2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2023 Toyota Prius
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2023 Toyota Prius?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2023 Toyota Prius is only 9.6 cm shorter than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, so from a pure length perspective, the two vehicles are pretty evenly matched. The 2023 Toyota Prius is the leaner of the two, sitting 6.8 cm narrower than the 2017 Tesla Model 3 for easier navigation through city traffic. In terms of height, the two are very closely matched, with the 2017 Tesla Model 3 standing just 2.5 cm taller than the 2023 Toyota Prius. Both cars are tuned for a similar ride height, despite the 2017 Tesla Model 3’s 0.3 cm ground clearance advantage. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 offers 12.5 cm more between the tires thanks to its wheelbase advantage, which is usually a sign of a more spacious cabin.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm (+9.6)
459.9 cm
Height
144.5 cm (+2.5)
142 cm
Body width
185 cm (+6.8)
178.2 cm
Width including mirrors
208.8 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm (+0.3)
13.7 cm
Wheelbase
287.5 cm (+12.5)
275 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m² (+0.5)
8.2 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
459.9 cm
44.7 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
142 cm
5.9 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Body width
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
178.2 cm
1.7 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width including mirrors
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
13.7 cm
0.2 cm less ground clearance than the average Hatchback
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
275 cm
15.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
8.2 m²
0.9 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2023 Toyota Prius outclasses the 2017 Tesla Model 3 in boot space comparison, providing a substantial 113 L (SAE) advantage with the seats up.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
284 L
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
674 L (+113)
Frunk capacity
88 L
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
284 L
59 L less cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
674 L
149 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 trades the extra access points of the 2023 Toyota Prius for a more cohesive and solid body design with just 4 doors. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. You’ll find the 2023 Toyota Prius a bit easier to flip around in a narrow street thanks to its 1.1 m turning circle advantage.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m (+1.1)
10.5 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,545 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
10.5 m
0.1 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
N/A
1,545 kg
292 kg heavier than the average Hatchback
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
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2023 Toyota Prius 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 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
2023 Toyota Prius 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 48 cm per side, and length clearance is 45 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
45 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, 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 and Toyota 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.