Key Takeaways
- The Hyundai Ioniq 9 leads at 2,419 litres (fully folded) and 338 litres (all 7 seats in use)
- The Tesla Model Y offers 854 litres with seats up and 2,158 litres with seats folded — plus a 117-litre frunk
- The Kia EV9 provides 828 litres (7-seat configuration, row 3 in use) and 2,393 litres fully folded
- All figures are manufacturer-stated using VDA methodology — real-world usable space varies by boot shape
- Consider frunks when calculating total cargo capacity: the Tesla Model Y adds 117L, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 adds 24L
Before comparing boot sizes, it is worth being clear about which figures mean what. Most manufacturers quote two boot volumes: seats up (the usable space with all rear passengers seated) and seats folded (the maximum cargo capacity with rear rows flat). Both matter — but they tell very different stories. A car that quotes 2,000 litres with all seats down may offer only 250 litres with passengers in the back. This article states both figures for every model, sourced from manufacturer UK specifications using VDA measurement methodology.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Boot (seats up, L) | Boot (seats folded, L) | Frunk (L) | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | 338 (all 7 seats) | 2,419 | — | Large SUV |
| Tesla Model Y | 854 (5 seats) | 2,158 | 117 | SUV |
| Kia EV9 | 828 (row 3 in use) | 2,393 | — | Large SUV |
| Lotus Eletre | 688 | 1,532 | Verify | Performance SUV |
| Mercedes EQE SUV | ~520* | ~1,755* | — | Mid-size SUV |
| Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer | ~605* | ~1,714* | — | Estate |
*Figures marked with an asterisk are indicative — figures vary; verify current data at the manufacturer's UK website before purchasing. All boot figures are manufacturer-stated in litres (VDA measurement).
1. Hyundai Ioniq 9 — Biggest Boot Overall
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has the largest boot of any electric car available in the UK. With all seats folded entirely flat, it opens up 2,419 litres of load space — a number that rivals small panel vans. With the rearmost two rows up but the third row in use alongside row two, the boot still holds enough for a full family's luggage.
The most relevant daily figure is with all seven seats in use: 338 litres. That is adequate for shopping and a weekend bag, though less impressive than the headline number. The Ioniq 9's boot floor is flat when the seats are folded, which makes loading and unloading large items straightforward.
With up to 385 miles of WLTP range and 350kW DC charging capability, the Ioniq 9 is not compromised on any dimension — it is simply a large, well-resolved electric SUV with class-leading cargo space. Pricing is at the premium end; figures vary, so verify current data at Hyundai UK before purchasing.
Key Specs (Hyundai UK)
- Boot: 338 litres (all 7 seats in use) / 2,419 litres (all folded)
- WLTP range: up to 385 miles
- Max DC charge rate: 350kW
- Price from: ~£70,000 (figures vary — verify current data)
2. Tesla Model Y — Best Practical Boot
The Tesla Model Y combines a genuinely large boot with the addition of a 117-litre frunk under the bonnet — one of the most practically useful front storage areas of any car on this list. With rear seats in use, the Model Y offers 854 litres of boot space, which is substantial for an SUV of its external dimensions. Fold the rear seats and that extends to 2,158 litres.
The frunk is excellent for storing charging cables, muddy boots, wet gear, and shopping bags, keeping the main boot clean and organised. Combined with the rear boot, total cargo capacity reaches 2,275 litres with seats folded.
The 7-seat option is available on the Model Y, though the third row suits children only (up to approximately 5ft). With 373 miles of WLTP range and access to Tesla's UK Supercharger network, the Model Y is the most complete large-boot electric car for buyers who do not need adult-capable row three seating.
Key Specs (Tesla UK)
- Boot: 854 litres (5 seats) / 2,158 litres (all folded)
- Frunk: 117 litres
- Total cargo (seats folded + frunk): 2,275 litres
- WLTP range: up to 373 miles (Long Range AWD)
- Price from: £44,990
3. Kia EV9 — Best Boot in the Seven-Seater Class
The Kia EV9 is the best-balanced combination of genuine adult seven-seat space and impressive boot capacity. With all seven seats occupied, the boot holds 333 litres — slightly less than the Ioniq 9 but still practical. With the third row folded but rows one and two occupied, 828 litres is available. Fold everything flat and 2,393 litres opens up.
The flat-folding rear seats make loading large items easy. The EV9's boot is square-shaped with a low load lip, which aids loading heavy objects. It is worth noting that with all seven seats in use and the full complement of passengers, 333 litres disappears quickly on a family holiday — plan accordingly.
Key Specs (Kia UK)
- Boot: 333 litres (all 7 seats) / 828 litres (row 3 folded) / 2,393 litres (fully folded)
- WLTP range: up to 349 miles (RWD)
- Max DC charge rate: 210kW
- Price from: £65,025
4. Lotus Eletre — Biggest Boot in a Performance SUV
The Lotus Eletre is the highest-performance electric SUV on this list and has a boot that belies its sporting character. With rear seats in use, it holds 688 litres — more than many premium family SUVs. Fold the rear seats and 1,532 litres becomes available. For a brand historically associated with lightweight two-seat sports cars, that is a remarkable transformation.
Pricing is at the top of the premium SUV segment. All figures below are indicative — verify current data at Lotus UK before purchasing.
Key Specs (Lotus UK — figures vary, verify current data)
- Boot: 688 litres (seats up) / 1,532 litres (seats folded)
- WLTP range: ~373 miles (Standard Range)
- Price from: ~£89,500
5. Mercedes EQE SUV — Best Boot in a Premium Mid-Size SUV
The Mercedes EQE SUV delivers a practical cargo solution within a premium mid-size SUV package. With the rear seats in place, approximately 520 litres is available; fold them and around 1,755 litres opens up. The floor is almost entirely flat when the seats are down, aiding the loading of larger items.
With a WLTP range exceeding 400 miles on some variants, the EQE SUV also performs well on the road. All figures are indicative — verify current data at Mercedes-Benz UK.
Key Specs (Mercedes-Benz UK — figures vary, verify current data)
- Boot: ~520 litres (seats up) / ~1,755 litres (seats folded)
- WLTP range: 400+ miles (varies by variant)
- Price from: ~£72,000
6. Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer — Best Estate Boot
The Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer is the only estate car on this list and offers the most practical body shape for buyers who want a large, flat boot rather than a tall SUV profile. Its conventional estate proportions deliver approximately 605 litres with the rear seats in use — more than any SUV on this list in the equivalent seats-up configuration. Fold the rear seats and around 1,714 litres is available.
For buyers who haul long, flat items — bicycles, flat-pack furniture, sports equipment — the Tourer's low, wide load floor and square boot opening are preferable to the taller but narrower apertures of most SUVs. WLTP range exceeds 430 miles on the Pro S Plus variant. All figures are indicative; verify at Volkswagen UK.
Key Specs (Volkswagen UK — figures vary, verify current data)
- Boot: ~605 litres (seats up) / ~1,714 litres (seats folded)
- WLTP range: 435+ miles (Pro S Plus Tourer)
- Price from: ~£56,000
What About Frunks?
A frunk — front boot — is an additional storage compartment under the bonnet, where the engine used to sit. Not all EVs include one, but for those that do, it adds useful separated cargo space.
Frunks available on current UK EVs (manufacturer-stated):
- Tesla Model Y: 117 litres
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 24 litres (under-bonnet storage)
- Kia EV6: small frunk available — verify exact volume at Kia UK
Frunks are particularly useful for keeping charging cables, wet footwear, and shopping bags separate from the main boot. When comparing total cargo capacity, always add the frunk volume to the rear boot figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which electric car has the biggest boot in the UK?
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has the largest boot, with 2,419 litres fully folded — among the largest of any passenger car regardless of powertrain. The Tesla Model Y offers 854 litres with seats in use and a 117-litre frunk, giving the most usable everyday boot space in the class. The Kia EV9 provides 828 litres with the third row folded, making it the best option among genuine seven-seat electric cars.
Do electric cars have a front boot (frunk)?
Some do — the Tesla Model Y has a 117-litre frunk, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 includes 24 litres of under-bonnet storage. Not all EVs include a frunk; check the manufacturer's specification before purchasing. Frunks are ideal for charging cables, wet gear, and items you want kept separate from the main boot.
How much boot space do I actually need?
For everyday shopping and a small family, 400–500 litres is comfortable. For regular long weekends or carrying sports equipment, 800 litres or more with seats in use makes a significant difference. For moving furniture or carrying bicycles without a rack, a car with 1,500+ litres folded — or an estate body like the VW ID.7 Tourer — is worth considering.