Vehicle Turning Paths
The turning radius, or turning path, of a vehicle is the smallest circular turn that it can make. Measuring the diameters, and commonly the radii, of the inner and outer circular geometries that a vehicle is capable of turning within, the turning paths of various vehicles are calculated as standards used when designing roads, parking layouts, loading, and public service areas. Turning circles are used to evaluate how easily a specific car can make a U-turn or park.
A vehicle’s turning circle is the radius (or diameter) measured by the outer wheels of the vehicle while making a complete turn.
The smart fortwo (2016) has the smallest turning radius of a passenger vehicle at a radius of 22’10” | 6.9 m.
A turning radius of 34’-35’ | 10.4-10.7 m is common for passenger cars today.