Passenger volume

Passenger volume is the EPA's measure of interior space for people, in cubic feet. It is a volume, not a seat count: a five-seat car with 105 cubic feet feels notably roomier than one with 92.

The EPA also uses it to assign size classes, so a 'midsize' label follows interior volume rather than exterior footprint. Tall buyers should still verify headroom and legroom in person; volume says nothing about how the space is shaped.