Video: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Cargo

We spent a lot of time in this new Chevrolet Equinox, and if one thing stands out, it's just that it's a little smaller on the inside than it's large exterior suggests. I just spent a long weekend in this car with a full load of people, and we're going to show you a few tips on how to maximize the Equinox's cargo space. Getting into the cargo area is extremely easy on the Equinox because this model comes equipped with a power lift gate. Now it's optional on 2LT models, but standard on this one. Not a lot of small SUVs priced to the Equinox have this feature available. As you can see, there's not a whole lot to start off with, but the first thing that you want to do is get rid of this cargo cover. It takes up a lot of room and you can't really store it inside the car, so you're going to have to leave it at home. The biggest difference in creating the most cargo room comes from the second row. The back rests fold down at a 60 40 split, but the bench slides as one piece forward and back. When the seat slides forward, a little plastic flap covers the gap between the cargo area and the seat. I fit four duffle bags, a large cooler, two slow cookers, two folding chairs, a golf bag, plus weekend groceries in the Equinox. I was able to fit all of those items in the back and still have visibility out the rear window because the Equinox makes the most of its small cargo area with these features. <v Announcer>For more car related news, go to cars.com or our blog kickingtires.net.