How do I find the ideal vehicle for my height?

Obtaining a comfortable vehicle can be a challenging proposition for those who are either taller or shorter than average. Luckily, by following a few tips, one can increase the chances of finding a car that suits their unique frame. Read on for our handy guide to finding a properly-sized ride!

For the Tall

Tall individuals should first determine whether it’s their torso or legs (or both) that are longer than average.

• If one’s legs are particularly long, it’s good to look for a vehicle with at least 48 inches of legroom.
• If one’s torso is lengthy, 38 inches of headroom is an ideal minimum.

Headroom and legroom specs for most vehicles can be found with a simple Google search. Another option is to use the Car Finder tool on AutoBlog. Filtering results by “Head Room” and/or “Leg Room” will sort models based on the measurements above.

For the Short

Those who consider themselves short have a few strategies they can pursue.

• One option is to look for vehicles that can flexibly cater to height; features to look for include power-adjustable seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and adjustable pedals.
• Going for an SUV or crossover can help increase visibility due to their high ride height. Such models also tend to boast advanced safety tech such as blind-spot monitoring and surround-view cameras, which can help the vertically-challenged maintain awareness of their surroundings.

Two elements to be wary of when going for larger vehicles like the ones referenced above are ease of entry/exit and ability to access the cargo area. Before choosing such a ride, prospective buyers should test out their ability to get in and out, as well as to reach the raised cargo liftgate (or into the trunk). If these elements are a concern, a smaller vehicle may be in order.