How Wide Is A Car? Secret Unveiled!

Cars are ubiquitous in modern life, and we rely on them for everything from daily commutes to cross-country road trips. Still, with tons of different makes and models on the market, it can be tough to keep track of the dimensions of each vehicle. One of the most common questions is: How wide is a car? 

It’s a reasonable inquiry, as the width of a vehicle can affect everything from parking to passing on narrow roads. In this article, DriveRevolve will explore the average width of cars and some factors that can affect this measurement. So, let’s dive in and get the ins and outs of these fun-auto details!

How Wide Is A Car? 

Overall, the average width of a car is considered 5.8 feet. Still, this actual measurement can vary based on the car model, the level of aerodynamic performance, and extra safety elements. 

So, what is the widest car in the world? The Ram 3500 with dual rear wheels is the broadest, measuring 8.7 feet in width without the mirrors, while the Chevrolet Spark is the most slender, at 5.2 feet.

Regarding the shortest car in the world, we’re all about mentioning the Peel P50, just 54 inches long and 41 inches wide.

The Ins and Outs Of Average Car Width By Class

Well, you may know about the Smokey and the Bandit car well yet, the topic of car’s width will also stir you up if you’re a well-wishers in the car world. 

Sedans

You can pick sedan sizes from many choices available, ranging from economy to full-size. Generally, they all consist of four doors and boast ample cargo space. 

A smaller or compact auto typically has a roughly 5 ft 10 inches width. Mid-size sedans reach 6 feet wide, while full-size and larger ones measure over 6 feet. So there you have it, the answer to the question: what is a full size car? 

To give you an idea, the Chevy Spark is 5.2 ft wide, the Honda Accord is 6 ft, and the Dodge Charger is 6.2 ft.

Hatchbacks/Station Wagons

The station wagons or hatchbacks offer a great compromise between SUVs and sedans. Thanks to its hatchback design, there is often more storage space than provided by a sedan. 

Typically, the width of a small station wagon or hatchback reaches 6.1 feet, while a large station wagon or hatchback is only slightly more expensive, at 6.2 feet. 

Length is the main factor that differs between them. Here are some examples: the Volvo V90 is 6.3 feet long, the Audi A6 Allroad is 6.2 feet, and the Subaru Outback is 6.2 feet.

SUVs

Get the next question clear: how wide is an SUV? 

SUVs tend to be taller than the average car with more ground clearance. Nonetheless, their width will vary depending on the SUV type, and such figures are unnecessarily wider than the typical autos.

Compact SUVs and crossovers often come with roughly six feet wide, while mid-size models offer a bit more width. The widest of them all is the full-size SUV, with plenty of room for passengers. 

Here comes a quick rundown of some popular SUVs in terms of width: the Toyota RAV4 reckons at 6 ft., Honda Pilot at 6.5 ft., and Cadillac Escalade at 6.10 ft.

Sports Cars

Compared to conventional cars, sports cars often possess good gas mileage, a more outstanding performance, and an aesthetically pleasing outlook. They come in a range of sizes, ranging on average from 5.7 to 6.5 feet. Sports sedans are more similar to full-size sedans than to compact cars. 

Supercars, however, usually don’t have their width examined as they are typically kept in private garages. To give you an idea of the widths, the Chevy Corvette is 6.3 feet, the Porsche 911 is 6.1 feet, the Dodge Charger is 6.3 feet, and the Lamborghini Aventador is 6.7 feet.

Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks come in various designs and sizes. Indeed, the specs for a truck with 4 doors and 6 seats and 2 doors with one bench seat only are different.

The miniature models can reach 6.3 feet, while larger models can reckon 6.8 feet wide. The widest truck is a dual-wheel design. 

Here are some examples of pickup trucks: the Ford Ranger with a width of 6.5 ft, the Chevy Colorado of 6.2 ft, and the Ram 3500 Dually of 8.7 ft.

Vans

The size of vans will vary depending on their purpose. For instance, a passenger van needs enough room for people and generally measures 6.7 ft in width. 

On the other hand, cargo vans are designed to carry goods and generally measure 6.8 ft across. 

As for specific models, the Honda Odyssey is 6.5 ft, the Ram ProMaster Cargo is 6.7 ft, and the Ford Transit 350 is 6.7 ft.

How To Seek Your Car Width And Other Specs

VIN Decoder

Your car’s VIN contains a wealth of information about the car itself. You may access a vehicle’s key specifications using a VIN decoder tool.

In general, you may obtain the width and other dimensions of the car. This decoder tool will also reveal the vehicle’s color, engine, transmission, standard features, and safety gear. 

Get In Touch With A Local Dealer

You may inquire about the measurement with the dealer before buying the automobile. If you frequently use parking garages, consider taking this standard into account. The dealership may give you an instruction sheet with all the dimensions on it.

Anyway, the neighborhood dealers can all assist you whenever you require knowledge. Even after a few years, it isn’t tough for them to retrieve the new car leaflet from it. 

Measure The Vehicle Manually

The vehicle can be manually measured if everything else fails. You must correctly perform the tests for this phase, which takes some time. 

Start at the driver-side door and measure using the tape measure. Run a measuring tape beneath the car and out the other side with your friend’s assistance. Measure the car’s width by placing the tape examination on the passenger side.

Remember that this measurement does not account for the width of the mirrors. Granted, when parking in confined locations, knowing exactly how far the mirrors extend is essential. 

Adopt The Valuation Site For Auto

A website that ranks cars gives you complete model information, not just an estimate of their market value based on age, amenities, and mileage. 

You must type in your unique VIN to get a more precise estimate. Still, in most cases, you must provide the details of the make, model, and year to receive the concise specs.

Does Auto Width Include Its Mirrors?

Typically, a car’s width excludes its mirror’s sizes. In other words, mirrors should not be included in these measurements; only the body’s largest portion should be discussed. 

However, in fact, certain automakers offer two measurements: one with the mirrors extended and one without. Such figures let you know whether your auto will fit in a garage.

Take-home Messages!

Cars are ubiquitous daily, and we often take their size and dimensions for granted. That’s why we often ask: How wide is a car?

Now you got it – the well-rounded answer to this question. No wonder whether you’re a car enthusiast, a driver, or simply curious, understanding the width of a car can be handy in numerous situations. 

From navigating tight parking spaces to pinpointing if your vehicle can fit through a narrow alleyway, knowing such auto specs can save you time, money, and headaches.