2020 Tesla Model Y vs 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Which is bigger, the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2021 Volkswagen Polo?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 67.7 cm length difference creates a clear divide in front-to-rear dimensions. At 17 cm wider, the 2020 Tesla Model Y would better suit the open road, while the 2021 Volkswagen Polo would win for turning tight corners in a direct comparison. The 2020 Tesla Model Y utilises its extra 17.3 cm of height to maximise cabin volume, making it feel larger inside than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. With a 33.8 cm wheelbase advantage, the 2020 Tesla Model Y is better for long-distance comfort, whereas the 2021 Volkswagen Polo is better for agility.
Measurements
Length
475.1 cm (+67.7)
407.4 cm
Height
162.4 cm (+17.3)
145.1 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
192.1 cm (+17)
175.1 cm
Width (including mirrors)
212.9 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
17.2 cm (+33.8)
N/A
Wheelbase
289 cm (+2)
255.2 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Height
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
Width (including mirrors)
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
N/A
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
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
Due to the differing VDA vs SAE measurement methods, a direct comparison for cargo space isn't possible, but the 2020 Tesla Model Y’s 854 L is way above average for its class. The 2020 Tesla Model Y offers 2,041 L (SAE) with the seats stowed, a figure that is way above average for crossover, while the 2021 Volkswagen Polo follows the VDA standard (1,125 L), which is way above average for hatchback.
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.
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 (+114.5)
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.
139.1 L per m² (+51.9)
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.
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 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%)
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Both the 2020 Tesla Model Y and 2021 Volkswagen Polo come with a 5-door setup, providing identical passenger access. In terms of seating capacity, the 2020 Tesla Model Y matches the 2021 Volkswagen Polo exactly, with each accommodating up to 5 people. You’ll definitely feel the 1.5 m turning circle difference when parking; the 2021 Volkswagen Polo is clearly the more maneuverable of the two.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.1 m (+1.5)
10.6 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,057 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
N/A
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.
93%
7% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2021 Volkswagen Polo 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 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
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
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