Finding the perfect SUV can be a challenging task, especially for shorter drivers. The key considerations include visibility, ease of access, adjustable seating, and control over the vehicle.
SUVs are known for their spacious interiors and elevated driving positions, but not all are designed with the needs of shorter individuals in mind.
This guide delves into the best SUVs that cater to short drivers, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.
Key Features to Consider
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand what makes an SUV suitable for shorter drivers. Here are some crucial features to look for:
- Adjustable Seating: Power-adjustable seats, especially those with height adjustment, are essential. Lumbar support and memory settings are added bonuses.
- Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel: This feature allows drivers to adjust the steering wheel’s position to fit their reach comfortably.
- Visibility: Large windows, a high driving position, and minimal blind spots are important. Features like rearview cameras and parking sensors enhance safety.
- Pedal Adjustability: Some vehicles offer adjustable pedals, allowing drivers to find the most comfortable and safest driving position.
- Ease of Entry and Exit: Low step-in height and wide-opening doors make getting in and out of the vehicle easier.
What is Ideal Driving Position for Short Drivers?
Finding the ideal driving position for short drivers is essential for safety, comfort, and control. Here are the key steps:
- Seat Height: Raise the seat to see over the dashboard, ensuring your eyes are at least 3 inches above the steering wheel.
- Seat Distance and Backrest:
- Move the seat so your knees are slightly bent when pressing pedals.
- Adjust the backrest to support your back with arms slightly bent when holding the wheel.
- Steering Wheel:
- Adjust height and depth so your hands rest at 9 and 3 o’clock with elbows bent.
- Keep 10-12 inches between your chest and the wheel.
- Mirrors: Adjust side and rearview mirrors for clear visibility without excessive head movement.
- Accessories:
- Use pedal extenders if needed.
- Consider cushions to improve seating height and comfort.
- Ensure seatbelt fits properly across your shoulder and hips.
- Test Drive: Make fine adjustments based on a short test drive to ensure comfort and control.
Top SUVs Picks For You
Note:- To compile our list of cars suitable for short people, we focused on above written features that help overcome height limitations. We chose vehicles that allow drivers to find an ideal driving position while fully utilizing all aspects of a SUV.
1. Honda CR-V
Specifications:
- Engine: Inline-4 (gasoline, hybrid options available)
- Transmission: CVT or automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD options
- Cargo Space: ~39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Adjustable driver’s seat with height and lumbar support
- Advanced safety suite (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist)
- Large windows and slender pillars for enhanced visibility
- Fuel-efficient engine options
- Spacious interior and practical design
The Honda CR-V comes with thoughtful design and ergonomics. It features a highly adjustable driver’s seat, including height adjustment and lumbar support, which helps shorter drivers find the perfect driving position.
The large windows and slender pillars provide exceptional visibility, making it easier to navigate through traffic and park. The CR-V is also equipped with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, adding to the overall confidence behind the wheel.
With its spacious interior, ample cargo space, and fuel-efficient engine, the CR-V is a versatile and practical option for any driver.
2. Subaru Forester
- Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L Boxer-4
- Transmission: CVT
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Cargo Space: ~31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Features:
- Elevated driving position and low dashboard for superb visibility
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Subaru EyeSight technology (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control)
- Spacious and practical interior design
- Reliable performance in various weather conditions
The Subaru Forester stands out with its superb visibility and user-friendly controls. The elevated driving position, large windows, and low dashboard provide an excellent view of the road.
The power-adjustable driver’s seat allows for fine-tuning, ensuring a comfortable and secure seating position. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology enhances safety with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The Forester’s spacious interior, coupled with its all-wheel-drive system, ensures a comfortable and confident driving experience in various weather conditions. It’s an ideal SUV for those seeking practicality, reliability, and comfort.
3. Toyota RAV4
Specifications:
- Engine: Inline-4 (gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options available)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic or CVT
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Large windows and low beltline for enhanced visibility
- Toyota Safety Sense (lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control)
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Fuel-efficient and reliable performance
The Toyota RAV4 offers a blend of comfort, versatility, and advanced technology. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable and provides good lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable driving position.
The RAV4’s design includes a low beltline and large windows, enhancing visibility significantly. Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of safety features including lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control, adds an extra layer of security.
The RAV4’s spacious interior, combined with its user-friendly infotainment system, makes it a practical option for both city driving and long trips. Its fuel efficiency and reliability further enhance its appeal.
4. Mazda CX-5
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 (turbocharged options available)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Adjustable driver’s seat with tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Low dashboard and large windows for improved visibility
- Advanced safety features (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert)
- Upscale interior materials
- Engaging driving dynamics
The Mazda CX-5 is known for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and driver-focused interior. The driver’s seat is highly adjustable, including tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments, allowing for a customized driving position.
The CX-5’s low dashboard and large windows provide great visibility. Additionally, its advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, contribute to a secure driving experience.
The interior is upscale, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The CX-5 offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology that is hard to beat.
5. Hyundai Tucson
Specifications:
- Engine: Inline-4 (gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options available)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic or CVT
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- SmartSense safety suite (forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist)
- Spacious and well-appointed interior
- Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Excellent fuel efficiency and reliability
- Competitive warranty coverage
The Tucson’s large windows and well-designed dashboard offer excellent visibility. Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite includes features like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist, enhancing driver confidence.
The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with an intuitive infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tucson’s fuel efficiency, reliability, and comprehensive warranty make it an attractive option for drivers seeking a compact SUV with ample features.
6. Nissan Rogue
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-3
- Transmission: CVT
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
- ProPILOT Assist and automatic emergency braking
- Large windows and low dashboard for improved visibility
- Spacious interior with versatile cargo area
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that caters well to the needs of short drivers. It features a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, allowing for a comfortable driving position.
The Rogue’s design ensures good visibility, with large windows and a low dashboard. Safety features such as ProPILOT Assist and automatic emergency braking enhance driving confidence.
The interior is spacious, with comfortable seating and a versatile cargo area. The Rogue also offers a smooth and efficient ride, making it a practical choice for both city driving and long-distance travel.
7. Kia Sportage
Specifications:
- Engine: Inline-4 (gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options available)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic or CVT
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
- Large windows and low beltline for excellent visibility
- Safety features like lane-keeping assist and driver attention warning
- High-quality interior materials
- Ample cargo space and smooth ride
The Kia Sportage is an attractive compact SUV that offers a comfortable driving experience. It features a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, ensuring a tailored driving position.
The Sportage’s design includes large windows and a low beltline, providing excellent visibility. Kia’s suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assist and driver attention warning, adds to the overall sense of security.
The interior is well-designed, with high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system. The Sportage offers a smooth ride, ample cargo space, and a reliable performance, making it a great option for various driving needs.
8. Chevrolet Equinox
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Low dashboard and large windows for good visibility
- Lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Smooth and efficient ride
It features a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, allowing for a comfortable and ergonomic driving position. The Equinox’s design ensures good visibility, with a low dashboard and large windows.
Advanced safety features such as lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking enhance driver confidence. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with a user-friendly infotainment system.
The Equinox offers a smooth and efficient ride, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long road trips alike.
9. Ford Escape
Specifications:
- Engine: Inline-3 or Inline-4 (gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options available)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic or CVT
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
- Co-Pilot360 suite (blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist)
- Comfortable seating and intuitive infotainment system
- Agile handling and efficient engines
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a range of features. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable with lumbar support, and the tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel allows for easy adjustments.
The Escape’s design provides excellent visibility, with large windows and a low dashboard. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, enhances driving confidence.
The interior is well-appointed, with comfortable seating and an intuitive infotainment system. The Escape’s agile handling, efficient engines, and ample cargo space make it a versatile and appealing option for various driving needs.
10. Jeep Cherokee
Specifications:
- Engine: Inline-4 or V6
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD/4WD options
- Cargo Space: ~25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5
Features:
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection
- High-quality materials in the interior
- Off-road capabilities and smooth ride
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that combines rugged capability with comfort. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable with lumbar support, and the tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel ensures a comfortable driving position.
The Cherokee’s design includes large windows and a low beltline, providing good visibility. Advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection enhance driver confidence.
The interior is spacious, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Cherokee’s off-road capabilities, smooth ride, and practical features make it a versatile choice for various driving environments.
11. Volkswagen Tiguan
- Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD/AWD
- Cargo Space: ~37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Seating Capacity: 5-7 (depending on configuration)
- Features:
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Large windows and low dashboard for good visibility
- Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
- High-quality interior with an intuitive infotainment system
- Smooth and refined ride
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that offers a blend of comfort, space, and technology. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable and includes lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable driving position.
The Tiguan’s design ensures good visibility, with large windows and a low dashboard. Volkswagen’s suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhances driver confidence.
The interior is spacious and well-designed, with high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system. The Tiguan offers a smooth and refined ride, making it a practical and appealing option for various driving needs.
Tips for Short Drivers
- Test Drive Multiple Models: Always test drive several models to see which one feels the most comfortable and provides the best visibility.
- Adjust Your Seat and Steering Wheel: Make full use of the adjustable features to find your optimal driving position.
- Consider Aftermarket Modifications: If the perfect fit isn’t available, consider aftermarket options like pedal extenders or seat cushions.
- Use Technology to Your Advantage: Make use of rear view cameras, parking sensors, and other technological aids to enhance your driving experience.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your SUV well-maintained to ensure all adjustable features remain in good working order.
By focusing on these aspects, short drivers can find an SUV that not only meets their needs but also enhances their overall driving experience. Happy driving!
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