Cargo Space: Comparing the Cadillac Lyriq to Other Electric SUVs
When it comes to electric vehicles, cargo space is often compromised in favor of rear passenger comfort and sleek design. The Cadillac Lyriq, part of GM’s Ultium platform, is no exception. Alongside other midsize SUVs on the same platform like the Chevy Blazer EV and Honda Prologue, the Lyriq prioritizes an aerodynamic profile and ample rear passenger space over cargo capacity. However, the Lyriq claims to offer 28 cubic feet of cargo space, which is slightly more than its counterparts.
A closer look at the cargo area confirms that the Lyriq’s tapered roofline significantly impacts its cargo capacity. In fact, it resembles the cargo space of sport-utility “coupes” rather than roomier non-luxury compact SUVs. Disappointingly, there is no frunk (front trunk) available in the Lyriq to compensate for the reduced cargo space.
However, the Lyriq does have a deep underfloor storage area that offers more space compared to the Blazer EV. It can easily accommodate a duffle bag that wouldn’t fit in the Blazer’s underfloor storage. Additionally, there is a designated area under the floor to store the charge cord’s briefcase as well.
The Lyriq comes equipped with a roller-style cargo cover that can be pulled out from a fixed cartridge. Ideally, I would have tested the Lyriq’s cargo capacity with and without this cover. However, it seems there was an issue preventing me from doing so, which I’ll address shortly.
In my standard Luggage Test, I use several suitcases of varying sizes to simulate real-life travel scenarios. The Lyriq’s cargo area can comfortably accommodate the four largest suitcases beneath the cargo cover. However, the cartridge holding the cover is positioned quite low, limiting the space available for larger bags. As a result, there is wasted space that could have been utilized more efficiently.
Surprisingly, even with all the suitcases fitting underneath the cargo cover, there is still room to spare. This means that the cargo cover can be removed and placed on top of the suitcases without any issues. While it might be advisable to leave the cover at home when loading the car from there, it can still fit alongside multiple suitcases if forgotten during airport pickups.
Unfortunately, the Lyriq’s cargo area has its limitations. Despite its spaciousness compared to the Blazer EV, it falls short when it comes to accommodating larger items like bigger suitcases or coolers. Even with the cargo cover completely removed, the tapered roofline hinders the loading of bulkier items.
Overall, the Lyriq’s cargo area offers more space than its counterparts on the GM Ultium platform. However, it is on par with other electric SUVs like the Mercedes EQE SUV and Audi Q8 E-Tron Sportback. While the Lyriq boasts a slight advantage in cargo capacity over these models, the overall design compromises the ability to carry larger items. Therefore, if you prioritize cargo space over sleek aesthetics, you may want to explore other options in the electric SUV market.