Trunk comparison: Ford S-MAX vs VW T-Cross

Summary of measurable differences

The Ford S‑Max offers significantly more usable length and a larger opening: with the seats folded down, the trunk is +20.9 in (37%) longer, and with the first row of seats upright, even +18.1 in (70%) longer than the VW T‑Cross. The trunk opening of the S‑Max is +9.1 in (33%) higher than that of the T‑Cross.

In contrast, the VW T‑Cross has a significantly greater depth between the loading edge and the trunk floor: +5.1 in (433%) compared to the S‑Max.

Smaller differences (under 10%) exist in width: the S‑Max is only +1.2 in (3%) wider at the narrowest point, and the opening width of the S‑Max is +3.1 in (8%) wider than that of the T‑Cross.

What are the implications of these differences for usability?

The greater cargo length and higher opening of the S‑Max make it significantly more practical for long or bulky items (e.g., skis, furniture parts, long boxes) and facilitate loading with seats folded down or upright.

The combination of more length and higher opening allows for flatter placement of long items and better access to the depth of the cargo area.

The T‑Cross, due to its significantly higher loading edge and greater distance from the loading edge to the trunk floor, offers a different usability: The higher loading edge (+5.5 in / 25%) increases the lifting effort when loading from the ground; the considerably greater "depth" between the loading edge and floor (+5.1 in / 433%) creates a deeper interior space, which can make storing large-volume but heavy items more difficult because they must first be lifted over the higher loading edge and then lowered into the deeper interior.

This is less problematic for light, stackable groceries or smaller luggage but disadvantageous for heavy cargo and frequent loading.

The slightly larger width values of the S‑Max (+1.2 in and +3.1 in) are only marginally noticeable in practice and do not change the fundamental usability.