Hey! I’m a civil engineer with years of experience designing houses, parking solutions and landscapes. I’ve worked with many manufacturing companies to make homes functional and practical, especially when it comes to parking.
One question I get asked most from homeowners, especially in crowded cities is how to fit 2 cars in a single garage without feeling cramped. Space is a luxury in urban areas and fitting 2 cars in a small area is a real challenge. After researching I’ve put together this detailed guide to help you understand the ideal 2 car garage dimensions and share affordable solutions for you.
Ideal Dimensions for a 2 Car Garage
When I researched the best garage sizes, I looked at how different vehicle types affect the space needed. Smaller cars like sedans require less room, while larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks need extra space for clearance. Based on my findings, here’s a clear breakdown of the recommended 2 car garage dimensions:
| Car 1 Type | Car 2 Type | Dimensions of Garage (Feet) | Dimensions of Garage (Meter) |
| Sedan | Sedan | 20 x 20 | 6.1 x 6.1 |
| Sedan | SUV/Truck | 22 x 22 | 6.7 x 6.7 |
| SUV/Truck | SUV/Truck | 24 x 24 | 7.3 x 7.3 |
These dimensions are designed to give you enough room to park both cars, open their doors, and walk around without feeling squeezed. For example, a 20×20-foot garage works great for two sedans, giving you about 2-3 feet of clearance on each side.
If you’ve got an SUV or truck, bumping up to a 24×24-foot garage ensures you can maneuver easily without scratching your vehicles. These sizes also account for standard garage door widths, typically 16 feet for a two-car garage, so you won’t struggle to get in and out.
Why 2 Car Garage Dimensions Matter
Getting the right dimensions for a 2 car garage is more important than you might think. A garage that’s too small can turn parking into a daily struggle, while an oversized one wastes space and money. The size you need depends on the types of vehicles you own—whether they’re compact sedans, roomy SUVs, or hefty pickup trucks.
I’ve found that planning the dimensions carefully ensures you can park comfortably, open car doors without dings, and even have space for storage or movement. It’s all about making your garage practical for everyday use while keeping your vehicles safe.
Fact: The Evolution of Garage Sizes
Did you know that garage sizes have changed over time? Back in the 1950s, cars were generally smaller, and a 20×20-foot garage was considered spacious for two vehicles. As cars like SUVs and trucks became more popular, especially in the US, garages had to grow to accommodate them.
I found that modern homes in urban areas often stick to smaller garages to save space, which is why many homeowners face challenges fitting today’s larger vehicles. This trend makes smart solutions like parking lifts even more relevant for maximizing space without rebuilding your garage.
Width Consideration for Comfortable Use
When planning your 2 car garage, width is a big deal to ensure you can actually use it comfortably. I found that just having enough space for the cars themselves isn’t enough—you need extra room for opening doors and moving around.
Add about 5 to 7 feet of total clearance to your garage width for this. For example, if you’re parking two sedans that are roughly 6 feet wide each, a 20-foot-wide garage gives you enough space for the cars plus about 2.5 to 3.5 feet on each side and between them.
This extra space lets you open doors fully without hitting the other car or the walls, and it gives you room to walk, carry groceries, or even load kids into car seats without squeezing through tight gaps. For larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks, that 24×24-foot garage ensures this clearance, making your garage practical and stress-free to use every day.
Common Problems with Fitting Two Cars in a Garage
Owning two cars in a city home can lead to some real headaches, especially if your garage wasn’t designed for today’s vehicles. Here are some common issues I’ve seen people face:
- Limited Space: Many older garages or those in urban homes are built for smaller cars. Fitting two SUVs or trucks can feel like solving a puzzle, with barely enough room to open doors or walk between vehicles.
- Storage Conflicts: Garages often double as storage for tools, lawn equipment, bikes, or holiday decorations. This eats into parking space, making it tough to fit both cars comfortably.
- Expensive Upgrades: Expanding an existing garage or building a new one can cost thousands of dollars and take months, which isn’t practical for most homeowners on a budget.
- Maneuvering Challenges: A cramped garage means you have to park with precision every time. One wrong move, and you’re dealing with scratched paint or dented bumpers.
- Accessibility Issues: If your garage is narrow, getting in and out of your car can be awkward, especially if you have kids, groceries, or mobility needs.
These problems can make parking stressful and even discourage you from using your garage altogether. But don’t worry—there are affordable ways to solve these issues without major construction.
Why Parking Lifts Are a Game-Changer
If your garage feels too small but rebuilding isn’t an option, a parking lift is a fantastic solution. I looked into this and found that parking lifts let you stack one car above the other, freeing up floor space for the second vehicle or extra storage.
Unlike adding an extension to your garage, which can cost upwards of $10,000, parking lifts are much more budget-friendly. In the US, a typical parking lift might set you back over $3,000, but I discovered some companies offering high-quality options for as low as $1,200 with warranties of several years.
Choosing the Right Parking Lift
Not all parking lifts are created equal, so it’s worth doing a bit of research. Many big-name brands in the US source their lifts from Chinese manufacturers but mark up the price significantly. Instead, you can buy directly from reputable Chinese companies for the same quality at a fraction of the cost.
For example, Guangzhou Eounice Machinery Co., Ltd offers reliable parking lifts that are perfect for a 2 car garage. Look for lifts with a weight capacity that matches your vehicles—most sedans and SUVs need at least a 6,000-pound capacity, while trucks might require more. Also, check for features like safety locks, easy installation, and compact designs that fit smaller garages.
Final Solution: Make Your Garage Work for You
To make your 2 car garage work without breaking the bank, start by measuring your vehicles and comparing them to the dimensions table above. If you’re building a new garage, aim for at least 22×22 feet to handle a mix of sedans and SUVs. For existing garages that feel cramped, a parking lift is your best bet. It’s a quick, affordable fix that maximizes space and avoids costly renovations.
By choosing a budget-friendly lift from a trusted supplier like Guangzhou Eounice Machinery, you can save thousands while still getting a durable, high-quality product. This way, you’ll have a functional garage that fits both cars comfortably, leaving you stress-free and with extra room for storage or other needs.