2016 Tesla Model S vs 2020 Tesla Model Y
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2020 Tesla Model Y?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2016 Tesla Model S measures an extra 21.9 cm in length, providing a slightly more substantial footprint on the road than the 2020 Tesla Model Y. When it comes to tight city streets, both the 2016 Tesla Model S and 2020 Tesla Model Y will feel near identical, as the 2016 Tesla Model S is only 4.3 cm wider. The 2020 Tesla Model Y utilises its extra 17.9 cm of height to maximise cabin volume, making it feel larger inside than the 2016 Tesla Model S. The 2020 Tesla Model Y sits 3.2 cm higher off the ground than the 2016 Tesla Model S, providing a helpful extra margin of safety when driving over gravel or light debris. Interior legroom will feel nearly identical, as the 2016 Tesla Model S adds only 7 cm to the 2020 Tesla Model Y’s wheelbase.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+21.9)
475.1 cm
Height
144.5 cm
162.4 cm (+17.9)
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm (+4.3)
192.1 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
212.9 cm (+3.2)
Ground clearance
14 cm (+7)
17.2 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm (+0.6)
289 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2020 Tesla Model Y offers a 109.3 L lead in the boot and a large 395.8 L (SAE) edge with the seats down.
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
854 L (+109)
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
2,041 L (+396)
Frunk capacity
60 L
117 L (+58)
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
267.2 L per m (+53.9)
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
139.1 L per m² (+30.5)
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
854 L
115 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.
2,041 L
170 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.
106%
SAE: above class average (+6%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 5 doors, the 2020 Tesla Model Y offers more points of entry than the 2016 Tesla Model S, which typically makes loading passengers or gear into the back easier. Both the 2016 Tesla Model S and the 2020 Tesla Model Y have seating for 5, so there is no difference in passenger capacity. The vehicles have a near identical turning circle, with just a 0.2 m difference.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.2)
12.1 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
N/A
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
93%
7% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2020 Tesla Model Y 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
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
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