2015 Tesla Model X vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2015 Tesla Model X or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
While not a massive leap, the 2015 Tesla Model X is 35.7 cm longer than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The width difference of 14.9 cm is negligible between the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2015 Tesla Model X, meaning both will feel similar when navigating narrow city lanes. With a 23.9 cm height advantage, the 2015 Tesla Model X is better suited for those who prefer a higher view of the road ahead. The extra 3.1 cm of clearance helps the 2015 Tesla Model X feel a bit more robust in daily driving. The wheelbase on both vehicles is nearly identical, suggesting a similar level of high-speed stability.
Measurements
Length
505.2 cm (+35.7)
469.5 cm
Height
168.4 cm (+23.9)
144.5 cm
Body width
199.9 cm (+14.9)
185 cm
Width including mirrors
227.1 cm (+18.3)
208.8 cm
Ground clearance
17.1 cm (+3.1)
14 cm
Wheelbase
296.5 cm (+9)
287.5 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10.1 m² (+1.4)
8.7 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
505.2 cm
52.6 cm longer than the average Crossover
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
168.4 cm
5.6 cm taller than the average Crossover
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
199.9 cm
15 cm wider than the average Crossover
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
227.1 cm
20.7 cm wider than the average Crossover
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
17.1 cm
1 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
296.5 cm
24.1 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10.1 m²
1.7 m² larger footprint than the average Crossover
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2017 Tesla Model 3’s boot space advantage with the seats up is massive, offering 561 L against the 357 L (SAE) in the 2015 Tesla Model X. With the rear seats down, the 2015 Tesla Model X provides 2,166 L of space when using the SAE measurement method, which is way above average for crossover.
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.
357 L
561 L (+204)
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.
2,166 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
187 L (+99)
88 L
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.
196 L per m
N/A
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.
98 L per m²
N/A
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.
357 L
382 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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.
2,166 L
295 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
DriveSize space efficiency
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 values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.
-25%
SAE: Less space efficient than the average Crossover
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 5 doors, the 2015 Tesla Model X offers more points of entry than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, which typically makes loading passengers or gear into the back easier. Passenger space changes considerably here, as the 2015 Tesla Model X includes 2 more seats than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The 0.7 m turning circle difference means the 2017 Tesla Model 3 might clear a U-turn where the 2015 Tesla Model X requires a bit more care.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
7 (+2)
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.7)
11.6 m
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.1 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
11.6 m
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.
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2015 Tesla Model X or 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
2015 Tesla Model X 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 37.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 22 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
37.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
22 cm
2017 Tesla Model 3 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
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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.