1997 Toyota Caldina (T21) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Toyota Caldina (T21) varies between 1695 mm and 1720 mm, which corresponds to roughly 66.7 inches to 67.7 inches. This moderate width supports a comfortable cabin that fits five passengers adequately and provides reasonable shoulder room. From an exterior perspective, this dimension balances the vehicle's road presence by being broad enough to ensure stability and handling precision without compromising maneuverability in tight spaces or urban settings.

The Toyota Caldina (T21) has a height ranging from 1475 mm to 1495 mm, which is about 58.1 inches to 58.9 inches. This height offers sufficient headroom for average adult passengers and contributes to the overall spacious feel of the interior. Additionally, the relatively low height for a station wagon helps in reducing aerodynamic drag, enhancing fuel efficiency and driving dynamics without compromising functional interior space.

The curb weight of the Toyota Caldina (T21) ranges from 1200 kg to 1470 kg, equating to approximately 2645 lbs to 3240 lbs. This curb weight reflects a balance between structural integrity, safety features, and efficient performance. Lighter weights within this range tend to enhance acceleration, handling, and fuel economy, while the upper range versions might feature additional equipment or reinforced components influencing weight. Overall, it supports a good mix of drivability and efficiency typical for station wagons of this era.

The Toyota Caldina (T21) has a maximum weight, also known as gross vehicle weight, ranging from 1475 kg to 1745 kg, which is roughly 3251 lbs to 3847 lbs. This figure includes the curb weight plus the maximum allowable load including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Adhering to this maximum weight ensures safe operation, optimal handling, and prevents undue wear on vehicle components such as brakes, suspension, and tires.

Yes, the Toyota Caldina (T21) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. The typical length of the vehicle, ranging from 4570 mm to 4590 mm (about 180 inches), and width of approximately 1695 mm to 1720 mm (around 67 inches), align with common garage space dimensions. Most single-car garages have an interior length of around 5400 mm (18 feet) and an interior width of at least 2700 mm (9 feet), providing ample room to park the Caldina with some space remaining for door opening and safe movement around the car.

Compared to its predecessor, the first-generation Caldina (T190 series), the Toyota Caldina (T21) saw a modest increase in overall dimensions. The second generation’s length extended slightly, ranging from 4570 mm to 4590 mm compared to about 4500 mm in the prior model. Width and height also saw marginal increments, improving interior space and comfort. These incremental size enhancements contributed to better road presence and additional cargo and passenger room, reflecting Toyota's design evolution while maintaining the Caldina's practical and dynamic station wagon identity.

The Toyota Caldina (T21) positioned itself competitively in the mid-size station wagon segment during its production years (1997-2002). When compared to contemporaries like the Subaru Legacy Wagon or the Honda Accord Wagon, the Caldina's length of around 4570-4590 mm (approximately 180 inches) and width near 1700 mm (67 inches) place it firmly in the mid-size range. Its size offered a good blend of maneuverability and interior space, slightly more compact than some larger wagons but with an emphasis on reliability and practicality, which was a hallmark of Toyota models at that time.

The Toyota Caldina (T21) comes equipped typically with 14-inch rims, paired with tire sizes such as 175/70 R14 S or 205/60 R15 depending on the trim and market. The standard 14-inch wheels with narrower tires (175/70 R14) tend to provide a comfortable ride with good shock absorption on rough surfaces, while the optional 15-inch wheels with wider tires (205/60 R15) may improve handling, traction, and stability, especially at higher speeds or in cornering, albeit sometimes at the expense of some ride softness.

While exact interior volume figures are not provided, the Toyota Caldina (T21) station wagon is designed to comfortably seat five passengers, offering ample headroom and legroom thanks to its dimensions (length around 4570-4590 mm, width approximately 1700 mm, and height near 1480 mm). The station wagon body style prioritizes cargo capacity with an extended rear area, making it practical for families and outdoor activities. The increased dimensions over the previous generation enhance space efficiency, providing a versatile and comfortable environment for both passengers and cargo.