When it comes to car sizes, there are plenty of factors that impact car dimensions, including the make, model, and even the year it was made. However, it’s important to be familiar with the average car length and average car width of different vehicles so you’ll know if they’ll fit in a garage or storage unit. Read on for a guide to average car dimensions and how your vehicle size impacts vehicle storage!
The average length of a car is 14.7 feet, though this varies based on different size classes. Here are average car lengths for common car sizes:
The average width of a car is 5.8 feet. However, average car width also varies by car size. Here’s the average width of cars by common sizes:
The average car height is 4 to 5 feet. Car height can vary widely between compact, mid-size, and full-size vehicles—and between different car types like sedans, SUVs, and pick-up trucks. Here are average car heights by car size:
These are the most popular vehicle sizes:
Compact Vehicles (Smallest Option)
Mid-Size Vehicles (Second-Largest Option)
Full-Size Vehicles (Largest Option)
| Average Dimensions (LxWxH) | Square Footage | Vehicle Examples | |
| Compact Vehicles |
| 100 to 109 cubic feet | Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza |
| Mid-Size Vehicles |
| 110 to 120 cubic feet | Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata |
| Full-Size Vehicles |
| 120 to 160 cubic feet | Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima , Chevy Tahoe |
Compact cars seat four to five passengers and have an average passenger and cargo capacity of 100 to 109 cubic feet. Most compact vehicles have four doors, but there are some models with only two doors. Compact cars are great fits for compact vehicle parking spaces as well as standard size parking spaces, and can usually fit in the smallest vehicle storage units.
Mid-size cars are slightly larger than compact cars—and seat five to seven passengers with a passenger and cargo capacity of 110 to 120 cubic feet. Nearly all mid-size vehicles have four doors unless you’re looking into certain types of mid-size sports cars that may have two doors. Mid-size cars usually cannot fit into compact parking spaces or small vehicle storage units, as they’re too large.
Mid-size cars and full-size cars both commonly have four doors, and can seat five passengers if they have two rows. For mid-size and full-size vehicles that have three rows, mid-size cars are usually only able to go up to seven passengers, but full-size cars with three rows can seat up to nine passengers in some cases. Full-size vehicles also have greater passenger and cargo capacity than mid-size vehicles, ranging from 120 cubic feet to 160 cubic feet.
In general, both mid-size and full-size cars can fit in parking garages, larger vehicle storage units, and standard parking spaces. However, some full-size cars—particularly taller models like certain SUVs and trucks—may exceed the height limits of standard parking garages or vehicle storage units and require an outdoor parking space instead.
Car dimensions vary between car sizes—but vehicle types, from pickup trucks to minivans, can impact vehicle measurements as well. Different vehicle types are also available across different car sizes, with options like a compact SUV vs. mid-size SUV or mid-size vs. full-size sedan.
When it comes to storage, smaller 10×15 and 10×20 vehicle storage units or garages can typically accommodate compact and mid-size sedans and SUVs. However, taller full-size trucks and SUVs may require a larger vehicle storage unit, typically 10×30 or bigger, to ensure adequate space.
You can find your car dimensions in one of three ways—with a VIN decoder, through a dealership, or by measuring manually.
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-character code that’s unique to each vehicle. Using a VIN decoder like these from NHSTA, AutoZone, or JD Power allows you to find valuable information about your vehicle, including car dimensions. You can find your VIN in the following places:
Using a VIN decoder is one of the easiest ways to find your car’s factory specifications—including key car dimensions. It provides details based on your specific vehicle’s make, model, trim, and any factory-installed variations that could impact your car size.
You can reach out to your local automobile shop or dealership with your VIN or license plate number, and they’ll be able to look up your vehicle and provide your car dimensions for you. If they can’t provide the information for your specific vehicle, they can at least provide you with the average length and width of your car based on its make and model!
Manual vehicle measurement is a good idea if you have aftermarket car modifications that could impact vehicle dimensions—like different wheels, a new bumper, roof rack, or lift package. Stock measurements provided by a VIN decoder or dealership won’t take these into account, so manually measuring with a tape measure is the best way to be completely accurate. Here’s how to manually measure the dimensions of a car:
When you rent a vehicle storage unit, you’ll need to know what size your particular vehicle needs. Here’s a breakdown of standard recommended vehicle storage unit sizes for each car size:
We recommend leaving at least 1-2 feet of space between your vehicle and the unit walls to ensure easy access for opening the car doors and trunk.
While the monthly cost of vehicle storage varies depending on your location and the size of your storage unit, here is how much car storage costs in popular markets across the U.S.
| City | Average Monthly Cost of Car Storage |
| Las Vegas, NV | $147.50 |
| Houston, TX | $90.50 |
| Chicago, IL | $89.00 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $113.00 |
| Austin, TX | $78.00 |
Note: Prices in this table include the average costs between all types of vehicle storage, including indoor, outdoor, and covered. All prices are for reference only and are subject to change without notice.
You can rent vehicle storage at any vehicle storage facility near you—such as your nearest Extra Space Storage! We offer vehicle storage at facilities across the country, including in popular markets like Phoenix, Chicago, Miami, and more. Vehicle storage rates can vary across these markets, as can storage unit sizes, features, and amenities.
A mid-size car typically measures 187 to 197 inches (15.6 to 16.4 feet) in length and has an interior volume of 110 to 120 cubic feet. Mid-size cars are larger than compact cars but smaller than full-size sedans, offering a balance of passenger comfort, cargo space, and fuel efficiency. This category includes popular sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. Most mid-size cars can fit in a 10×20 storage unit or standard parking space, making them a practical option for vehicle storage.
A standard car typically ranges between 186 and 200 inches (15.5 to 16.7 feet) in length and has an interior volume of 100 to 160 cubic feet. Standard cars are slightly larger than mid-size cars, offering more legroom and cargo space, but they are smaller than full-size vehicles. This classification is commonly used by rental car companies rather than by car manufacturers or dealerships. In rental terms, a standard car usually refers to a 4-door sedan that seats five passengers comfortably and provides a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space.
The main difference between a standard car and a mid-size car is their length and interior space. Standard cars are slightly longer (typically 186-200 inches) and often provide more cargo space than mid-size cars. Mid-size cars are more compact (typically 187-197 inches) and tend to be more fuel-efficient while still offering comfortable seating for five passengers. Both mid-size and standard cars can fit in a 10×20 storage unit, but larger standard vehicles may require a 10×25 or larger unit.
Average car door width depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Compact car doors are typically between 30 and 35 inches, while full-size car doors are typically between 34-40 inches. Front doors are typically wider than rear doors for easier access, while SUVs and trucks often have taller, more vertical doors to accommodate higher ground clearance. If you’re parking in a tight space, allow at least 20-24 inches of clearance for comfortable entry and exit.
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Unsure how much space your car needs in storage? Use our vehicle storage unit size calculator to find the right size parking space for your vehicle. Extra Space Storage offers reliable vehicle storage at our storage facilities across the U.S. Rent vehicle storage today!
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