2021 Tesla Model S vs 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
With the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning being 89 cm longer, the contrast in body length becomes obvious. In terms of width, there is almost nothing between them; the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning is a mere 4.5 cm wider than the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning is an incredible 55.9 cm taller, which fundamentally alters the ease of access and the total volume of the interior relative to the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning clears obstacles by an extra 9.6 cm, making the 2021 Tesla Model S look quite low to the ground in comparison. Side-by-side, the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning’s wheelbase looks incredibly long next to the 2021 Tesla Model S, with 73.6 cm between them.
Measurements
Length
502.1 cm
591.1 cm (+89)
Height
143 cm
198.9 cm (+55.9)
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm
203.2 cm (+4.5)
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
243.8 cm (+9.6)
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
21.3 cm (+73.6)
Wheelbase
296 cm
369.6 cm (+2)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
591.1 cm
48.4 cm longer than the average Pickup
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
198.9 cm
12.1 cm taller than the average Pickup
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
203.2 cm
8.8 cm wider than the average Pickup
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
243.8 cm
20.9 cm wider than the average Pickup
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
21.3 cm
1.5 cm less ground clearance than the average Pickup
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
369.6 cm
38.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Pickup
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
This is a significant split in design; the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning offers a massive 786 L advantage for your luggage, yet the 2021 Tesla Model S counters with a huge 244 L lead for total hauling with the seats down.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
709 L
1,495 L (+786)
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,739 L (+244)
1,495 L
Frunk capacity
89 L
400 L (+311)
Cargo space vs length
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
213 L per m
252.9 L per m (+39.9)
Cargo space vs footprint
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.
107.2 L per m²
124.5 L per m² (+17.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
709 L
313 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
1,495 L
58 L more cargo volume than the average Pickup
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,739 L
Class benchmark unavailable.
1,495 L
32 L less cargo volume than the average Pickup
DriveSize space efficiency score
DriveSize space efficiency compares blended cargo volume per square meter of footprint with the class average.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure within the selected cargo measurement method.
VDA scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.
101%
SAE: above class average (+1%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Both vehicles offer the same entry arrangement, with the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning and 2021 Tesla Model S each built in a 4-door format. In terms of seating capacity, the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning matches the 2021 Tesla Model S exactly, with each accommodating up to 5 people. If you drive these cars, you'll notice the 2021 Tesla Model S is significantly more responsive in U-turns, clearing them with 2.3 m to spare over the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning. The 2021 Tesla Model S is a featherweight compared to the 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning, which carries a huge 653 kg of additional weight.
Measurements
Doors
4
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m
14.6 m (+2.3)
Curb weight
2,075 kg
2,728 kg (+653)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
14.6 m
1.5 m larger turning circle than the average Pickup
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
2,728 kg
477 kg heavier than the average Pickup
DriveSize manoeuvrability score
DriveSize manoeuvrability score combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
Around 100% means in line with the class average; higher scores indicate better manoeuvrability relative to similar cars.
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
88%
12% less manoeuvrable than the average Pickup
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning fit in a standard parking space?
2021 Tesla Model S parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 38 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
2022 Ford F‑150 Lightning parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: exceeds the bay's length by 42 cm.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
35.5 cm
Length over bay
42 cm
Overall length. Primary constraint.
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