2021 Tesla Model X vs 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model X or 2021 Volkswagen Polo?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The length difference totals 98.3 cm, clearly separating the 2021 Tesla Model X and 2021 Volkswagen Polo. The 2021 Tesla Model X is a substantial 24.8 cm wider than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo, which will be immediately obvious the moment you pull into a standard parking space. With a 22.9 cm height advantage, the 2021 Tesla Model X is better suited for those who prefer a higher view of the road ahead. The 2021 Tesla Model X provides a much more settled and secure feel at high speeds compared to the 2021 Volkswagen Polo thanks to its 41.3 cm wheelbase advantage.
Measurements
Length
505.7 cm (+98.3)
407.4 cm
Height
168 cm (+22.9)
145.1 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
199.9 cm (+24.8)
175.1 cm
Width (including mirrors)
227.1 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14.6 cm (+41.3)
N/A
Wheelbase
296.5 cm (+3)
255.2 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
505.7 cm
53.1 cm longer than the average Crossover
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Height
168 cm
5.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
199.9 cm
15 cm wider than the average Crossover
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
Width (including mirrors)
227.1 cm
20.7 cm wider than the average Crossover
N/A
Ground clearance
14.6 cm
3.5 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
N/A
Wheelbase
296.5 cm
24.1 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view


Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2021 Tesla Model X has 1,111 L (SAE) of cargo space with the seats up, a figure that is way above average for its segment, while the 2021 Volkswagen Polo has 351 L under the VDA system. Comparing maximum cargo space is a challenge here as 2021 Tesla Model X is measured at 2,471 L (SAE) while 2021 Volkswagen Polo uses the VDA standard. That said, the 2021 Tesla Model X is way above average for the crossover segment.
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
351 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
1,125 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.
1,111 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.
2,471 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
183 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.
313.8 L per m (+161.2)
152.7 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.
157 L per m² (+69.8)
87.2 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.
N/A
351 L
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
1,125 L
7 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
1,111 L
372 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
2,471 L
600 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
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.
120%
SAE: above class average (+20%)
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
Rear view


Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Both the 2021 Tesla Model X and 2021 Volkswagen Polo feature a 5-door configuration, offering the same level of accessibility for passengers. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. You’ll definitely feel the 1.7 m turning circle difference when parking; the 2021 Volkswagen Polo is clearly the more maneuverable of the two. You’ll feel every bit of that 1,280 kg difference when trying to accelerate or change direction in the 2021 Tesla Model X compared to 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+1.7)
10.6 m
Curb weight
2,337 kg (+1,280)
1,057 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.1 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
2,337 kg
705 kg heavier than the average Crossover
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback
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 Crossover
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model X or 2021 Volkswagen Polo fit in a standard parking space?
2021 Tesla Model X 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 37.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 22 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
37.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
22 cm
2021 Volkswagen Polo 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 49.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
71 cm
Articles featuring these cars
View all
What Is Wheelbase? Car Wheelbase Meaning & Why It Matters
Learn what wheelbase means, how it affects ride comfort, handling, turning circle and interior space, and why it matters when choosing your next car.

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.

Car Width Explained: Body Width, Mirrors-Folded & Mirrors-Out (With Real Examples)
Car width made simple: body width, mirrors-folded and mirrors-out, with real examples from the Model Y, CR-V, Puma, Cybertruck and more.

Smallest Car in the World? Peel P50 vs Today’s City Cars (Sandero, Golf & More)
How tiny is the Peel P50? See it compared to today’s city cars including the VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, Dacia Sandero, VW Polo and ID.3 in real dimensions.

Are modern SUVs too big for UK parking bays? We measured popular models (and what still fits)
SUV sizes keep growing — we compared six popular models against a standard UK parking bay, including mirrors-out width and overall length.
FAQs





