2020 Tesla Model Y vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.3
Which is bigger, the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2023 Volkswagen ID.3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
There is a large difference in length between the two models, with the 2020 Tesla Model Y being 48.7 cm longer than the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3. The 2020 Tesla Model Y gains you 11.2 cm in width, likely providing extra elbow room inside compared to the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, but you'll need more caution when navigating tight city streets. The 2020 Tesla Model Y gains 6 cm in height over the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, which often translates to more generous interior headroom. The 2020 Tesla Model Y offers 12 cm more between the tires thanks to its wheelbase advantage, which is usually a sign of a more spacious cabin.
Measurements
Length
475.1 cm (+48.7)
426.4 cm
Height
162.4 cm (+6)
156.4 cm
Body width
192.1 cm (+11.2)
180.9 cm
Width including mirrors
212.9 cm (+5.9)
207 cm
Ground clearance
17.2 cm
N/A
Wheelbase
289 cm (+12)
277 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.1 m² (+1.4)
7.7 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
426.4 cm
11.2 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
156.4 cm
8.5 cm taller than the average Hatchback
Body width
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
180.9 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width including mirrors
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
207 cm
7.5 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
N/A
Wheelbase
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
277 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.1 m²
0.7 m² larger footprint than the average Crossover
7.7 m²
0.4 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
2020 Tesla Model Y offers 854 L using the SAE method, which is way above average for its segment. 2023 Volkswagen ID.3's 385 L uses the different VDA standard, and is average for its segment. Because these two models use different measurement standards (VDA vs SAE) for total cargo volume, they can't be directly compared. But for context, the 2020 Tesla Model Y maximum capacity 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.
N/A
385 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
1,267 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.
854 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.
2,041 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
117 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.
267.2 L per m (+104.5)
162.7 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.
139.1 L per m² (+49.2)
89.9 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
385 L
42 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
1,267 L
149 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.
854 L
115 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.
2,041 L
170 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
+6%
SAE: More space efficient than the average Crossover
+8%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Hatchback
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
There is no difference in door count here, as both vehicles utilise a 5-door layout. Both the 2020 Tesla Model Y and the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 have seating for 5, so there is no difference in passenger capacity. At 1.8 m wider, the 2020 Tesla Model Y requires a much more deliberate approach to tight corners than the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.1 m (+1.8)
10.3 m
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
10.3 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Hatchback
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.
-7%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
-1%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 fit in a standard parking space?
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 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, and length clearance is 37 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
37 cm
2023 Volkswagen ID.3 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 47 cm per side, and length clearance is 61.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
47 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
61.5 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, cargo space and real-world fit of every Tesla: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck and Roadster.
Car width explained: Body width, width with mirrors folded & width including mirrors (with real examples)
Car width made simple: body width, width with mirrors folded and width including mirrors, 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.
Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V: Width, Height, Boot Space & Real-World Fit
Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V compared by width, height, boot space and real-world fit. Clear metric + imperial dimensions to help you choose the right SUV.
Electric SUV Size Comparison: Tesla Model Y vs VW ID.4 vs Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV
Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4, Kona Electric and Equinox EV compared by length, width and boot space. See which electric SUV is biggest — and which fits your life.
Autobesity: Why Cars Keep Getting Bigger
Why are cars getting wider and heavier every year? Explore the rising trend of ‘autobesity,’ how it affects safety, parking, fuel use—and whether it’s here to stay.
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: size differences, boot space & parking fit
Compare Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y using real measurements. See exterior width, height, boot space, ground clearance, width including mirrors and which one genuinely suits your lifestyle.
What Is Ground Clearance? Why does it matter for SUVs, and which have the most
Clear explanation of SUV ground clearance, how much you really need, and which SUVs offer the most — using real measurements you can compare side-by-side on Drivesize.
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 using each vehicle’s width including mirrors and overall length.
Tesla Model Y vs Toyota RAV4: Which Is Bigger and Which Fits Your Life?
We compare the Tesla Model Y and Toyota RAV4 side by side for size, space, and everyday practicality. See which SUV fits your life best — dimensions, boot space, and real-world usability included.
Tesla Model Y Dimensions & Boot Space: Will It Fit a UK Driveway, Garage or Parking Bay?
See how the Tesla Model Y fits UK driveways, garages and parking bays. Full dimensions, width, and boot space explained in real-world terms by Drivesize.
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.