If you are planning to store a pickup truck or SUV in a garage shed, choosing the right size matters. You need enough room for the vehicle itself, but you also need space to open the doors, walk around comfortably, and store anything else you want to keep inside.
A garage that technically fits your vehicle can still feel cramped once you start using it every day.
For many pickups and SUVs, a 12×20 garage shed is a practical starting point. However, larger trucks and SUVs may be more comfortable in a 12×24, 14×24, or larger garage, especially if you want extra storage or workspace.
The best size depends on your vehicle, how you plan to use the garage, and how much room you want around it.
Let’s look at what you should consider before choosing your garage shed size.
Start With the Size of Your Pickup or SUV
Before deciding on a garage shed, measure the vehicle you actually plan to store.
Do not rely only on whether your vehicle is considered a midsize SUV, full size SUV, or pickup truck. Vehicle dimensions can vary quite a bit between models.
Measure the:
- Overall vehicle length
- Overall vehicle width
- Height of the vehicle
- Width with mirrors
- Space needed to fully open the doors
- Height of any roof racks or accessories
If your pickup has a longer bed, lifted suspension, oversized tires, or other accessories, include those when measuring.
The goal is not simply to get the vehicle through the garage door. You want enough room to comfortably use the garage once the vehicle is parked inside.
How Much Extra Space Should You Leave Around the Vehicle?
This is where many people underestimate the garage size they need.
Imagine parking your truck inside and then trying to squeeze between the driver door and the wall. Technically, the vehicle fits. Practically, the garage is frustrating to use.
Leaving additional space around the vehicle makes everyday use much easier.
You may want room to:
- Open the driver and passenger doors comfortably
- Walk around the front and back of the vehicle
- Load and unload groceries, tools, or equipment
- Reach shelves along the walls
- Access the truck bed or rear cargo area
- Perform basic cleaning or maintenance
- Store lawn equipment, tools, or seasonal items
Think about how you will actually move through the garage, not just where the vehicle will sit.
Is a 12×20 Garage Shed Big Enough for a Pickup or SUV?
A 12×20 garage shed can work well for many vehicles when your main goal is covered parking and protection.
With 240 square feet of floor space, it gives you significantly more room than the footprint of a typical passenger vehicle.
A 12×20 garage may be a good fit if:
- You have a midsize pickup
- You have a compact or midsize SUV
- Vehicle storage is your main priority
- You only need limited additional storage
- Your property has limited space for a larger garage
Before choosing this size, compare the exact measurements of your vehicle with the usable interior dimensions and garage door opening.
For a larger pickup or SUV, you may appreciate having more length.
When Does a 12×24 Garage Make More Sense?
Moving from 12×20 to 12×24 gives you four additional feet of length.
That might not sound like a huge difference on paper, but those extra feet can completely change how the garage feels.
Instead of having the vehicle take up most of the available floor space, you can create room for storage at the front or back.
A 12×24 garage shed can be a smart choice if you want space for your vehicle plus items such as:
- Toolboxes
- Lawn equipment
- Bicycles
- Camping equipment
- Seasonal decorations
- Automotive supplies
- Shelving
- A small work area
It can also provide more comfortable clearance around longer pickup trucks.
If you have enough room on your property, choosing a little more garage space now can give you more flexibility later.
What About a 14×24 or Larger Garage Shed?
For a full size pickup, large SUV, or a garage that needs to serve more than one purpose, additional width can be especially valuable.
A 14 foot wide garage gives you more room beside the vehicle.
That can make it easier to open doors, walk around the vehicle, and place storage along the walls without making the garage feel crowded.
Consider a larger garage shed if you want to combine vehicle storage with:
- A workshop
- Wall shelving
- Tool storage
- Outdoor equipment storage
- Motorcycle or ATV storage
- Hobby space
- A workbench
This is also worth considering if you expect to purchase a larger vehicle in the future.
A garage is a long term investment. Planning for what you may need a few years from now can help you avoid outgrowing the space too quickly.
Pickup Trucks Often Need More Length
Pickup trucks deserve a little extra attention when choosing garage dimensions.
A crew cab truck with a longer bed can take up considerably more space than a smaller pickup. Once you add a trailer hitch or other accessories, the total length can increase even more.
You also need to think about access to the truck bed.
If the truck barely fits from front to back, lowering the tailgate while the garage door is closed may be difficult or impossible.
Extra length gives you more flexibility for loading equipment, organizing tools, and accessing the bed without moving the truck outside every time.
If you regularly use your pickup for work, projects, or outdoor activities, that extra space can make the garage much more useful.
SUVs Need Comfortable Side and Rear Clearance
SUV owners have slightly different needs.
While many SUVs are shorter than full size pickups, they can be wide. You need enough clearance to open the doors without constantly worrying about hitting a wall or stored items.
Rear clearance matters too.
If your SUV has a liftgate, make sure you can comfortably access the cargo area while the vehicle is parked inside.
If you regularly load groceries, sports equipment, strollers, tools, or travel gear through the rear, extra space behind the SUV can make a big difference.
Do Not Forget About Garage Door Size
The garage itself is only part of the equation. Your vehicle also needs to comfortably enter and exit.
Edifice garage options can be configured with traditional or rollup garage doors, giving you choices when designing your space.
Consider the width and height of your vehicle, including the mirrors and any accessories.
A wider opening can make parking much less stressful, especially with a larger pickup or SUV.
You do not want every trip into the garage to feel like a precision driving test.
Think About Vehicle Height Too
Width and length usually get most of the attention, but height is just as important.
This is especially true for:
- Lifted pickups
- SUVs with roof racks
- Vehicles with cargo boxes
- Trucks with larger tires
- Vehicles with aftermarket accessories
Measure the vehicle at its highest point and compare that measurement with the garage door opening you are considering.
Allowing comfortable clearance can help you avoid problems later.
Garden Garage or Western Barn Garage?
Edifice offers garage styles that can give you different looks and ways to use your space.
Garden Garage
The Garden Garage provides a classic garage appearance and is designed for vehicle and equipment protection.
It is a practical option if you want a clean, traditional design that works well with many properties.
Western Barn Garage
If you like the look of a barn style roof, the Western Barn Garage is another option.
Its gambrel style roof creates a distinctive appearance and offers generous overhead space, which can be useful when you want your garage to feel more open.
Both options can be customized, so your choice does not have to come down to appearance alone. Think about how you plan to use the garage and which design fits your property best.
What If You Want Storage Along the Walls?
If storage is part of the plan, include it when choosing your garage dimensions.
A shelf that is 18 or 24 inches deep takes away from your open floor area. Put shelving on both sides and a garage that originally seemed spacious can quickly become narrow.
Think about where you want to place:
- Shelving
- Cabinets
- Toolboxes
- Yard equipment
- Sports equipment
- Automotive supplies
- Workbenches
Planning these areas before ordering your garage can help you choose a size that feels comfortable after everything is moved inside.
Should You Add Workshop Space?
A garage shed can do more than protect your vehicle.
Maybe you enjoy working on your truck. Maybe you want a place for woodworking. Or perhaps you simply want a workbench for household projects.
If you plan to use the garage as a workshop too, going larger is usually worth considering.
You will want enough space to park the vehicle while still having room to move around your work area safely and comfortably.
A few extra feet can be the difference between a garage that is only used for parking and one that becomes a genuinely useful workspace.
Plan for What You Might Own in the Future
Your current vehicle matters, but it should not be the only vehicle you consider.
Maybe you drive a midsize SUV today but expect to purchase a full size truck later. Perhaps you plan to add an ATV, motorcycle, or more outdoor equipment.
Think a few years ahead.
If your property and budget allow it, choosing a slightly larger garage can give you more options as your needs change.
You do not necessarily need the largest garage available. You simply want enough flexibility that the space remains useful.
Make Sure the Garage Fits Your Property
Once you have an idea of the garage size you want, look at the available space on your property.
Measure the proposed area and consider how the garage will be accessed.
Think about:
- Driveway access
- Vehicle turning space
- Property boundaries
- Gates and fences
- Trees and landscaping
- Ground conditions
- Garage door direction
- Space around the garage
You should also check any local requirements that may apply to your property before finalizing your project.
Planning the location early makes it easier to choose a garage size that works for both your vehicle and your yard.
Why Choose an Edifice Garage Shed?
A garage should do more than give your vehicle a roof. It should be built to handle regular use and provide dependable protection for years to come.
Edifice builds garages locally in New Mexico with quality materials and customization options that let you create a space around your needs.
The Garden Garage and Western Barn Garage start at 12×12, with multiple sizes available. Garage features include LP Smart siding and trim, UV resistant paint, strong flooring, and traditional or rollup garage door options.
You can customize the size, layout, doors, windows, and other details to create a garage that works for your pickup, SUV, equipment, and lifestyle.
Edifice also offers flexible payment options, including outright purchase, financing, and Rent to Own.
Design Your Garage Before You Order
One of the easiest ways to narrow down your garage size is to see your options before making a final decision.
With the Edifice 3D Shed Builder Tool, you can explore different garage sizes and customize important details to create a design that works for your property.
Try a 12×20 layout. Then compare it with a 12×24 or a wider option.
Think about where your vehicle will sit. Picture opening the doors. Consider where you would put shelves, tools, or a workbench.
Seeing the garage come together can make choosing the right size much easier.
Start designing your garage with the Edifice 3D Shed Builder Tool today.
Ready to Find the Right Garage Shed Size?
So, what size garage shed do you need for a pickup or SUV?
For many vehicles, 12×20 is a good place to start, while a 12×24 garage provides more useful room for longer vehicles and additional storage. A 14×24 or larger garage may be a better fit when you have a full size pickup, large SUV, workshop plans, or simply want more comfortable space around your vehicle.
There is no single size that works for everyone.
The right garage is the one that fits your vehicle comfortably while leaving enough space for how you actually plan to use it.
Use the Edifice 3D Shed Builder Tool to explore your options and create a garage around your needs. If you are still unsure which size is right for your pickup or SUV, contact the Edifice team. We can help you plan a garage that gives your vehicle the protection it deserves and gives you useful space for years to come.
