What Is The Average Car Width And Length?
January 28, 2024

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
Whether you're looking for a sedan, an SUV, or a pickup truck, the size of the car can impact its performance, fuel economy, and overall driving experience.
Let’s explore the average length and width of different car models, from small sedans to full-size pickups. Learn everything you need to know about car size to make an informed decision when choosing your next vehicle.
Table of Contents
What is the Average Length and Width of a Car?
Here are the average lengths and widths of cars based on their size, class or body style:
Small Sedan
Small sedans are the most compact cars on the market. They’re designed for urban driving and tight parking spots. The average length of a small sedan is around 160-180 inches, while the average width is 60-70 inches.
Midsize Sedan
Midsize sedans are larger than their small counterparts. They offer more interior space and comfort. The average length of a midsize sedan is around 170-175 inches, and the average width is 72-74 inches.
Full-Size Sedan
Full-size sedans are the largest type of sedan. They offer a spacious interior and a smooth driving experience. The average length of a full-size sedan is around 205-210 inches (a little over 15 feet), and the average width is 75-77 inches (around 6 feet).
Small SUV
Small SUVs are a popular choice for drivers who want a vehicle that combines the practicality of an SUV with the fuel efficiency and handling of a car. The average length of a small SUV is around 170-175 inches, while the average width is 78 inches.
Midsize SUV
Midsize SUVs are larger than their small counterparts. They offer more interior space, cargo capacity, and towing capability. The average length of a midsize SUV is around 185-200 inches, while the average width is 73-75 inches.
Full-Size SUV
Full-size SUVs are the largest type of SUV and they offer a spacious interior, rugged performance, and towing capability. The average length of a full-size SUV is around 210-230 inches, while the average width is 75-80 inches.
Minivan
Minivans are designed for families and offer a spacious interior, versatile seating, and plenty of cargo space. The average length of a minivan is around 200-205 inches, while the average width is 61-66 inches.
Small Pickup
Small pickups are designed for light-duty work. They offer fuel efficiency and maneuverability. The average length of a small pickup is around 190-195 inches, while the average width is 68-75 inches.
Midsize Pickup
Midsize pickups offer more towing and hauling capability than their small counterparts. They can handle light to medium-duty work. The average length of a midsize pickup is around 210-215 inches, while the average width is 73-75 inches.
Full-Size Pickup
Full-size pickups are designed for heavy-duty work and offer the highest towing and hauling capability. The average length of a full-size pickup is around 215-250 inches, while the average width is 75-82 inches.
Coupe
Coupes are a two-door car with a sloping roofline, and they are designed for performance and style. The average length of a coupe is around 175-200 inches, while the average width is 70-76 inches.
Finding the Exact Width and Length of a Specific Make and Model Vehicle
Learn the different various ways to determine the exact width and length of a car below.
VIN Decoder
A VIN decoder is a tool for decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your car. The VIN is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle.
Many online tools, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, allow you to enter your car's VIN. When you enter your VIN, they provide to access its specifications, including its exact length and width.
Dealership
Dealerships have access to the exact specifications of the cars they sell, including their length and width. Contact the dealership by phone, email, or in person and provide your car's make, model, and year to get the information you need. Some dealerships may charge a fee for this service.
Manual Measurement
Manual measurement is another way to determine the exact length and width of your car, especially if you need to measure cargo space or a specific area of the car.
To measure the length, place the tape measure or ruler at the front bumper of the car and stretch it to the back bumper. To measure the width, place the tape measure or ruler at the left side of the car and stretch it to the right side. Measure from the widest points of the car to get the most accurate measurement.
Car Websites
Car websites like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Kelley Blue Book provide detailed information about different car models, including their length and width.
Simply enter your car's make, model, and year, and the website will provide you with the specifications you need. Some websites may also provide photos and diagrams to help you visualize the dimensions of your car.
Why Knowing the Width and Length of a Vehicle is Important
Knowing the length and width of your car helps you determine whether your car can fit into a garage or a parking space.
It may also help you determine whether you can open your car doors or trunk in a garage without hitting the walls or other objects.
In short, knowing your car's dimensions can save you time, money, and hassle, by avoiding unnecessary accidents or damage.
Average Car Length and Width by Body Type
Body Type | Example/Popular Model | Avg. Length (ft) | Avg. Width (ft) |
Small Sedan | |||
Midsize Sedan | |||
Full Size Sedan | |||
Small SUV | |||
Midsize SUV | |||
Full-Size SUV | |||
Minivan | |||
Small Pickup | |||
Midsize Pickup | |||
Full-Size Pickup | |||
Coupe |
Note: The average length and width listed in this table are approximations and may vary depending on the specific model and year of the car.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average car length?
The average car length is around 14 to 16 feet.
What is the average car width?
The average car width is around 6 to 7 feet.
How much extra space should I allow to open car doors?
Allow at least 3 feet of space on each side of the car to comfortably open doors and avoid hitting other objects.
What is the smallest vehicle in terms of length?
The smallest vehicle in terms of length is the Smart Fortwo, which is approximately 8.8 feet long.
What is the smallest vehicle in terms of width?
The smallest vehicle in terms of width that is currently available in North America is the Mitsubishi Mirage. It has a width of around 6 feet.
What is the largest vehicle in terms of length?
The largest vehicle in terms of length is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV at 227.0 inches.
What is the largest vehicle in terms of width?
The largest vehicle in terms of width is the Tesla Model X, measuring 7.4 feet wide with mirrors folded.
Posted in Car Buying Tips |