DriveSize

2024 Volkswagen Passat vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

Side view of the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat

2024

Toyota Highlander

2020

Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Passat
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Side view of the 2020 Toyota Highlander
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Select unit of measurement:

Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Passat or 2020 Toyota Highlander?

Key dimensions: length, width, height

With a difference of just 3.3 cm in length, the 2020 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Volkswagen Passat can be judged practically the same for this measurement. The 2020 Toyota Highlander gains you 8.1 cm in width, likely providing extra elbow room inside compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Passat, but you'll need more caution when navigating tight city streets. The 2020 Toyota Highlander is designed for easy entry and a more upright seating position when compared to the lower height 2024 Volkswagen Passat. Interior legroom will feel nearly identical, as the 2020 Toyota Highlander adds only 0.9 cm to the 2024 Volkswagen Passat’s wheelbase.

Measurements

Length

491.7 cm

495 cm (+3.3)

Height

149.7 cm

173 cm (+23.3)

Width (excluding mirrors)

184.9 cm

193 cm (+8.1)

Ground clearance

N/A

20.3 cm (+0.9)

Wheelbase

284.1 cm

285 cm (+0.5)

How each car compares with its class average

Length

491.7 cm

17.2 cm longer than the average Estate

495 cm

42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover

Height

149.7 cm

2.4 cm taller than the average Estate

173 cm

10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover

Width (excluding mirrors)

184.9 cm

0.8 cm wider 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

284.1 cm

6.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Estate

285 cm

12.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover

Front view

Front view of the 2024 Volkswagen Passat
Front view of the 2020 Toyota Highlander

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 Passat's 690 L uses the different VDA standard, and is above 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 Toyota Highlander 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.

690 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.

1,920 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.

227.9 L per m

228.3 L per m (+0.4)

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.

123.2 L per m² (+5)

118.3 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.

690 L

142 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.

1,920 L

351 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.

119%

VDA: above class average (+19%)

90%

SAE: below class average (-10%)

Rear view

Rear view of the 2024 Volkswagen Passat
Rear view of the 2020 Toyota Highlander

Details

Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability

There is no difference in door count here, as both vehicles utilise a 5-door layout. The decent 3-seat difference in passenger capacity means the 2020 Toyota Highlander is more family-friendly than the 2024 Volkswagen Passat. The maneuverability is nearly the same, with the 2020 Toyota Highlander holding a slim 0.6 m turning circle advantage. The 2020 Toyota Highlander is 302 kg heavier than the 2024 Volkswagen Passat, a gap that can influence acceleration, cornering response, and running costs.

Measurements

Doors

5

5

Max. seats

5

8 (+3)

Turning circle

12 m (+0.6)

11.4 m

Curb weight

1,578 kg

1,880 kg (+302)

How each car compares with its class average

Turning circle

12 m

0.8 m larger turning circle than the average Estate

11.4 m

0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover

Curb weight

1,578 kg

17 kg lighter than the average Estate

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.

94%

6% less manoeuvrable than the average Estate

95%

5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover

Parking

Will the 2024 Volkswagen Passat or 2020 Toyota Highlander fit in a standard parking space?

2024 Volkswagen Passat 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.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 45 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 29 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

45 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

29 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.

OK

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

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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