Finding the Perfect Ride
Choosing the right car isn’t just about looks and speed, especially if you’re on the shorter side. Comfort and safety should be at the top of your list.
Why Your Driving Position Matters
Getting your driving position right is key for a comfy and safe ride. If you’re not tall, this means tweaking the seat height, how far you are from the steering wheel, and the pedals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says you should keep at least 10 inches between your chest and the airbag. This gap helps keep you safe if the airbag goes off.
SUVs are often a good pick for shorter drivers because they sit higher up. This gives you a better view of the road. Many SUVs are recommended for shorter folks because of this (Kelley Blue Book). A higher seat can make driving more comfortable and help you see better, which is handy in all sorts of driving situations.
Safety Tips for Short Drivers
Safety is a big deal, especially if you’re shorter. Sitting too close to the steering wheel can be risky if the airbag deploys. The NHTSA suggests keeping that 10-inch gap between your chest and the airbag (Kelley Blue Book). This helps lower the chance of getting hurt by the airbag in a crash.
Adjusting your seat right is also crucial. You need to reach the pedals and steering wheel without straining. Features like power-adjustable seats and telescoping steering wheels can make a big difference. Cars like the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Honda CR-V have these features, making them good choices for shorter drivers (Kelley Blue Book).
Want more options? Check out our guides on the best used cars for commuting or best used luxury cars. These can help you find a car that fits your budget and gives you the comfort and safety you need.
Best New Cars for Short Individuals
Finding a car that fits your height can make driving a lot more comfortable and safe. Here are some of the best new cars that come with features perfect for shorter drivers.
Elevated Seating Options
A higher seat can really help short drivers see the road better. Here are some new cars that offer just that:
| Car Model | Price (Starting) | Elevated Seating |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $35,345 | Raised seating, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat |
| Honda CR-V | $30,850 | High seating position, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat |
| Kia Soul | $19,790 | Elevated driver’s seat |
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat that you can raise, making it a great pick for shorter folks. The Honda CR-V offers a high seating position with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Kia Soul also features an elevated driver’s seat, giving you a better view of the road.
Power-Adjustable Seats
Power-adjustable seats let you tweak your seating position for maximum comfort and control. Here are some models that shine in this area:
| Car Model | Power-Adjustable Seats | Additional Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 12-way power-adjustable | Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel |
| Toyota Camry | 8-way power-adjustable | Lumbar support |
| Nissan Rogue | 8-way power-adjustable | Memory settings |
The Honda CR-V comes with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The Toyota Camry and Nissan Rogue also have power-adjustable seats with extra features like lumbar support and memory settings, making your drive as comfy as possible.
Enhanced Visibility Features
Seeing the road clearly is super important for short drivers. Here are some new cars that come with features to help you see better:
| Car Model | Visibility Features |
|---|---|
| Mazda CX-30 | Large windows, high seating position |
| Subaru Outback | Elevated seating, big windshield |
| Volkswagen Taos | Wide windows, rearview camera |
The Mazda CX-30 has large windows and a high seating position, giving you a great view of the road. The Subaru Outback features elevated seating and a big windshield, while the Volkswagen Taos includes wide windows and a rearview camera to help you see better.
For more tips on finding the right car, check out our guides on good used cars for under 10000, best used cars under 20000, and good used cars under 15000.
Top Used Cars for Short People
Finding the right used car that fits your comfort and safety needs is crucial, especially if you’re on the shorter side. Let’s check out some of the best used cars that offer comfort, safety, and fit various budgets.
Comfort Features
Comfort is key when picking a car. Here are some rides that make life easier for shorter drivers:
- Subaru Forester (2019-2022): Elevated seating, great visibility, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with controls.
- Honda Accord (2015-2017): Spacious inside, with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
- Honda Fit (2018-2020): Fantastic visibility and flexible seating.
- GMC Yukon (2018-2021): Power liftgate and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Audi SQ5 (2018-2020): Power-adjustable driver’s seat and luxury touches for extra comfort.
These cars have elevated seating and power-adjustable seats, making them perfect for shorter folks. For more info on cars for different needs, check out our articles on the best used cars for families and best used cars for commuting.
Safety Features
Safety is a big deal. These cars come packed with advanced safety features:
- Subaru Forester (2019-2022): Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, steering-responsive auto on-off LED headlights, and all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Honda Accord (2015-2017): Lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
- Honda Fit (2018-2020): Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation.
- GMC Yukon (2018-2021): Lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Audi SQ5 (2018-2020): Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
These features keep you safe on the road. For more on safe driving, check out our page on the best used cars for the snow.
Price Range
Money matters when buying a car. Here’s a breakdown of the price ranges for some of the best used cars for short people:
| Car Model | Year | Price Range ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | 2019-2022 | 19,000 – 30,000 |
| Honda Accord | 2015-2017 | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Honda Fit | 2018-2020 | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| GMC Yukon | 2018-2021 | 35,000 – 60,000 |
| Audi SQ5 | 2018-2020 | 30,000 – 50,000 |
These price ranges give you options depending on your budget. For more wallet-friendly choices, check out our pages on good used cars for under 10000 and best used cars under 20000.
Picking the best used car for your needs means looking at comfort, safety, and budget. For more info on recommended vehicles, visit our page on the best used cars recommended by mechanics.
