MW The 12 best cars and SUVs for shorter people
By Russ Heaps
These vehicles have features that are helpful in overcoming height challenges, and allow you to find the ideal driving position.
Quick facts about vehicles for shorter people:
Vehicle lowering and running boards are two popular SUV features with short drivers.Adjustable-height safety belts are a must for short drivers.There should be at least 10 inches from the driver's breastbone and the airbag.
As someone who has stood in the front row of every adult group picture for decades, this writer knows a little something about the best cars for short people.
The fact that every vehicle out there doesn't fit shouldn't offend because it's not discrimination but averages. On the other hand, at the opposite end of the height curve sit drivers an inch, two, or more, over 6 feet. They face an entirely different set of challenges.
No, the issue is that carmakers tailor vehicles based on height averages. The more our height deviates from those averages, the greater the number of issues we encounter. Let's face it - drivers come in all sizes. Carmakers strive to accommodate as much of the size spectrum as possible. However, it's simply impossible to cover all the possibilities. Over the years, automakers have learned several tricks to broaden cars' accommodation to drivers of various heights. Consequently, more cars became inclusive of drivers on both ends of the height bell curve. We've listed some of those tricks below in the section on features.
Features short people need and will love
As vehicles have grown more sophisticated, carmakers have increased the levels of comfort and convenience. Conveniences many of us now take for granted, like key fobs, have done much to make our lives easier. Beyond that, they also help us overcome some of our height challenges.
When putting together our picks of cars for short people, we assembled a list of features we find helpful in overcoming height limitations. With this goal, we selected vehicles where you can find the ideal driving position while taking full advantage of all aspects of a car, truck, or SUV.
Finding the ideal driving position
Finding the ideal driving position requires blending seat height, distance from the steering wheel, and distance from the pedals to the point so you drive effectively and comfortably. The more the features of the vehicle operate together to attain this goal, the better.
Achieving that ideal driving position, though, isn't only a matter of comfort, but of safety. Sitting too close to the steering wheel can put you in harm's way during airbag deployment. A deploying airbag works like a controlled explosion. As it exits the steering wheel, it moves with around 2,000 pounds of force.
One reason why young children get relegated to second-row seats is to move them away from the front airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends sitting with at least 10 inches between your breastbone and the airbag.
Optimizing your vehicle's functionality
Getting the most from your vehicle means more than optimizing comfort and effectiveness behind the wheel.You want to enter and exit with as little hassle as possible. Maybe you need to help place a child in a safety seat. Doing so becomes tougher in a full-size truck or SUV without running boards. Opening and closing a car's trunk or an SUV's rear liftgate need not require a stepstool. Nor should the safety belt cut across your neck.
Our sought-after features list addresses both key goals. We believe you will find it helpful in your quest for your ideal car.
What are car features for short drivers?
Excellent visibility: It's not enough for a vehicle to offer a big greenhouse (window surfaces). You want to sit high enough to see out of all that glass. When you see out, you can use a head-up display to keep everything in the eye's view.Easy to enter and exit: Some vehicles will be easier to get into and out of than others. This ease of ingress and egress is based on low step-in, a large door opening, and seat height.Adjustable driver's seat: The more adjustments a seat offers, the more likely you will achieve that ideal driving position. Adjustments can be made for height, distance from the steering wheel, and seat-back recline.Tilt and telescoping steering wheel: Providing adjustments for height and reach, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel may be operated manually or with powered controls.Power-adjustable pedals: Finding the ideal driving position often becomes a compromise. Even with fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, it's a compromise because your feet still must reach the pedals. This hard-to-find feature addresses that issue. If you cannot find a vehicle with this feature, you can purchase aftermarket pedal extenders.Steering wheel system controls: Most modern cars, trucks, and SUVs include steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio and cruise control systems, as well as for some driver-aid controls, smartphone features, and the driver information display. Read our story on using paddle shifters, also mounted to steering wheels.Power rear liftgate or trunk lid: Reaching up to close a trunk lid or a rear liftgate is more challenging for those on the lower end of the height spectrum. Consequently, many vehicles today offer power versions that operate with the press of a button on the vehicle or key fob. Several vehicles even offer hands-free versions that open by swiping a foot under the rear bumper, or open when stepping close to the trunk. Some vehicles feature a liftgate that's adjustable for height.Vehicle lowering: Many vehicles with automatic air suspension offer a feature for lowering and raising the car by one or more inches for easier access.Running boards and grab handles: Offering a step to help you hoist yourself into a taller vehicle, running boards can be fixed or power deployable. Grab handles on the A-pillars or inside the top of the door opening often accompany running boards.No-fuss controls: We support systems that don't require the driver to constantly reach for and fiddle with them. These include multiple-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and auto on-off headlights.
You might like: 12 new cars with the best features for older drivers
What are safe cars for short people?
Safety is safety, and it's the same regardless of a person's stature or age. We recommend getting every advanced safety technology you can afford. The more a car's systems can help keep you and yours safe, the better. You can check out all of the passive and active safety features and technologies at KBB's Car Safety Features 101: Everything You Need to Know. Furthermore, we find safety and crash test results from the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to be invaluable tools when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. We recommend checking out the NHTSA and IIHS websites when considering any vehicle purchase.
Plus: These are the 2024 SUVs that get the best gas mileage
The list of the best cars for short people
Most of our picks don't offer all of our sought-after features. Instead, each brings multiple ones. We put a big emphasis on seating height. Most drivers appreciate the higher seating position of SUVs. From our experience, shorter drivers fall within that majority. So, you will find the bulk of our picks listed are SUVs.
NOTE: The manufacturer's suggested retail price listed for new cars includes the factory-to-dealer delivery charge (destination fee).
1. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Best value model for short people: $35,345 (SE)
Starting price: $35,345 | Expert rating: 4.7 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 24 mpg
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers something for everyone. We like it a lot. The thrust comes from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai offers it with a hybrid powertrain, as well. Right out of the box, the base grade provides auto on/off LED headlights with high-beam assist, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a comprehensive list of driver aids. Wireless Apple $(AAPL)$ CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are also standard in most trim levels. And even though the IIHS hasn't yet rated the all-new Santa Fe, we believe the 2024 version will score high.
Read more: The radically redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: The 3-row SUV is roomy with a minimalist interior
Among our recommended features on the base SE trim level are raised seating and a manually adjusted 6-way driver's seat with height adjustment. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls is also included. However, moving up one trim to the SEL adds an 8-way power driver's seat and forward attention warning. Likewise, stepping up through the other trim levels adds a hands-free power-adjustable rear liftgate. Although those are all welcome additions, we'd stick with the base SE grade as the best value.
2. 2024 Honda CR-V
Best value model for short people: $30,850 $(LX)$
Starting price: $30,850 | Expert rating: 4.8 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 30 mpg
Not liking the Honda CR-V is nearly impossible. We include it on many of our "Best" lists because, quite simply, it checks all the boxes it should. The CR-V is Kelley Blue Book's 2024 Compact SUV Best Buy. Big inside and boasting a zippy powertrain, solid safety tech, and impressive reliability, the CR-V has attractive traits for drivers of any height. The CR-V's go comes from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a hybrid powertrain. Among its standard features are dual-zone automatic climate control, auto on-off headlights, and several driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist.
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This Honda $(HMC)$ has many of the items from our list of recommended features. There's a high seating position, a large greenhouse, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment. With the EX-L trim, you get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power tailgate, and front/rear park assist. Running boards are part of the Utility Package ($1,780). A hands-free power liftgate is standard on the Sport Touring Hybrid grade. Of the five trim levels, two of them are exclusively hybrids. We'd stay with the entry-level LX.
3. 2024 Nissan Rogue
Best value model for short people: $31,500 (SV)
Starting price: $29,810 | Expert rating: 4.3 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 33 mpg
The Nissan Rogue impresses with its exterior styling, quiet interior, and a solid array of standard driver aids. It's powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission. Standard content includes LED exterior lighting, Zero Gravity low-fatigue seats, and remote keyless entry. Also standard are an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Popping another $1,690 for the SV trim level adds loads of extra goodies like satellite radio capability, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a surround-view camera.
Learn more: The 2024 Nissan Rogue review: updated styling and tech, great fuel economy, head-turning looks
Standard features on our recommended list include an elevated ride height, good visibility, and a 6-way manually adjusted driver's seat with height adjustment. Also included are grab handles and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. To pick up the 8-way power driver's seat and dual-zone automatic climate control, you need to make that step up to the SV trim ($31,500, including destination fee). The SV also includes Nissan's ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system. Top trim levels include a hands-free power liftgate.
4. 2024 Honda Accord
Best value model for short people: $31,005 (EX)
Starting price: $28,990 | Expert rating: 4.8 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 32 mpg
We were eager to put the Accord on this list because it is just that good. In fact, we named it Kelley Blue Book's Midsize Car Best Buy of 2024. Whatever you think an Accord should do, it does - and does it well. It's comfy, with good visibility, a low step in, and wide door openings. It pops right out of the box with the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Standard on the base model are auto on/off LED headlights, a manually adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and high-beam assist.
You can pick up blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control by stepping up to the EX for about $2,000 more. The EX comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission. All higher trims come standard with a hybrid powertrain. We think it's worth stepping up to the EX trim.
5. 2024 Toyota Camry
Best value model for short people: $27,515 $(LE)$
Starting price: $27,515 | Expert rating: 4.6 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 32 mpg
The Toyota Camry is the best-selling midsize sedan for many reasons. The Camry has been on many "Best" lists and is one of KBB's highest-ranked midsize cars for 2024. That's just one of the reasons Camry is on this list. We appreciate its solid resale value, comfy ride, impressive fuel economy, and available all-wheel drive (AWD). In its base LE guise, the Camry is powered by a 4-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, 10 airbags, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Camry boasts a tidy array of standard driver aids, too.
Of our recommended features, the Camry has low step-in and good visibility. In its base trim (LE), it comes with our recommended items like a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Although moving up through the other grades will add lots of additional goodies, spending more money won't bring you more of our recommended features. Toyota $(TM)$ also offers the Camry as a hybrid.
6. 2024 Mazda CX-30
Best value model for short people: $27,875 (S Select Sport)
Starting price: $26,370 | Expert rating: 4.4 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 29 mpg
We could have easily inserted the Mazda3 in this space, but went for the Mazda CX-30 instead. First, it has slightly (1.5-inch) higher ride height than the compact car. Second, we like the extra interior space the CX-30 offers. Mazda (MZDAY) bills itself as a sporty brand, and that's exactly what it is. We appreciate the CX-30's handling, steering, standard all-wheel drive, and peppy 4-cylinder engine. The base trim level comes standard with LED exterior lighting with high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Also included are a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
From our list of recommended features are an elevated seating position, good visibility, a low step-in, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. It also features a manually adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment. We recommend moving up to the S Select Sport for about $1,500 more to pick up rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and proximity keyless entry. An 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat comes with the S Preferred trim.
7. 2024 Kia Soul
Best value model for short people: $24,065 $(S)$
Starting price: $21,565 | Expert rating: 4.4 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 30 mpg
The Kia (KR:000270) Soul is a tidy package but provides loads of interior space. We like its funky shape, which provides a big glass area, and its low step-in and elevated seating position. Likewise, we appreciate its affordable pricing and terrific powertrain warranty. The Soul's go comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine via an automatic transmission. The base LX includes auto-on-off headlights, remote keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Also standard are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, you must pony up an extra $500 for an option package of driver aids.
Included in the base price are a manually adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. However, moving up one level to the Soul S ($22,390) adds an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Moreover, it adds other goodies like the driver aids in the above option package.
8. 2024 Chevrolet Equinox
Best value model for short people: $30,890 (LT)
Starting price: $27,995 | Expert rating: 4.0 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 28 mpg
Generally, the Chevy Equinox is a fine, all-around crossover. It features a competitive price, lots of user-friendly technology, and a comfy cabin. Powered by a peppy turbo 4-cylinder, it performs energetically. As priced here, it provides auto on/off LED headlights, full power accessories, heated outboard mirrors, a 7-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also includes a suite of driver aids, like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist.
Among our recommended features, the base trim provides solid visibility, a raised seating position, and front grab handles. Also included is a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. However, we'd opt for moving up a grade to the LT to gain an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, front/rear park assist, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
As you move higher through the trim levels, you can get a power-programmable and hands-free liftgate, surround-vision camera, and automatic parking assist that can steer your vehicle into a parking spot.
9. 2024 Subaru Outback
Best value model for short people: $33,940 (Premium + Option Pkg OP13)
Starting price: $30,240 | Expert rating: 4.6 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 26 mpg
Because it's more than a wagon but not quite an SUV, the Subaru Outback defies being pigeonholed. Although we believe the Outback is a solid pick for this list, we'd pony up the extra cash for the Premium grade. We like Outback's standard all-wheel drive, a rich group of standard driver aids, and impressive fuel economy. Granted, the 8.7-inch ground clearance makes its step-in higher than a regular passenger car, but it does come with grab handles. Other standard features include automatic climate control, LED headlights, remote keyless entry, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
More: The quirky and charming 2024 Subaru Outback strikes the right balance of comfort and off-road capability
From our recommended list, the base trim level includes an elevated ride height, solid visibility, a manually adjusted driver's seat with height adjustment, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. Opting for the Premium trim adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Tacking on the OP 13 option package with the hands-free power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, and more will set you back another $1,400.
10. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
Best value model for short people: $40,995 (Touring)
Starting price: $40,995 | Expert rating: 4.5 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 22 mpg
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A fine mix of high-end comfort and versatility, the Chrysler Pacifica is impressive as family transport or a weekend job-jar workhorse. With its clever seating system, it can take a family of seven to the movies as well as haul a full sheet of plywood. It sources power from a V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. You can also get it with AWD or with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Standard fare includes LED exterior lights (auto on/off headlights, taillights, and fog lights), rain-sensing wipers, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An impressive suite of advanced driver-aid technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, also come standard.
You need go no higher in the trim-level hierarchy than the base Touring trim. It includes several of our recommended features like a low door sill, power sliding side doors, a power liftgate, an 8-way power driver's seat, and a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. Also included are tri-zone automatic climate control and Stow 'n Go seating.
Other available features on upper trims and options include hands-free power doors and a hands-free power liftgate.
11. 2023 Volkswagen Taos
Best value model for short people: $29,590 (SE)
Starting price: $25,420 | Expert rating: 4.1 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 31 mpg
Think of the VW Taos as the Tiguan's mini-me. Volkswagen (VWAGY) basically downsized the Tiguan, making the Taos VW's smallest crossover. We are impressed with its zippy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, comfortable ride, and car-like handling. In its base guise, it comes with auto on/off headlights, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Every Taos touchscreen responds to touch the same way a tablet does, allowing you to pinch and swipe. VW also outfits the Taos with several advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
From our recommended list are an elevated ride height, good visibility, a manually adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. You must step up to the SE grade to score an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated outboard mirrors and washer nozzles, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, remote start, high-beam assist, and proximity keyless entry. We'd go with the SE trim.
12. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Best value model for short people: $43,175 (SE Standard Range)
Starting price: $43,175 | Expert rating: 4.7 / 5
Combined fuel economy: 110 MPGe
For an SUV, this fully electric $(EV)$ from Hyundai combines solid visibility with a low step-in. We are fond of it for its remarkable amount of technology, futuristic styling, and value story. We like it to the point we named it the Electric SUV Best Buy for 2024. The entry-level trim is the SE Standard Range, delivering an estimated range of up to 220 miles. For roughly another $3,500, you can squeeze out 303 miles of estimated range by moving up to the SE, which is simply the SE Standard Range with a larger battery. Hyundai packs the Ioniq 5 with advanced safety features that even include the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist. It can help the driver accelerate, steer, and brake the vehicle under certain conditions.
More: Why the innovative 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is such a great buy
Other standard goodies among our recommendations are auto on-off LED headlights, a generous 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with system controls, and adaptive cruise control are also included. If you pony up more than another $8,000 for the SEL grade, you get the larger battery with more range. You also get goodies like a hands-free power liftgate, more advanced forward collision warning, and a more advanced Highway Driving Assist with an auto lane-change feature. Unless you want the extra range, we suggest sticking with the base model.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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