Best Cars for Short People
Explore our list of best cars for short people in this article. These vehicles boast features such as great visibility, adjustable seats, driver assistance technology, and controls that are conveniently within reach.
Read time
7 min
Date
05.05.2023
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Key takeaways
- Half of the population of the U.S. is below the nation’s average height, leading to a demand for cars designed for shorter drivers.
- Vehicles with key features such as adjustable seats, low step-ins, and technology like blind spot warning systems enhance the driving experience for shorter drivers.
- 10 best cars for shorter drivers include cars from Audi, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, and more spanning various models that offer comfort, safety, and tech features.
- FINN offers an alternative to leasing or buying vehicles suitable for shorter drivers, including additional benefits like insurance and maintenance included in the monthly fee.
Overview
The U.S. is the 40th tallest nation on Earth but it may surprise you to know that around half the population is below the average height. This means that a lot of people are looking for cars to drive that are not built for giants and cater specifically to shorter body dimensions.
Fortunately, car manufacturers know this and there are plenty of options available for shorter drivers from sedans and SUVs to coupes and hatchbacks. A five-foot person can easily drive an SUV if a few extra safety and comfort features are present.
We consider the main features you should be on the lookout for—and provide a list of the 10 best cars for shorter drivers, saving you from having to get the tape measure out at the dealership or do too much research online before you create your shortlist. The following 10 models are covered:
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What does it mean to be a shorter driver?
The average height in the United States is 5 feet 4 inches (162.56 centimeters) for women and 5 feet 9 inches (175.26 centimeters) for men. If you’re below these average heights, you’re far from alone. Plenty of American drivers do not fit the “standard” build and manufacturers have developed more options to choose from.
You don’t simply have to buy a smaller or more compact vehicle—though that’s often a good option. As a petite driver, you may be able to benefit from the use of technology that manufacturers are increasingly incorporating to make the driving experience more comfortable and safer in many different types of vehicles.
What features can improve the driving experience for shorter people?
Before we get into the specific models that shorter drivers might consider, let’s take a quick look at the many types of features that can enhance the driving experience for shorter drivers:
A low step-in - A running board or low step-in can ease the process of getting in and out of the vehicle.
Grab handles - If the vehicle has handles on the A-pillars or inside the top of the door opening, this can also ease entry and exit from the vehicle.
Vehicle lowering - Some cars have automatic air suspensions that automatically lower or raise the car for easier access.
Adjustable seats - Seats must go high enough to make it easy for full visibility out of the windscreen and to drive comfortably and safely (minimizing the blind spot). Ideally, this means adjustable seat height, distance from the steering wheel and seat-back recline. Some models even offer a memory seat function, where the seat adjusts automatically to multiple drivers’ preferences.
Large windscreen and windows - This helps you minimize the blind spots, which can be greater for shorter drivers.
Head-up display - This keeps everything in view without having to strain.
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel - This enables you to adjust the steering wheel according to your height and reach.
Power-adjustable pedals - Shorter people sometimes have trouble reaching the pedals, which can be a huge annoyance, as well as compromising safety. Power-adjustable pedals are not easy to find but are a great problem solver for shorter drivers. The only alternative is to buy pedal extenders.
Steering wheel-mounted controls - If the audio, smartphone, air con, wipers and cruise-control systems are mounted on the steering wheel, it saves having to stretch to reach the dashboard—another important safety consideration for shorter people.
Automated wipers and headlights - Rain-sensing wipers and automatic on/off headlights means there is less to think about and fewer controls to reach for when driving.
A smart rearview mirror - A mirror that accesses a rear camera to help driving at night or in bad weather is a great safety accessory for short people.
Blind spot warning system - This detects vehicles in the blind spot while driving and notifies the driver: great for all drivers, not just shorter ones.
Power liftgate/trunk lid - Closing the rear liftgate or trunk lid is much easier for shorter people if you can simply press a button or go hands-free without stretching or over-reaching.
Adjustable beltline - If the beltline is too high, shorter drivers will feel like they’re sitting lower in the car; an adjustable beltline helps address this potential issue.
The 10 best cars for shorter drivers
For shorter drivers, safety and comfort can be more challenging. However, manufacturers are increasingly making it easier to find good cars for short people. Smart features like adjustable seats, low step-ins, grab handles, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and greater automation in general help to alleviate many of the traditional risks of driving a car that’s too big for you.
Here’s a brief rundown of the best 10 cars we’ve found for shorter drivers:
1. Audi Q5
If you’re looking for a luxury car model as a shorter driver, look no further than the Audi Q5. It is a compact luxury crossover SUV which means it has a high ride height but is built on the platform of a more standard, compact passenger car. You’ll notice the luxurious seating immediately, with the ability to horizontally and vertically adjust your seat.
The vehicle has consistently won safety awards and while it’s pricier than other models in this list, you’re paying for the extra luxury and the renowned reliability of German engineering.
2. Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet also makes several cars that are suitable for shorter people. Chevrolet Equinox is another of the best SUVs for this category, a compact model with great visibility from the front seat.
It uses the tech well, with features that help with parking (hands-free park assist) and a power liftgate or hands-free liftgate for easy access to the cargo space for shorter people.
The Equinox offers a 7-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system. It's easy to reach (high on the dashboard) and can easily control both the audio and climate. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
3. GMC Yukon
Despite its sizable frame and the fact that it’s a powerful full-size SUV, this qualifies as one of the best SUVs for short drivers. The high seating position, side assist steps, an 8-way power driver’s seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and overhead front grab handles are all well suited to shorter drivers.
There are also options for a power rear liftgate, retractable running boards and power-adjustable pedals. The Air Ride Adaptive Suspension with driver-selectable ride height means you can even lower the ride height of the step-in to make entry to the car easier. That’s a pretty full set of features for shorter people.
4. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a compact car but the spacious interior won’t make you feel cramped.
There’s a telescoping and tilting steering wheel that be adjusted to preference and a sliding center console that can be adjusted to a comfortable position for most shorter drivers.
5. Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is another of the best SUVs for short drivers—and one of the most affordably priced. Its lower price tag comes despite a very user-friendly infotainment system, a 7-inch touch screen embedded in the dashboard and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Advanced features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera are available options.
The Nissan Kicks provides a very clear view of the road ahead due to a low, sloping hood and its large windows also provide great visibility for shorter drivers. The driver’s seat is six-way manually adjustable and the front passenger seat is four-way manually adjustable.
6. Subaru Forester
Staying with SUVs for short drivers, the Subaru Forester also makes the list. This moderately priced, fuel-efficient and compact SUV is very versatile and will provide a great driving experience for most short drivers. It’s considered a very safe car, with a forward-collision and lane departure warning system that will assist shorter drivers.
It’s easy to enter and exit with a low step-in, features large windows that help drivers to minimize blind spots and it has comfy high seats (upgradable to adjustable seats) with easy-to-reach controls and a 6.5-inch touch screen. This SUV also features a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with steering wheel controls. A rear power liftgate is also available as an optional extra.
7. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the best electrical vehicles for shorter people. It’s easy to drive, roomy and offers good value for money (though like most EVs, you’ll pay a premium upfront charge for the privilege of going electric). The ID.4 offers many helpful safety and tech features as standard—for instance, its 12-inch touchscreen, which is one of the larger options on the market.
It also has an automatic parking system and is convenient to charge at Electrify America DC fast-charging stations. Like many electrical vehicles, it provides a smooth and quiet drive and while not specifically designed for shorter people, most should find it easy and convenient to drive.
8. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is attractively priced but surprisingly spacious. Some people consider it a hatchback but it is more accurately called a subcompact SUV because of the efficient way it maximizes the cargo space. The Kia Soul has a convenient and easy-to-use infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical controls and smartphone connectivity.
It has a low load floor for easy access. The elevated seat provides improved visibility for shorter drivers, with multiple seat adjustments and a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. Shorter drivers may be interested in paying a little more for the upgraded model with extra safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. You also get a 10-way power-adjustable seat and a larger touch screen.
9. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has been another of the best SUVs for short drivers for some time—and the latest compact model is no exception, especially if you fancy switching from a standard gas model to a hybrid model.
It is easy to climb in and out of with a low step-in height and has expansive windows for great visibility, blind spot coverage and easy parking. Both the seats and the steering wheel are adjustable and lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking come as standard features.
10. Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan, one of the few non-SUVs included in this list. It is one of the best-sellers in its range, offering a comfortable driving experience for shorter people, as well as excellent fuel economy and all-wheel drive (AWD) and hybrid engine system as options.
The Camry has a low step-in for easy access, provides excellent visibility and offers a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls as standard. The driver’s seat is an 8-way power-adjustable design even in the base model.
Final thoughts
Our list of the 10 best cars for short people should help you narrow your choice down but there is an important consideration remaining: how will you pay for it?
Did you know that there may be a better option than buying the car outright or leasing it? A car subscription provides greater flexibility and for an all-inclusive fee, includes registration, insurance and maintenance so you don’t have to worry about the usual hassles of owning a car.
A car subscription from FINN is a fast, low-risk and convenient option that offers plenty of choices for shorter people. There’s no down payment or long-term commitment necessary.