2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Which is bigger, the 2020 Toyota Highlander or 2021 Volkswagen Polo?
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
495 cm (+87.6)
407.4 cm
Height
173 cm (+27.9)
145.1 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
193 cm (+17.9)
175.1 cm
Ground clearance
20.3 cm (+29.8)
N/A
Wheelbase
285 cm (+2.4)
255.2 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
495 cm
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Height
173 cm
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
193 cm
8.1 cm wider than the average Crossover
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower 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
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
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.
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.
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 (+75.6)
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.
118.3 L per m² (+31.1)
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.
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%)
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
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
8 (+3)
5
Turning circle
11.4 m (+0.8)
10.6 m
Curb weight
1,880 kg (+823)
1,057 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.4 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
1,880 kg
248 kg heavier than the average Crossover
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.
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2020 Toyota Highlander or 2021 Volkswagen Polo 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
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
Articles featuring these cars
View all
What Is Wheelbase? Car Wheelbase Meaning & Why It Matters
Learn what wheelbase means, how it affects ride comfort, handling, turning circle and interior space, and why it matters when choosing your next car.
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.
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.
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