2021 Volkswagen Polo vs 2023 Toyota Prius
Which is bigger, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 2023 Toyota Prius?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 52.5 cm length difference creates a clear divide in front-to-rear dimensions. When it comes to tight city streets, both the 2023 Toyota Prius and 2021 Volkswagen Polo will feel near identical, as the 2023 Toyota Prius is only 3.1 cm wider. Neither car holds a significant height advantage, with the 2021 Volkswagen Polo measuring 3.1 cm taller than the 2023 Toyota Prius. If you drive these cars, you'll notice the 2023 Toyota Prius feels a bit more planted on the motorway thanks to its 19.8 cm wheelbase advantage.
Measurements
Length
407.4 cm
459.9 cm (+52.5)
Height
145.1 cm (+3.1)
142 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.1 cm
178.2 cm (+3.1)
Ground clearance
N/A
13.7 cm (+19.8)
Wheelbase
255.2 cm
275 cm (+1.1)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
459.9 cm
44.7 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
142 cm
5.9 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
178.2 cm
1.7 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
N/A
13.7 cm
0.2 cm less ground clearance than the average Hatchback
Wheelbase
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
275 cm
15.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
There is a noticeable size difference in the boot here when all seats are up; the 2021 Volkswagen Polo provides 351 L (VDA), giving you about two carry-on bags worth of extra room compared to the 2023 Toyota Prius. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo offers 1,125 L (VDA) of total cargo volume, which is below average for hatchback.
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 (+67)
284 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.
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
674 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
N/A
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
N/A
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
284 L
59 L less 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.
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
674 L
149 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
When it comes to doors, there is no difference between the 2023 Toyota Prius and 2021 Volkswagen Polo, with each using a 5-door configuration. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. You’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference doing a U-turn, as the 2021 Volkswagen Polo has a turning circle of only 0.1 m wider than the 2023 Toyota Prius. This 488 kg weight gap is massive, fundamentally changing everything from braking to suspension wear.
Measurements
Doors
5
5
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
10.6 m (+0.1)
10.5 m
Curb weight
1,057 kg
1,545 kg (+488)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
10.5 m
0.1 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback
1,545 kg
292 kg heavier 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.
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
96%
4% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 2023 Toyota Prius 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
2023 Toyota Prius 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 45 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
45 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.
FAQs