Mazda CX-50 Luggage Test: How much cargo can it hold?

The CX-50 is the slightly bigger, appreciably more American compact SUV from Mazda, joining the more globally minded CX-5 last year. Many might wonder why Mazda needs both, especially as the CX-50 does everything the CX-5 does well and adds some uniquely worthwhile elements (style for one). I have to imagine that selling a CX-50 and CX-5 confuses people, too. Anyway ...

The Mazda CX-50 has a bit more cargo space on paper than the CX-5: 31.4 cubic feet versus 30.9. That leaves both below our current luggage test hierarchy of (in order of best performance in this test and not stated volume): Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander, with the Kia Sportage somewhere in there as well (long story, see below). As it turns out, the CX-50 is just a bit better than the Nissan Rogue and way better than the Ford Escape. All the preceding links go to their respective luggage tests.

OK, now that I've put the cart before the horse, let's see how I came to that conclusion.

Yep, it's a cargo area. Unlike most of the competitors mentioned above, there are no hidden tricks here. No dual-level cargo floor or sliding back seat for extra space, no split-level cargo dividers ... just a cargo area.

OK, so there is a spare tire, which isn't nothing. Some competitors, specifically the CR-V and Tucson hybrids, do not have them.

Once again, a car that I'm testing has not included a cargo cover. This prevents me from testing with and without a cover. Annoying.