How Long is a Car? Dimensions of Popular Models
A common question among car buyers is “How long is a car,” especially when garage space is tight. On average, cars range from 13 to 19 feet, depending on the type. Compact ones are around 13 to 15 feet, while trucks can be as long as 19 feet.
Stick with me as I break down all the details to make car buying or parking easy!
Key Points
- The average car length varies, and it is based on the vehicle type.
- Compact cars are typically between 13 to 15 feet long.
- Sedans measure around 15 to 16 feet.
- SUVs can range from 16 to 19 feet.
- Pickup trucks are the longest, up to 19 feet.
- Knowing car dimensions helps with parking and tight spaces.
How Long is a Car? (Complete Details)
Cars come in all sorts of sizes depending on the type.
- A compact car, like a hatchback, is usually between 4 to 4.5 meters long (around 13 to 15 feet).
- Sedans, which are a bit bigger, usually fall between 4.5 and 4.9 meters (15 to 16 feet).
- If you’re looking at something larger, like an SUV or a pickup truck, they typically measure between 4.9 and 5.8 meters (16 to 19 feet).
The size of the car really makes a difference when it comes to parking and driving. So, knowing how long a car is can help you pick one that fits your lifestyle.
How Long is a Car in Meters?
The length of a car in meters really depends on the type of vehicle. Here’s a table about it:
| Vehicle Type | Length Range (meters) |
| Compact Car | 4.0 – 4.5 meters |
| Sedan | 4.5 – 4.9 meters |
| SUV | 4.9 – 5.5 meters |
| Pickup Truck | Up to 5.8 meters |
Understanding these measurements is helpful if you’re comparing cars.
How Long is a Car in Centimeters?
If you prefer to think in centimeters, compact cars measure between 400 and 450 cm. Sedans are a little longer, at 450 to 490 cm, and SUVs go from 490 to 550 cm. Pickup trucks can measure up to 580 cm.
Knowing the length in centimeters gives you a clearer idea of how big or small the car is. This can be helpful if you’re planning parking or storage space.
How Long is a Car in Feet?
For those who prefer to know measurements in feet, here’s a breakdown:
- Compact cars are around 13 to 15 feet long
- Sedans come in at 15 to 16 feet
- SUVs or trucks range from 16 to 19 feet.
Want to see how car lengths compare to trucks? Take a look at Which Truck is 200 Feet Long for some impressive comparisons.
How Long is a Car in Inches?
If you want to know how long a car is in inches, then check out this table:
| Vehicle Type | Length Range (inches) | Description |
| Compact Car | 156 – 180 inches | Small, ideal for tight parking spaces. |
| Sedan | 180 – 192 inches | Slightly longer, offering more space for passengers. |
| SUV | 192 – 216 inches | Larger size with added room, ideal for families. |
| Pickup Truck | Up to 228 inches | Longest type, suitable for hauling, heavy-duty tasks. |
What is the Width of a Car in Meters?
The width of a car can vary too, depending on the type. Most cars are between 1.7 and 2 meters wide, including the mirrors. Compact cars tend to be on the smaller side, closer to 1.7 meters, while bigger vehicles like SUVs can reach about 2 meters wide.
The width is super important to think about when it comes to parking in narrow spaces.
So, now you know parking a car can be tricky if you’re not sure of the dimensions. Learn more in How Long is a Parking Space to park like a pro.
Different Cars and Their Dimensions: Find Out How Big They Are
As mentioned above, cars usually have different dimensions. It depends on the companies, types, and some other factors.
Here’s a table on the popular cars and how big they are:
| Car Name | Dimensions (Length x Width) |
| Honda Civic | 4.6m x 1.8m |
| Toyota Camry | 4.89m x 1.84m |
| Ford Explorer | 5.0m x 1.98m |
| Honda CR-V | 4.57m x 1.82m |
| Tesla Model S | 4.97m x 1.96m |
| BMW 3 Series | 4.71m x 1.81m |
| Jeep Cherokee | 4.88m x 1.85m |
| Nissan Altima | 4.89m x 1.83m |
| Chevy Tahoe | 5.35m x 2.05m |
| Subaru Outback | 4.81m x 1.84m |
| Mini Cooper (2006) | 3.65 m x 1.69 m |
How Long is a Toyota Car? (Everything to Know)
Toyota makes all kinds of cars, and their lengths vary based on the model. For instance, the Toyota Yaris is a compact car, which is around 4 meters long. Similarly, the Toyota Camry, which is a midsize sedan, is about 4.9 meters (16 feet).
If you look at a larger model like the Toyota Highlander, it measures around 5 meters (16.5 feet).
I contacted a car expert, Kim Lee, to discuss more on this topic. He told me that Toyota designs its cars for different needs. Compact cars are easier to park and great for city driving, while the bigger models are more comfortable for long drives.
Toyota Models and Their Dimensions
| Model | Dimensions (Length x Width) |
| Toyota Yaris | 4.0m x 1.7m |
| Toyota Corolla | 4.63m x 1.78m |
| Toyota Camry | 4.89m x 1.84m |
| Toyota Highlander | 5.0m x 1.93m |
| Toyota RAV4 | 4.6m x 1.85m |
How Long is an SUV? SUV Car Length and Width in Feet
SUVs are generally bigger than regular cars. They typically measure between 16 and 18 feet long and have a width of 6 to 6.5 feet. Popular SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Honda CR-V fall within this range.
These larger sizes make SUVs great for carrying more passengers. The bigger size also offers more cargo space. I’ve also noticed that SUVs can run smoothly on all kinds of roads. Kim Lee gave all the credit to the bigger size.
However, in my experience, the extra size can make it tricky to park in smaller spaces.
How Long is a Truck Compared to a Car?
Trucks are usually longer than cars. For example, a compact car measures about 13 to 15 feet, and a sedan is around 15 to 16 feet. On the other hand, pickup trucks can be as long as 17 to 19 feet.
If you’re looking at bigger trucks like semi-trucks, those can stretch up to 70 to 80 feet (when you include their trailers). Trucks are great for hauling heavy loads or towing. However, their length can make them harder to handle in tight spots.
Curious how a car’s length compares to a bus? Discover the differences in this guide – How Long Is a Bus?
Why American and European Cars Are So Different in Size?
American and European cars are different because they’re made for different kinds of people and places. Let me explain this in the easiest way possible.
Why American Cars Are Bigger
American cars are bigger because people in the U.S. need more space. They drive long distances and often carry families, groceries, or camping gear. Big SUVs and trucks are perfect for this. Roads and parking spaces in the U.S. are also wider, so driving a big car isn’t a problem.
In Europe, cars are smaller. That’s because cities have narrow streets and tiny parking spots. A small car is easier to park and drive. Plus, it uses less gas, which is important in Europe because gas is very expensive.
Gas Prices Make a Difference
Gas is cheap in the U.S., so people don’t worry as much about fuel costs. This is why many American cars have big engines that use more gas but give a lot of power, like trucks and muscle cars.
In Europe, gas is very expensive. People there need cars that save fuel. Most European cars have smaller engines, and many run on diesel, which is cheaper and lasts longer. These cars are made to save money on gas.
Different Roads, Different Cars
American roads are long and straight, perfect for smooth and comfy cars. Cars in the U.S. are built for comfort, with soft seats and automatic gears, so you don’t have to think too much while driving.
In Europe, roads are curvy and narrow. Cars there are made to handle sharp turns and hills. European drivers like manual gears because they give better control, especially on tricky roads. Cars in Europe focus more on performance than comfort.
Safety Rules
The U.S. and Europe have different safety rules. In the U.S., cars must pass tough crash tests, so they’re built bigger and heavier to protect drivers. You’ll see big bumpers and strong frames on American cars.
In Europe, cars are also designed to keep pedestrians safe. For example, the front of a European car might be softer to hurt someone less if there’s an accident. This is one reason why European cars look sleeker and lighter.
How They Look
American cars are made to look bold and strong. Think of big trucks or muscle cars like the Mustang. They’re built to stand out and feel powerful.
European cars are more about style and elegance. Brands like BMW or Mercedes focus on sleek, modern designs. Even smaller cars, like the Mini Cooper, have a stylish touch that people love.
Comfort vs. Performance
American cars focus on comfort. They have big cup holders, comfy seats, and easy-to-use touchscreens. This makes sense because Americans spend a lot of time driving—on long road trips or daily commutes.
European cars focus more on performance. They’re built to handle curves and tight corners with ease. Features like turbo engines and advanced brakes make them fun to drive, especially on Europe’s winding roads.
Pollution Rules
Europe has stricter rules to reduce pollution. This means cars there are designed to be cleaner and use less fuel. Many European cars are hybrids or electric to meet these rules. Diesel cars are also popular because they produce fewer emissions and save fuel.
In the U.S., pollution rules depend on the state. Some states are strict, but others aren’t. Big gas-powered trucks and SUVs are still very popular, though electric cars like Teslas are becoming more common.
Cost of Cars
Cars cost more in Europe because of taxes. Bigger cars or ones with large engines cost even more because of extra taxes. That’s why most people in Europe buy smaller cars.
In the U.S., cars are cheaper, and there aren’t extra taxes on bigger vehicles. This makes it easier for Americans to afford large SUVs and trucks.
Cultural Differences
American cars are big because Americans love space and comfort. They take road trips, carry lots of stuff, and spend hours on the road. A big car fits their lifestyle.
European cars are small because people in Europe live in crowded cities with narrow roads. They need cars that are easy to park, save fuel, and fit into their daily lives.
What Are Some of the Longest Cars in the World?
Some cars are incredibly long, like:
- The Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII
- Cadillac Series 75
- The American Dream Limousine.
These cars are famous for being extra long, offering luxury and plenty of space.
Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII
This luxury car is about 5.98 meters (19.6 feet) long. It’s stylish, and it’s understandable why. Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII is made with plush interiors and advanced technology. Furthermore, the long wheelbase gives it a smooth ride, making it a symbol of luxury.
Cadillac Series 75
The Cadillac Series 75 was produced from the 1930s to the 1980s, with some models, especially the limousines, measuring over 6 meters (20 feet). It was known for being comfortable, making it a popular choice for limos and ceremonial cars.
American Dream Limousine
This car holds the record for being one of the longest ever built. Measuring a whopping 30.5 meters (100 feet), it was created in the 1980s by a car customizer named Jay Ohrberg. The limousine even had a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and helipad!
This car was made for fun and promotions, showing just how long cars can go.
Conclusion
To sum up:
- The length of a car depends on its type (from compact cars to large trucks).
- Compact cars measure around 4 to 4.5 meters or 13 to 15 feet.
- SUVs are typically larger, ranging from 16 to 19 feet in length.
- Pickup trucks are even longer, measuring up to 19 feet.
- Car length plays a big role in parking, driving, and road handling.
Understanding car lengths helps you choose the right vehicle.
