Bigger boot vs lower boot height: What matters more?

When choosing a car, it’s easy to focus on boot capacity figures. But the biggest boot is not always the easiest or most comfortable to use. For many people, the design of the boot can be just as important as its size, especially those who regularly load mobility equipment, shopping or luggage.  

A vehicle with a big boot on paper may be awkward to use in everyday life. The width of the opening, the depth of the boot lip, the shape of the space, and the height of the floor all make a difference. So which matters more: a bigger boot or a lower boot height? 

The answer will depend on your daily routine, what you carry, and how often you load the boot. Understanding the difference can help you choose a vehicle that is both practical and comfortable to use. 

Jump to: 

• What is boot capacity? 
• What do the terms ‘boot opening’, ‘boot lip’ and ‘boot height’ mean?   
• When a bigger boot is best   
• When a lower boot height is best   
• Do not overlook these everyday features   
• How can the Motability Scheme help you decide?   

What is ‘boot capacity’? 

Boot capacity refers to how much space is available in the boot of your car. In the UK it is measured in litres, and technicians work out the capacity by counting how many litre-size blocks can be stacked into the space below the parcel shelf. The more blocks, the bigger the boot. 

This method can be useful when comparing cars but it does not always tell the whole story. For example, a car could have a boot that is relatively small in terms of litre capacity but have a wider opening, flatter floor or more practical shape than another car with a larger capacity. That’s why it is worth looking beyond the numbers. 

Did you know you can filter your Motability Scheme car search by boot capacity?  

Use the Find a Vehicle tool and click ‘more filters.’ Click the ‘specifications’ drop down and scroll down to boot capacity, where you can narrow your search to find the right option for you.

 

What do the terms ‘boot opening’, ‘boot lip’ and ‘boot height’ mean? 

These terms are frequently used to describe features of a car’s boot. Each can have as much impact on practicality as the overall boot capacity. 

• The boot opening is the aperture through which you pass items into the boot. A wider boot opening can make it easier to load larger items such as folded wheelchairs, mobility aids, pushchairs or suitcases. On the other hand, a narrow opening can make the loading of the same items more difficult, even if the boot capacity is spacious. 
• The boot lip is the edge between the outside of the car and the boot floor. Some cars have a high boot lip, which means you need to lift items up and over the edge before placing them in the boot. Other cars have a lower lip that makes it easier to slide items in and out. 
• The boot height refers to how high the boot floor is from the ground. A lower height is preferable if you need to load the car frequently or lift in heavy items, whereas a higher floor position will usually increase the effort involved in loading. 

When a bigger boot is best 

A large capacity boot should provide the greatest flexibility if you regularly carry the following items: 

• Foldable wheelchair, walker or mobility aid 
• Family luggage or pushchairs 
• Large shopping bags or sports equipment 
• Pets and pet accessories, such as crates or ramps 

Bulky items like these usually require lots of space and an accommodating boot shape. If possible, it would be wise to test a potential car for practicality by trying to load it in person with a few of these items. 

When a lower boot height is best 

A lower boot height can make everyday loading easier and more comfortable, reducing the amount of lifting, bending and reaching required. It can make everyday journeys more comfortable and less tiring, especially if you need to: 

• Frequently load and unload the car 
• Carry heavy items 
• Manage pain, fatigue or reduced strength 
• Load from a seated position 

In such situations, a lower boot height and lower boot lip may be preferable. A lower floor could also allow you to slide objects in and out, rather than lift them in. Once again, what feels comfortable for one person may feel very different for someone else. So it is worth trying a car in person where possible. 

Do not overlook these everyday features 

It’s easy to overlook important features when comparing on-paper boot capacities, but small design details can have a big impact on everyday use. When viewing a Motability Scheme car, it can help to think about how you’ll use the boot in everyday life. Consider the following questions: 

• Is the boot opening wider than the items I need to fit in? 
• Will I be able to regularly lift things into the boot and over the boot lip? 
• Is the shape of the boot practical for my needs? 
• Does the boot have additional flexibility, such as folding rear seats? 

Do not be distracted by vehicle type: hatchback, saloon, estate, MPV or SUV, because practicality is not defined by style or outright boot capacity. The best boot is the one that you feel comfortable using and that works for your own needs and routine. 

How can the Motability Scheme help you decide? 

The Motability Scheme offers a wide range of vehicles that cover different needs, lifestyles and budgets. Speak to a Motability Scheme dealer about helping you compare cars and trying those regularly carried items in the boot. 

Everyone’s needs are different, which is why it’s worth taking the time to see how a vehicle works for you in practice. Trying your wheelchair, mobility aid, shopping or luggage in the boot can help you feel confident that the car will fit comfortably into your daily routine. And be assured that everything else you might be concerned about, such as insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and maintenance, is covered by the Motability Scheme’s all-inclusive lease package.