2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2015 Tesla Model X
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2015 Tesla Model X?
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
469.5 cm
505.2 cm (+35.7)
Height
144.5 cm
168.4 cm (+23.9)
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm
199.9 cm (+14.9)
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
227.1 cm (+3.1)
Ground clearance
14 cm
17.1 cm (+9)
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
296.5 cm (+1.4)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
505.2 cm
52.6 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
168.4 cm
5.6 cm taller than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
199.9 cm
15 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
227.1 cm
20.7 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
17.1 cm
1 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
296.5 cm
24.1 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
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 2017 Tesla Model 3 provides 2,166 L of space when using the SAE measurement method, which is way above average for sedan.
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 (+204)
357 L
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.
N/A
2,166 L
Frunk capacity
88 L
187 L (+99)
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.
N/A
196 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.
N/A
98 L per m²
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.
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
357 L
382 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.
N/A
2,166 L
295 L more 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.
75%
SAE: below class average (-25%)
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
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
7 (+2)
Turning circle
11.6 m
12.3 m (+0.7)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
12.3 m
1.1 m larger turning circle 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.
96%
4% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2015 Tesla Model X fit in a standard parking space?
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 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 45 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 40 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
40 cm
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 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 37.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 22 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
37.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
22 cm
Articles featuring these cars
View all
Tesla Size Guide 2026: Model 3 vs Model Y vs Model S vs Model X vs Cybertruck vs Roadster
Compare the size, width, height, boot 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, mirrors-out width and which one genuinely suits your lifestyle.
FAQs