2020 Tesla Model Y vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2021 Tesla Model S is an additional 27 cm longer than the 2020 Tesla Model Y, giving it a more elongated and sleek profile. The 2020 Tesla Model Y is the leaner of the two, sitting 6.6 cm narrower than the 2021 Tesla Model S for easier navigation through city traffic. With a 19.4 cm height advantage, the 2020 Tesla Model Y is better suited for those who prefer a higher view of the road ahead. The extra 5.5 cm of clearance helps the 2020 Tesla Model Y feel a bit more robust in daily driving. Both cars sit on nearly the same length wheelbase, with the 2021 Tesla Model S being just 7 cm longer than the 2020 Tesla Model Y.
Measurements
Length
475.1 cm
502.1 cm (+27)
Height
162.4 cm (+19.4)
143 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
192.1 cm
198.7 cm (+6.6)
Width (including mirrors)
212.9 cm (+5.5)
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
17.2 cm
11.7 cm (+7)
Wheelbase
289 cm
296 cm (+0.9)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Both measurements tip in favour of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, which has a significant 145 L larger boot and a large 302 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.
854 L (+145)
709 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 (+302)
1,739 L
Frunk capacity
117 L (+28)
89 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 (+54.2)
213 L per m
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 (+31.9)
107.2 L per m²
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
709 L
313 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
1,739 L
Class benchmark unavailable.
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 1 more door(s) than the 2021 Tesla Model S, the 2020 Tesla Model Y should be more practical for those wanting to carry passengers or luggage. Both 2021 Tesla Model S and 2020 Tesla Model Y are designed to accommodate up to 5 people. The 2021 Tesla Model S needs only a whisker more room to U-turn at 0.2 m wider, a difference you’d rarely notice in daily driving.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.1 m
12.3 m (+0.2)
Curb weight
N/A
2,075 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
N/A
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier 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
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2021 Tesla Model S 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
2021 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 38 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
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