2016 Tesla Model S vs 2021 Tesla Model X
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2021 Tesla Model X?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The length difference between these two cars comes down to just 8.7 cm, which places both vehicles firmly in the same length range. The width difference of 3.5 cm is negligible between the 2016 Tesla Model S and 2021 Tesla Model X, meaning both will feel similar when navigating narrow city lanes. Standing over 23.5 cm higher, the 2021 Tesla Model X offers a more elevated seating position and a more commanding view of the road compared to the lower 2016 Tesla Model S. The 2016 Tesla Model S sits only 0.6 cm closer to the road than the 2021 Tesla Model X, a small gap meaning they handle obstacles almost identically. They are effectively twins in terms of axle spacing, with a negligible 0.5 cm wheelbase difference.
Measurements
Length
497 cm
505.7 cm (+8.7)
Height
144.5 cm
168 cm (+23.5)
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm
199.9 cm (+3.5)
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
227.1 cm (+0.6)
Ground clearance
14 cm
14.6 cm (+0.5)
Wheelbase
296 cm
296.5 cm (+0.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer 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)
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
199.9 cm
15 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 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
296 cm
17.9 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
Both measurements tip in favour of the 2021 Tesla Model X, which has a massive 366.3 L larger boot and a gigantic 825.8 L (SAE) bigger total capacity when the seats are folded.
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.
745 L
1,111 L (+366)
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.
1,645 L
2,471 L (+826)
Frunk capacity
60 L
183 L (+124)
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.
213.3 L per m
313.8 L per m (+100.6)
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.
108.6 L per m²
157 L per m² (+48.4)
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.
745 L
349 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.
1,645 L
Class benchmark unavailable.
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
Passengers will appreciate the additional doors on the 2021 Tesla Model X when you're parked in tight spots, as they offer more entry options than the 4-door 2016 Tesla Model S. Both the 2016 Tesla Model S and the 2021 Tesla Model X have seating for 5, so there is no difference in passenger capacity. You won't find an agility advantage in either of these models, as both have a turning circle 12.3 m. The 2021 Tesla Model X is 310 kg heavier than the 2016 Tesla Model S, a gap that can influence acceleration, cornering response, and running costs.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m
12.3 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg
2,337 kg (+310)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
12.3 m
1.1 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
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.
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2021 Tesla Model X fit in a standard parking space?
2016 Tesla Model S 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 39 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 26.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
39 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
26.5 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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