Which SUVs can fit a washing machine?

Mid-size and full-size SUVs with rear seats folded (Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade) have cargo areas at least 40" long × 44" wide × 40" tall — enough for a standard washer (27" × 28" × 38"). Compact SUVs (RAV4, CR-V) are too short with seats up but may work with seats fully folded.

Should I transport a washer upright or on its side?

Upright is always preferred. If you must lay it down, place a front-load washer on its back (never the door side). Top-load washers can be laid on their side briefly, but the drum may shift. Always reinstall the shipping bolts or stuff towels around the drum to prevent movement during transport.

Do I need shipping bolts for transport?

Yes — shipping bolts lock the washer drum in place to prevent damage during transport. New washers include them; for used washers, you can buy universal transit bolts for $10–$15. Without shipping bolts, the drum swings freely and can crack the outer tub or damage the suspension.

Can I transport a washer and dryer in one SUV trip?

In a full-size SUV (Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban), yes — both will fit with seats folded. In a mid-size SUV, you may need two trips. A washer (27" × 28" × 38") and dryer (27" × 28" × 36") together need about 54" of width or 56" of depth side by side. Check your cargo area dimensions.

ItemFits

About Blog FAQ Features Pricing Work with us

Home / Vehicle & Cargo Fit

Will a Washer Fit in an SUV?

Enter your washer dimensions and SUV cargo measurements — the app checks fit, orientation, and safe transport considerations.

Trusted across thousands of fit checks · updated daily

400 questions answered

Room Preview·Visual Results·Simulations

Fit summaryFIG. FIT

Whether it fits comes down to the measurements most people skip.

Embed this diagram

The spaceMid-size SUV cargo (seats folded): 40–48" L × 44–48" W × 36–40" H. Full-size: 48–55" L × 48–52" W × 40–44" H

What decides itWasher dimensions vs. SUV liftgate opening and cargo area dimensions

What to measureStandard washer: 27" W × 28–34" D × 36–43" H (150–200 lbs)

Real openings run about 1 to 2 inches under the labeled size, and a single inch can flip the result. Check your own measurements before you buy or move.

ReferenceAppliance Dimensions Vehicle Guide Vehicle Cargo Dimensions

About 10 seconds · no signup

Verdicts compare all six item orientations against the space using verified building standards. See our methodology

10,000+ fit checks run·Last check: a few minutes ago

“Confirmed my 65" TV fits in the RAV4 before buying. Would've been stuck at the store.” — Weekend project

Measure smart

What to measure.

Four numbers decide nearly every fit check. Get these right and the rest follows.

01SUV cargo depth with rear seats fully folded — you need at least 28–34" of depth for the washer, plus room to close the liftgate
02Washer weight (150–200 lbs) and loading height — the SUV cargo floor is 28–32" off the ground, requiring two people minimum to lift in
03Transit bolts mandatory — shipping bolts lock the washer drum for transport; without them, the drum swings freely and can crack the outer tub during driving
04Hatch opening dimensions — the SUV liftgate opening (40–48" wide × 28–36" tall) must accommodate the 27" × 36–43" washer profile

Don't make these

Common mistakes.

Most “it didn't fit” stories trace back to one of these oversights.

⚠Forgetting the liftgate opening is smaller than the interior — a washer may fit inside the cargo area but physically cannot pass through the hatch opening
⚠Not reinstalling transit bolts — driving with an unsecured drum causes the drum to swing and crack the outer tub, often creating invisible damage that shows up weeks later
⚠Laying a top-load washer on its side — the drum can shift off its bearings; always transport upright and strap to the cargo wall to prevent tipping
⚠Underestimating loading difficulty — lifting 150–200 lbs to a 28–32" cargo floor height requires two strong people and ideally a loading ramp or appliance dolly

Frequently asked

Questions we keep getting.

Which SUVs can fit a washing machine?
Mid-size and full-size SUVs with rear seats folded (Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade) have cargo areas at least 40" long × 44" wide × 40" tall — enough for a standard washer (27" × 28" × 38"). Compact SUVs (RAV4, CR-V) are too short with seats up but may work with seats fully folded.
01
Should I transport a washer upright or on its side?
Upright is always preferred. If you must lay it down, place a front-load washer on its back (never the door side). Top-load washers can be laid on their side briefly, but the drum may shift. Always reinstall the shipping bolts or stuff towels around the drum to prevent movement during transport.
02
Do I need shipping bolts for transport?
Yes — shipping bolts lock the washer drum in place to prevent damage during transport. New washers include them; for used washers, you can buy universal transit bolts for $10–$15. Without shipping bolts, the drum swings freely and can crack the outer tub or damage the suspension.
03
Can I transport a washer and dryer in one SUV trip?
In a full-size SUV (Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban), yes — both will fit with seats folded. In a mid-size SUV, you may need two trips. A washer (27" × 28" × 38") and dryer (27" × 28" × 36") together need about 54" of width or 56" of depth side by side. Check your cargo area dimensions.
04

Related guides

Related item guides & reading.

Washing Machine GuideStandard washing machine dimensions, doorway fit, stacking options, and safe moving tips for front-load and top-load washers.SUV Cargo Capacity for Moving: What Can You Actually Fit?SUVs range from 30 to 145 cubic feet of cargo space. Here's what that translates to in real furniture — and which SUVs are best for hauling.Moving Large Appliances: A Step-by-Step Safety GuideNavigate tight corners and narrow doorways with confidence. Our expert guide covers measuring, planning routes, and safely moving heavy appliances.Cargo Van Dimensions Compared: Which One Do You Need?From the Ram ProMaster to the Ford Transit, cargo vans range from 230 to 480 cubic feet. Here's how they compare for furniture moving.

Related fit checks.

Will a Fridge Fit in an SUV?Check if your refrigerator will fit in an SUV — compact, mid-size, or full-size. Covers fridge dimensions, transport orientation, and safe handling for SUV loading.Will a Washer Fit Up the Stairs?Check if your washing machine will fit up a staircase. Account for weight, turning radius at landings, and stair-climbing dolly clearance.What Size SUV Do I Need for Moving?Find out if your SUV can handle the load. Enter items to see if they fit in a compact, midsize, or full-size SUV cargo area.Will a 65-Inch TV Fit in an SUV?Check if a 65-inch TV (in its box) will fit in your SUV. Covers box dimensions (~62" × 38" × 8"), loading orientation, and SUV cargo requirements.Will a Fridge Fit Through the Hallway?Check if your refrigerator will fit through a hallway. Account for handle width, dolly height, and hallway obstacles before delivery day.

All vehicle fit checks →

Unlock stair simulation, AR visualization, and more.

Will it fit? Know before you buy.

Open the calculator and check any item against any space.

Open the fit calculator

ItemFits

About Blog FAQ Features Pricing Work with us

Home / Vehicle & Cargo Fit

Will a Washer Fit in an SUV?

Enter your washer dimensions and SUV cargo measurements — the app checks fit, orientation, and safe transport considerations.

Trusted across thousands of fit checks · updated daily

400 questions answered

Room Preview·Visual Results·Simulations

Fit summaryFIG. FIT

Whether it fits comes down to the measurements most people skip.

Embed this diagram

The spaceMid-size SUV cargo (seats folded): 40–48" L × 44–48" W × 36–40" H. Full-size: 48–55" L × 48–52" W × 40–44" H

What decides itWasher dimensions vs. SUV liftgate opening and cargo area dimensions

What to measureStandard washer: 27" W × 28–34" D × 36–43" H (150–200 lbs)

Real openings run about 1 to 2 inches under the labeled size, and a single inch can flip the result. Check your own measurements before you buy or move.

ReferenceAppliance Dimensions Vehicle Guide Vehicle Cargo Dimensions

About 10 seconds · no signup

Verdicts compare all six item orientations against the space using verified building standards. See our methodology

10,000+ fit checks run·Last check: a few minutes ago

“Confirmed my 65" TV fits in the RAV4 before buying. Would've been stuck at the store.” — Weekend project

Measure smart

What to measure.

Four numbers decide nearly every fit check. Get these right and the rest follows.

01SUV cargo depth with rear seats fully folded — you need at least 28–34" of depth for the washer, plus room to close the liftgate
02Washer weight (150–200 lbs) and loading height — the SUV cargo floor is 28–32" off the ground, requiring two people minimum to lift in
03Transit bolts mandatory — shipping bolts lock the washer drum for transport; without them, the drum swings freely and can crack the outer tub during driving
04Hatch opening dimensions — the SUV liftgate opening (40–48" wide × 28–36" tall) must accommodate the 27" × 36–43" washer profile

Don't make these

Common mistakes.

Most “it didn't fit” stories trace back to one of these oversights.

⚠Forgetting the liftgate opening is smaller than the interior — a washer may fit inside the cargo area but physically cannot pass through the hatch opening
⚠Not reinstalling transit bolts — driving with an unsecured drum causes the drum to swing and crack the outer tub, often creating invisible damage that shows up weeks later
⚠Laying a top-load washer on its side — the drum can shift off its bearings; always transport upright and strap to the cargo wall to prevent tipping
⚠Underestimating loading difficulty — lifting 150–200 lbs to a 28–32" cargo floor height requires two strong people and ideally a loading ramp or appliance dolly

Frequently asked

Questions we keep getting.

Which SUVs can fit a washing machine?
Mid-size and full-size SUVs with rear seats folded (Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade) have cargo areas at least 40" long × 44" wide × 40" tall — enough for a standard washer (27" × 28" × 38"). Compact SUVs (RAV4, CR-V) are too short with seats up but may work with seats fully folded.
01
Should I transport a washer upright or on its side?
Upright is always preferred. If you must lay it down, place a front-load washer on its back (never the door side). Top-load washers can be laid on their side briefly, but the drum may shift. Always reinstall the shipping bolts or stuff towels around the drum to prevent movement during transport.
02
Do I need shipping bolts for transport?
Yes — shipping bolts lock the washer drum in place to prevent damage during transport. New washers include them; for used washers, you can buy universal transit bolts for $10–$15. Without shipping bolts, the drum swings freely and can crack the outer tub or damage the suspension.
03
Can I transport a washer and dryer in one SUV trip?
In a full-size SUV (Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban), yes — both will fit with seats folded. In a mid-size SUV, you may need two trips. A washer (27" × 28" × 38") and dryer (27" × 28" × 36") together need about 54" of width or 56" of depth side by side. Check your cargo area dimensions.
04

Related guides

Related item guides & reading.

Related fit checks.

All vehicle fit checks →

Unlock stair simulation, AR visualization, and more.

Will it fit? Know before you buy.

Open the calculator and check any item against any space.

Open the fit calculator