Whether you are planning to buy a new car or simply reading to enhance your knowledge about cars, one of the things that you may want to know includes knowing the answer to this question –what is the average car length?
In this article, we will learn about the average car length, as well as the average car dimensions. Knowing about these things will add value to your choice when you buy your next car.
Why the Need to Know About the Size of Typical Car?
There are several reasons why it is best to know about a typical car dimension. Perhaps you need to plan about tight space in your garage, public parking space, and even budget. Another factor that needs to be considered is your personal preference, since getting a specific car that will make you feel comfortable is also very important.
Why? You will be using this car every day, almost, which is why it helps a lot to become extra conscious with the little details, including the average car length and width. Added to this is the fact that cars are available in all sizes and shapes.
How Many Feet is the Average Car?
The average car length and width is not that easy to tell without actually knowing the actual type of vehicle that you have in mind. Still, given that you are planning to have an average car, which is considered in the mid-size category, then the average car dimension in feet is around 15 to 16 feet or 4.2 to 4.9 meters.
Case in point, the Toyota Corolla is at 15 feet and 3 inches, while the Camry call model is at 16 feet. Honda Accord, on the other hand, is also similar in terms of size.
Still, the actual dimensions depend on the class of the vehicle. Let us take a look at some of the most common ones:
How Long is the Average SUV in Feet?
A Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) combines the features of a passenger car and that of off-road vehicles, including a 4-wheeled drive. Many people prefer SUVs because Sedans are generally too lightweight and small, while trucks could be too large and somewhat unstylish.
One of the many advantages offered by SUVs is that they are usually big enough to handle more family members, plus some cargo during trips. They are not only good for rough use, but they can also be brought during formal occasions.
The average SUV in feet is around 16.13, with average dimensions of 56.83 feet (height), and 6.31 feet (width).
The average mid-sized SUV in feet is around 16.13, with average dimensions of 56.83 feet in height, and 6.1 feet in width. On the other hand, a full-sized Sports Utility Vehicle is at 17.40 feet (length), 6.68 feet (width), and 6.38 feet (height).
How Long is the Average Sedan in Feet?
Generally, a Sedan is known as a passenger car. Its design includes 3 separate compartments for the cargo, passenger, and the engine. There are different varieties of Sedans, and most often, the car that you will see running on the street is a Sedan.
In terms of length, an average Sedan is at 14.8 feet. A mid-sized Sedan is at an average of 14.8 feet in length, while a full-sized Sedan comes with a size averaging at 15.7 feet. There are also mini-car Sedans which come in a length of 10.5 feet.
How Long is the Average Pick-up Truck Length?
A pick-up truck is considered as a light-duty truck that comes with an enclosed cab. It also features an open cargo area located in its back. It is usually the first choice for those who need a vehicle that they can use for outdoor trips and rough roads. The reason for this is because of their durability, size, efficiency, and convenience.
Whether you are looking for a vehicle for the heavy lifting that can prove to be useful for your business, or you just need one for your next outdoor adventures, a truck may be the best choice for you over an SUV or a Sedan.
For this reason and more, trucks account for around 18% of the sales of vehicles in the USA. There was a time when they were only used for work mainly, but now they are also designed with comfort in mind, making them a good choice for families as well.
A standard truck comes with an average of 17 feet (length). Still, the actual average depends on the brand and model of trucks. Ford is a top manufacturing brand of vehicles, not just for trucks. Among the most common models include the following:
- 2015 Ford F-150 – The average truck length for this car is at 19 feet and 4 inches or 5.89 meters (length), 6 feet and 8 inches or 2.03 meters (width), and 6 feet and 3 inches or 1.92 meters (height). This truck model is a 13th generation model under the Classic F-Series line of Ford.
- 1976 Ford F-100 – This truck features an average length of 16 inches or 4.88 meters, 6 feet and 5 inches or 1.95 meters (width), and 5 feet and 11 inches or 1.8 meters (height). This is a 6th generation model under the Classic F-Series line of Ford.
- 1956 Ford F-100 – this truck model comes with a 15 feet and 9 inches or 4.8 meters (length), 6 feet and 3 inches or 1.92 meters (width), and 6 feet and 3 inches or 1.92 meters (height). This model is a 2nd generation truck under the Classic F-Series line of Ford.
How Long is the Average Truck Length?
A truck is a specific type of vehicle which is used generally in transporting cargoes of different weight and composition. As such, trucks are versatile, which is also the reason why they also come in different sizes, shapes, configurations, and power.
Trucks, depending on their actual use, may also be mounted with different specialized equipment. Since they come in various configurations, they also come in different average truck lengths.
- Standard Truck
A standard truck, one that comes with up to 24,000 kg (90 CBM) capacity is usually around 44.61 feet or 13.60 meters (length), 8.07 feet or 2.46 meters (width), and 8.69 to 9.18 feet or 2.65 to 2.80 meters (height). - Mega Truck
The dimensions are similar to a standard truck, except that they are slightly taller with up to 10 feet or 3.05 meters (height). They also have up to 24 kg (100 CBM) overall capacity.
- Trailer Truck
A trailer truck comes with an average length of 21.32 to 24.60 feet, or 6.50 to 7.50 meters (length), 8.07 feet or 2.46 meters (width), and 8.69 to 9.18 feet or 2.65 to 2.80 meters (height). It also features up to 24.00 kg (90 CBM) capacity.
What is the Length of an Urban Car?
Urban cars refer to the type of vehicles that we usually see on the street. They come with an average length of 2.7 to 4.0 meters. On the other hand, the average range of their height is from 1.5 to 1.7 meters. They are also comparable in terms of bonnet size and measurement, though they do not exceed the dimensions when it comes to height and length.
What is the Length of a Small Size Car?
These small-sized cars are under the Renault Zoe spectrum. They are generally longer in size compared with urban vehicles, with an average range of 3.8 to 4.1 meters. There is not much difference in height. Most of the vehicles come with a size ranging from 1.5 to 1.8 meters in height, and 1.6 to 1.7 meters in width. They are generally more spacious compared to urban cars.
What is the Length of a Compact Car?
The Compact Car category is where the Citroens and Honda Civics come in. They come in a length range of 4.1 to 4.3 meters, 1.4 to 1.5 meters in height, and 1.7 to 1.8 meters in width. They are also spacious enough inside while keeping the right amount of balance outside. These dimensions do not include their side mirrors, which is also the reason why mirrors are folded when getting measurements.
What is the Length of Porsche Cars?
When we see a Porsche, we see luxury. The Maseratis and the Mercedes fall into this category. They usually come with retractable roofs, amazing, inventive designs of the body, and well-manufactured safety systems. They are also known for their speed.
The interior of Porsche cars does not give much attention to space, which means that the actual length of these cars only focuses on the outside parts. Porsche cars come with dimensions at 4.6 to 5.6 meters (length), 1.9 to 2.0 meters (width), and 1.3 to 1.5 meters (height).
What is the Length of Sports Cars?
The dimensions of sports cars are as follows: 4.5 meters (average height), 1.2 to 1.3 meters (height), and 1.7 to 1.8 meters (width range). Among the cars included in this category include the Mx-5 Mazda, Mercedes S Class, most of which come with a moderate bonnet capacity at 1.5 meters (or above).
How to Find the Exact Car Length For My Car Model?
If you have asked this question at one point, then you may be delighted to know that there is a way to do so on your own. If you are interested in figuring out the length or the width of your car, here are things that you can do by yourself:
- Check the Car Specs
This is quite obvious. After all, each car comes with its own manual where you can easily see the car dimensions, listed accordingly. If you cannot find the manual, you may also browse online to search for the specs of your car. As you do so, make sure that you are searching for the specific model year. Note that this is very important since the dimensions of either earlier or later models of the same car may be different from the one that you have. - Manual Measurement
If you do not have the manual with you and are not comfortable in checking out the specs from online sources, you may want to make a manual measurement of your car. For this you would need a long metal tape, starting the measurement by extending it from the front to the back of the car. Make sure that you place the tape on the car's even surfaces, ensuring that the tape end is even along with each of the bumper's ends, specifically the outer edge of the ends. Utilize these reference points to determine all of the measurements. - Use a VIN Decoder
Another good way in which you can get the measurement of your car, length included, is retrieving it with the VIN, or the Vehicle Identification Number. To do this, you need to use a VIN Decoder, which is usually available online. There are some that are free to use. All you need to do is to paste it there and get the data of your car's length, aside from other information about your car.
- Consult Your Local Dealer
If you are not sure about any of the methods mentioned above, you may also contact your local dealer in order to determine the length of your car using either the Vehicle Identification Number or the license number. This is a dependable and cheap way to know about the length of your car.
Conclusion
This in-depth guide of knowing the average car length will help you, whether you need to make a wise purchasing choice, or just to refresh your mind with useful and additional car knowledge. Different models of cars come with different length, which goes to say that there is no single average car length. Still, if you need the information for anything important, you may utilize the procedures and suggestions that are discussed above.
Simon graduated with a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Degree. He has over 20 years of servicing experience in both Japanese and German car dealerships. He now acts as a freelance mechanic’s instructor for local schools.
You may want to check your height calculation.
You repeatedly list 56.83 ft for height.
Most bridges, and garages would not accommodate that size.