2022 Volkswagen Virtus vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
Which is bigger, the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus or 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2020 Toyota Highlander measures an extra 38.9 cm in length, providing a slightly more substantial footprint on the road than the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus. At 17.8 cm wider, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has a noticeably broader stance than the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus, giving it a more planted feel on the road at the cost of some agility in parking spaces. With a 22.3 cm height advantage, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is better suited for those who prefer a higher view of the road ahead. A 2.4 cm larger ground clearance gap gives the 2020 Toyota Highlander a slightly more capable feel when the pavement gets rough vs the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus will likely be the more agile choice in tight turns, sitting 19.9 cm shorter between the axles than the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
Measurements
Length
456.1 cm
495 cm (+38.9)
Height
150.7 cm
173 cm (+22.3)
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.2 cm
193 cm (+17.8)
Ground clearance
17.9 cm
20.3 cm (+19.9)
Wheelbase
265.1 cm
285 cm (+1.6)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
456.1 cm
16.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
495 cm
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
150.7 cm
4.9 cm taller than the average Sedan
173 cm
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.2 cm
7.8 cm narrower than the average Sedan
193 cm
8.1 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
17.9 cm
3.9 cm more ground clearance than the average Sedan
20.3 cm
2.2 cm more ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
265.1 cm
13 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sedan
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 2022 Volkswagen Virtus’s 521 L (VDA) cargo capacity isn't possible due to different measurement methods, but the 2020 Toyota Highlander is average for its class. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus is above average for its class. Comparing maximum cargo space is a challenge here as 2020 Toyota Highlander is measured at 2,387 L (SAE) while 2022 Volkswagen Virtus 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.
521 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.
1,050 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.
154.8 L per m
228.3 L per m (+73.4)
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.
88.4 L per m²
118.3 L per m² (+29.9)
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.
521 L
46 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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.
90%
SAE: below class average (-10%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With more doors, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is more practical for passengers to enter and exit. The decent 3-seat difference in passenger capacity means the 2020 Toyota Highlander is more family-friendly than the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus. In urban environments, the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus's 1.3 m shorter turning circle provides a helpful difference in everyday convenience. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus is a featherweight compared to the 2020 Toyota Highlander, which carries a huge 780 kg of additional weight.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
8 (+3)
Turning circle
10.1 m
11.4 m (+1.3)
Curb weight
1,100 kg
1,880 kg (+780)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.1 m
1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sedan
11.4 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
1,100 kg
422 kg lighter than the average Sedan
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.
109%
9% more manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus or 2020 Toyota Highlander fit in a standard parking space?
2022 Volkswagen Virtus 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 46.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
46.5 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.
FAQs