Measuring Cargo Space - What's in its published value?

What's the difference between litres and litres VDA for boot capacities? - Car Advice | CarsGuide

There are generally two standards to measure cargo space (and there are slight differences in measuring a trunk vs. an SUV/wagon/hatchback cargo area)

VDA = Verband der Autombilindustrie, which translates as the German Automobile Industry Association
SAE = Exact volume of the cargo area

VDA uses blocks of wood measuring 200mm x 50 mm x 100 mm which works out to 1 litre. Therefore, just count the number of blocks used to get the VDA cargo volume. This is essentially the usable volume.


SAE J1100 - A closed compartment is: An area intended to carry or stow luggage or cargo for personal or commercial purposes that is distinct or enclosed from the area used to transport people. The volume of this area is quantified by a physical stack of simulated luggage pieces, and include the following body types: coupes, sedans, and convertibles.

An open compartment is: An area intended to carry or transport luggage or cargo for personal or commercial purposes that is open to the passenger compartment. These areas have the potential to carry people or cargo. The volume of this area is estimated by multiplying the compartments representative length, width and height, and include station wagons, minivans, multi-purpose vehicles, and hatchbacks

Source: Interpretation of SAE J1100 Cargo Volume Indices


However, note that there are several revisions of J1100 and we don't know which one the manufacturer uses. Some revisions simply use the LxWxh of the cargo area (using a standardized dummy in the front seats). Others include the floor space below the folded 2nd or 3rd row seats.

More reading:

Why Cargo Specs Can Stretch the Truth