2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Which is bigger, the 2020 Toyota Highlander or 2024 Volkswagen Golf?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers a massive 66.8 cm of extra length, which changes the silhouette and stance compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Golf. The 2020 Toyota Highlander’s 14.1 cm width advantage over the 2024 Volkswagen Golf might mean a wider interior cabin with more elbow room. The 2020 Toyota Highlander utilises its extra 24.7 cm of height to maximise cabin volume, making it feel larger inside than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf. With an extra 23 cm between the wheels, the 2020 Toyota Highlander should offer a noticeably smoother ride than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf.
Measurements
Length
495 cm (+66.8)
428.2 cm
Height
173 cm (+24.7)
148.3 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
193 cm (+14.1)
178.9 cm
Width (including mirrors)
N/A
207.3 cm
Ground clearance
20.3 cm (+23)
N/A
Wheelbase
285 cm (+1.9)
262 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
495 cm
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
428.2 cm
13 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
173 cm
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
148.3 cm
0.4 cm taller than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
193 cm
8.1 cm wider than the average Crossover
178.9 cm
2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width (including mirrors)
N/A
207.3 cm
7.8 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
20.3 cm
2.2 cm more ground clearance than the average Crossover
N/A
Wheelbase
285 cm
12.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
262 cm
2.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
2020 Toyota Highlander offers 453 L using the SAE method, which is average for its segment. 2024 Volkswagen Golf's 381 L uses the different VDA standard, and is average for its segment. The 2020 Toyota Highlander provides a way above average 2,387 L for the crossover segment for cargo space with the seats down.
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
381 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.
453 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.
2,387 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.
228.3 L per m
N/A
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.
118.3 L per m²
N/A
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
381 L
38 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.
453 L
286 L less 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.
2,387 L
516 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.
90%
SAE: below class average (-10%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
There is no difference in door count here, as both vehicles utilise a 5-door layout. The 2020 Toyota Highlander can handle 3 additional passengers than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, which is a decent step up in practicality. A minor 0.3 m in turning circle separates these two, meaning they handle tight car parks almost equally. From an agility perspective, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf wins by a landslide, weighing 573 kg less than the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
8 (+3)
5
Turning circle
11.4 m (+0.3)
11.1 m
Curb weight
1,880 kg (+573)
1,307 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.4 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
11.1 m
0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
1,880 kg
248 kg heavier than the average Crossover
1,307 kg
54 kg heavier 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.
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
94%
6% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2020 Toyota Highlander or 2024 Volkswagen Golf fit in a standard parking space?
2020 Toyota Highlander 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 27.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
27.5 cm
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Cars for Tall Drivers in the USA (2025, with Real Interior Stats)
Find the most spacious SUVs and sedans for tall drivers in 2025, with real headroom and legroom stats plus setup tips for long-legged comfort.
FAQs