trunk to suit your needs

To avoid making a mistake with your choice, determine why you need a car with an open or convertible trunk:

1. For transportation of goods (building materials, tools, equipment) → pickup or commercial van.
2. For family trips with large luggage → station wagon or crossover with folding seats.
3. For the city with the ability to sometimes transport bulky items → hatchback.
4. For style and drive (without practical load) → roadster or convertible.
5. Off-road with open cargo area → SUV-pickup (for example, Suzuki Jimny Pickup).

Also consider the following nuances:

• 🔧 Service: Body-on-frame pickups and SUVs are more expensive to repair than station wagons.
• 💰 Insurance cost: Convertibles and roadsters often have higher MTPL rates.
• 🛣️ Patency: Station wagons and hatchbacks are not designed for off-road use (clearance 120–150 mm).
• 📏 Dimensions: Pickup trucks may not fit in a standard garage (5m or more in length).

7. Legal nuances of operating cars with an open trunk

In Russia there are several important rules that apply to cars with an open cargo compartment:

For pickups and cargo modifications:

• 📋 Required permission to transport goods, if the weight exceeds 3.5 tons (category "C").
• 🚧 The load should not protrude beyond the dimensions of the machine by more than 1 m in front/rear and 0.4 m on the sides (on Traffic rules clause 23.3).
• 🔴 If the load protrudes more than 1 m, you need to install identification sign "Large cargo".

For convertibles and roadsters:

• 🚗 In some regions there are restrictions on operation in winter (due to poor thermal insulation).
• 🔧 Soft top must be certified - homemade designs are not allowed.

For station wagons and hatchbacks:

• 📄 When transporting cargo in the cabin (with folded seats), be sure to secure it with straps, otherwise a fine Traffic rules clause 22.3 - 500 rubles.
• 🚨 If the load blocks the driver’s view, this is considered a violation (Traffic rules clause 2.3.1).

⚠️ Attention: If you convert a station wagon into a pickup truck (for example, cutting off the roof over the trunk), this is considered changing the vehicle design and requires approval from the traffic police. Without this, the car will not pass inspection.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with an open trunk

Is it possible to make a pickup truck out of a station wagon with your own hands?

Technically yes, but legally - only after approval from the traffic police. You will need:

1. Develop a refurbishment project (with strength calculations).
2. Receive a preliminary technical examination report.
3. Pass the traffic police check after modifications.

Without this, the car will not pass inspection, and the insurance company may refuse to pay in case of an accident.

Which pickup truck is the most fuel efficient?

Among modern models, the leaders in efficiency are:

• Hyundai Santa Cruz (consumption 8–10 l/100 km, 2.5 CRDi turbodiesel).
• Ford Maverick (hybrid version, consumption 5–6 l/100 km).
• Toyota Hilux (diesel 2.8 GD, consumption 7–9 l/100 km).

For comparison: full-size pickups like Ford F-150 consume 14–18 l/100 km.

Is it possible to transport people in the open trunk of a pickup truck?

By Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 22.8), transportation of people in the back of a truck is permitted only if:

• The speed does not exceed 60 km/h.
• People are provided with seats fixed at a height of 30–50 cm from the floor.
• There are strong sides with a height of at least 80 cm.

In reality, traffic police inspectors often fine people for transporting people in the back of a pickup truck (500–1000 rubles). It's better to avoid this.

How to protect cargo in an open trunk from rain?

Methods of protection:

• 🔹 Awning - removable or with zippers (for example, Covercraft).
• 🔹 Hard toner - aluminum or plastic (for pickups).
• 🔹 Waterproof cases for cargo (for example, CargoGlide).
• 🔹 Spray for hydrophobization (for example, WD-40 Specialist) - applied to fabric surfaces.

Suitable for station wagons and hatchbacks luggage net with water-repellent coating.

What cars with an open trunk can be bought in Russia in 2026?

Officially presented on the Russian market:

• Pickups: Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger, UAZ Pickup.
• Station wagons: Lada Vesta SW, Skoda Octavia Combi, Volkswagen Passat Variant.
• Hatchbacks: Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris, Renault Arkana.
• Convertibles: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Pickups Suzuki Jimny Pickup and Jeep Gladiator sold only through parallel imports.