Are you planning to buy a car? What will be the primary aspect that affects your selection? One of them is often the length of the car. The average car length is crucial when considering factors like finding a parking spot or driving safety, or even something as basic as whether the car will fit in your garage!
Knowing the average car size can help you buy the right car if you live in a metropolitan city or a neighborhood with narrow streets and sudden turns. Interestingly, larger cars dominate the highways and automobile showrooms in the country. Larger cars give a safer feeling and require less insurance. But the larger or heavier vehicles on the roads can always pose a huge threat to pedestrians and other drivers.
Demand and geographical factors have influenced car sizes over time. So, it is essential to know the average car length in detail before you buy one! Here’s more info on the average car size and width.
How Long Is a Car?
Typically, the average length of a car is around 14.7 feet. Different manufacturers and models will have varying car sizes, and standard automobiles and trucks are typically between 10-18 feet long. A midsize sedan is around 14 feet long, while a smaller car, like a Mini Cooper, will be about 10 feet long. Chevrolet Spark (under 12 feet) is the shortest passenger car, and Rolls-Royce Phantom (around 20 feet long) is the longest passenger car in the country. A full-size car has a length of around 15.7 feet. Factors like cargo room and passenger space increase the length of a car.
| Size class | Length (feet) |
| Mini cars | 10.5 |
| Small car | 13.8 |
| Small SUV | 14.4 |
| Mid-sized car | 14.8 |
| Full-sized car | 15.7 |
| Small pickup | 16.3 |
| Large SUV | 16.7 |
| Large pickup | 18.4 |
How Wide Is a Car?
The average car width is around 5.8 feet. The width varies due to aerodynamic performance or extra safety features. The Chevrolet Spark (5.2 feet) is the narrowest car in the country. Outside the ultra-luxury market, the Tesla Model X is the broadest vehicle, measuring 7.4 feet wide with folded mirrors. Factors like side airbags and lane departure sensors can increase a vehicle’s width more than the dimensions of typical parking spaces.
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How Does Length Affect a Car?
Safety will be the primary factor that comes to mind when thinking of the average car length. Often, we believe longer cars offer better safety. However, the truth is that smaller cars offer better safety than larger cars, thanks to the improvements in engineering, materials, and construction. With every decade, cars in the country have been getting larger. The locality where you live and fuel efficiency are the other main factors influencing the length of the car you buy. Fuel efficiency is one aspect that every customer gives prominence to. Also, larger cars are not that expensive to insure. Despite all these factors, finally, it is the customer’s preference.
How Do I Find out the Length of My Car?
There are a few simple methods for determining your car’s length.
- Using a VIN decoder is the simplest way to determine the car’s length. Type a VIN decoder into a web browser to locate them. There are various free ones to select from. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number into the VIN decoder, and the results will appear.
- Also, any online automobile shop can tell you how long your vehicle is. Enter the number of your license plate. The results for your unique vehicle will appear, and you’ll be able to look up your car’s measurements as well as other details.
- Aftermarket parts can change your car’s length, but you can measure it by hand. For example, if your vehicle has a different bumper, the VIN decoder’s results will differ. Measure using a yardstick or tape measure. To get the most precise result, measure underneath.
Average Car Length: Some Interesting Info
- A car’s average length and width are typically 14.7 feet and 5.8 feet, respectively.
- Aspects like cargo room and passenger space increase a car’s length. At the same time, airbags and lane departure sensors can increase a vehicle’s width.
- Most drivers prefer SUVs as they feel safer than other vehicles.
- Though SUV sales have recently increased, pickup trucks remain the most popular vehicle.
- The locality you live in, safety, and fuel efficiency are a few factors that influence your car size.
Gerard Stevens is an experienced writer specializing in travel and car ownership in the U.S. With over five years in this field, he strives to simplify travel and driving for his readers. Gerard offers valuable guidance on various topics, including car and travel guides, helping his audience feel more confident in navigating these challenges.
