Trunk comparison: BMW X3 vs Volvo V90

Key Differences

The most noticeable differences concern length with the first row of seats upright as well as the vertical dimensions of the cargo area.

The Volvo V90 offers significantly more cargo length with the rear seats up: +7.5 in (20%) compared to the BMW X3. In terms of trunk opening and loading edge, the BMW X3 leads: the height of the trunk opening is +3.5 in (13%) greater on the BMW, and the loading edge is +3.5 in (15%) higher above the ground than on the Volvo.

Impact on Usability

The longer cargo floor of the Volvo V90 with the rear bench upright makes it more practical for long items without folding the seats down (e.g., slats, skis, long boxes) and is better suited for users who regularly transport long cargo while keeping the rear seats occupied.

The higher clearance of the trunk opening in the BMW X3 makes it easier to accommodate tall or bulky items, as more vertical space is available.

At the same time, the higher loading edge in the BMW complicates loading and unloading heavy or awkward loads: more lifting height is required, which is physically more demanding and can make handling large boxes or furniture more difficult.

Other dimensions are less relevant: cargo depth is the same, width differences are small (5% and 2%) and hardly affect practical use. Also, folding down the seats adds more length in the Volvo (+6.3 in / 9%), but this advantage is below the 10% mark and thus less pronounced than the differences mentioned above.