I've filled a Costco basket with stuff and managed to get pretty much all of it in the trunk. Just a couple of small fragile things went in the back seat. It's a bit of work to pack it in, but it fits.

Big suit cases might not pack as well. I think two bags would probably be better than one really big bag. We'll find out in April when we have a 4 person road trip planned.

I think that Toyota could have removed the spare and used the space for batteries and a can of flat fix. At least for me, I can't remember the last time I needed a spare.