BMW offers a lengthy list of different models that are considered to be crossovers, but are any of them truly SUVs?  SUV, as we all know, is short for Sport Utility Vehicle, and it would be easy to say that BMW has mastered the sport part of this vehicle class.  Many of the models we see from this brand are athletic, energetic, and fun to drive, but can they give us the cargo room needed to be called SUVs?  When considering this feature, you expect a vehicle to be capable and versatile, and some of the BMW models are lacking in this area.

The smallest BMW is the X1

When you want an active small luxury SUV to drive, the BMW X1 could make it onto your list.  While this SUV doesn’t stand high over the road, it does offer you 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space, according to a comparison by U.S. News and World Report.  If you’re considering this model to be a subcompact SUV, you’ll be surprised to find it has more room for your stuff than many other models like the Honda HR-V which has 23.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Less cargo room found in the BMW X2

Many of the models in the BMW lineup that have an even number in the name (X2, X4, X6, etc.) are made to be sportier than the odd-numbered models.  This is true of the crossovers as much as it is for the sedans.  The X2 only offers you 21.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seas, making it a tough choice when you need utility in your SUV. Check out how MotorTrend spells out some of the lineup changes for this brand.

The popular X3 offers decent utility

The X3 is one of the most popular crossovers in the market, and for a good reason.  If you’re looking for a compact crossover with luxury qualities and room for five people to fit comfortably, this is the SUV for you.  The X3 gives you 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats to give you room for the items you need to take along on the road.

So little room for the X4

You might fall in love with the coupe-like roofline of the X4, but you won’t be impressed with the tiny cargo compartment in the rear.  Sure, this crossover can run hard through the corners and rocket down the road, but you’ll only be able to carry up to 18.5 cubic feet of stuff along with you.  This sporty model forgot to add utility to the mix.

Spread your wings in the BMW X5

Comfort, quality, and upscale features await you in the BMW X5, which is an attractive and athletic midsize SUV.  This model brings you 33.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats while offering you and your family enough room for five people to sit comfortably.  You can take all the gear you need to your next destination when you have the X5.

The sloping roof takes away from the X6

As expected, when you see the BMW X6, you’ll be pleased with the sporty silhouette offered but let down by the lack of cargo room in the rear.  This SUV shares a platform with the X5, but that roof takes the cargo area down to 27.4 cubic feet.  This might be enough room for you, but in the midsize calls, it’s downright paltry.

The X7 is a bit of an enigma

You expect the BMW X7 to have the largest cargo room of all the SUVs, but that’s not the case.  This midsize crossover has three rows of seats, and that diminishes the cargo room behind the third row to 12.8 cubic feet, which is near the lowest in this class.  Of course, if you fold down the third row, you’ll find 48.6 cubic feet of room for the stuff you need to bring along.  It might be a bit of a choice between the people of the cargo with this model.

What have we learned?

With the exception of the X7, if you have an SUV with an odd number, you’re going to find an excellent level of utility offered with plenty of cargo room for your gear.  If you’re looking for a BMW crossover that’s sporty and not made for utility, stick to the even numbers, but if you want utility, the X1, X3, and X5 all make great choices for you.

Next, check out the Honda CR-V, or watch the BMW SUV comparison in the video below:

This article was updated on 8/30/2022.