What Is a Full-Size Car?

Given that there are different car sizes, knowing the difference between a full-size car and a midsized one can be tricky. After all, a midsize and full-size car can all carry 5 people. So, what’s considered a full-size car? Full-size cars have an interior volume of more than 120 cubic feet for sedans or 160 cubic feet for station wagons. This includes the spaces for both the passengers and the cargo. On the other hand, midsize cars have an interior volume of 110 to 119 cubic feet.

Telling whether a vehicle is full-size or midsize through technical specifications alone is difficult. Most of the time, you can tell a car is full-size just through its looks. Full-size sedans have a larger footprint on the road and tend to be bulkier than their midsize counterpart.

How about popular sedans like the Toyota Camry? Is the Toyota Camry a full-size car? The Toyota Camry is a relatively large sedan compared to models like the Corolla or Civic, but the Camry is only a midsize car, not a full-size car.

The best way to tell whether a car is considered full-size or midsize is to know its model. The Toyota Crown, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Kia Stinger are prime examples of full-size cars.

The Advantages of Full-Size Cars

Driving a full-size car over other vehicle types like SUVs and trucks has its own set of perks. These are the essential advantages you should know about full-size cars:

Spaciousness

Unlike midsize or compact sedans that sometimes have cramped legroom and headroom, full-size cars are much more spacious. This makes them ideal for families who want to ride comfortably on long road trips.

Fuel Efficiency

Sedans don’t have a large frontal area like SUVs, so they create less aerodynamic drag, which means they require less energy and less fuel to travel at higher speeds. Many full-size cars also come with efficient four-cylinder engines. Even some of the more powerful sedans with V-6 engines are more fuel-efficient on average because of the vehicle’s lighter weight and aerodynamic advantages. However, this isn’t the case for sporty full-size cars that have V8 engines like the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and BMW 8 Series.

Good Handling

Compared to SUVs, cars have a lower ride height. This means that they have a lower center of gravity, making full-size sedans less prone to body roll, which can translate to better handling characteristics around corners and during braking.

Easier to Drive

Sedans put the driver in a lower seat position compared to SUVs, so it’s much easier for drivers to see what’s immediately in front of their vehicles. This can make maneuvering in tight spaces and reversing into parking spots easier.

Comfort and Luxury

Most people say that full-size cars can provide a smoother and more comfortable ride quality in highway conditions. Vehicle manufacturers also tend to offer full-size sedans with advanced technology, luxury features, and higher-end materials. That said, sedans don’t fare well when the road type changes to gravel or off-road because of their low ride height and suspension travel.

A full-size car has a lot of advantages, but it has its limitations when it comes to cargo capacity, off-road capability, and cost. Take the time to evaluate your needs and priorities so you can determine if a full-size car is right for you.

FAQs About Full-Size Cars

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about full-size cars.

What Is the Difference Between a Full-Size Car and a Standard Car?

A full-size car is bigger and more spacious than a standard one. It can comfortably seat five passengers. This type of vehicle provides better comfort for passengers thanks to their bigger interior space.

Full-size cars often have more powerful engines in addition to having advanced features not usually found in standard vehicles like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

On the other hand, a standard-sized car is the most common type seen on the road. It’s designed for everyday transportation, with a capacity of four or five passengers. Some advantages of standard cars include better affordability, maneuverability, better fuel efficiency, and practicality.

How Many Bags Fit Inside a Full-Size Car?

Full-size cars can typically hold two to three big bags and two additional small bags in addition to the five passengers it can carry. Note that the amount of bags a full-size car can carry still depends on the size of your bag.