2021 Tesla Model S vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is only 7.1 cm shorter than the 2021 Tesla Model S, so from a pure length perspective, the two vehicles are pretty evenly matched. Both cars are well-matched in width, with the 2021 Tesla Model S adding only 5.7 cm to the 2020 Toyota Highlander’s profile. There is no subtlety to the difference here, as the 2020 Toyota Highlander towers 30 cm above the 2021 Tesla Model S. There’s a clear shift in capability here, with the 2020 Toyota Highlander offering 8.6 cm more clearance than the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2021 Tesla Model S has a 11 cm longer wheelbase, which often translates to extra "stretch-out" room in the back.
Measurements
Length
502.1 cm (+7.1)
495 cm
Height
143 cm
173 cm (+30)
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm (+5.7)
193 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
N/A (+8.6)
Ground clearance
11.7 cm (+11)
20.3 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm (+0.4)
285 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
495 cm
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
173 cm
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
193 cm
8.1 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
N/A
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
20.3 cm
2.2 cm more ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
285 cm
12.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Rarely do you see such a divide in cargo space. The 2021 Tesla Model S is the definitive winner for the weekly shop with the seats up, but the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the undeniable master of maximum volume 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.
709 L (+256)
453 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.
1,739 L
2,387 L (+648)
Frunk capacity
89 L
N/A
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 L per m
228.3 L per m (+15.3)
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.
107.2 L per m²
118.3 L per m² (+11.1)
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.
709 L
313 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
453 L
286 L less 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.
1,739 L
Class benchmark unavailable.
2,387 L
516 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.
90%
SAE: below class average (-10%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Choosing the 2021 Tesla Model S means managing with 1 fewer door(s), but this usually means a cleaner looking side profile than the 5-door 2020 Toyota Highlander. The 2020 Toyota Highlander can handle 3 additional passengers than the 2021 Tesla Model S, which is a decent step up in practicality. You’ll appreciate the 0.9 m tighter turning circle of the 2020 Toyota Highlander when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks. A 195 kg gap in curb weight is considerable, with the 2021 Tesla Model S likely to feel more substantial to drive than the 2020 Toyota Highlander, especially under braking and when changing direction.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
8 (+3)
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.9)
11.4 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg (+195)
1,880 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.4 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,880 kg
248 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
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2020 Toyota Highlander fit in a standard parking space?
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
2020 Toyota Highlander 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 27.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
27.5 cm
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