2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2021 Tesla Model X
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2021 Tesla Model X?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measuring 36.2 cm more from front to rear bumper, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 provides that extra bit of "stretch" over the 2021 Tesla Model X. When it comes to tight city streets, both the 2021 Tesla Model X and 2017 Tesla Model 3 will feel near identical, as the 2021 Tesla Model X is only 14.9 cm wider. The 2021 Tesla Model X is designed for easy entry and a more upright seating position when compared to the lower height 2017 Tesla Model 3. Clearance is effectively a tie, with the 2021 Tesla Model X leading by just 0.6 cm. The 2021 Tesla Model X is slightly more stable at speed thanks to a 9 cm longer wheelbase than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, though the effect is minimal.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm
505.7 cm (+36.2)
Height
144.5 cm
168 cm (+23.5)
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm
199.9 cm (+14.9)
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
227.1 cm (+0.6)
Ground clearance
14 cm
14.6 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
505.7 cm
53.1 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
168 cm
5.2 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
14.6 cm
3.5 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
From a practicality standpoint, the 2021 Tesla Model X is far superior, providing a massive 550 L (SAE) advantage over the 2017 Tesla Model 3 in the boot with the seats up. The 2021 Tesla Model X has a 2,471 L (SAE) cargo area with the seats down, which is way above average for its category.
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
1,111 L (+550)
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
2,471 L
Frunk capacity
88 L
183 L (+95)
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
313.8 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
157 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
1,111 L
372 L more 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
2,471 L
600 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.
120%
SAE: above class average (+20%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
The 4-door 2017 Tesla Model 3 means slightly less convenience for rear-seat access compared to the 2021 Tesla Model X. Whether you'd choose the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or the 2021 Tesla Model X, you’ll have space for up to 5 occupants. Expect to put in a little more work in the 2021 Tesla Model X during tight turns, given its 0.7 m wider radius.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m
12.3 m (+0.7)
Curb weight
N/A
2,337 kg
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
Curb weight
N/A
2,337 kg
705 kg heavier 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 2021 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
2021 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
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