2020 Tesla Model Y vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 and the 2020 Tesla Model Y are very similar in length, with just a 5.6 cm difference. The 2020 Tesla Model Y is significantly wider, which may offer more shoulder room inside but could make tight parking garages more challenging. The height difference is quite significant, with the 2020 Tesla Model Y standing a substantial 17.9 cm taller than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The extra 3.2 cm of clearance helps the 2020 Tesla Model Y 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
475.1 cm (+5.6)
469.5 cm
Height
162.4 cm (+17.9)
144.5 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
192.1 cm (+7.1)
185 cm
Width (including mirrors)
212.9 cm (+3.2)
208.8 cm
Ground clearance
17.2 cm (+1.5)
14 cm
Wheelbase
289 cm (+0.4)
287.5 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Utility is at a different level in the 2020 Tesla Model Y, which offers a monumental 293 L (SAE) of surplus volume in the boot with the seats up. The 2020 Tesla Model Y's 0 L (SAE) capacity with the seats down is below average for its segment.
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.
854 L (+293)
561 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.
2,041 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
117 L (+29)
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.
267.2 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.
139.1 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.
854 L
115 L more 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.
2,041 L
170 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
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.
106%
SAE: above class average (+6%)
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 2020 Tesla Model Y. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is the slightly nimbler of the two when pulling a U-turn, though by a very narrow 0.5 m margin.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.1 m (+0.5)
11.6 m
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
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.
93%
7% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
96%
4% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
2020 Tesla Model Y 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 41 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 37 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
37 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 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
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