Are you thinking about buying a compact SUV, but afraid that the interior will be too cramped for your needs? There are several small sport utility vehicles that offer plenty of room for your passengers and your cargo. Automakers have used the available space wisely so that your adult passengers don't have to be pushed up against each other like sardines in a can to get from point A to point B.

1. 2005 Ford Escape

Leave the split 60/40 rear seat up and you'll have 29 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold it flat to produce 66. The rear seat cushion can be removed to open up more storage and four tie downs help you keep items from shifting around in the back. A flip-up rear glass lets you put small items in quickly and easily. A little more storage is available in open bins in the rear quarter panels. Another plus, the spare wheel is now under the rear floor (lowered with a winch).

2. 2005 Mazda Tribute

Maximum seating is five, but four will be more comfortable in the Tribute--not a shocker, that's true for most vehicles, not just small SUVs. Its 30 cubic feet of cargo space ups to 66 when you fold down the 60/40 rear seat. Mazda added sound-absorbing panels and improved sealing for 2005, two steps they think have reduced cabin noise. Side curtain airbags are optional on the s model.

3. 2005 Mercury Mariner

An Escape decked out as a Mercury, the Mariner offers the same basic interior perks as the Ford version. Fold down the 60/40 rear seat for 66 cubic feet of cargo space or leave it up for 29. An optional Safety Canopy system provides full-length head curtain airbag protection during side impacts and rollovers.

4. 2005 Chevy Equinox

The Equinox is new from Chevy for 2005. One feature that looks good is its 60/40 sliding rear seat. It can be moved nearly 8 inches forward or backwards to improve rear passenger legroom or to add cargo space, whichever you need most. A full forward position gives you 32 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the seat down completely for 68+ feet. There's also a removable rear shelf with cargo hooks. Rear hip room is 51.4 inches, more than other SUVs on this list.More »

5. 2004 Honda Element

The Element only seats four, but it gives the two back passengers plenty of space and excellent visibility with stadium style seating. Remove the back seats and you'll open up 75 cubic feet of cargo space. Clamshell doors lead to the back seats, but adult rear passengers have easier entry and exit when the front doors are open.