The Kia Soul is a compact SUV known for its versatility and surprisingly roomy interior, which often leads to questions about its capacity to transport larger items, including a queen-size mattress. Many people turn to their vehicles for tasks like moving mattresses, especially given the convenience of avoiding professional delivery services. However, before embarking on such a task, it’s essential to understand both the dimensions of a queen-size mattress and the interior specifications of a Kia Soul to determine if it’s truly feasible.
Dimensions of a Queen-Size Mattress
A standard queen-size mattress measures approximately 60 inches in width and 80 inches in length, with a height that varies between 8 to 14 inches, depending on the model and its materials. This means that any vehicle tasked with moving such a mattress needs a rear cargo area that can accommodate these dimensions when seats are folded down, as well as adequate door space for maneuvering the mattress into the vehicle.
The 60-inch width of a queen-size mattress is the most challenging aspect, as even if the length can be accommodated, width limitations might still prevent the mattress from fitting flatly. Additionally, mattresses have a certain amount of give or flexibility, but their structural rigidity often doesn’t allow for bending without compromising their comfort or durability.
Interior Dimensions of the Kia Soul
The Kia Soul’s interior is relatively spacious, especially for a compact SUV. When the rear seats are folded down, the Kia Soul provides around 62 cubic feet of cargo space. However, the specifics of how that space is distributed are crucial when determining whether it can fit a queen-size mattress. The width of the Kia Soul’s cargo area is approximately 52 inches at its widest point, narrowing slightly near the door openings. The length from the back of the front seats to the tailgate measures about 60-63 inches, depending on the exact model year, while the height of the cargo area reaches around 39 inches.
Attempting to Fit a Queen Mattress in a Kia Soul
With these dimensions in mind, it’s evident that fitting a queen-size mattress inside a Kia Soul flatly is a challenge. The 60-inch width of the mattress exceeds the 52-inch maximum width of the Kia Soul’s cargo area by about 8 inches, meaning that the mattress cannot lay flat within the vehicle. The length of the mattress also exceeds the 60-63 inches available from the tailgate to the back of the front seats, meaning that even if it could fit in width-wise, the mattress would need to bend or angle significantly to fit in length-wise.
Even if the mattress could theoretically be folded or bent slightly to fit within these constraints, it’s important to consider the material of the mattress. Memory foam or latex mattresses may bend more easily than spring mattresses, but even flexible materials have limitations when it comes to fitting within rigidly constrained spaces.
Angling the Mattress for a Potential Fit
Since lying the mattress flat is infeasible, some drivers have attempted angling the mattress from one corner of the cargo space to the opposite corner, utilizing the maximum diagonal length. However, even when diagonal, the mattress may still not fit without bending or compressing to a degree that could damage it. The diagonal length of the cargo area in a Kia Soul, while slightly greater than its direct width and length measurements, remains insufficient to accommodate the full dimensions of a queen-size mattress. This means that unless the mattress is very flexible, such as a thinner foam mattress, it is unlikely to fit even when angled.
Exploring Other Options: Roof Racks and Mattress Transportation Alternatives
If transporting the queen-size mattress inside the Kia Soul proves impractical, one solution is to secure the mattress to the roof of the vehicle. With the proper roof rack and secure tie-downs, a queen mattress can be safely transported over short distances. However, it’s essential to follow guidelines for roof load capacity and ensure the mattress is fastened securely to avoid any risk of shifting during transit. Additionally, drivers should be aware of local traffic laws, as some regions may have restrictions on roof cargo.
Using a protective cover or tarp to shield the mattress from weather elements is also advisable. If securing the mattress to the roof seems risky or inconvenient, renting a small truck or van specifically for mattress transportation can be an affordable alternative.
Considerations for Mattress Transport Safety
For those opting to transport a queen mattress on the roof of their Kia Soul, safety considerations are paramount. Improperly secured items can pose a serious hazard to other drivers on the road. Using strong, ratchet-style tie-down straps designed for securing cargo can offer a more reliable hold than rope, reducing the risk of shifting or detachment while driving. Drivers should also take into account wind resistance and ensure they’re prepared to drive at lower speeds, particularly on highways.
Another aspect to consider is the impact of transporting a large item like a mattress on fuel efficiency. The added wind resistance can reduce fuel economy by increasing drag, so planning for potential fuel costs is wise.
The Feasibility of Folding or Rolling a Queen Mattress
In recent years, certain mattress manufacturers have introduced foldable or rollable mattresses, primarily made from memory foam or latex, that can be temporarily compressed without sustaining permanent damage. For example, some memory foam mattresses can be folded or rolled for short periods, allowing them to fit into smaller spaces. However, not all queen-size mattresses are suitable for folding, as spring-based mattresses are generally too rigid.
If your mattress is designed to be compressible or is packaged in a way that allows for rolling, it may be possible to temporarily alter its shape to fit into a smaller vehicle. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for compressing or folding, as improper handling can void warranties or damage the mattress permanently.
In conclusion, while the Kia Soul is a versatile compact SUV, its dimensions are not quite sufficient to comfortably accommodate a queen-size mattress inside the vehicle without significant bending or angling, which could damage the mattress. For those who need to transport a queen-size mattress and have access to only a Kia Soul, alternative transportation solutions like using a roof rack, renting a small moving vehicle, or opting for a rollable mattress are more viable options.
