What is a car turning radius?

A car's turning radius is the distance between the circular path outlined by a car's outside front wheel and the center of that circle while the car drives in the smallest circle possible. It's often listed to indicate a car's maneuverability at lower speeds, such as in a parking lot.

The measure of a car's turning ability is also often listed as its "turning circle" or "turning diameter." Figures given for either of these terms would simply be double the turning radius. Passenger vehicles with smaller turning radii could appeal to drivers who might need to regularly navigate tight parking spaces.