Best Cars for Short People to Buy Right Now [2023 Edition]
January 12, 2023
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact. I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
Your new car will be an important part of your daily life. While you need a car that is suitable for your transportation needs, you also want one that is functional and comfortable for you to operate.
Shorter people face many frustrations with everyday objects. You may be used to standing on a stool to reach your cabinet or tailoring every pair of pants that you get. However, your car is not something that you should settle for.
Also Read: Best Cars for Seniors
Fortunately, there are many different cars well-suited for people with shorter height. In this guide, we break down some of the best cars for short people. Read on to find out the best picks for short drivers.
Table of Contents
Best Cars for Short People
We did extensive market research to bring you the top choices out there. Our picks for the best cars for short people are:

#1 Pick: 2023 Kia Soul
MSRP: $19,790
Car/Engine Type: Hatchback / 2.0L V4
EPA Mileage: 30 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 6-Way Manually Adjustable Driver's Seat
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring
#2 Pick: 2023 Subaru Outback
MSRP: $28,395
Car/Engine Type: Midsize SUV / 2.5L V4
EPA Mileage: 25 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 12-way power front driver’s seat
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Brake Assist, Rear-Vision Camera
#3 Pick: 2023 Toyota RAV4
MSRP: $27,975
Car/Engine Type: Small SUV / 2.5L V4
EPA Mileage: 30 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 8-way power-adjustable front driver's seat with lumbar support
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Forward automatic emergency braking, Pedestrian detection, Lane Keep Assist, Rearview Camera
#4 Pick: 2023 BMW 7 Series
MSRP: $93,300
Car/Engine Type: Sedan / 3.0L V6
EPA Mileage: 27 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 18-Way Power Driver Seat, Heated Front Seats
Standard Driver Assistance Features: iDrive Operating System, Automatic Door technology, Active Blind Spot Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
#5 Pick: 2023 Hyundai Sonata
MSRP: $24,950
Car/Engine Type: Sedan / 2.5L V4
EPA Mileage: 32 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 6-way adjustable driver seat
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control
#6 Pick: 2023 Acura RDX
MSRP: $41,550
Car/Engine Type: SUV / 2.0L VTEC TURBO
EPA Mileage: 24 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 12-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Advanced Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control w/Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System
#7 Pick: 2023 Honda Civic
MSRP: $25,050
Car/Engine Type: SUV / 2.0L V4
EPA Mileage: 33 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 8-Way Power Adjustment
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System
#8 Pick: 2023 Audi Q3
MSRP: $36,400
Car/Engine Type: SUV / 2.0L V4
EPA Mileage: 24 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 8-way power adjustments and lumbar support, Heated front seats
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Brake Assist System, Cruise control system, High beam assist, Audi side assist with rear cross traffic assist
#9 Pick: 2023 Lexus ES
MSRP: $42,490
Car/Engine Type: Sedan / 2.5L In-line 4
EPA Mileage: 28 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
#9 Pick: 2023 Ford Expedition
MSRP: $52,125
Car/Engine Type: SUV / 3.5L Ecoboost
EPA Mileage: 19 MPG
Standard Driver Seat Features: 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Standard Driver Assistance Features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0, Intersection Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Breaking, Active Park Assist 2.0
What Short Drivers Should Look for in a Vehicle
Short drivers should look for high-quality vehicles that are easy to get in and out of and offer prime visibility. While cars may not be made with people of certain heights in mind, there are some vehicles that are much easier for shorter drivers to operate.
As a shorter driver, you may struggle with visibility and accessibility. In general, you want a car that is highly-adjustable, has great road views, and is easy to climb into.
Recommended: See our picks for the best cars for teenagers.
Some vehicle qualities to look for include:
- A vehicle that is easy to climb in and out of. This is something that you will do several times each day, so you want to make sure it is a frictionless process. Make sure that you can comfortably reach the cargo lift.
Visibility. In many vehicles, it is harder for drivers with less height to gain outward visibility. A vehicle with adjustable ride height, large windows, and surround-view cameras can help. Others may prefer a compact car that is easier to judge while driving.
- Convenience. Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheels, adjustable pedals, and power-adjustable seats make it easier for short people to get a more comfortable driving position.
- Trunk shape. Trunk storage is great, but short drivers may struggle to fully reach inside of some trunks.
- Dashboard reach. Hard-to-reach dashboard controls make for a frustrating and unsafe driving experience. Choose one that allows you to safely reach all of the dashboard controls and screens from your driving position.
- Vehicle size. Choose a vehicle that you can operate confidently.
Other Considerations for Vehicles for Short People
Height is only one important factor when it comes to purchasing your new car. You also need a car that suits your needs and lifestyle. Each person is built differently and uses their vehicle in unique ways. Before purchasing one of the best cars for short drivers, factor in these other key considerations:
- Who else will be driving the car? Everyone that operates the vehicle on a frequent basis may not be short. If you must share the car, consider one that suits your needs while also accommodating different heights.
How do you use your vehicle? Certain trunks may be hard to access, but if you travel frequently or must transport a lot in your vehicle, you may still need one with a larger trunk.
- Safety. Always factor in safety and reliability, as you want a car that you can count on.
- Budget. It’s easy to get swept away in the amazing features and comforts of some cars, but you should always stick to your budget for such a large investment.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to buying cars for drivers that are not as tall, but there are many high-quality vehicles well suited for people with smaller frames.
Recommended: See our picks for the best cars for tall people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cars for short people?
Some of the best cars for short drivers include:
- 2022 Kia Soul
- 2022 Toyota RAV4
- 2022 Subaru Outback
What cars have the best visibility for short people?
The 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Acura RDX offer some of the best visibility for shorter drivers.
What features does a car for short people have?
The best cars for short drivers make the driving experience more pleasant and safe. Specifically, you want a very adjustable driving area, accessible controls, and road visibility.
What is different about a car for short people?
The adjustability and road visibility are key differentiators in cars that are best for drivers with less height. The vehicles that work well for people that are not as tall tend to be easier to get into and offers excellent views in all directions.
What classifies a short driver?
The average heights for American men and women are 5’9” and 5’4” respectively. While there is no set number for being short, if you are well below the average for your gender or find many cars hard to operate, there are still many options available.
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