Trunk comparison: BMW 3 Series Touring vs Durchschnitt Compact SUV

Key Differences (>10%)

The BMW 3 Series Touring offers significantly more cargo length: with the seats folded down, the trunk is +10.2 in (17%) longer, and with the first row upright, even +9.1 in (30%) longer than the average compact SUV.

The average compact SUV, however, has a considerably larger difference between the loading edge and the trunk floor: this depth is +5.1 in (1300%) greater than in the BMW. Additionally, the loading edge of the average SUV is +5.5 in (23%) higher above the ground than that of the BMW 3 Series Touring.

Impact on Usability

The longer loading areas of the BMW make it more practical for long or flat items (e.g., slats, skis, long furniture parts) and increase capacity for typical luggage, especially when the rear seats are folded down.

The lower loading edge height of the BMW makes lifting and sliding heavy boxes or luggage easier; frequent loading and unloading is thus more ergonomic.

The average compact SUV, due to the greater depth between loading edge and trunk floor and the higher loading edge, has different advantages and disadvantages: The deeper cargo well can secure smaller items and loose cargo more safely but does not offer as flat or long a loading surface as the Touring.

The higher loading edge makes inserting heavy loads more difficult and sliding bulky items less comfortable; for infrequent use or for very voluminous but not particularly long cargo, the greater interior height can be advantageous.

Width differences are minor: the narrowest trunk width and opening width differ by only about 1.2 in and have little practical impact.

Overall, if long, flat, or heavy items are frequently loaded, the BMW 3 Series Touring is more practical; those who prefer deeper cargo wells for voluminous or loose cargo and accept a higher loading height will find certain advantages in the compact SUV.