Looking for Cars and You’re Short? Here’s a list of the Best Options

Looking for Cars and You’re Short? Here’s a list of the Best Options

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If you're on the shorter side when it comes to your height, you're probably well aware that driving a car can present its own set of problems. That's especially true if you're trying to stay safe on the road.

While many cars come highly recommended for various reasons, these recommendations don't always account for a person's height. After all, if you're short, you'll have specific needs while driving. You'll want to buy a car that not only has comfortable seating but adjustable seating, too.

The distance from the steering wheel to the driver's seat must be equally flexible. The same goes for reaching the gas and brake pedals. On top of this, the windows in the car need to be large and open so that you can turn around and easily check blind spots.

Extra safety features that come in handy are reverse parking cameras and proximity sensors to help you see the space around you when you're backing up. The reason why? If you sit low in the driver's seat, your field of vision may not be as comprehensive as a taller person.

With this in mind, we've put together a quick list of the best cars for short people that prioritize these options.

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1. Honda CR-V

1. Honda CR-V
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The Honda CR-V is a dream machine when it comes to the most accessible cars for short people. As a compact SUV that receives rave reviews for its numerous qualities, the CR-V is a family-friendly vehicle. Its engine is available in two flavors, a standard gas or a CR-V Hybrid.

With its smaller, compact size, the Honda CR-V is an SUV with a low step-in height that makes it easier to climb in and out of. Its large windows mean it’s easier to do a 360 sweep of your blind spots and park the car. 

Best of all, both the seats and the steering wheel are adjustable. Standard safety features that you can find in 2021 models are lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automated emergency braking: all necessary tools for a short driver.

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1. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a dream machine when it comes to the most accessible cars for short people. As a compact SUV that receives rave reviews for its numerous qualities, the CR-V is a family-friendly vehicle. Its engine is available in two flavors, a standard gas or a CR-V Hybrid.

With its smaller, compact size, the Honda CR-V is an SUV with a low step-in height that makes it easier to climb in and out of. Its large windows mean it’s easier to do a 360 sweep of your blind spots and park the car. 

Best of all, both the seats and the steering wheel are adjustable. Standard safety features that you can find in 2021 models are lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automated emergency braking: all necessary tools for a short driver.

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2. Subaru Forester

2. Subaru Forester
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The Subaru Forester is another highly praised, extremely versatile vehicle perfect for driving in multiple scenarios. These scenarios range from weekend getaways to finding the safest car for teens to drive. On top of this, the Forester is also one of the best SUVs for short drivers. With its compact body and large windows that let you survey the blind spots around you, you’ll feel extra safe while on the road.

With the current model of the Forester, expect to find an SUV with decent fuel economy, comfortable seats, and easy-to-reach controls. The EyeSight Suite, a safety program that includes forward-collision and lane departure warnings, comes standard with all-new Forester models. From 2020 to 2019 models, expect to see more of the same, along with large doors that make the Forester easy to enter and exit. 

For pre-2019 Foresters, Subaru offered the EyeSight Suite as an optional add-on.

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2. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is another highly praised, extremely versatile vehicle perfect for driving in multiple scenarios. These scenarios range from weekend getaways to finding the safest car for teens to drive. On top of this, the Forester is also one of the best SUVs for short drivers. With its compact body and large windows that let you survey the blind spots around you, you’ll feel extra safe while on the road.

With the current model of the Forester, expect to find an SUV with decent fuel economy, comfortable seats, and easy-to-reach controls. The EyeSight Suite, a safety program that includes forward-collision and lane departure warnings, comes standard with all-new Forester models. From 2020 to 2019 models, expect to see more of the same, along with large doors that make the Forester easy to enter and exit. 

For pre-2019 Foresters, Subaru offered the EyeSight Suite as an optional add-on.

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3. Subaru Outback

3. Subaru Outback
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In general, Subaru makes excellent cars. That's why we've included another heavy-hitter in terms of brand recognition and versatility: the Subaru Outback.

The Outback looks like someone mashed up a modern-day station wagon with an SUV. Still, its sturdy handling and ample cargo options veer it toward the SUV market. Featuring adjustable seating, large windows, the EyeSight suite, and forward-collision warning in newer models, you'll be well-situated to drive safely. 

In earlier models, expect to see an equally spacious, adjustable interior with optional blind-spot monitoring.

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3. Subaru Outback

In general, Subaru makes excellent cars. That's why we've included another heavy-hitter in terms of brand recognition and versatility: the Subaru Outback.

The Outback looks like someone mashed up a modern-day station wagon with an SUV. Still, its sturdy handling and ample cargo options veer it toward the SUV market. Featuring adjustable seating, large windows, the EyeSight suite, and forward-collision warning in newer models, you'll be well-situated to drive safely. 

In earlier models, expect to see an equally spacious, adjustable interior with optional blind-spot monitoring.

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4. Mazda3 or Mazda6

4. Mazda3 or Mazda6
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Looking for another automaker that makes amazing cars for short people? Then turn to Mazda, specifically their Mazda3 and Mazda6 model lines.

With the Mazda3, expect to see a comfortable sedan that sits low to the ground, with a spacious cabin whose adjustable seating makes it one of the best cars for petite drivers. The steering wheel and seatbelt heights are also flexible. Its standard safety features in earlier models, such as the 2020 edition, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings, all make it ideal for someone to monitor the road easily.

With the Mazda6 line, expect another classy-looking sedan with many adjustment options, from the steering wheel to the seats. While both the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 can cost a decent amount to purchase new, you can find yourself with a steep deal if you shop for earlier models, and Shift will help you through this process.

At Shift, certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections of every car, and they have a complete vehicle history report on hand so that you know your used car feels good as new. You may be short in the height department, but short on a deal? Never.

Overall, the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 are great cars for city dwellers who need to commute to work in style. They’re also one of the best used cars for short drivers.

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4. Mazda3 or Mazda6

Looking for another automaker that makes amazing cars for short people? Then turn to Mazda, specifically their Mazda3 and Mazda6 model lines.

With the Mazda3, expect to see a comfortable sedan that sits low to the ground, with a spacious cabin whose adjustable seating makes it one of the best cars for petite drivers. The steering wheel and seatbelt heights are also flexible. Its standard safety features in earlier models, such as the 2020 edition, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings, all make it ideal for someone to monitor the road easily.

With the Mazda6 line, expect another classy-looking sedan with many adjustment options, from the steering wheel to the seats. While both the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 can cost a decent amount to purchase new, you can find yourself with a steep deal if you shop for earlier models, and Shift will help you through this process.

At Shift, certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections of every car, and they have a complete vehicle history report on hand so that you know your used car feels good as new. You may be short in the height department, but short on a deal? Never.

Overall, the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 are great cars for city dwellers who need to commute to work in style. They’re also one of the best used cars for short drivers.

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5. Audi Q5

5. Audi Q5
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A heavyweight contender in the upscale car market is next on the list for the best cars for short people. The Audi Q5 is a compact SUV, and each Q5 comes with luxurious seating arrangements that give you a whole host of options. 

Some of these options include the ability to horizontally and vertically adjust your seat. In earlier models, like 2017, you’ll find a phenomenal rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with the Audi Q5 winning Top Safety Pick for the year. 

The Audi Q5 can be pricier than some of the other cars on this list. Again, however, Shift is committed to helping you find a deal.

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5. Audi Q5

A heavyweight contender in the upscale car market is next on the list for the best cars for short people. The Audi Q5 is a compact SUV, and each Q5 comes with luxurious seating arrangements that give you a whole host of options. 

Some of these options include the ability to horizontally and vertically adjust your seat. In earlier models, like 2017, you’ll find a phenomenal rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with the Audi Q5 winning Top Safety Pick for the year. 

The Audi Q5 can be pricier than some of the other cars on this list. Again, however, Shift is committed to helping you find a deal.

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6. Honda Odyssey

6. Honda Odyssey
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Last on the list is the Honda Odyssey: a minivan that is not only great for short people but any busy parent who has a large family to drive around.

With the 2021 model, safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rearview cameras have become standard. A stellar five-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes it clear that Honda is doing their utmost to keep you and your passengers safe. Fold-down second-row seats along with large windows make it easier to scan the environment around you.

Vehicles from the 2018-2020 lineup included blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning options. With Odyssey minivans built before 2018, expect to see equally high safety ratings with slight feature variations between the years, a roomy cabin, and blind-spot monitoring as an optional feature.

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6. Honda Odyssey

Last on the list is the Honda Odyssey: a minivan that is not only great for short people but any busy parent who has a large family to drive around.

With the 2021 model, safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rearview cameras have become standard. A stellar five-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes it clear that Honda is doing their utmost to keep you and your passengers safe. Fold-down second-row seats along with large windows make it easier to scan the environment around you.

Vehicles from the 2018-2020 lineup included blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning options. With Odyssey minivans built before 2018, expect to see equally high safety ratings with slight feature variations between the years, a roomy cabin, and blind-spot monitoring as an optional feature.

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Buy One of the Best Cars for Short People

With all of these big names on this list, you’re going to have a pretty solid idea of what types of good cars for short people currently exist on the market. You’ll have a decent idea of where to start searching for your next vehicle purchase, too.

When narrowing down that list of purchases, read up on each vehicle in-depth, as each of them comes with a variety of cargo specs and tech features that may make you favor one model over another. If you’re looking for another car that is well-suited for short people, then check out our review of the Ford Focus.

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Author
Shift Editorial Team