How Long Is An SUV? Why You Should Know

Did you know that SUVs, along with pickup trucks, are the best selling vehicle in the United States, as well as many other countries? With more cargo space than your standard sedan-size cars, they make the perfect choice for families. 

Which begs the question, how long is an SUV? Will it fit neatly in your garage?

Do expect SUVs to be bulkier than regular family cars, as they also have towing capacity. Even midsize SUVs can handle upwards of 5,000 lbs, sometimes more. 

Meanwhile, full-size SUVs can just about do it all, from transporting up to 8 passengers to towing between 6,000 and 9,000 lbs.

Find out the average measurements for different categories of SUVs, plus the specific dimensions of the top sellers in each category in this comprehensive guide. You will know which model will fit into your garage, as well as other maintenance purposes.

How Long Is An SUV: Average Dimensions

There are four categories of SUVs: subcompact, compact, midsize and full-size. This article will focus on the two later categories, as midsize and full-size SUVs are by far more popular. 

Makes sense, as once you opt for an SUVs instead of a family sedan, of course you would want a powerful and spacious vehicle with reliable towing capability.

Average Dimensions Of A Midsize SUV

Midsize SUVs are widely popular worldwide, and it’s easy to see why after you have spent some time browsing the market. 

The vehicles in this huge market segment offer the most enticing blend of size, performance, and fuel economy. Better yet, all at a reasonable price!

Take fuel economy for example. While it’s a struggle to find a full-size SUV that can get much better than 20 mpg on the highway, many midsize SUV models can get close to 30.

Rest assured if you are concerned about parking space. While these sport utility vehicles are larger than your standard Corolla or Civic, they are still a manageable size for maneuvering about town, and will fit whichever parking spaces or garage out there.

Another factor that makes mid-size SUVs so well loved is the fact that all of them are built on unibody platforms. That means they are built like cars, not trucks. 

This translates to improved ride and handling over the truck-based full-size SUVs. The downside, of course, is that their towing and off-road performance cannot compare to the full-size counterparts.

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Below are the average specs for the midsize SUV category:

• Height: 68.2 inches
• Weight: 4,336 lbs
• Width: 75.8 inches
• Length: 193.6 inches

While we’re on this topic of vehicle’s sizes, you might be surprised to learn that a vehicle’s weight has unexpectedly nuanced implications on safety, fuel efficiency and maintenance. 

Did you know that for every extra 1,000 pounds or 454 kilograms that a car weighs, the risk of death in serious collisions decreases by almost 50%?

The heavier a vehicle is, the steadier it is. Head over to our article on How much does a car weigh: What you need to know.

This comprehensive article includes a list of 10 major vehicle categories, plus the respective average weight and fuel efficiency, in miles per gallon for city and highway driving, for each. 

Average Dimensions Of A Full-Size SUV

If you really need something significantly bigger than your typical Civic, then let’s venture into the big boy territory. No more car-based SUVs here, but huge truck-based behemoths with much enhanced towing and off-roading performance.

These are all big, heavy vehicles built on ladder truck-based frames, so while driving a midsize SUV will feel normal, driving in a full-size will be a different experience. Still, the vehicles in this category are becoming more luxurious and comfortable every year.

They are not the type made with performance as the sole top priority anymore. In fact, the levels of comfort and refinement will definitely blow you away!

With an average weight dangerously close to 6,000 lbs, they sure are big. However, they aren’t as long as the various half-ton pickup trucks that they are based on, including the Ford F150, Chevrolet Silverado, or Nissan Titan.  

Having that said, first time owners will need some practice getting used to handling and parking to ensure safety. 

Many drivers really enjoy sitting in an elevated seating position, which offers a great view of everything around you and overall an enjoyable driving experience.

Of course, all of that size really pays off when it comes to towing and off-roading capabilities. From their cavernous cargo areas to the spacious 3-rows of seating, all of these SUVs offer excellent levels of space. 

Big bonuses are that truck chassis and 4WD, which offers excellent stability and handling, and will reliably handle just about anything you will throw at the vehicle on your vacation. 

From pulling a boat to the lake to navigating forest roads, a full-size SUV will get you there safely, with comfort and confidence.

How big is an SUV in the full-size segment? Below are the average specs for the full-size SUV category:

• Height:  75.4 inches
• Weight:  5,706 lbs
• Width:  80.2 inches
• Length:  208.9 inches

How Long Is An SUV: 10 Best Selling Midsize SUVs

In case the average figures haven’t answered your question of how long an SUV is, here are the specs for the top 10 best selling models of midsize SUVs for your reference.

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• 12 Best Compact SUV Reviews: Photos And Details
• 2019 Subaru Forester Vs Compact SUVs

How Long Is An SUV: 9 Best Selling Full-Size SUVs

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• 2019 Honda Passport Vs. Pilot: Which SUV Is Right For You?
• 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV – Reviews & Features 

Conclusion

The length of an SUV is an important factor to consider when choosing a vehicle, as it can impact factors like maneuverability, parking, cargo space, and passenger seating. 

Ultimately, the choice of SUV length should align with your specific needs and preferences, whether it’s for urban commuting, family travel, or outdoor adventures. 

Therefore, the answer to the question “How long is an SUV?” is diverse, offering options that cater to a wide range of lifestyles and requirements.