Help solve the rental car trunk space debate...

[staceywj]

My DH believes that an intermediate SUV such as a Ford Escape has more cargo/trunk space then a Ford Taurus. Based upon looking at pictures online, I really feel that the Taurus would have more trunk space. My DH owns an Expediation and I know he prefers trucks and larger vehicles. But, I think the Taurus would fit our needs. We are taking two large suitcases and a stroller.

Also, the Escape is $202 with $30 coupon after rental and the Taurus is $154. But, I prefer selecting the vehicle that has more cargo/trunk space since there is only a difference of about $20.

Any opinions are appreciated.

 

[gmeh1]

My DH believes that an intermediate SUV such as a Ford Escape has more cargo/trunk space then a Ford Taurus. Based upon looking at pictures online, I really feel that the Taurus would have more trunk space. My DH owns an Expediation and I know he prefers trucks and larger vehicles. But, I think the Taurus would fit our needs. We are taking two large suitcases and a stroller.

Also, the Escape is $202 with $30 coupon after rental and the Taurus is $154. But, I prefer selecting the vehicle that has more cargo/trunk space since there is only a difference of about $20.

Any opinions are appreciated.

This is very easily taken care of. Just do a search for cargo space for the two vehicles you mentioned. IE: TRUNK SPACE FOR A TAURUS. Really quite simple.

 

[mom2cgj]

According to ford's website, escape has 34.3 cu ft capacity behind the 2nd row, while Taurus has 20.1 cu ft trunk capacity.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I own a Taurus, the trunk is gigantic!!

 

[Whazzatk]

We have an escape and my mom has a Taurus. The Escape is largerby far.

 

[staceywj]

Thanks so much for all of your posts it was very beneficial. My husband is the winner and I am sure ghat he will be happy to know that he was right and I was wrong...lol.

 

[DebbieB]

Keep in mind that your car rental is the model listed or similiar. You may not get that model. I know an Impala has a huge trunk.

 

[gmeh1]

According the descriptions for the Escape, it holds 3 bags, the Impala holds 4Just looked at the Taurus, the trunk is huge, it is a Premium class car. The Impala's trunk is also huge full size class. Personally, I would want my "stuff" hidden from view and that is one of the reasons I would go for a sedan. I also don't care for the fact that you sometimes have to stack the baggage and stuff up to the seat back level of the back seat. In case of a sudden stop, that stuff is going to go forward and someone could get hurt.

 

[staceywj]

Keep in mind that your car rental is the model listed or similiar. You may not get that model. I know an Impala has a huge trunk.

That really could make a difference...I'm wondering if I could keep the other resie just in case the SUV doesn't work out? I would also hate wasting time car hopping.

 

[DebbieB]

According the descriptions for the Escape, it holds 3 bags, the Impala holds 4Just looked at the Taurus, the trunk is huge, it is a Premium class car. The Impala's trunk is also huge full size class. Personally, I would want my "stuff" hidden from view and that is one of the reasons I would go for a sedan.

Wow, the Taurus is a premium class car? They have come a long way.

 

[gmeh1]

Wow, the Taurus is a premium class car? They have come a long way.

Yep has been for a long time. I looked at the 2013 last night, when I was doing some comparing, and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! Not a big fan of fords, but, this one is an eye catcher.

 

[gmeh1]

That really could make a difference...I'm wondering if I could keep the other resie just in case the SUV doesn't work out? I would also hate wasting time car hopping.

Depending on who you rent from, you can ask for a specific car and if it is available, they will get it for you. I speak only for the company I work for.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Wow, the Taurus is a premium class car? They have come a long way.

Big change starting with the 2010 model year. It is built here in Chicago on the same assembly line at the Lincoln MKS (one comes off a Ford, next one comes off a Lincoln, minor styling differences) and also the new Ford Explorer. It definitely is not the 'old' Taurus. My wife drove Sables for many years, 80's and 90's, back then same as the Taurus. Two very different cars, what was the 'old' Taurus and the new ones.

 

[gmeh1]

Big change starting with the 2010 model year. It is built here in Chicago on the same assembly line at the Lincoln MKS (one comes off a Ford, next one comes off a Lincoln, minor styling differences) and also the new Ford Explorer. It definitely is not the 'old' Taurus. My wife drove Sables for many years, 80's and 90's, back then same as the Taurus. Two very different cars, what was the 'old' Taurus and the new ones.

Have never spent too much time looking at them in the past, but, they certainly have caught my eye since working here. My mother used to drive a Sable WAYYYYY back in the late 90's.
Maybe I will get to meet you in Dec. Take care.

 

[WDWAurora]

The cubic feet on the escape make it look larger because it is giving you measurements to the ceiling of the vehicle. You are better off going by the dimensions, unless you plan to pack to the ceiling. Based on my experience, I would say Taurus all the way. My parents have owned 3 (in-laws have owned 1) and we have had at least 4 large suitcases, as well as several smaller bags, in the trunk with no issues. I don't think you'll find that in a small suv without packing to a height level I'm not comfortable with.

 

[Lewisc]

You can go to a local car dealer. Try to go when they're not busy, NOT on a Saturday. Bring your empty suitcases. Say something like you're considering a XXX car. You're planning to rent one on vacation and see how you like it. You want to make sure the trunk is big enough for your needs. You could just bring a tape measure and approximate how many of your suitcases will fit.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We rented a Ford Escape SUV. Loved the trunk space. We had 4 suitcases, 1 carry on suitcase, 2 backpacks, 1 portable Xbox case with Xbox (this was big because it has it's own TV!), and one laptop bag.

We had 4 of us too. It all fit and the kids had room for their long legs in the 2nd seat. I was very happy.

 

[staceywj]

We rented a Ford Escape SUV. Loved the trunk space. We had 4 suitcases, 1 carry on suitcase, 2 backpacks, 1 portable Xbox case with Xbox (this was big because it has it's own TV!), and one laptop bag.

We had 4 of us too. It all fit and the kids had room for their long legs in the 2nd seat. I was very happy.

Wow! Thanks, I am sold...the Escape it is.

 

[Senator Tressel]

You can go to a local car dealer. Try to go when they're not busy, NOT on a Saturday. Bring your empty suitcases. Say something like you're considering a XXX car. You're planning to rent one on vacation and see how you like it. You want to make sure the trunk is big enough for your needs. You could just bring a tape measure and approximate how many of your suitcases will fit.

I can't imagine a person actually doing this.