2017 Tesla Model 3 dimensions and size guide
2017 Tesla Model 3
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2017 Tesla Model 3 exterior dimensions
2017 Tesla Model 3 is very close to the average sedan in overall size. Its 469.5cm body is around 3cm, or 1%, shorter than the class norm, while its 185cm body width is about 2cm, or 1%, wider. Including the mirrors, it is approximately 3cm, or 2%, wider, and its 144.5cm height is only around 1cm lower than average. Together, its length and width create a footprint of about 8.7m², almost exactly matching that of a typical sedan. Its length, width and height all sit within around 2% of the class averages, so its overall parking-space requirements are typical for a sedan.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm
Body width
185 cm
Width including mirrors
208.8 cm
Height
144.5 cm
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m²
How the 2017 Tesla Model 3's exterior dimensions compare with the average Sedan
Length
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Height
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
DriveSize footprint
DriveSize footprint compares this car's footprint with the average footprint for the same class.
A positive percentage means a larger footprint and a negative percentage means a smaller footprint. About average means the rounded difference is 0%.
About average
About the average Sedan footprint
Fast facts
Fast facts
Everyday SAE cargo space is 42% above average
With all five seats in use, the Model 3 provides 561 litres, around 165 litres more than the average sedan for shopping, luggage or other daily loads.
Its footprint is almost exactly average
At about 8.7m², the Model 3 occupies only around 0.2% more ground space than the typical sedan.
A shorter body contains a longer wheelbase
The Model 3 is around 3cm shorter than average, but its wheelbase is approximately 9cm longer, leaving less body extending beyond the wheels.
It physically fits every regional parking space
All eight standard spaces used by DriveSize can contain the Model 3, while five provide comfortable surrounding room for getting in and out.
2017 Tesla Model 3 front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2017 Tesla Model 3 cargo capacity and space efficiency
Keeping all five seats in use, the Model 3 provides 561 litres of published SAE cargo capacity. That is around 165 litres, or 42%, more than the average sedan, giving it a substantial advantage for everyday shopping, luggage or other regular loads. Being an EV, it also provides a separate 88-litre front boot (frunk). This adds another storage area without increasing the car's nearly average exterior footprint.
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.
561 L
Frunk capacity
88 L
How the 2017 Tesla Model 3's cargo space and efficiency compare with the average Sedan
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.
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
Across the regional parking results, the Model 3 physically fits all eight standard regional parking spaces below, with five providing comfortable surrounding room. Its almost average footprint helps it remain parkable across every region. China, India, Japan, the Middle East and USA/Canada provide the easier results. The United Kingdom, European Union and Australia are tighter, so opening the doors or getting in and out may require more care.
DriveSize 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 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 45 cm per side, and length clearance is 40 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
40 cm
Usability
2017 Tesla Model 3 usability & manoeuvrability
At 11.6m, the Model 3’s turning circle is around 0.5m, or 5%, wider than the average sedan. This means it requires slightly more room for tight turns and full spins than a typical sedan. Ground clearance is 14cm, exactly matching the sedan average. It therefore provides the same amount of under-car space as the class norm when crossing speed bumps, driveway ramps or uneven road surfaces.
Measurements
Doors
4
Max seats
5
Turning circle
11.6 m
How the 2017 Tesla Model 3's usability and manoeuvrability compare with the average Sedan
Turning circle
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
DriveSize manoeuvrability
DriveSize manoeuvrability combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
A positive percentage means more manoeuvrable than the class average and a negative percentage means less manoeuvrable.
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
2017 Tesla Model 3 rear view
DriveSize overview: 2017 Tesla Model 3
Judging by its dimensions and capacities, the Tesla Model 3 may suit drivers who want an average-sized sedan with substantially above-average everyday SAE cargo space. It physically fits all eight regional parking spaces and also provides a separate front boot (frunk).
Its body is slightly shorter while the wheelbase is longer, leaving less length beyond the wheels than usual. A turning circle around 5% wider than average and tighter parking in the United Kingdom, European Union and Australia are the main size-related compromises.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan is another five-seat sedan with a similarly modest footprint.
Articles featuring this car
Tesla Size Guide 2026: Model 3 vs Model Y vs Model S vs Model X vs Cybertruck vs Roadster
Compare the size, width, height, cargo space and real-world fit of every Tesla: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck and Roadster.
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: size differences, boot space & parking fit
Compare Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y using real measurements. See exterior width, height, boot space, ground clearance, width including mirrors and which one genuinely suits your lifestyle.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla documentation. Unless the page identifies a specific trim, body style, powertrain or market version, DriveSize uses manufacturer-published specifications for the base model as its default reference. DriveSize standardises the published measurements and calculates the comparisons and derived figures shown. Figures can vary by market, model year, trim, powertrain, wheels, tyres and measurement method. How DriveSize sources and calculates these figures.