2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 measures an extra 15.6 cm in length, providing a slightly more substantial footprint on the road than the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. When it comes to tight city streets, both the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan will feel near identical, as the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is only 0.8 cm wider. With a 21.5 cm height advantage, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is better suited for those who prefer a higher view of the road ahead. If you drive these cars, you'll notice the 2017 Tesla Model 3 feels a bit more planted on the motorway thanks to its 19.9 cm wheelbase advantage.
Measurements
Length
453.9 cm
469.5 cm (+15.6)
Height
166 cm (+21.5)
144.5 cm
Body width
184.2 cm
185 cm (+0.8)
Width including mirrors
N/A
208.8 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
14 cm
Wheelbase
267.6 cm
287.5 cm (+19.9)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.4 m²
8.7 m² (+0.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
453.9 cm
1.3 cm longer than the average Crossover
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
166 cm
3.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
184.2 cm
0.7 cm narrower than the average Crossover
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
N/A
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
N/A
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
267.6 cm
4.8 cm shorter 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.
8.4 m²
0 m² smaller 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 SAE-rated 2017 Tesla Model 3 and VDA-rated 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan can't be compared directly for cargo space; however, 2017 Tesla Model 3 offers 561 L which is above average for sedan. With the rear seats down, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan provides 1,650 L of space when using the VDA measurement method, which is way above average for crossover.
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.
652 L
N/A
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,650 L
N/A
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.
N/A
561 L
Frunk capacity
N/A
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.
220.6 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.
119.8 L per m²
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.
652 L
207 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,650 L
142 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
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.
N/A
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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.
+21%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Crossover
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Passengers will appreciate the additional doors on the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan when you're parked in tight spots, as they offer more entry options than the 4-door 2017 Tesla Model 3. Both the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offer seating for 5, meaning they are equally capable when it comes to carrying passengers. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is the slightly nimbler of the two when pulling a U-turn, though by a very narrow 0.1 m margin.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.7 m (+0.1)
11.6 m
Curb weight
1,710 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.7 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,710 kg
78 kg heavier than the average Crossover
N/A
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.
-3%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan or 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 48 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
48 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 Volkswagen and 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.