2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
There is a clear gap in length here, with 2021 Tesla Model S measuring 48.2 cm longer than 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is the leaner of the two, sitting 14.5 cm narrower than the 2021 Tesla Model S for easier navigation through city traffic. The height difference is quite significant, with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan standing a substantial 23 cm taller than the 2021 Tesla Model S. If you drive these cars, you'll notice the 2021 Tesla Model S feels a bit more planted on the motorway thanks to its 28.4 cm wheelbase advantage.
Measurements
Length
453.9 cm
502.1 cm (+48.2)
Height
166 cm (+23)
143 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
184.2 cm
198.7 cm (+14.5)
Width (including mirrors)
N/A
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
11.7 cm (+28.4)
Wheelbase
267.6 cm
296 cm (+1.6)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
453.9 cm
1.3 cm longer than the average Crossover
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
166 cm
3.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
184.2 cm
0.7 cm narrower than the average Crossover
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
N/A
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
N/A
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
267.6 cm
4.8 cm shorter 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
Due to the differing VDA vs SAE measurement methods, a direct comparison for cargo space isn't possible, but the 2021 Tesla Model S’s 709 L is way above average for its class. The 2021 Tesla Model S offers 1,739 L (SAE) with the seats stowed, a figure that is way above average for sedan, while the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan follows the VDA standard (1,650 L), 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
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.
N/A
1,739 L
Frunk capacity
N/A
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.
220.6 L per m (+7.6)
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.
119.8 L per m² (+12.6)
107.2 L per m²
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
709 L
313 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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.
121%
VDA: above class average (+21%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Choosing the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan gains you extra access points, making its 5-door layout more versatile for daily duties than the 4-door 2021 Tesla Model S. Whether you'd choose the 2021 Tesla Model S or the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, you’ll have space for up to 5 occupants. You’ll appreciate the 0.6 m tighter turning circle of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks. The 2021 Tesla Model S is 365 kg heavier than the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, a gap that can influence acceleration, cornering response, and running costs.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.7 m
12.3 m (+0.6)
Curb weight
1,710 kg
2,075 kg (+365)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.7 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,710 kg
78 kg heavier than the average Crossover
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.
97%
3% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan or 2021 Tesla Model S 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 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 45 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 48 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
48 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
Articles featuring these cars
View all
Will Your Car Fit in a Standard Parking Space? Parking Space Sizes Explained
Find out if your car will fit in a standard parking space. Compare UK, US and international parking bay sizes, and check real vehicle fit with DriveSize.
Tesla Size Guide 2026: Model 3 vs Model Y vs Model S vs Model X vs Cybertruck vs Roadster
Compare the size, width, height, boot space and real-world fit of every Tesla: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck and Roadster.
Compact SUV Size & Boot Space Guide: RAV4 vs CR-V vs Tiguan vs Kona vs Equinox
Compare compact SUV dimensions and boot space for the RAV4, CR-V, Tiguan, Kona and Equinox.
FAQs