Average Car Widths: Elaborated With Relevant Examples

Knowing average car widths is information to consider when purchasing a vehicle for the first time. The average width of a car varies is 6.5 feet or 78 inches but depends on the maker and model, and knowing this width is useful in vehicle comparison and can help with parking, driving, and overall safety on the road.

Continue reading as we explore the width of popular cars from various categories, providing an overview of the typical range of car widths.

What Is the Average Width of Cars in Feet?

The average width of a car in feet stands at approximately 6.5 feet or 78 inches. However, the actual width varies depending on the vehicle type. Overall, car width gets measured from the vehicle’s widest point, including the side mirrors.

When purchasing a new car, you can get caught up in the excitement, creating room for mistakes. It helps to consider various factors such as maintenance costs, fuel economy, and the vehicle’s dimensions.

What are Different Car Categories and Their Average Widths?

Different car categories and their average widths are always difficult to represent accurately. This is because cars come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from mini-economy vehicles to electric cars. For a clearer view, you can compare the width of various vehicle categories.

– Supermini Economy Vehicles

Subcompact economy cars are small vehicles designed for efficient driving and affordability. These cars, as observed in car garages, typically have a small engine, lightweight construction, and compact body size. The average width of a subcompact economy car is around 66-68 inches.

The small width of subcompact cars makes them ideal for urban environments with limited space or spots where parking is at a premium. However, note that the small size of these vehicles comes with some limitations, such as limited cargo space and reduced comfort for taller passengers.

Some subcompact economy cars examples and the average car widths in inches include:

• Honda Fit – 67.0 inches
• Chevrolet Sonic – 68.3 inches

– Compact Sedans

Small sedans are a popular choice for those who want a combination of affordability, practicality, and comfort. These vehicles typically have a larger body size than subcompact cars, which can provide more passenger and cargo space and relative ease to maneuver and park.

A small sedan vehicle’s average width is around 70-72 inches, making them wider than subcompact cars but still narrower than larger sedans or SUVs. As a result, their smaller size may come with some limitations, such as reduced interior space and limited cargo capacity.

Some popular examples of small sedans and their widths include:

• Toyota Corolla – 70.1 inches
• Honda Civic – 70.8 inches

– Medium-sized Sedans

Mid-sized sedans offer a balance of comfort, space, and performance. These vehicles typically have a larger body size than small sedans, providing more interior space for passengers and cargo. The average width of a mid-sized sedan vehicle ranges between 72-75 inches, making them wider than both small sedans and subcompact cars.

The extra width of mid-sized sedans provides passengers more shoulder and hip room, including fitting kids for road trips. However, keep in mind that their larger size comes with some trade-offs, such as reduced fuel efficiency and more difficult maneuverability in tight spaces.

Some famous examples of mid-sized sedan and their widths include:

• Toyota Camry – 72.4 inches
• Honda Accord – 73.3 inches

– Full-size Sedans

Large sedan vehicles offer spacious, comfortable interiors, powerful performance, and luxurious features. These vehicles typically have the largest body size of all sedans, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The average width of large sedans stands at 75-80 inches, making them wider than both small and middle size cars of the same brand.

The extra width of large sedans can provide even more room for passengers and cargo and improve stability and drivability on the road. Yet, their larger size has drawbacks, such as reduced fuel efficiency and difficulty maneuvering in tight spaces.

Some popular examples of large sedan vehicles and their widths include:

• Dodge Charger – 75.0 inches
• Chevrolet Impala – 73.0 inches

– Small SUVs

Compact SUVs are a popular choice for those who want the convenience and versatility of an SUV but with a smaller size and more fuel-efficient engine. Many compact SUVs have advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, making them a safe choice for families with children.

The average width of a compact SUV is around 72-75 inches, making them more expansive than most sedans but narrower than full-size SUVs. Even so, their larger size makes them more difficult to handle in tight spaces and may reduce fuel efficiency.

Some popular examples of compact SUV vehicles and their widths include:

• Honda CR-V – 73.0 inches
• Nissan Rogue – 72.4 inches

– Medium-sized SUVs

Mid-size SUVs make an easy pick for families and individuals who need more space and versatility than a compact SUV but don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency and maneuverability. This makes them ideal for those who need a reliable vehicle for daily use and occasional off-road adventures.

The average width of a mid-size SUV is around 75-80 inches, making them wider than compact SUVs and sedans. Nevertheless, their larger size may reduce fuel efficiency and higher maintenance costs.

Some popular examples of mid-size SUV vehicles and their widths include:

• Toyota Highlander – 75.8 inches
• Honda Pilot – 78.6 inches

– Large SUVs

Full-size SUVs remain suitable for drivers who need maximum passenger and cargo space and can tow heavy loads. These large cars are standard for large families, businesses, or outdoor activities like camping.

The full-size SUV’s average width is around 80-85 inches, making them some of the widest vehicles on the road. However, this width can make these vehicles more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and urban areas.

Some popular examples of full-size SUV vehicles and their widths include:

• Chevrolet Suburban – 80.5 inches
• Ford Expedition – 79.9 inches

– Sports Cars

The average width of a sports car ranges between around 70-80 inches, with some narrower models. The smaller and narrower width of sports cars allows for better handling and maneuverability, making them ideal for twisty roads and tracks.

Some popular examples of sports cars and their widths include:

• Porsche 911 – 71.2 inches
• Chevrolet Corvette – 73.9 inches

– Pickup Trucks

Pickups come in various sizes and configurations, from compact to full-size models. The width of pickup trucks can vary depending on the size and model.

A regular pickup’s average width is around 70-80 inches. Compact pickups are generally narrower than full-size models, while heavy-duty trucks come in wider dimensions to accommodate larger payloads.

Some examples of pickups and their widths include:

• Ford Ranger (compact) – 72.8 inches
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD (heavy-duty) – 80.5 inches

– Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become famous for eco-conscious drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Electric cars come in various sizes and styles, from small city cars to large SUVs. EVs’ width varies depending on the vehicle’s size and model, but many are compact and efficient.

Some popular examples of electric cars and their widths include:

• Ford Mustang Mach-E (mid-size SUV) – 74.1 inches
• Tesla Model X (full-size SUV) – 81.5 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

– What Is the Average Width and Length of a Car Parking Spot?

The average width of a car parking spot is around 102 to 110 inches, while the length is typically around 216 to 240 inches. However, it’s important to note that parking spot sizes can vary depending on the location, type of parking lot or garage, and local regulations.

Note that some parking spots may be narrower, particularly in densely populated areas where space is at a premium. Additionally, parking spots designed for larger vehicles, such as trucks or vans, come in wider and longer dimensions than standard spots. As such, it’s best to always check for signs or markings indicating the dimensions of the parking spot before attempting to park your vehicle.

– What Is the Minimum Width for a Car Garage?

The minimum width for a car garage depends on various factors, including the number and size of cars intended for parking and local building codes. Notwithstanding, the minimum width for a single-car garage is around 120 to 144 inches and around 240 to 288 inches for a two-car garage.

However, note that these are minimums and may not provide enough space for maneuvering, opening doors, or additional storage. Local building codes may also set specific requirements for garage widths, so it’s essential to consult with a professional contractor or local authorities to ensure compliance.

– What Is the Average Width of a Car Trailer?

The average width of a car trailer stands between 72 and 102 inches. However, the width of a car trailer varies depending on the purpose of the trailer. Remember to check the specifications of a particular trailer before purchase to ensure that it meets your needs.

Conclusion

The average vehicle’s width remains an important consideration when purchasing a vehicle. As you have seen in the examples provided, the width of a car in a car garage can vary depending on the maker and model, but it typically falls in the range of 6.5 feet.

Here are the vital points we mentioned in this article:

• The width of cars impacts driving, parking, and ease of maneuvering through traffic or tight spaces.
• Subcompact cars have the most compact width, making them ideal for urban environments with limited space.
• Full-size SUVs comprise some of the widest vehicles on the road, with an average width of 80-85 inches.
• Sports cars offer a thrilling driving experience, but their narrower width, between 70-80 inches, makes them less practical for everyday use.

While the width of a car out of a car garage should provide a comfortable driving experience for passengers, excessive width makes parking and handling challenging. This guide will help you make the right choice!