Book a seven-seat SUV or a minivan listed for 6–7 riders and confirm trunk capacity before dispatch. If transporting more than three large suitcases, reserve a minivan or plan two vehicles; expect midsize SUVs to accommodate about 2 large checked suitcases + 4 carry-ons, while minivans usually accept 4–5 large checked suitcases + 2 small bags.
Typical cargo volumes behind the third row: compact SUVs ~10–20 cu ft; midsize SUVs ~20–35 cu ft; full-size SUVs and minivans ~35–80 cu ft. Use these figures to estimate needs: one large checked case (28–30 in) occupies roughly 4–6 cu ft; a carry-on or backpack about 1–2 cu ft.
Packing and loading tips: place the largest hard-shell cases first and stand them upright when possible; compress soft duffels and stow backpacks under seats. If the vehicle offers a fold-flat third row, folding it increases cargo volume significantly–ask the driver if folding seats or installing a roof box is acceptable before loading.
Booking checklist: select the extra-large or minivan category in the app, add a clear note showing passenger count and number of checked bags, and confirm airport pickup location. For bulky gear (sports equipment, instruments, oversized boxes), request a cargo van or arrange two vehicles to avoid denied loading at pickup.
Will an XL vehicle accommodate six passengers plus baggage?
Use a full‑size extended‑wheelbase SUV (examples: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL) to reliably seat six adults and transport three to five large suitcases plus several small carry‑ons.
Vehicle classes and expected cargo capacity
Midsize three‑row SUVs (Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander): roughly 10–20 cu ft behind the third row → typically 1–2 large checked suitcases. Full‑size short‑wheelbase SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada): about 15–30 cu ft → usually 2–3 large cases. Full‑size extended‑wheelbase SUVs (Suburban, Expedition, Yukon XL): approximately 30–50+ cu ft → commonly 4–6 large cases. A large checked suitcase (27–30 in / 68–76 cm) occupies roughly 4–6 cu ft; use those figures to estimate how many bags will fit in a chosen vehicle.
Packing and pickup recommendations
Load strategy: place hard‑shell cases upright along the cargo sides, stack soft duffels on top or in gaps, and keep one or two smaller bags under second‑row seats. If transporting six people plus more than four large checked bags, either upgrade to an extended‑cargo SUV or split across two vehicles. Before you request a ride, count checked pieces and confirm the driver can accept extra baggage; if driver offers to fold the third row, verify seating remains for six before accepting. For airport trips, prioritize booking an extended‑wheelbase option to avoid tight stacking and last‑minute refusals.
XL category: official passenger limits and baggage guidance
Book an XL vehicle for up to six passengers; allocate roughly three checked suitcases plus two carry-ons total – for additional or oversized items reserve a van/minivan or request two cars.
Official policy: the XL category allows a maximum of six riders per trip; each occupant must use an available seatbelt. Drivers may decline excess cargo that obstructs exits or creates safety hazards. Bulky items such as surfboards, large instruments, or commercial crates typically require a van-class vehicle or a specialized carrier.
Packing recommendations: prefer soft duffels and compressible bags, and use upright carry-ons (22 x 14 x 9 in) for efficient stacking. For six passengers anticipate space for two to three large checked bags (about 27–30 in each) plus personal items; folding a stroller or switching rigid suitcases for soft-sided bags increases usable capacity. Stow heavier pieces in the trunk and lighter items under seats to keep the aisle clear.
At booking or before pickup, message the driver to confirm cargo space and list total pieces; allow extra time for loading. Offer assistance or a small gratuity for handling heavy items; drivers will accommodate reasonable requests but cannot exceed seating or safety limits.
If transporting oversized cargo or more than six people, choose a dedicated van/minivan service, airport shuttle, or commercial vehicle that lists cargo dimensions, or split the group into two vehicles to avoid delays or refusals at curbside.
Common XL vehicle models and typical cargo space (cubic feet)
Recommendation: For six passengers plus multiple checked bags choose an extended full‑size SUV (Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition Max) – these typically provide roughly 120–145 cu ft total and about 40–75 cu ft behind the third row.
- Extended full‑size SUVs – Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL / Ford Expedition Max: Approx. 120–145 cu ft (maximum); behind second row ~70–75 cu ft; behind third row ~40–45 cu ft.
- Full‑size SUVs – Chevrolet Tahoe / Toyota Sequoia / Nissan Armada: Approx. 95–123 cu ft (maximum); behind second row ~45–73 cu ft; behind third row ~20–42 cu ft.
- Standard three‑row SUVs – Honda Pilot / Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade / Dodge Durango: Approx. 60–88 cu ft (maximum); behind second row ~40–50 cu ft; behind third row ~16–25 cu ft.
- Full‑size crew SUVs (standard wheelbase) – Ford Expedition (regular): Approx. 100–105 cu ft (maximum); behind second row ~50–64 cu ft; behind third row ~20–36 cu ft (varies by wheelbase).
- Minivans – Chrysler Pacifica / Toyota Sienna / Honda Odyssey: Approx. 130–150 cu ft (maximum); behind second row ~80–90 cu ft; behind third row ~30–40 cu ft.
Practical packing equivalents
- ~40 cu ft – typically accommodates 3–5 large checked suitcases or 6–8 carry‑on bags while keeping the third row upright.
- ~70–75 cu ft – typically accommodates 5–8 large checked suitcases or a mix of checked and carry‑ons; good when some third‑row space is needed.
- ~120–145 cu ft – typically accommodates 8–12 large checked suitcases or up to ~16 carry‑ons when third row is folded or removed.
- Estimates assume average hard‑shell checked bags and allow for inefficient stacking; actual counts vary by bag size, item shape and how seats are configured.
Quick selection checklist
- If all six will use three rows and third row remains upright, target vehicles offering ≥40 cu ft behind the third row.
- If bulkier baggage or multiple large suitcases must be carried, target extended models with ≥120 cu ft maximum cargo.
- Choose minivans for the highest behind‑second‑row capacity if sliding doors and easy load/unload are priorities.
How to measure suitcases and calculate required trunk volume
Recommendation: measure each bag’s external length × width × height in inches, multiply to get cubic inches, divide that total by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet, then apply a packing overhead of 10–20% to account for wasted space and access clearance.
Practical measurement steps
Measure the longest, widest and tallest points; include wheels and extended handles when they affect how the item sits. For soft-sided bags, compress to the packed profile used during travel. For duffels, strollers and irregular items use a rectangular bounding box that just encloses the item and measure that box.
Formula: cubic inches = L × W × H. Cubic feet = cubic inches ÷ 1,728. Sum cubic feet across all items, then multiply by 1.10–1.20 to get required cargo volume for realistic packing.
Examples and packing factors
Example A – standard carry roller 22×14×9 in → 22×14×9 = 2,772 cu in → 1.60 cu ft.
Example B – medium checked 24×16×11 in → 24×16×11 = 4,224 cu in → 2.44 cu ft. Six such units → 14.64 cu ft; apply 15% overhead → 16.84 cu ft required.
Example C – large checked 28×20×12 in → 28×20×12 = 6,720 cu in → 3.89 cu ft. Two large plus four medium (examples above) → 3.89×2 + 2.44×4 = 18.14 cu ft; after 12% overhead → 20.33 cu ft.
Packing guidance: use 10% overhead for mostly rectangular, stackable cases; use 15–20% when items are irregular, soft or a folded stroller is included. A folded umbrella stroller often measures near 36×18×12 in → 4.50 cu ft; for compact options see best deluxe umbrella stroller.
Final check: compare the calculated required cargo volume (after overhead) to the vehicle’s published trunk capacity in cubic feet. If the required number is lower or equal, the set can be accommodated; if higher, reduce bag count, replace sizes, or choose a vehicle with greater cargo capacity.
Packing configurations to accommodate six passengers and 2–4 large suitcases
Recommendation: place two large hard-shell suitcases in the cargo bay, arrange a third upright behind the second-row seatback or through a narrow 40/20/40 passthrough, and place a fourth on a roof or hitch carrier if interior volume is insufficient.
Quick volume reference: a typical large checked suitcase measures about 28–30 in × 18–21 in × 11–13 in ≈ 3.8–4.7 cubic feet each. Expected combined volumes: 2 pieces ≈ 7.6–9.4 cu ft; 3 pieces ≈ 11.4–14.1 cu ft; 4 pieces ≈ 15.2–18.8 cu ft. Use these targets against vehicle cargo numbers to decide strategy.
Two-suitcase layout: lay both flat in cargo area, wheels toward seatbacks, handles inward to maximize stacking clearance. If cargo opening height is limited, stand cases on their short edge (wheels on floor). Tuck one soft bag under a rear-seat passenger’s feet or behind a front-seat passenger’s legs to keep aisles clear.
Three-suitcase layout: place two in cargo per the two-piece method; for the third use one of these methods: (A) slide it through a 40/20/40 split by folding the narrow section flat so the case sits partially in the cabin behind the front seats; (B) stand it upright on the rear floor directly behind a middle-seat passenger’s feet (expect reduced footroom); (C) replace one hard case with a compressible duffel and stuff the duffel into side gaps and under seats to free space.
Four-suitcase layout while keeping six seating positions: interior-only placement is rarely practical unless the vehicle has very large cargo volume (>16 cu ft) plus a fold-flat second row that still allows three passengers to sit safely. Preferred options: install a roof box (13–16 cu ft commonly holds 3–4 large cases) or a hitch-mount cargo carrier (15–18 cu ft typical). Roof-box weight limits usually 110–165 lb; hitch carriers often 100–200 lb. Secure each case with straps and check vehicle roof and hitch load ratings before loading.
Load sequencing and restraint: load heaviest cases low and centered, then stack lighter items on top. Align zipper seams and handles to minimize snagging when sliding cases in/out. Use a non-slip mat and ratchet straps or cargo nets to stop rearward movement. If any seat must be partially folded, ensure that all seatbelt anchors remain functional and accessible.
Passenger comfort tips: designate one passenger to take the middle-row seat that shares space with an upright suitcase (shorter legs or flexible seating preference helps). Exchange a hard shell for a soft duffel when footroom is tight; soft bags compress into footwells and side pockets more easily.
If transporting bottles or perishable items, consult precautions about cold exposure and freezing: can red wine be frozen.
If an XL vehicle won’t accommodate six passengers and bags: alternatives and what to tell your driver
Primary recommendation
Book a second car or upgrade to a dedicated passenger van (7–12 seats) – this avoids unsafe trunk overload and saves time compared to trying to cram extra suitcases into a standard SUV.
Immediate options and quick trade-offs
Request an additional ride (fastest): split group into two vehicles; total cost often less than damage/penalties from overloading. Upgrade to a passenger van/minibus when available: one vehicle, more cargo volume, fewer stops. Ask the driver if folding the third row is allowed and safe; if seats fold flat it may free 20–40 cu ft in many models, but confirm seat mechanisms and seatbelt availability first. Arrange an on-demand courier for surplus bags when only one vehicle is allowed at pick-up points (airport curb rules frequently restrict extra trunks).
Option | Typical seating | Approx. cargo volume (cu ft) | Best for |
---|---|---|---|
Two standard cars | 2 × 4–5 | 2 × 10–16 | 6+ passengers with 3–6 large suitcases when urgency matters |
Passenger van / Minibus | 7–12 | 100–400 (varies by model and seat layout) | Groups with many large cases or equipment |
Full‑size SUV (private hire) | 6–7 | 15–45 (behind 3rd row or folded) | Smaller groups wanting one vehicle but limited extra bag volume |
Airport shuttle / Coach | 8–50 | 80–250 (underfloor bays) | Multiple passengers and bulky baggage to/from terminals |
Courier / same‑day parcel | – | Varies (use dimensions provided) | Ship 1–6 extra suitcases ahead when vehicle capacity is insufficient |
Do not place bags in front of the driver, block exits, or compromise seatbelts and airbags. If the driver declines extra cargo due to safety or policy, accept the refusal and choose another option rather than creating a hazard.
Use concise, polite lines when speaking to the driver:
“We are six people and have X large suitcases plus Y carry‑ons. Would folding the third row be okay, and where would you prefer I place the bags?”
“If folding seats is possible, I can move smaller bags into the cabin; I will add a $X tip for handling.”
“If you prefer not to assist, I will request a second vehicle or a van–thank you for letting me know.”
Offer an on‑the‑spot tip for seat folding or heavy lifting, state exact bag counts and sizes (e.g., “three 28-inch suitcases and two backpacks”), and confirm that any interior placement won’t obstruct airbags or passenger foot space. If curb rules or app policies prevent extra cargo, switch to the van/second car option immediately.