2024 Volkswagen Golf vs 2020 Tesla Model Y
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2020 Tesla Model Y?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 46.9 cm length difference creates a clear divide in front-to-rear dimensions. There is a moderate step up in width; the 2020 Tesla Model Y extends 13.2 cm further than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf. Standing over 14.1 cm higher, the 2020 Tesla Model Y offers a more elevated seating position and a more commanding view of the road compared to the lower 2024 Volkswagen Golf. The 2020 Tesla Model Y offers 27 cm more between the tires thanks to its wheelbase advantage, which is usually a sign of a more spacious cabin.
Measurements
Length
428.2 cm
475.1 cm (+46.9)
Height
148.3 cm
162.4 cm (+14.1)
Width (excluding mirrors)
178.9 cm
192.1 cm (+13.2)
Width (including mirrors)
207.3 cm
212.9 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
17.2 cm (+27)
Wheelbase
262 cm
289 cm (+1.5)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
428.2 cm
13 cm longer than the average Hatchback
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
148.3 cm
0.4 cm taller than the average Hatchback
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
178.9 cm
2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
207.3 cm
7.8 cm wider than the average Hatchback
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
N/A
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
262 cm
2.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
These two cars follow different measurement methods: SAE for the 2020 Tesla Model Y and VDA for the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, so instead of a direct cargo space comparison, segment averages are the best way to gauge their relative utility. The 2020 Tesla Model Y’s 854 L capacity with seats up is way above average for its class, and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf’s 381 L capacity is average for its class. The 2020 Tesla Model Y is the only model in this pair with confirmed cargo stats, with a 2,041 L (SAE) capacity with the seats down that is way above average for its class.
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.
381 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
854 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
2,041 L
Frunk capacity
N/A
117 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.
N/A
267.2 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.
N/A
139.1 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.
381 L
38 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
854 L
115 L more 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.
N/A
2,041 L
170 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.
106%
SAE: above class average (+6%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Neither vehicle differs on door layout, as the 2020 Tesla Model Y and 2024 Volkswagen Golf both feature a 5-door design. Both the 2020 Tesla Model Y and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf offer seating for 5, meaning they are equally capable when it comes to carrying passengers. You’ll find the 2024 Volkswagen Golf a bit easier to flip around in a narrow street thanks to its 1 m turning circle advantage.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.1 m
12.1 m (+1)
Curb weight
1,307 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.1 m
0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
1,307 kg
54 kg heavier than the average Hatchback
N/A
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.
94%
6% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
93%
7% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2020 Tesla Model Y fit in a standard parking space?
2024 Volkswagen Golf 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 48 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 60.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
60.5 cm
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
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