Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V: Width, Height, Boot Space & Real-World Fit
The Tesla Model Y and Honda CR-V are two of the world’s most popular family SUVs. One electric, one petrol/hybrid, and at a glance they look similar in size. In real life, they feel quite different.
This DriveSize guide cuts through brochure noise and gets straight to what matters: everyday usability defined by length, width, height, wheelbase and boot space.
See them overlaid front, side and back with our overlay tool.
Tesla Model Y: the upright electric crossover
The Model Y is a fully electric family SUV known for its big boot, airy cabin and smooth EV driving feel.
Key dimensions
- Length: 479 cm (188.6 in)
- Body width: 192 cm (75.6 in)
- Width (mirrors out): 212.9 cm (83.8 in)
- Height: 162.3 cm (63.9 in)
- Wheelbase: 289 cm (113.8 in)
- Boot (seats up): 854 L (30.1 cu ft)
- Boot (seats down): 2,041 L (72.1 cu ft)
Personality
Modern, confident and quietly clever — looks simple, hides huge space.
Honda CR-V: the roomy, do-everything family SUV
The CR-V is one of the most practical petrol/hybrid SUVs on sale, with a long reputation for comfort, space and everyday usability. It’s available with petrol, hybrid and PHEV powertrains, so you can choose the level of electrification that suits your driving routine. We’ve used the petrol/hybrid stats, but you can toggle between them and the PHEV version here.
Key dimensions
- Length: 469.4 cm (184.8 in)
- Body width: 186.7 cm (73.5 in)
- Height: 168.1 cm (66.2 in)
- Wheelbase: 270 cm (106.3 in)
- Boot (seats up): 1,113 L (39.3 cu ft)
- Boot (seats down): 2,166 L (76.5 cu ft)
Personality
Calm, practical and reassuring — the “safe pair of hands” family SUV.
Length & Wheelbase: Space, Stability & Driveway Fit
Length
- Longest: Model Y: 479 cm (188.6 in)
- Shortest: CR-V: 469.4 cm (184.8 in)
The Model Y is just under 10 cm (3.8 in) longer, which you’ll feel when parking nose-in in shorter spaces.
Wheelbase
- Longest: Model Y: 289 cm (113.8 in)
- Shortest: CR-V: 270 cm (106.3 in)
Difference: More wheelbase (Model Y) means more space between the axles, which means more legroom for your rear seat passengers and smoother cruising.Less length (CR-V) means easier manoeuvring when your driveway or parking bay isn’t that generous.
Width: The Real Parking Difference
Width is the measurement you feel most in daily driving, in narrow streets, car park ramps and for door-opening space.
Body Width
- Model Y: 192 cm (75.6 in)
- CR-V: 186.7 cm (73.5 in)
Difference: The Model Y is +5.3 cm (2.1 in) wider. You’ll feel that in narrow multi-storeys and tight parallel parking. The CR-V feels easier and less stressful to position and park.
If your daily routine involves tight bays or narrow roads, the CR-V is easier. If your usual parking is wide and open, the Model Y’s extra width won’t be an issue.
Height: Seating Position & Visibility
- Model Y: 162.3 cm (63.9 in)
- CR-V: 168.1 cm (66.2 in)
Difference: The CR-V is taller, so its seating position feels more upright and traditional SUV-like. The Model Y feels a little lower and more “EV-aerodynamic”, but still gives strong visibility.
Boot Space: Seats Up and Down
Boot space is where the biggest difference appears. These figures use the SAE/EPA method, common in US specs. It measures cargo up to the roof, so numbers are larger than the VDA method (which measures up to the parcel shelf) used for many global cars.
Seats Up
- CR-V: 1,113 L (39.3 cu ft)
- Model Y: 854 L (30.1 cu ft)
The CR-V has a much larger boot with the seats up, ideal for fitting loads in the back when you’re also carrying passengers.
Seats Down
- CR-V: 2,166 L (76.5 cu ft)
- Model Y: 2,041 L (72.1 cu ft)
Difference: The CR-V still wins, but the gap narrows as the Model Y’s boot expands an extra 1,187 L with the seats down. The Model Y adds a deep underfloor area and a usable frunk, which is helpful for charging cables, muddy boots, shopping bags or anything that you want hidden.
Which SUV Fits Which Lifestyle?
For people who want
- Maximum cabin space for its exterior size
- A huge cargo area + additional frunk
- Smooth EV driving
- A modern, airy feel
- Low running costs and quiet refinement
Consider the Model Y.
For people who want
- Easier parking in tight UK/European bays
- Bigger seats-up boot space
- A little more height and traditional SUV visibility
- Smoother ride over rough surfaces
- Straightforward, proven family practicality
Consider the CR-V.
Short answer:
Both are brilliant SUVs. The Model Y is wider, roomier inside, and has EV smoothness. The CR-V is easier to park, has a bigger boot and that classic SUV feel.
FAQs
Which is bigger, the Model Y or CR-V?
The Model Y is longer and wider; the CR-V is taller. The Y feels bigger inside, the CR-V is easier to park.
Which has more boot space?
The CR-V — especially seats-up (1,113 L vs 854 L).
Which is easier to park?
The CR-V — it’s narrower and slightly shorter. The Model Y’s width needs more care in tight bays.
Which is better for families?
Both work, but priorities differ:CR-V = biggest seats-up boot for carrying everything + passengers.Model Y = huge cabin for passenger space + EV refinement.
