Trunk comparison: Ford S-MAX vs VW Passat Wagon

Key Differences

The biggest differences are not in length or width, but in loading edge height, trunk depth, and height of the trunk opening. The following details stand out:

• Height of the trunk opening: The Ford S‑Max has an opening that is 5.5 in (≈18%) higher than the VW Passat Wagon.
• Depth of the trunk (loading edge → trunk floor): The VW Passat Wagon is 2.4 in (≈200%) deeper here than the Ford S‑Max.
• Loading edge height above the ground: The loading edge of the VW Passat Wagon is 2.8 in (≈12%) higher above the ground than that of the Ford S‑Max.
• Smaller differences (under 10%): trunk length (±1–1.2 in) and trunk width (±1–0.8 in) are negligible for practical usability.

Impact on Usability

The combination of these differences leads to clear practical consequences:

• Ford S‑Max: Due to the higher trunk opening, tall or bulky items can be loaded more easily because more pass-through height is available. The lower loading edge makes lifting heavy loads less strenuous and reduces the lifting angle — advantageous for frequent loading/unloading.
• VW Passat Wagon: The significantly greater trunk depth increases usable volume inside, especially for flat or long cargo that extends behind the loading edge. However, with the higher loading edge, more lifting is required to get items over the threshold; combined with the lower opening height, loading very tall or bulky parts can be less convenient.
• Practical conclusion: For frequent loading and unloading of heavy or tall items, the Ford S‑Max tends to be more practical. For maximum interior volume and storing longer/flat goods, the VW Passat Wagon scores, provided the lifting over the higher loading edge is acceptable.