2021 Tesla Model S vs 2023 Hyundai Kona
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2023 Hyundai Kona?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measured bumper to bumper, 2021 Tesla Model S extends 67.1 cm beyond 2023 Hyundai Kona, marking a substantial length advantage. At 16.2 cm wider, the 2021 Tesla Model S would better suit the open road, while the 2023 Hyundai Kona would win for turning tight corners in a direct comparison. Standing over 15.5 cm higher, the 2023 Hyundai Kona offers a more elevated seating position and a more commanding view of the road compared to the lower 2021 Tesla Model S. The 5.3 cm increase in ground clearance from the 2023 Hyundai Kona is just enough to make a positive difference on a gravel driveway vs the 2021 Tesla Model S. At 30 cm shorter, the 2023 Hyundai Kona should be significantly more nimble in the city than the longer-bodied 2021 Tesla Model S.
Measurements
Length
502.1 cm (+67.1)
435 cm
Height
143 cm
158.5 cm (+15.5)
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm (+16.2)
182.5 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
N/A (+5.3)
Ground clearance
11.7 cm (+30)
17 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm (+2)
266 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
435 cm
17.6 cm shorter than the average Crossover
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
158.5 cm
4.3 cm shorter than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
182.5 cm
2.4 cm narrower than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
N/A
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
17 cm
1.1 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
266 cm
6.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view


Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Both stats favour the 2023 Hyundai Kona for cargo capacity, which has a marginal 13 L standard storage lead and a noticeable 65 L (SAE) win for total space with its seats down.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
466 L
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
N/A
1,300 L
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
722 L (+13)
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
1,804 L (+65)
Frunk capacity
89 L
N/A
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 (+38.8)
174.2 L per m
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 (+11.7)
95.5 L per m²
How each car compares with its class average
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
466 L
21 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
N/A
1,300 L
208 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
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
722 L
17 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
1,804 L
67 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
97%
VDA: below class average (-3%)
Rear view


Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Choosing the 2021 Tesla Model S means managing with 1 fewer door(s), but this usually means a cleaner looking side profile than the 5-door 2023 Hyundai Kona. You get the same number of seats in both models, as the 2023 Hyundai Kona and the 2021 Tesla Model S are each configured for 5 passengers. When comparing the two, the 2021 Tesla Model S is much less suited to tight city centers, requiring a full 1.7 m more room to U-turn than the 2023 Hyundai Kona. This 780 kg weight gap is massive, fundamentally changing everything from braking to suspension wear.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+1.7)
10.6 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg (+780)
1,295 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
10.6 m
0.6 m smaller turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,295 kg
337 kg lighter than the average Crossover
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
106%
6% more manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2023 Hyundai Kona 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
2023 Hyundai Kona 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 46 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 57.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
46 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
57.5 cm
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