Car TalkCar MaintenanceWhat Is The Average Car Length And How To Find It?

What Is The Average Car Length And How To Find It?

What is the average length of a car? When you have a car, weird questions often pop up in your head. This one appears to be one of those questions that seem quite easy, but no one actually knows the correct answer. Most car owners have a vague idea about the average car length. If you are really interested in finding a concrete answer, keep reading.

What Is The Average Car Length?

Different types of automobiles have different lengths. We will first discuss the linear measure of some basic car models before moving on to specific vehicle types. How long is the average car?

The typical car length is around 177.2 inches. For example, this is the length of compact sedans like the Audi A4, which should give you a clear idea of the length of these cars belonging to this class. Compact SUVs are almost 172.3 inches. The medium counterparts of both these types are 10 to 20 inches longer. The larger ones extend to an extra 15 to 20 inches.

Small cars could be between 118 and 169.3 inches, while big trucks are somewhere between 196.8 and 236.2 inches. Besides, vehicles belonging to the same class could differ in length by a few inches depending on the make and model.

what is the average length of a car
What is the average length of a car (Photo: lawandbiodigest)

Many automakers manufacture the latest versions of older models, bigger in length and heavier in weight. Edmunds conducted a study in 2007 and found that compact sedans were 2 inches longer and wider and 374 pounds heavier than they were 10 years earlier. Large and medium cars also followed the same trend.

How Long Is S Car: A Chart

There is no doubt that there are big differences in the lengths of vehicles. Here is a chart of the average car length for different automobile classes. We’ve taken a particular model as an example for each class for your better understanding.

Class of the VehiclesExampleLength (Inch)
Mini CarHyundai EON137.6
Small CarHonda Jazz155.7
Mid-SizedAudi A4178
Full-SizedAudi A6189
Small SUVMazda CX-5179.1
Large SUVCadillac Escalade201.2
Small PickupIsuzu D-Max205.3
Large PickupChevrolet Silverado221

How to Find Your Car’s Specific Length?

Now you have an idea about the basics of average car length of various classes. But how to measure the exact length of your car?

You can manually measure with a measuring tape or yardstick from the rear to the front bumper. However, using the VIN decoder is the best way to get the correct length of your car. The VIN (a 17-digit code mixed of letters and numbers) will be on the purchasing documents.

how long is a car
How long is a car? (Photo: istockphoto)

It is also stamped on a few places inside the car, including the inside part of the driver’s door. There are plenty of free VIN decoders Online. Once you find the number, just put it in the designated box in the decoder, and you will get all the information about your car.

Additionally, to know your specific vehicle’s exact measurements, you can refer to these simple methods below: 

  • Check your owner’s manual: This is often the most reliable and accurate source. Your car’s owner’s manual typically contains a “Specifications” section that lists all key dimensions, including overall length, width, and height. Keep it handy in your glove compartment!

Manufacturer’s website: Head to the official website of your car’s manufacturer. Navigate to the “Specs,” “Dimensions,” or “Build & Price” section for your specific make, model, and year. You’ll usually find a detailed breakdown of all measurements there.

Conclusion

The average car length is a dynamic figure, influenced by evolving vehicle types and consumer preferences. While general averages provide a useful benchmark, the true value lies in knowing the specific dimensions of your own vehicle.

Whether you’re trying to fit into a snug garage, master the art of parallel parking, or simply understand your vehicle’s footprint, taking a few moments to find out its exact length can save you time, effort, and potential damage. Arm yourself with this knowledge, and navigate the roads and parking lots with greater confidence.

Tsukasa Azuma
Tsukasa Azuma
Tsukasa Azuma is the resident car expert at Car From Japan. He owns a car repair shop in downtown Osaka, and his years of hands-on experience shine through in his informative blog posts. Tsukasa provides top-notch car maintenance tips and keeps readers up-to-date on the latest trends in the auto industry, offering a unique and insightful perspective on everything car-related. His blog has become a go-to resource for anyone wanting to keep their car in top shape.
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