Mechanical and tower-type multi-story parking garages are common in urban apartment complexes and shopping centers. With the recent boom in SUVs, many people are probably worried about whether their beloved car will fit. For the 2025 edition, we have thoroughly investigated the parking suitability of all major SUV models sold in Japan.
General size restrictions for mechanical and tower-type multi-story parking garages
The standard size restrictions for mechanical and tower-type multi-story parking garages are as follows:
- Total length: 5,000mm or less
- Overall width: 1,850mm or less
- Overall height: 1,550mm or less (strictest restriction)
- Weight: 2,000kg or less
The most problematic of these is the restriction that the overall height must be 1,550 mm or less . Since many SUVs have a high vehicle height, this restriction is often the cause of problems.
List of SUVs that can fit into tower parking garages in 2025
The table below summarizes the vehicle sizes of major SUVs currently on sale in Japan as of 2025. Models with a height of 1,550 mm or less are shown in bold.
Toyota Lexus
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Rise | 3,995mm | 1,695mm | 1,620mm | 2,525mm |
| Toyota | Yaris Cross | 4,180mm | 1,765mm | 1,590mm | 2,650mm |
| Toyota | Corolla Cross | 4,490mm | 1,825mm | 1,620mm | 2,640mm |
| Toyota | RAV4 | 4,600mm | 1,855mm | 1,685mm | 2,690mm |
| Toyota | RAV4 Adventure | 4,610mm | 1,865mm | 1,690mm | 2,690mm |
| Toyota | Harrier | 4,740mm | 1,855mm | 1,660mm | 2,690mm |
| Toyota | Crown Sport | 4,710mm | 1,880mm | 1,560mm | 2,770mm |
| Toyota | Crown Crossover | 4,930mm | 1,840mm | 1,540mm | 2,850mm |
| Toyota | Crown Estate | 4,930mm | 1,880mm | 1,625mm | 2,850mm |
| Toyota | bZ4X | 4,690mm | 1,860mm | 1,650mm | 2,850mm |
| Toyota | Land Cruiser FJ | 4,575mm | 1,855mm | 1,960mm | 2,580mm |
| Toyota | Land Cruiser 70 | 4,890mm | 1,870mm | 1,920mm | 2,730mm |
| Toyota | Land Cruiser 250 | 4,925mm | 1,980mm | 1,870mm | 2,850mm |
| Toyota | Land Cruiser 300 | 4,990mm | 1,980mm | 1,880mm | 2,850mm |
| Lexus | LBX | 4,190mm | 1,825mm | 1,545mm | 2,580mm |
| Lexus | UX200/UX250h | 4,495mm | 1,840mm | 1,520mm | 2,640mm |
| Lexus | NX | 4,660mm | 1,865mm | 1,640mm | 2,690mm |
| Lexus | RX | 4,890mm | 1,920mm | 1,695mm | 2,850mm |
| Lexus | GX | 4,950mm | 1,980mm | 1,870mm | 2,850mm |
| Lexus | LX | 5,100mm | 1,990mm | 1,885mm | 2,850mm |
Honda
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | WR-V | 4,060mm | 1,780mm | 1,608mm | 2,485mm |
| Honda | Vezel | 4,330mm | 1,770mm | 1,605mm | 2,610mm |
| Honda | ZR-V | 4,580mm | 1,800mm | 1,630mm | 2,735mm |
| Honda | CR-V | 4,605mm | 1,855mm | 1,680mm | 2,660mm |
Mazda
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | CX-3 | 4,275mm | 1,765mm | 1,550mm | 2,570mm |
| Mazda | CX-30 | 4,395mm | 1,795mm | 1,540mm | 2,655mm |
| Mazda | CX-5 | 4,545mm | 1,840mm | 1,690mm | 2,700mm |
| Mazda | CX-60 | 4,740mm | 1,890mm | 1,685mm | 2,870mm |
| Mazda | CX-80 | 4,990mm | 1,890mm | 1,710mm | 3,120mm |
Nissan
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Kicks | 4,295mm | 1,760mm | 1,590mm | 2,620mm |
| Nissan | X-Trail | 4,660mm | 1,840mm | 1,725mm | 2,705mm |
Subaru
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru | Crosstrek (XV) | 4,465mm | 1,800mm | 1,595mm | 2,670mm |
| Subaru | Solterra | 4,690mm | 1,860mm | 1,650mm | 2,850mm |
| Subaru | Forester | 4,625mm | 1,815mm | 1,715mm | 2,670mm |
| Subaru | Layback | 4,770mm | 1,820mm | 1,570mm | 2,670mm |
Suzuki
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki | Crosby | 3,760mm | 1,670mm | 1,705mm | 2,435mm |
| Suzuki | eVitara | 4,275mm | 1,800mm | 1,640mm | 2,700mm |
| Suzuki | Hustler | 3,550mm | 1,645mm | 1,730mm | 2,250mm |
| Suzuki | Jimny | 3,395mm | 1,475mm | 1,715mm | 2,250mm |
| Suzuki | Jimny Sierra | 3,395mm | 1,475mm | 1,665mm | 2,460mm |
| Suzuki | Jimny Nomad | 3,890mm | 1,645mm | 1,725mm | 2,590mm |
Mitsubishi
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | Pajero | 4,900mm | 1,875mm | 1,900mm | 2,780mm |
| Mitsubishi | Outlander | 4,695mm | 1,810mm | 1,710mm | 2,670mm |
| Mitsubishi | RVR | 4,365mm | 1,770mm | 1,630mm | 2,670mm |
| Mitsubishi | Eclipse Cross | 4,405mm | 1,805mm | 1,685mm | 2,670mm |
SUVs that can fit into tower parking garages (total height 1,550mm or less)
As of 2025, the following five SUV models can meet the strict restrictions (total height of 1,550mm or less) of mechanical and tower-type multi-story parking garages .
1. Lexus UX200/UX250h | Height: 1,520mm
LEXUS UX300h
This compact Lexus SUV easily clears the parking barrier with a height of 1,520mm. Despite being a premium brand, it’s a valuable option for use in tower parking garages.
point:
- Overall height of 1,520mm allows for ample clearance
- Lexus brand quality and equipment
- Both gasoline and hybrid available
2. Lexus LBX | Height: 1,545mm
LEXUS LBX ACTIVE
A new compact SUV from Lexus added in 2023. As the name “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover” suggests, it is an urban SUV that combines the high quality and compactness that are characteristic of Lexus.
point:
- Minor changes will be made in October 2024
- Adopts TNGA platform
- Extensive safety equipment and advanced features
3. Mazda CX-3 | Height: 1,550mm
MAZDA CX-3
Mazda’s compact SUV. Just like the C-HR, it has a height of just 1,550mm, so it’s within the limit, but still compliant.
point:
- Sporty driving performance
- Diesel engine available
- Compact and easy to handle
4. Mazda CX-30 | Height: 1,540mm
MAZDA CX-30
Although it is a higher-end model than the CX-3, it has a lower overall height of 1,540mm. It features a high-quality interior and excellent driving performance.
point:
- Overall height is 1,540mm, so there is plenty of room.
- High-quality interior
- Equipped with Mazda’s latest technology
5. Toyota Crown Crossover | Height: 1,540mm
Toyota Crown Crossover
This is the SUV version of the new Crown that was released in 2022. While retaining the tradition of a luxury sedan, it has an overall height of 1,540mm, making it suitable for use in tower parking garages.
point:
- Imposing size of 4,930mm in total length
- Hybrid system standard equipment
- Premium sedan quality and SUV practicality
Points to watch in 2025
Progress in electrification
As of 2025, the SUV market has seen a significant increase in hybrid, PHEV, and BEV (pure electric vehicle) options. However, as the weight of vehicles tends to increase due to the inclusion of batteries, it is important to pay attention to the weight limit (2,000 kg).
New model trends
Recent trends in SUVs include:
- Low center of gravity design : A trend towards lower vehicle height to improve driving stability
- Emphasis on aerodynamic performance : Lower roofline for improved fuel economy
- Urban SUVs : Increasing number of models designed for use in tower parking lots
The popularity of the Lexus LBX
The LBX, which will be released in 2023, is a premium brand that is compatible with tower parking garages and will be further enhanced with a minor change in 2024. It is a noteworthy model that combines ease of use in urban areas with brand value.
Regarding SUVs that cannot fit into tower parking lots
Unfortunately, SUVs over 1,550mm in height cannot be parked in mechanical or tower-type multi-storey car parks. Popular models such as the following are also excluded:
- Toyota Raize (1,620mm)
- Toyota Yaris Cross (1,590mm)
- Toyota Harrier (1,660mm)
- Honda Vezel (1,605mm)
- Nissan Juke (1,565mm)
- Mazda CX-5 (1,690mm)
When considering these vehicle types, you need to assume that you will be using a self-driving multi-story parking garage or a surface parking garage.
Points to check before purchasing
1. Check the actual parking lot size
Restrictions for mechanical and tower parking lots vary depending on the facility.
- General restrictions : Overall height 1,550mm or less
- Slightly loose facilities : total height 1,600mm or less
- New facilities : total height 1,700mm or less
Be sure to check the parking restrictions for the parking lot you will be using.
2. Be careful with aero parts and roof carriers
The overall height may change if you use factory optional aero parts, roof rails, or an aftermarket roof carrier. Please check the actual height after installation, not just the catalog value.
3. Changing tire size
Changing to a different tire size from the original will change the vehicle height. Be especially careful when increasing the tire size.
4. Change in vehicle height when loaded
When carrying a heavy load, the suspension will sag and the vehicle will drop slightly, but this is a safety margin to consider when using vehicles at the very limit.
5. Check your vehicle inspection certificate
When you receive your car, be sure to check the “height” column on your vehicle inspection certificate. This may vary slightly depending on optional equipment.
summary
As of 2025, there are only a limited number of domestically produced SUVs that can fit into mechanical and tower-type multi-story parking garages (total height limit of 1,550 mm).
SUVs that can be safely stored (total height 1,550mm or less):
- Lexus UX200/UX250h – 1,520mm
- Lexus LBX – 1,545mm
- Mazda CX-3 – 1,550mm
- Mazda CX-30 – 1,540mm
- Toyota Crown Crossover – 1,540mm
If you plan to use a mechanical parking lot in an urban apartment or office building, these are the cars to choose from. The Lexus UX, CX-30, and Crown Crossover are particularly reassuring, as they have ample space with an overall height of less than 1,540 mm.
When considering purchasing an SUV, not only design and performance are important selection criteria, but also the parking environment. We recommend that you always check the vehicle size in a catalog or at a dealership, and consider it in relation to the restrictions of the parking lot you will actually be using.
Related articles:
- [2025 Edition] SUV Fuel Efficiency Ranking
- A thorough comparison of compact SUVs
- A guide to choosing an urban SUV
- Lexus LBX detailed review
- Types of mechanical parking lots and restrictions
