Best Cars for Short Drivers
The Subaru Forester, Kia Soul, and Honda CR-V are just a few of the best cars for short people due to their high seat position and great visibility.
Written by Laura Salvas
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Best cars for short drivers
- Helpful features for short people
- Other things to consider
- Save big on car insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
It’s hard to drive your dream car off the lot when you’re struggling to reach the gas pedal. Most cars are designed for people of average height to drive comfortably, but vehicles such as the Subaru Forester, Kia Soul, and Honda CR-V are well fitted to drivers hovering closer to five feet.
If you’re no stranger to a step stool, you’ll want to choose a car with features like a high seat position and generous visibility. Read on for a list of the top cars to consider to ensure a safe and comfy ride.
If you’re also short on time or money,
trusted comparison tool
and broker app Jerry
is your shortcut to big savings on car insurance
once you’ve found the vehicle that best fits your life.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Best cars for short drivers
2022 Honda CR-V
Base Price: $25,750
IIHS Top Safety Pick
Spacious and safe, this is a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable view of the road. Fancier features are included in upgrades.
- High seating position
- Manual height-adjustable driver’s seat (power seat available as upgrade)
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel
- Power-operated liftgate (upgrade)
- Running boards to assist in entry/exit (upgrade)
2022 Kia Soul
Base Price: $19,190
IIHS Top Safety Pick
Affordable and roomy, this ride is great for short drivers who want something versatile. Some nice features can be added as part of a still-economical upgrade.
- High seating position
- Manual height-adjustable driver’s seat (power seat available as upgrade)
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel with controls
2021 Subaru Forester
Base price: $25,195
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
With great safety scores and an ample interior, this AWD vehicle is one of the best cars for petite drivers.
- Excellent visibility, large windows
- Simple to use controls
- High seating position
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel with controls
- Power adjustable driver’s seat (upgrade)
- Power liftgate (upgrade)
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
Base Price: $27,400
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
A great all-around vehicle, this SUV has tons of desirable features included in the base model. An upgrade will make this vehicle even more comfortable to drive if you’re on the shorter side.
- High seating position
- Manual height-adjustable driver’s seat ( power seat available as upgrade)
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel
- Power-operated liftgate (upgrade)
- Blindspot and surround view mirrors (upgrade)
2022 Honda Odyssey
Base price: $43,605
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Your height shouldn’t stop you from helping with the Little League carpool. The Honda Odyssey is a great choice for short drivers seeking a minivan.
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel
- Low step-in
- Good visibility
- Blindspot monitoring
2021 Nissan Altima
Base price: $24,650
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
This midsize sedan includes some base model features that are only available in upgrades on other vehicles, making it one of the best cars for short people.
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Great visibility
- Blind spot and surround view mirrors (upgrade)
2021 Mazda CX-30
Base price: $22,050
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
With a slightly higher seat position than the Mazda3, the Mazda CX-30 is packed with features to help short drivers out, with the option to upgrade for added assistance.
- High seating position
- Manual height-adjustable driver’s seat (power seat available as upgrade)
- Good visibility
- Low step-in
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel with controls
- Power-operated liftgate (upgrade)
2022 Toyota Camry
Base Price: $25,295
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
A great choice if you want an array of appealing built-in features, including many basics for petite drivers, and a comfortable ride to boot.
- Good visibility
- Low step-in
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel with wheel-based controls
- Power adjustable driver’s seat
2022 Subaru Outback
Base Price: $26,945
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
A tad higher step-in than other picks on the list, grab handles will help you into this spacious and safe ride.
- Good visibility
- High seating position
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat (manual; power as upgrade)
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel with controls
- Grab handles to assist in entry/exit
- Power-operated liftgate (upgrade)
Volkswagen Tiguan
Base price: $32,995
One of the largest of all small SUVs, this roomy Volkswagen offers an optional third row of seating, well-suited to family members who share your short genes.
- Good visibility
- Easy step-in
- Adjustable driving position (manual; power as upgrade)
- Blind spot monitoring
- Power-operated rear liftgate (upgrade)
2022 Ram 1500
Base Price: $33,225
NHTSA 5-star safety rating
A full-size pickup for a compact person, as long as you’re game for climbing in, the driver’s cab nicely accommodates shorter drivers. An upgrade can really up your short game.
- High seating position
- Good visibility
- Tilting and telescoping steering wheel with controls
- Grab handles to assist in entry/exit (extra running boards via upgrade)
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (upgrade)
- Adjustable pedals (upgrade)
- Power-operated tailgate (upgrade)
- Vehicle lowering/raising via air suspension (upgrade)
Helpful features for short people
Have your eye on a few vehicles but don’t want to feel like Goldilocks at the dealership? Look for these features when making your shortlist.
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat: A seat with height adjustment will help you see the road without sitting on a frumpy cushion.
- Visibility: Large windows and a high-sitting seat help a lot, and a back-up camera makes backing into tight spots a breeze.
- Adjustable steering wheel: A steering wheel that tilts or even telescopes will help you find a comfortable driving position (just make sure you’re far enough from the airbag). And steering-wheel-based controls will help you from lurching to blast the A/C.
- Power liftgate: A trunk lid operated by a key fob or foot swiped under the bumper will save you from tearing an ACL trying to close your hatchback.
- Ease of entry: Getting in your car shouldn’t feel like climbing onto a horse. Make sure getting in and out is comfortable for your proportions and ability.
- Adjustable pedals: Few cars actually offer adjustable pedals, so if you’re needing to choose between seeing the road, sitting safely, and reaching the brakes, pedal extenders can be added after car purchase.
Key Takeaway Good visibility, a high seat position, and an adjustable steering wheel are the most helpful features for short drivers.
MORE: How different kinds of cars affect your car insurance rates
Other things to consider
Seeing over the dashboard is pretty important, but size isn’t everything. Make sure your car fits your life as well as your stature.
- If there will be other people regularly driving the car, ensure they aren’t too tall to fit.
- If you’re a parent, ensure the vehicle is roomy enough for any rear-facing car seats and that the trunk can accommodate your double stroller.
- Consider the types of roads you’ll be driving on and ensure the car has the horsepower or terrain-crossing abilities you need.
- Once you choose a car, make sure your car insurance is a good fit, too. Licensed broker and car super appJerrycompares quotes from top insurers like Nationwide, Progressive, and Travelers in seconds.
Key Takeaway Consider your comfort and safety, but also consider the ways you will use your car.
Save big on car insurance
No matter your height, comparing car insurance can make you feel in over your head.
Jerry
will do the work for you, collecting quotes from 50+ top insurance companies to find the best rate for your new vehicle. It takes just 45 seconds to sign up, and the average user saves over $800 a year. Good drivers may come in small packages, but - when it comes to car insurance
- the bigger the savings, the better.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Are taller cars safer?
While safety can be relative to the particular situation, higher cars generally provide better protection in a crash. In a head-on collision, a long front will provide more buffer between the driver and the struck object. A heavier car is also more likely to absorb impact than a smaller vehicle.
Can someone under 5 feet tall drive?
Of course! As long as your visibility is good, your seat is far enough back from the airbag, and you’re able to safely reach the controls, you’re good to hit the road.
Are car pedal extenders safe?
When installed correctly, car pedal extenders can actually improve safety, as they allow the driver to sit at a safer distance from the airbags and allow for a more comfortable drive.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
