2021 Tesla Model S vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan?
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
502.1 cm (+48.2)
453.9 cm
Height
143 cm
166 cm (+23)
Body width
198.7 cm (+14.5)
184.2 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+28.4)
267.6 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m² (+1.6)
8.4 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
453.9 cm
1.3 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
166 cm
3.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Body width
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
184.2 cm
0.7 cm narrower 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
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
267.6 cm
4.8 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Crossover
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
8.4 m²
0 m² smaller footprint than the average Crossover
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.
N/A
652 L
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.
N/A
1,650 L
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
N/A
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
N/A
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
220.6 L per m (+7.6)
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.
107.2 L per m²
119.8 L per m² (+12.6)
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.
N/A
652 L
207 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
N/A
1,650 L
142 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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
N/A
DriveSize space efficiency
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 values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.
+21%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Crossover
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
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.6)
11.7 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg (+365)
1,710 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.7 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,710 kg
78 kg heavier than the average Crossover
DriveSize manoeuvrability
DriveSize manoeuvrability combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
A positive percentage means more manoeuvrable than the class average and a negative percentage means less manoeuvrable.
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
-3%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 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, and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
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 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, and length clearance is 48 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
48 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, cargo 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
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla and Volkswagen documentation. Unless the page identifies a specific trim, body style, powertrain or market version, DriveSize uses manufacturer-published specifications for the base model as its default reference. DriveSize standardises the published measurements and calculates the comparisons and derived figures shown. Figures can vary by market, model year, trim, powertrain, wheels, tyres and measurement method. How DriveSize sources and calculates these figures.