Knowing the length of the car before purchase is highly important because it will affect how you drive and park. In this article, we will be going through the average car lengths according to vehicle types.
Why the length of a vehicle is important
When you ask why vehicle length matters, safety is the first thing that springs to mind. Typically, a longer car is a larger car. It is widely accepted that a larger vehicle offers better protection and that a smaller vehicle is more hazardous. Nowadays, because of advancements in modern technology, such as construction, materials, and engineering, smaller cars can be just as safe as larger ones, if not safer.
Additionally, regional issues play a significant role in the decision-making process regarding car size and fuel efficiency. Today, fuel efficiency is the most crucial deciding factor in car sales all over the globe. Size isn’t a factor in purchasing selections other than for those reasons. A lot of the time, it boils down to individual preference.
How long is the average car?
According to a study, the average length of a car is 4.5 metres. On average, some vehicles are longer, and others are shorter than this 4500 mm measurement. It’s important to note that this is the average length of a medium-sized car, which is not the case for every car. They come in all shapes and sizes. However, the average length is this. Depending on the manufacturer and vehicle class, each vehicle’s length varies.
It’s important to note that even though you now know the average height, each automobile manufacturer has a distinct size for each model of their vehicle. To figure out how long an automobile is, you need to know the model and year of the car. When it comes to the length of an automobile, the small types are often between three and four metres, while the long types are between five and seven metres long.
We will list down the average sizes of the different types of cars:
- City cars
City cars, otherwise called urban cars, refer to vehicles that are used in urban areas. They are meant to be used in modern and industrialised regions, as their name suggests.
Since a lack of parking plagues many cities, city vehicles tend to be smaller. The average dimensions of urban vehicles are between 2.7 metres and 4 metres, or 106.3 to 157.5 inches. Hence, their average length is around 145.7 inches, which is 3.7 metres or 145.7 feet. Even in the city’s most congested areas, such cars make driving much more secure.
- Small cars
Small cars are another type of vehicle that is easy to drive about the city. They are significantly longer than urban equivalents and are commonly referred to as “mini cars.” This results in an average of 3.9 metres for their overall length. That’s about 153.5″ in length.
Small automobiles can be as short as 3.7 metres in length, which is the shortest you’ll find. For instance, Suzuki Swift is a good illustration of this. In terms of size, however, they are limited to only 4.1 metres. Minis offer more interior space than city automobiles. Additionally, their boot space is a little larger.
- Compact cars
The term “mid-sized car” refers to compact cars. They range in length from 4.1 m to 4.4 m (173.2 in. to 184 in.). The average is about 4.25 metres (167.3 inches).
The popularity of crossovers has grown tremendously in recent years, yet small cars remain a popular vehicle type. The interior space and external compactness are both well-executed in these vehicles. Their elegant design and big interior make them popular with many customers.
The outer mirror measures are not included in these width calculations, which are presented in brackets with the mirrors fully unfolded. In order to take measurements, the mirrors are always folded.
- Family cars
If you have a family of five, you can usually squeeze in a family car with room for six people. As a result, the average length of a family car is 179.1 inches or 4.55 metres.
Practicality is one of these cars’ most appealing features. They have a lot of room inside and a lot of storage space. Those elements are what distinguishes them from smaller and more compact automobiles. The passengers of these vehicles are the primary focus of these cars.
They don’t add much extra space for baggage in the family category.
- Sports Cars
Powerful sports cars are a real treat to drive. It is the goal of these automobiles to be as lightweight as possible. Instead of focusing on cargo space, these vehicles have a low profile but powerful engines. A sports car over 5 metres is unlikely to be found. The dimensions of a sports automobile are as follows: between 4-5 metres in length, 1.2-1.3 metres in height, and 1.7 – 1.8 metres in width.
The Mercedes S Class and Mazda Mx-5 both have 1.5-meter-plus bonnets, as do several other models. They’re mid-range vehicles with a high-end feature set and a potent engine that more than makes up for the car’s diminutive hood size. There is no more than 1.7-metre space in the boot of these vehicles.
- Luxury Cars
The name “luxury” denotes that the vehicle’s size and length are of utmost importance. They all range from the Mercedes SL to Maserati Quattro Porte. Comfort, high-end features, and performance are luxury vehicles’ three most important aspects. Aside from their eye-catching looks, these vehicles typically feature a powerful engine, high-quality audio systems, and other cutting-edge features.
Average luxury cars are 5.05 metres long to accommodate all of the extra features. These vehicles can measure up to 5.5 metres in length in some situations.
- Multipurpose Vehicles (MPVs)
Contrary to their title, multipurpose vehicles have a single primary purpose. Specifically, they try to maximise the sitting capacity within the car. Consequently, they typically have up to seven seats. Therefore, if you are looking for the ideal car for a road trip, this is the category you should consider. The Kia and Ssangyong Rodius are excellent examples of MPVs.
Most MPVs are approximately 4.6 metres in length. Generally, these vehicles’ sizes range from 4.1 to 5.1 metres (161.4 to 200.8 inches). Although they appear huge and have a wide trunk, multifunctional vehicles are straightforward to manage on the road.
- Small SUVs
Small SUVs are convenient automobiles for all demographics. They feature a more distinct body structure than MPVs with an elevated driving position. These automobiles include the Jeep Renegade and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
A small SUV can range in length from 4.3 to 4.7 metres, width from 1.8 to 1.9 metres, and height from 1.5 to 1.7 metres. They have a 4.5-meter-long trunk with an aesthetic off-road element that improves their ground balance.
- Compact SUVs
Similar to most other SUVs, small SUVs feature a high driving posture. This affords the motorist a greater perspective of oncoming vehicles.
The average length of compact sport utility vehicles is 4.35 metres (171.25″). Still, some vehicles in this class can be as small as 4.2 metres, but they never exceed 4.5 metres in length. Therefore, they are not challenging to operate in urban environments.
Also included in this category are midsize crossovers such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Their small boot is a defining characteristic. Therefore, drivers who enjoy a combination of city and long-distance driving may select a more spacious classic SUV.
- Full-size SUVs
If you are a maximalist, this automobile category will meet all your driving requirements and expectations. To begin with, it is spacious both inside and out. Full-size SUVs can measure up to 5.2 metres in length. That is greater than 204.72″.
Additionally, these vehicles’ maximum height and breadth are 1.82 metres and 2 metres, respectively. Thus, there is plenty of space for baggage, people, and other essential items you’ll need for a road trip.
Full-size sport utility vehicles are more powerful than smaller ones, allowing them to traverse even the most challenging terrains.
- Station wagons
These automobiles have the same average length as midsize SUVs and MPVs (4.6 metres or 181 inches). In addition, they can be as short as 4.2 metres, which is considerably shorter than the usual length of an automobile.
Even while station waggons are not very long, they may appear to have a lengthy body form. It may be due to the elevated roof of these automobiles, which gives them a boxy visual aspect.
- Pickups
Pickups and pickup trucks consist of a cab and a bed. Consequently, they are among the market’s most extended consumer autos. This category includes the Ford Ranger with a large hood (4.7 metres) and improved cabin comfort. These large cars have spacious interiors and provide superior ride comforts compared to SUVs. Still, a vehicle with a double cabin can measure up to 5.7 metres (224.4 inches) in length.
Due to their size, pickup trucks can be challenging to operate. Obviously, vast cargo space and record-setting vehicle length can be a formula for blind spots. However, this should not be an issue for competent drivers.