2021 Volkswagen Polo vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
Which is bigger, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measured bumper to bumper, 2020 Toyota Highlander extends 87.6 cm beyond 2021 Volkswagen Polo, marking a substantial length advantage. Head-on, the 2020 Toyota Highlander looks significantly wider, extending 17.9 cm further than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. The difference in height is dramatic, with the 2020 Toyota Highlander standing 27.9 cm taller than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. Even the 29.8 cm wheelbase advantage helps the 2020 Toyota Highlander feel like a larger, more composed vehicle than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Length
407.4 cm
495 cm (+87.6)
Height
145.1 cm
173 cm (+27.9)
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.1 cm
193 cm (+17.9)
Ground clearance
N/A
20.3 cm (+29.8)
Wheelbase
255.2 cm
285 cm (+2.4)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
495 cm
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
173 cm
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
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
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
285 cm
12.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has 453 L (SAE) of cargo space with the seats up, a figure that is average for its segment, while the 2021 Volkswagen Polo has 351 L under the VDA system. Comparing maximum cargo space is a challenge here as 2020 Toyota Highlander is measured at 2,387 L (SAE) while 2021 Volkswagen Polo uses the VDA standard. That said, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is way above average for the crossover segment.
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.
351 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.
1,125 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.
152.7 L per m
228.3 L per m (+75.6)
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.
87.2 L per m²
118.3 L per m² (+31.1)
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.
351 L
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
1,125 L
7 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
90%
SAE: below class average (-10%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Both the 2020 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Volkswagen Polo feature a 5-door configuration, offering the same level of accessibility for passengers. The 2020 Toyota Highlander can handle 3 additional passengers than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo, which is a decent step up in practicality. You’ll appreciate the 0.8 m tighter turning circle of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks. There's a monumental difference in mass; the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a staggering 823 kg heavier than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
8 (+3)
Turning circle
10.6 m
11.4 m (+0.8)
Curb weight
1,057 kg
1,880 kg (+823)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
11.4 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback
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.
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 2020 Toyota Highlander fit in a standard parking space?
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
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
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