what is average width of a car

[Sidney]

The average width of a typical passenger car in the U.S. is approximately 74 to 78 inches (about 6.2 feet), not including the side mirrors. This measurement, known as the body width or "width without mirrors," is the standard for most sedans, hatchbacks, and crossover SUVs. However, this figure can vary significantly based on the vehicle class. For example, a compact car like a Honda Civic is narrower, while a full-size pickup truck like a Ford F-150 is substantially wider.

Vehicle Width by Class (Excluding Mirrors)

Vehicle Class	Example Models	Average Width (Inches)
Subcompact Car	Honda Fit, Chevrolet Spark	66 - 68 inches
Compact Car	Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic	70 - 72 inches
Midsize Sedan	Toyota Camry, Honda Accord	73 - 74 inches
Full-Size Sedan	Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300	75 - 76 inches
Compact SUV	Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4	73 - 75 inches
Midsize SUV	Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee	76 - 79 inches
Full-Size Pickup	Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado	80 - 83 inches

Why does width matter? Primarily for practical daily considerations. A vehicle's width directly impacts how easy it is to maneuver in tight spaces, park in standard-sized garage bays, and feel comfortable in traffic lanes. The standard width of a parking space in the U.S. is about 108 inches (9 feet), which leaves around 15-17 inches of clearance on each side for an average car—something to think about if you frequently park in crowded lots or have a narrow driveway at home. When considering a new vehicle, always check its official exterior dimensions to ensure it fits your lifestyle and parking constraints.

[DeValerie]

Honestly, for most daily drivers, you're looking at something around 75 inches side-to-side—that's just over 6 feet. My old sedan fits fine in the garage and most parking spots without much hassle. It's the bigger trucks and SUVs pushing 80 inches or more that you really notice. They can be a tight squeeze, especially in those old downtown parking garages where the spaces feel like they were designed for smaller cars.

[VonHarrison]

You need to distinguish between body width and width with mirrors. The key number for fitting into a parking space or garage is the body width, typically 74-78 inches. The mirrors can add another 6-8 inches on each side, but they fold in. For city driving, a car on the narrower end of that range, like a compact SUV, is much easier to live with. Always check the spec sheet for the exact "width without mirrors" before you buy.