My wife and I were sold on the Camry until we saw the trunk space. Now we are wondering if this car is the right fit for us. Our family takes many road trips and space is a concern. Is the 4 cubic feet lose really that noticeable?

 

My wife and I have taken several long trips since getting the TCH in May.
When we need more space, we fold down the back seats.
Since there are only 2 of us, we have no problems.

 

It's definitely a consideration. I'd suggest packing a number of small bags. That will be easier to arrange than a couple of larger suitcases. It's definitely a small trunk for a car of its size.

 

We were thinking the same thing as there are just two of us.

I was talking with co-worker the other day who has a friend who owns a TCH and they went away on vacation with their two kids and had no problems with trunk space. I'm not sure how they managed it but it was good to hear.

Perhaps they used Orcone's great suggestion and used smaller bags.

 

Yep, it's noticeable. Can we all say "Trade Offs" ?

 

Yes you loose a BUNCH of trunk space, but it has saved us money.

When we go shopping we don't consume as much fuel. Svaing no. 1.

When we go shopping, we can't buy as much stuff. Savings no. 2.

Savings no. 2 is much greater than savings no. 1.

 

Thank you for the replies. I also have 2 young children, as Sooty's friends have, and it is good to hear that they were able to manage. We really do like the car and the savings for both the environment and the in our pocket book does out weight the drawback of the truck space.

 

Yes Toyota could have been a little more inventive with battery placement. That was one of our concerns too but ultimately we decided it wasn't that big of a sacrifice. You might be surprised at how much luggage and stuff you can get back there especially if you load it right...

 

The other thing that you don't get is the full pass-thru into the passenger compartment. There have been a few times where I wish I had more than the little slot you get in the TCH.

 

Toyota could have stacked the batteries so they would go from the bottom of the trunk to the parcel shelf above, that would have eliminated the little square above the battery, but it would have made it less deep, so there would be a bigger open area. They also could have redone the spare tire a bit, and raised the trunk floor, and spread out the batteries there. Then you would have the fold down seat. but I am sure they made the battery the way they did for safety reasons. The casing of the battery is designed to keep the battery intact in the event of a collision.

If my wife and I have kids soon, we are knida worried about where we will put the stroller, the diaper bag, and all the other stuff that goes with an infant. That is why we are considering trading our truck in for a SUV. (Still need to tow, so another car is out of the question, unless we keep the truck.)