Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: size differences, boot space & parking fit

If you’re torn between the Tesla Model 3 (2017) and the Tesla Model Y (2020), the first thing to know is this: one’s a low, sleek sedan and the other’s a taller, roomier SUV. That alone changes how they fit your life — and your parking spaces.

The real deciding factors aren’t just horsepower or 0–60 times. It’s width, height, boot space, how stressful they are to park, and which body style actually works for the way you live.

On paper they’re close. In reality, the Y is bigger in the ways that matter, but not always where you expect. Here’s the clearest size comparison you’ll find anywhere, based entirely on real measurements.

See how they size up next to each other with our overlay tool.

1. Exterior width: the most important dimension for everyday life

Width is the dimension that decides whether you glide into a space or clench your teeth in a multi-storey. Let’s compare the two models across body width, mirrors-folded width and mirrors-out width.

Body width (without mirrors)

• Model 3: 184.9 cm (72.8 in)
• Model Y: 192 cm (75.6 in)

Difference: Model Y is +7.1 cm (2.8 in) wider

Width with mirrors folded

• Model 3: 193.3 cm (76.1 in)
• Model Y: 198.1 cm (78.0 in)

Difference: Model Y is +4.8 cm (1.9 in) wider

This is the “real parking width” — the dimension you’ll use to thread between cars, pillars and shopping-trolley scars.

Width with mirrors extended

Model 3: 208.8 cm (82.2 in)Model Y: 212.9 cm (83.8 in)

Difference: Model Y is +4.1 cm (1.6 in) wider

2. Height & cabin feel: the biggest difference you’ll notice

Height changes how a car feels the moment you get in. It affects the step-in, the sense of space, the visibility and how relaxed the cabin feels. Here’s how much taller the Model Y really is — and why it matters.

Height

• Model 3: 144.3 cm (56.8 in)
• Model Y: 162.3 cm (63.9 in)

Difference: The Model Y is +18.0 cm (7.1 in) higher

That extra height transforms daily life, giving you:

• Easier entry/exit
• An airier, more upright seating
• Better visibility in traffic and car parks
• A more family-friendly vehicle overall

The Model 3 feels lower and sleeker, sitting closer to the road in a way that feels more precise and controlled.

3. Boot space: a decisive win for the Model Y

Boot (trunk) volume determines how many of your belongings actually fit in your car. This is where the biggest gap between the two cars appears, and it has real consequences for families, hobbies and everyday practicality.

Boot capacity (seats up)

• Model 3: 542 L
• Model Y: 854 L

Difference: Model Y adds 312 L

Boot capacity (seats down)

• Model 3: 977 L
• Model Y: 2041 L

Difference: Model Y adds 1,064 L

This is the single biggest functional difference between the two. The Model Y’s cargo capacity is much larger — which makes it far more practical for mixed use. The Model 3 has decent space for a sedan, but it’s nowhere near as accommodating as the Model Y’s SUV-sized boot.

The extra volume in the Model Y means you can take bigger or bulkier items without planning ahead. You also get significantly more hidden storage under the boot floor thanks to the larger overall cargo volume — ideal for charging cables, muddy boots or valuables you don’t want on show.

It’s the difference between “it might fit if we shuffle things around” (Model 3) and “of course it fits, just throw it in” (Model Y).

4. Length, wheelbase & driveway fit

Length decides whether a car fits your driveway, parking space or home charger spot without sticking out.

Wheelbase affects stability and how “big” a car feels on the road. Let’s see how close the Model 3 and Model Y really are.

Length

• Model 3: 469.4 cm (184.8 in)
• Model Y: 479 cm (188.6 in)

Difference: +9.6 cm (3.8 in) for Model Y

Wheelbase

• Model 3: 287.5 cm (113.2 in)
• Model Y: 289 cm (113.8 in)

Difference: +1.5 cm (0.6 in) for Model Y

These two are extremely close. If a Model 3 fits your drive, allocated parking space or charging spot lengthways, the Model Y almost certainly will too.

5. Ground clearance

Ground clearance is your protection against scrapes, steep ramps and raised kerbs. The more, the better.

Ground clearance

• Model 3: 14 cm (5.5 in)
• Model Y: 16.76 cm (6.6 in)

Difference: +2.76 cm (1.1 in) for Model Y

Even the few extra centimetres for the Model Y make a big difference when dealing with speed bumps, multi-storey ramps, supermarket entrances and uneven driveways — the places where lower cars tend to catch.

6. Parking difficulty

Parking ease is a blend of size, visibility and how confident the car makes you feel at a low speed. These two Teslas park differently — not just because of width, but because of where you sit and what you can see.

The Model 3 is easier in tight spaces. It’s narrower with a tighter turning circle (11.7 m vs 12.1 m) which means it’ll be easier to turn and fit into smaller-spaced car parks.

The Model Y is easier in a different way. It has a higher driving position with much better visibility, it also feels calmer at low speeds, is more forgiving on kerbs and ramps, and despite being wider, often feels less stressful to park.

7. Garage fit

A garage fit check is the ultimate real-world test — and many garages are much tighter than the parking bays outside. Here’s how each Tesla fits (or doesn’t) in a typical UK-style single garage, which is one of the narrower benchmarks globally.

Typical single garage: 240–260 cm (94.5–102.4 in) wide, 480–520 cm (189–204.7 in) long.

Model 3

• Width (mirrors folded): 193.3 cm (76.1 in)
• Length: 469.4 cm (184.8 in)

Conclusion: Fits — tight, but manageable.

Model Y

• Width (mirrors folded): 198.1 cm (78.0 in)
• Length: 479 cm (188.6 in)

Conclusion: Usually fits, but the length margin is extremely tight for garages on the shorter 480 cm scale. Door-opening space is the real limiter here, so measuring your specific garage is essential.

8. Which one genuinely suits your life?

The Model 3 and Model Y aren’t just two sizes of the same car — they suit different lifestyles. The dimensions give you the numbers, but the real decision is how those numbers fit your routine, passengers, pets and plans.

This is where the sedan vs SUV difference becomes real.

Choose the Model 3 if you want a car that feels like… a car. It’s the sleeker, neater, more compact choice.

The Model 3 suits you if:

• you mainly drive solo or as a couple
• you want the one that’s easiest to fit into parking spaces
• you prefer a lower, sportier seating position
• you rarely carry bulky items
• you like a more connected, “driver’s car” feel

Choose the Model Y if you want the EV that just makes life easier. It’s the ultra-practical, family-ready SUV.

The Model Y suits you if:

• you carry people, pets, hobby gear or pushchairs
• You have the driveway or garage space to fit it
• you want a higher seating position and better visibility
• you want easy entry/exit
• you want your car to handle everything you throw at it
• you want SUV usefulness without SUV bulk

Quick FAQs

Here are the quick, clear answers to the questions people ask when choosing between these two cars.

Is the Tesla Model Y much bigger than the Model 3?

Yes, especially in height (+18 cm / +7.1 in) and boot space. Width and length changes are modest.

Which is easier to park?

Technically, the Model 3. But the Model Y often feels easier because you sit higher and see more.

Will the Model Y fit in my garage?

It depends on the length of your garage. Width is more likely to be fine; length can be tight. Measure your garage then look at our dimensions to know for sure.

Is the Model 3 still good for families?

Yes — 542 L of boot space plus a frunk makes it more practical than many hatchbacks.

How much bigger is the Model Y boot?

• Seats up: +312 L
• Seats down: +1,064 L