2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate or 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2020 Toyota Highlander measures an extra 31.9 cm in length, providing a slightly more substantial footprint on the road than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate. The 2020 Toyota Highlander gains you 14.1 cm in width, likely providing extra elbow room inside compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate, but you'll need more caution when navigating tight city streets. The height difference is quite significant, with the 2020 Toyota Highlander standing a substantial 24.3 cm taller than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate. The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers 18.1 cm more between the tires thanks to its wheelbase advantage, which is usually a sign of a more spacious cabin.
Measurements
Length
463.1 cm
495 cm (+31.9)
Height
148.7 cm
173 cm (+24.3)
Width (excluding mirrors)
178.9 cm
193 cm (+14.1)
Ground clearance
N/A
20.3 cm (+18.1)
Wheelbase
266.9 cm
285 cm (+1.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
463.1 cm
11.4 cm shorter than the average Estate
495 cm
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
148.7 cm
1.4 cm taller than the average Estate
173 cm
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
178.9 cm
5.2 cm narrower than the average Estate
193 cm
8.1 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
N/A
20.3 cm
2.2 cm more ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
266.9 cm
10.8 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Estate
285 cm
12.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view


Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
A direct comparison between the 2020 Toyota Highlander’s 453 L (SAE) and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate’s 611 L (VDA) cargo capacity isn't possible due to different measurement methods, but the 2020 Toyota Highlander is average for its class. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate is average for its class. The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers 2,387 L (SAE) with the seats stowed, a figure that is way above average for crossover, while the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate follows the VDA standard (1,642 L), which is way above average for estate.
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.
611 L
N/A
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.
1,642 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
453 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
2,387 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.
209.9 L per m
228.3 L per m (+18.4)
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.
117.3 L per m²
118.3 L per m² (+1)
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.
611 L
63 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
N/A
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.
1,642 L
73 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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
453 L
286 L less 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
2,387 L
516 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.
113%
VDA: above class average (+13%)
90%
SAE: below class average (-10%)
Rear view


Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Both the 2020 Toyota Highlander and 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate come with a 5-door setup, providing identical passenger access. The 2020 Toyota Highlander can handle 3 additional passengers than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate, which is a decent step up in practicality. The vehicles have a near identical turning circle, with just a 0.1 m difference.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
8 (+3)
Turning circle
11.3 m
11.4 m (+0.1)
Curb weight
N/A
1,880 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.3 m
0.1 m larger turning circle than the average Estate
11.4 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
N/A
1,880 kg
248 kg heavier than the average Crossover
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.
101%
1% more manoeuvrable than the average Estate
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate or 2020 Toyota Highlander fit in a standard parking space?
2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate 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 43 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
43 cm
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
Articles featuring these cars
View all
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.

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.
More Estates
FAQs





