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Top 10 Best Cars for Shorter Drivers (2020 Guide)

Published on August 26, 2020 by Susannah Pask · Lifestyle May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

When designers focus their creative genius on the blueprint for a new car, they’re using drivers’ average height and build as guidance.

Table of Contents

  • The Top 10 Best Cars for Short People (2020)
    • 1. 2020 Honda Fit
    • 2. 2020 Kia Soul
    • 3. 2020 Honda CRV
    • 4. 2020 Subaru Forester
    • 5. 2020 Volvo XC60
    • 6. 2020 Honda Odyssey
    • 7. 2020 Audi Q3
    • 8. 2020 Lexus ES
    • 9. 2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class
    • 10. 2020 Porsche Cayman
  • Conclusion

But what about the shorter driver?

Porsche Cayman
Source: Porsche

In fact, in the US, the average man is 5’10” – give or take about 3” either way. That means there’s wiggle room ranging between 5’7”- 6’1.” Clearly, not every car will ‘fit’ every driver, average or not.

But what about the estimated over 15 million men of driving age in the US that fall between 5’1’ and 5’ 7’’? If you’re on the shorter side, there are plenty of options.

As a ‘modest man’, there are several features you will want to seriously consider before reaching for your wallet.

It’s all about visibility, height, access and comfort.

Visibility is a vital consideration. Do you have good visibility both over the hood and all around you? These are simple but critical considerations if you are to choose the right vehicle.

You’ll find a vehicle with huge windows and higher drive height to be an advantage, so you can see clearly in front, behind and to the side. Blind-spot monitoring and side cameras can help with this, however, that said, not everyone feels comfortable driving a towering, gas guzzling SUV.

Issues of vehicle height can be difficult for the shorter driver. Step-in height needs to be low enough, so you don’t have to hoist yourself up inside.

Well-designed, power adjustable seats, pedals and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel are ‘must haves’ for comfort. Cargo hatch access 20 feet up in the air? That’s a problem.

Some vehicles have an automatic hatch close with a wave of your foot under the back bumper; others have a side opening hatch or another type of automatic close.

Does the trunk extend back into the vehicle so darn far, you can’t reach anything without scrunching forward on your belly? (Oh, the indignity). What about trying to reach the top of the roof to brush off snow in winter? Another annoyance.

Many of the vehicles who made it into our Top 10 list are in the compact, smaller class categories, simply because it’s easier to maneuver a smaller car on the road.

It is also easier to reach the onboard infotainment systems and dashboard controls, plus manage the above-mentioned issues of height and length you’ll find many of the larger vehicles on the market.

The Top 10 Best Cars for Short People (2020)

Here is our Top 10 list of the best cars for short people, starting with the economy models, then moving up to compact SUVs, high-end luxury sedans and sports cars:

1. 2020 Honda Fit

In the compact hatchback class, the Honda Fit holds near top-of-the-list ranking for affordability, reliability (it’s a Honda after all), and economy. But because of its diminutive size and footprint, it is a great choice for short people.

Honda fit 2020 exterior
Source: Honda

You can see where you are at all times, in crowded traffic and super tight parking lots alike. It just “fits” everywhere. The Fit has manual rather than automatic seat height adjustment and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

The Fit also has a LaneWatch system, a blind-spot camera on the passenger outside mirror, so you can see what’s there.

When you push the car’s turn signal, a video of that lane will show up on the infotainment screen, a valuable feature for shorter drivers who may have a larger blind spot than taller ones.

2. 2020 Kia Soul

It’s not the most stylish car on the road, although the 2020 redesign is a big improvement over earlier models.

2020 Kia Soul
Source: Kia

The Soul is a strange kind of vehicle; it’s a cross between a hatchback, subcompact SUV and a compact car, but if nothing else, the Kia Soul is highly practical and economical to run (25-27 CITY & 31-33 HWY mpg).

The driver seat sits high, so visibility is exceptional if you are short. Optional features for shorter people include a 10-way power adjustable seat adjustment, blind spot monitoring and a rear traffic cross alert.

With excellent crash safety testing scores and active safety measures, the Soul has a lot to offer, especially for the younger, budget-conscious driver.

3. 2020 Honda CRV

Always a contender in any compact SUV ranking, the 2020 Honda CRV is one of the best SUVs for short people.

It has optional 12-way power adjustable driver’s side seating with memory, plus tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a useful adjustable tailgate height feature.

2020 Honda CRV
Source: Honda

The CRV is easy to get in and out of, with great visibility and maneuverability. New in 2020 is the Sensing Safety Suite which is standard on all trims.

This includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition, so the car will help greatly with road safety and awareness.

The economical CRV features best-in-class passenger and cargo capacity with a powerful drivetrain, giving you a comfortable, balanced, everyday ride. New also in 2020 is a hybrid version of the CRV, if you’re going for more green.

4. 2020 Subaru Forester

If you are a New Englander, a Subaru is bound to be on your contender list. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subarus are simply awesome in the snow. They are also a great choice for shorter people.

2020 Subaru Forester
Source: Subaru

The Forester features excellent visibility in all directions, low step-up height, adjustable power rear liftgate and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat combined with oodles of cabin space.

The Forester is a solid, reliable, family-safe vehicle. It may be slightly lackluster in performance, but you’ll find it ticks most of the other boxes.

5. 2020 Volvo XC60

Sit in a Volvo XC60 and you’ll feel instantly at home, but if you are super picky about your personal comfort, you’ll find power 10-way seat adjustments an option.

2020 Volvo XC60
Source: Volvo

The XC60 has lots of standard safety features to act as additional eyes on the road; these include automatic emergency braking, collision mitigation and driver drowsiness avoidance.

Optional features are blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring plus a surround view camera. And the tailgate? Ah, a touch of your key fob both opens and closes it, so you don’t have to stretch into the stratosphere any more, while loaded down with parcels.

6. 2020 Honda Odyssey

If you have to get a minivan, this big guy family-hauler nevertheless has lots of shorter guy features, so you’ll never feel out of place.

2020 Honda Odyssey
Source: Honda

It starts with a low step-in height; once inside you can adjust the seat to your exact preferences with a standard eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and you can even opt for four-way power lumbar support and seat memory settings in the Odyssey’s higher trim models.

Add to this a standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel and the Odyssey will fit you like a glove. Outside visibility is expansive, but one can always use another set of eyes, so the vehicle comes with Honda’s Sensing Suite of safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

You can also keep an eye on what the kids are up to in the back seat with the Odyssey’s in-car camera system.

7. 2020 Audi Q3

In the luxury subcompact SUV category, we’ve chosen the Audi Q3, which was freshened up in 2019 with new bells and whistles.

2020 Audi Q3
Source: Audi

It is small and easily maneuverable, especially if you find yourself in heavy downtown traffic; optional features include parallel and perpendicular park assist, so it will drive itself neatly and automatically into that tight parking space you just happened to see.

Inside features are geared towards the driver’s comfort. These include eight-way adjustable power front seats and power adjustable lumbar support. Steering wheel in the wrong place for you? Tilt and telescoping adjustments can help you find your happy place.

The infotainment screen is tilted towards the driver, so it’s easy to turn up the volume to your heart’s content.

8. 2020 Lexus ES

Whatever you think of Lexus’s bold new front end styling (I’m not a particular fan), nevertheless the 2020 ES deserves to be on the list of best cars for short people – for several reasons.

2020 Lexus ES
Source: Lexus

With optional ES F Sport and ES Hybrid models, the ES offers luxury, comfort, good fuel economy and performance in one neat, stylish package. Easy entry and multiple adjustments turn the seat into a plush (and posh) living room couch.

Standard safety features include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection with automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. You almost can’t make a mistake driving this car.

9. 2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class

Looking for an ‘image’ car? In the super luxury sedan category, it doesn’t get much better than the S Class. It’s opulent, luxurious, powerful, with engines ranging from 362 to 621 horsepower in the top of the line AMG S65, priced at a jaw-dropping $235,600, but probably worth every penny.

2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class
Source: Mercedes-Benz

The interior is no expense-spared, fit for a potentate, with adjustable everything every which way. New in 2020 are even more gadgets to mitigate its $100,000+ cost.

They include proximity keyless entry, massaging front seats, automatic parking assist and surround view parking camera. You’ll run out of superlatives with this car. It’s just that good.

10. 2020 Porsche Cayman

Higher-end sports cars your thing? We’ve just the one for you. When Porsche designed the Cayman they ignored the decades-long design tradition for sports cars; you know, minuscule windows, minimal visibility, cramped, uncomfortable bucket seats and low roofs.

2020 Porsche Cayman
Source: Porsche

Instead the Cayman gives you expansive visibility in front and safe sightlines all around the car, so, as a shorter driver, you won’t have to scrunch your way round the cockpit to see what’s outside.

With sporty, firmly padded seats and elevated side bolsters you will feel both stable, secure and comfortable. Porsche’s Adaptive Sports Seats Plus offers an electric 18-way seat adjustment to find your optimum seat height, depth, fore/aft and four-way lumbar support.

The car is stunning looking, of course. Compact, sexy and jaw-droppingly sporty. And performance? With a top speed of 188 mph, as the marketing blurb says “ Air resistance is futile..”

Conclusion

Whatever your budget and car type preference, we think you’ll find one on this list to meet your requirements. With good outside visibility and easy access to safety and infotainment features, they are all judged by the experts to be great choices for shorter drivers.

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About Susannah Pask

A former national magazine publisher at The Atlantic and best-selling Amazon author, Susannah writes for several luxury fashion websites in the U.S., Europe and Dubai. She's an avid equestrian and competes locally in her hometown of Aiken, South Carolina.

Background: Susannah Pask has 30 + years of experience in the magazine publishing business. Formerly a New York City based magazine publisher with The Atlantic, Metropolitan Home and Bridal Guide, Susannah eventually started her own freelance writing and editing business, working with clients across the globe.

Expertise: Susannah has extensive passion for and experience with luxury watches, jewelry, cars, weddings, formalwear and fragrances. She's been trusted by major brands like Etsy, Toyota and Meredith Corporation to cover everything from fashion to interior design to travel. Here at The Modest Man, Susannah is our resident cologne expert!

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    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Marlene says

    April 10, 2021 at 10:49 am

    I’m just 5ft tall and looking for small svu that I can easily get in and drive with visibility.
    I also want the passenger side to adjust higher.

    Reply
  2. Stephen says

    March 18, 2021 at 8:35 am

    The problem with cars made after 2010 is that the visibility for short drivers is greatly impaired because the door panels are too high. When I talk about short drivers, my wife is $’!0″ so she cannot see outside the newer vehicles to drive or park. That’s why we keep our 2004 VW Jetta because that is the only car where she has good visibility.

    Reply
  3. LaraD says

    February 10, 2021 at 10:57 pm

    What about bigger SUV’s? We need vehicles that can tow and perform in deep snow during long winters.. across the board, GMC/Chevy /Cadillac removed adjustable foot pedals going forward in 2021. They lost a longtime customer.. it’s a shame.. safety should be a priority.

    Reply
  4. Mark says

    September 2, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    What is the best electric and/or plug-in hybrid vehicle for those of modest size?

    Reply
  5. John Quebedeaux says

    September 2, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    I’m loving the fit of my 2017 CRV. Driven it from Louisiana to Washington DC/Virginia and back twice. My tall ish (5’10” boys fit fine in the back seat the entire way).

    Reply
  6. justin says

    September 19, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    The latest Lancer Evos wouldn’t be a bad option either. They also look awesome!

    Reply
  7. jeff says

    August 28, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    i drive a Ford Ranger pickup and it’s awesome!
    Well, the suspension is horrible, the instruments look like they’re from the 80s, but it’s high up, and the 6-cylinder engine has a nice-sounding growl. it`s not too big, so it doesn`t look too big for me, like a pair of oversized shoes or pants that are too long.

    Reply
  8. Chris says

    August 25, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    My SL450 fits me well.

    Reply
  9. Terry says

    August 25, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    Oh Brock, you have a great sense of humor. Some of your comments really made me laugh. Thanks for this blog.

    I drive a Lexus ES and love it. I’m 5′ 6″ and ride in comfort with all adjustments accommodating my size. I’ve driven sport cars, minicars, vans, SUV’s, and “land yachts” in my life. The Lexus is my favorite.

    The only problem I have with my Lexus, or any car for that matter, has to do with a “vertical” visibility problem. Let me explain. I live in a major metropolitan area in Texas. And as you probably know, the largest percentage of pickup trucks and SUV’s are sold in this state. When I’m driving around here and especially at intersections or when backing out of parking spaces, I very often can’t see to the left or right (like when turning right on red or pulling out into the intersection on a green light) to safely proceed because my view is blocked by the height of these giant vehicles often on both sides of me! So I consider driving a car to be more hazardous where I live and it makes me want to drive a “tall” vehicle in self defense. I don’t like it, but it definitely is a safety consideration.

    Reply
  10. Kevin says

    August 24, 2016 at 4:15 am

    Hey Brock,

    Cool post. I have a question unrelated to this topic:

    Are clothing brands that are “made in USA” better in quality than brands that are not?

    Example – American Apparel > Bonobos/J. Crew/Banana Republic ???

    What are some high quality “made in USA” clothing brands?

    What are some high quality clothing brands not “made in USA”?

    I’m a firm believer in quality over quantity and I’m in search of high quality professional menswear attire and casual wear.

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  11. Gonzalo says

    August 23, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    I drive a 2004 Vw Jetta, it’s the perfect car for my body type (I’m 5’3 1/2) and I feel really comfortable, the hight adjustement of the seat helps a lot !

    Reply
  12. kevin fagel says

    August 23, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    You forgot the Volkswagen GTI or any of the Golf family. The GTI is a fun car that fits me well (5’7″). It has a very comfortable seats, lost of creature comforts, but what i like is its handling and speed which make it a really fun car on the open road or around the mountains. Add to the fact that is sips gasoline is just amazing.

    Reply
  13. Pedro. says

    August 23, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    I feel very comfortable on a Scion tC & Scion FRS, this cars have a lot of fun, are relatively inexpensive and fits perfect for short people. In fact, I think are designed for short people. I found tall people have a hard time to get in or out on this cars.

    But of course you have to understand that this cars are made to have fun (in special if you choose manual transmission). Regularly, I ignore the opinion of the “experts” of “Consumer Reports” because they are more concern to know if the car have a back camera or if doesn’t feel too stiff than understand the pleasure of drive.

    If you like a real opinion of somebody that knows about cars, check sites like “Motor Trend” or “Motor Authority”.

    Reply
  14. Bert says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    At 5’4″, I’m a tad too short for my 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, manual trans, Club Edition. In order to depress the clutch, I have to keep the seat not quite all the way forward but too close to the steering wheel for complete comfort & safety (if the air bag deploys, it will probably kill me while saving my life). I considered pedal extenders but they give too much correction. I’ve read that cobblers can add thickness to pedals. That would likely be the best fix but cobblers are hard to find & I haven’t gotten around to it. I also have a Honda Civic that’s just fine. I sit on a car cushion in both.

    Reply
    • AV says

      August 23, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      Excellent article.
      I had a car dealer and Im 5’3
      Foreign: Mercedes, Honda, VW, Audi, Masserati,Nissan thumbs up.I didnt like Mazda and definetely Not Porsche. Drove volvo (it did probably save my life) good but not as good as german. Last time I drove a peugeot it was exceptional. Havent driven subaru.I have a Toyota Camry its ok because of sit positioning but not the great visibility of mercedes.

      Chevrolet’s the Cruze maybe, not Camaro or the others. Ford Focus works well due to its european styling. Haven’t driven the new Mustang but previously they were hard to drive.
      Cadillacs usually have very good interior design.

      Reply
  15. Leonard says

    August 23, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    There are many American cars that could be in this list

    Reply
    • Brock says

      August 23, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Any favorites/suggestions?

      Reply
  16. Mike says

    August 23, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Yeah, it is fun to drive. It’s sporty and zippy through town, with decent gas mileage in economy mode.

    Reply
  17. Mike says

    August 23, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    At 5’5″, I need a car that fits me comfortably without being too big or roomy, or too difficult to handle. I currently own and love my 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (gasoline, not diesel-powered). and not only is it a great car, but it is great for shorter people. It has a driver’s seat that is fully height and reach adjustable, great visibility throughout, controls that are easy to reach and use, and plenty of storage space. It has enough power to pass faster cars on the highway, but offers a quiet, composed ride in the city. It is also very easy to parallel park and get into tight spaces. I can’t speak for the newer models, but this is one of the best cars I’ve owned.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      August 23, 2016 at 12:32 pm

      Glad to hear that. I’ve never driven a VW but they seem pretty fun.

      Reply
    • marcus says

      August 25, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      i (5’6″) drive a 2012 vw golf r, and agree with everything mike stated. the 6 speed manual transmission, awd and large cargo area make this car great all around.

      Reply
  18. Steve says

    August 23, 2016 at 11:51 am

    I think it’s tall people who really have problems, at 5’6 I’ve never found a car I don’t fit in. And I’ve got short legs/long torso, my wife was the same height as me and I always had to move the seat forwards. I’ve a Lotus Elise, a BMW Z4M and a Saab 95 now, I’ve had an RX-8, MX-5, 350Z, Civic Type-R, Subaru Impreza and various heaps of junk when I was younger. No problem getting comfortable in any of them.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      August 23, 2016 at 12:18 pm

      Wow that’s quite a collection! Any favorites?

      Reply
  19. Matt says

    August 23, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Mazda 3

    Reply
    • Matt says

      August 23, 2016 at 11:27 am

      Hatchback version 2007

      Reply

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