Can Two Cars Fit in a 20 ft Garage?
A 20 ft garage can sometimes fit two cars, but vehicle size, door clearance, and storage layout make a big difference. This guide explains what combinations actually work and when a one-car setup is better.
When planning garage space, size and layout matter more than most people think. A 20×20 garage is common for homeowners, but whether it can comfortably fit two cars depends on vehicle dimensions, door clearance, and how efficiently the space is used.
In this guide, we’ll break down what types of vehicles can actually fit in a 20 ft garage and common challenges.
What Are The Usable Dimensions Of A 20 Ft Garage?
A 20×20 garage is typically big enough for two vehicles, though the usable space is slightly reduced due to wall framing and installation. For personal car ownership, this often means limited room to move around or add shelving, especially in two-car garages with single doors.
Interior Width, Depth, and Door Clearance Explained
The inside width of a 20 ft garage is usually around 18–19 feet because wall thickness reduces the actual car storage unit size. The usable depth is also slightly less than 20 feet due to the garage door track and structural components.
Door height plays a key role as well, typically measuring about 7 feet, though the usable clearance may be slightly lower, which can affect parking ease and movement inside the space.
The table below shows the difference between nominal garage dimensions and the actual usable interior
| Dimension | Nominal Size | Usable Size |
| Width | 20 feet | 18-19 feet |
| Depth | 20 feet | 18-19 feet |
| Door Height | 7 feet | 6.5-7 feet (usable) |
Why Usable Space Is Smaller Than Listed Garage Size
The space inside a garage is smaller because of the walls and the garage door mechanism. The support beams and storage areas also take up space. Plus, you need room to open car doors and move around.
To make the most of your 20 ft garage, measure the inside space carefully. Plan your layout well. Think about the space for garage doors, equipment, and storage.
Can Two Cars Really Fit Side By Side In A 20 Ft Garage?
Whether two cars can fit side by side in a 20 ft garage depends on the width of the cars and how much space is needed for parking.
Typical Car Widths And Side-By-Side Space Requirements
To figure out if two cars can fit, look at the average car width. Most cars are about 5.5 to 6 feet wide. So, two cars side by side would need about 11 to 12 feet of space.
This leaves around 8 feet for opening doors and walking around. Here’s a quick look at the widths of different cars:
| Vehicle Type | Average Width (feet) |
| Compact Car | 5.5 – 6 |
| Sedan | 6 – 6.5 |
| SUV/Crossover | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Truck | 7 – 8 |
Door Clearance, Mirrors, And Walking Space Needs
Parking spaces should allow doors to open and people to move safely, with a minimum 60-inch (5 ft) access aisle for clearance. This prevents accidents and ensures comfortable movement around vehicles.
Side mirrors and other protrusions also need room to avoid contact. Adequate spacing around cars improves safety and usability for all.
What Vehicle Combinations Actually Work In A 20 Ft Garage?
When you think about parking two cars in a 20 ft garage, the size of your cars matters a lot. The width, length, and height of your vehicles decide if they fit well in the garage.
Two Compact Cars vs Compact Plus Sedan
Two compact cars usually fit in a 20 ft garage because they are smaller, at about 65 to 70 inches wide and 160 to 180 inches long. This makes them perfect for a 20 ft garage.
For example, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris can fit side by side in a 20 ft garage. Their combined width is usually within the garage’s width.
But, adding a sedan to the mix makes things a bit tighter. Sedans are bigger, with widths of 72 to 75 inches and lengths of 180 to 200 inches. A compact car and a mid-size sedan might fit, but it’s a close call.
- Compact cars: Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris
- Sedans: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Why SUVs, Trucks, And Crossovers Make Two-Car Parking Difficult
SUVs, trucks, and crossovers are bigger and wider. This makes it hard to park two of them in a 20 ft garage. They take up more space, making it hard to move around.
Full-size SUVs and trucks have widths over 80 inches and lengths over 220 inches. Trying to park two in a 20 ft garage is almost impossible due to their size and the space needed for doors and walking.
Crossovers are smaller than full-size SUVs but still a challenge. They are between the size of sedans and full-size SUVs, so parking two in a 20 ft garage is a tight squeeze.
| Vehicle Type | Average Width (inches) | Average Length (inches) |
| Compact Cars | 67.5 | 170 |
| Sedans | 73.5 | 190 |
| SUVs/Trucks | 82 | 225 |
| Crossovers | 78 | 205 |
In summary, two compact cars can fit in a 20 ft garage. But adding bigger vehicles like sedans, SUVs, trucks, or crossovers makes it harder. It’s important to measure your vehicles and the garage to find the best parking setup.
Common Layout Problems When Parking Two Cars In A Small Garage
Trying to park two cars in a small garage can be tricky. It’s not just about fitting the cars. You also need to think about daily use and getting in and out easily.
Door Swing Limitations and Daily Usability Issues
The door swing of the cars is a big concern. When two cars are parked side by side, the space between them is key. It affects how you can move around and access the garage.
- Make sure both car doors can open fully without hitting anything.
- Think about the swing radius of the doors and how it affects getting in and out.
- It’s important to be able to move around the cars and access other parts of the garage easily.
Shelving, Tools, And Storage That Eat Into Parking Space
Shelving, tools, and storage are important in a garage. But they can take up a lot of space.
Here are some tips:
- Plan your shelving and storage carefully to save parking space.
- Use wall-mounted shelving and tool holders to keep the floor clear.
- Use vertical space for storage to keep the floor free for parking.
Understanding these common problems can help you plan your garage better. You can fit two cars comfortably and still have space for storage and other needs.
When A 20 Ft Garage Often Ends Up Being Better For One Car + Storage
It might seem like a good idea to fit two cars in a 20 ft garage. But, often, this space is better suited for one car and extra storage. This arrangement can make your daily life easier and help keep your car in top shape.
Why One-Car Setups Are Safer And Easier To Live With
Having a single-car garage can make your daily routine better. With only one car, you have more room to move around. This means less chance of your car getting scratched or dented.
- Easier parking and less risk of damage to your vehicle.
- More space for storage, tools, and other garage essentials.
- Improved safety due to reduced clutter and better visibility.
Also, a one-car garage is easier to keep tidy. You can set up shelves and storage without taking up parking space. This makes your garage a more comfortable place to be.
When Downsizing To One Car Improves Daily Use And Long-Term Care
Choosing to have only one car can really change how you use your garage. You’ll have more room for storage and organization, making your garage more functional.
- Enhanced storage capabilities for seasonal items or infrequently used equipment.
- Better organization, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
- More room for a workbench or other hobby areas.
Also, focusing on one car means you can take better care of it, especially if you want to store the car long-term. This is great if you have a special car that you keep in top condition.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Space That Actually Works
A 20 ft garage can sometimes hold two cars, but in everyday use it often works better as a one-car space with room to move, store, and protect what matters. Vehicle size, door clearance, and daily usability usually matter more than just fitting both cars inside.
When a garage starts to feel tight or limits long-term care, a dedicated storage solution makes more sense. RecNation offers secure, flexible vehicle storage with features designed for protection and convenience, giving you peace of mind without crowding your home garage.
FAQ
What is the ideal garage size for two cars?
A 20×20 garage is a good size for two cars. It works well for compact or mid-size cars.
Can I fit two SUVs in a 20 ft garage?
Fitting two SUVs in a 20 ft garage is tough. It’s better to park two compact cars or a compact car and a mid-size sedan.
How much clearance do I need between cars in a garage?
Keep 2-3 feet of space between cars. This makes it easy to open doors and prevents damage.
What are the benefits of using a car cover in a garage?
A car cover protects your vehicle from dust and scratches. It also reduces damage from storage.
Do I need to cover a car stored in a garage?
Whether to cover a car depends on the garage and the car’s condition. A cover is good for protection but not always needed.