These Are The Best Cars For Tall People
If you’re 6’1” or taller, congratulations! You’re considered tall and, as a fellow tall person, I know you have one big issue: finding a car that’s comfortable to drive. Not only that, but also finding one in every category. After all, not everyone wants a full-size vehicle.
That’s why this article gives you the best cars for tall people in all categories, starting from the small to the large. As you’ll see, finding the best cars for tall people isn’t necessarily easy.
Many factors come into play when it comes to legroom, headroom, and overall comfort. Your car may have headroom, but it may lack legroom. On the other hand, sedans and sports cars may have less headroom but can make up for it with more legroom.
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At the same time, as tall drivers, we find some of the most comfortable options come from brands that aren’t necessarily the most popular or reliable. Ultimately, finding the best car for you as a tall driver requires a lot of research. Let’s dive right in.
As a note, when we reference headroom and legroom, we’re talking about front headroom and front legroom.
Best Compact Cars For Tall People
You’re looking for a smaller car because you drive in urban environments and focus on economy. So, common knowledge would say compact and subcompact options aren’t the best cars for tall people. However, you’d be wrong. Some compact cars are excellent options, and here are our best picks.
Kia Soul
- Headroom: 39.9 in
- Legroom: 41.1 in
The Kia Soul is no longer being produced, so you’d have to find a used one. However, if you can find one with low mileage, it’s a great option for taller drivers.
This tiny crossover has plenty of room and has surprised many. It’s not the most powerful, but it also has good cargo room and legroom in the back seats.
Some years have had reliability issues, so the best models are 2022 and 2023, which are nearing the end of production. This usually means all the bugs are sorted out.
Kia Niro
- Headroom: 40.5 in
- Legroom: 41.5 in
If you want a newer car, you can stick with Kia. The Niro Hybrid SUV is an excellent option, as Kia managed to squeeze in more headroom and legroom.
The Kia Niro also offers excellent miles per gallon, suiting those budget-minded folks best. I’m 6’4, and I’ve sat in a Niro. I found it spacious and comfortable, and wouldn’t rule it out for a possible purchase.
Honda Civic
- Headroom: 39.3 in
- Legroom: 42.3 in
The Honda Civic is reliable, practical, and versatile. It’s also an excellent option for tall people, even though it’s lower to the ground. Well, that’s actually why it’s one of the best cars for tall people.
There’s something called the “hip point,” which refers to the location where your hip rests when driving. The lower this point, the lower you sit. Sedans usually have a lower hip point, which lets your legs stretch out.
That’s why the Honda Civic surprises with 42.3 inches of legroom. Granted, there’s a downside, and it’s that vehicles with lower hip points usually have less headroom, and this is the case with the Civic. It’s got 1.2 inches less than the Niro.
However, you’re not going to feel it. I’ve test-driven the Civic, and it’s very comfortable. In fact, that’s why I love sedans. I have yet to find a more comfortable car to drive than my 1971 BMW 2002!
Best Sports Cars For Tall People
When we think about legroom and headroom, we might not think about sports cars, but thanks to the hip point, some of these are quite comfortable.
Toyota GR86
- Headroom: 37.0 in
- Legroom: 41.5 in
The Toyota GR86 is one of my dream cars, precisely because I’ve sat in one and found it comfortable, with an excellent driving position. Granted, reviews say it’s not the best for long trips, but that’s because of its sporty suspension.
However, the media agrees. The GR86 is surprisingly comfortable, although you will sacrifice some headroom. So, don’t make it your daily driver.
Ford Mustang
- Headroom: 37.6 in
- Legroom: 44.5 in
When it comes to legroom, and not only in the sports car category, few cars outperform the Ford Mustang. Hands down, it’s one of the best cars for tall people, thanks to its low hip point, massive footwell and spacious cabin. It’s a sports car, so there’s no denying you’re driving low to the ground, but its legroom is more than most large SUVs.
Plus, some Ford Mustang engines are very reliable and fun to drive. But, please, don’t do burnouts.
Best Compact and Midsize SUVs For Tall People
This is one of the most coveted sections because SUVs have gained so much popularity over the last decade. At the same time, not all SUVs can brag about excellent head and legroom. For example, my Mazda CX-5 isn’t the most comfortable, and my former car, a 2016 Toyota RAV4,, was adequate at best.
So, which SUVs are best for tall people in the compact and midsize categories? Let’s start with a very reliable one.
Honda CR-V
- Headroom: 40.0 in
- Legroom: 41.3 in
The Honda CR-V is one of the most comfortable compact SUVs you can find, but you have to buy one without the moonroof. This feature, although cool to the eyes, reduces your headroom by an inch, and that’s valuable space.
There’s an endless list of positive things to say about the Honda CR-V when it comes to reliability, and now, you can add interior space to the list.
That said, you should avoid the first two generations if you want interior space, because they were smaller and didn’t have as much headroom.
Kia Sportage
- Headroom: 39.6 in
- Legroom: 41.4 in
If there’s one thing it’s been doing right, it’s interior space. The Kia Sportage is also an excellent option for taller drivers. The compact SUV has replicated a lower hip point than usual in the sector, while maintaining a good driving position.
It’s barely scratching 40 inches of headroom, so that’s a negative, but it has more legroom than many of its competitors.
You can expect this driving position from the Hyundai counterparts as well.
Nissan Pathfinder
- Headroom: 42.3 in
- Legroom: 44.3 in
Here’s a name you haven’t heard often in recent years: the Nissan Pathfinder. With an astoundingly good headroom and legroom, this midsize SUV is one of the best cars for tall people. Plus, with Nissan’s efforts to improve reliability and quality, the new Pathfinder is promising.
We recommend the Rock Creek trim, which gives you 295 hp and 270 lb-ft from a tried-and-true V6 engine that’s bulletproof.
However, again, the panoramic roofs play against interior space. If you are very tall, you could do without them. Otherwise, you sacrifice an inch of headroom.
Subaru Outback
- Headroom: 41.0 in
- Legroom: 43.0 in
I felt strange writing this because I’ve previously owned Subaru SUVs that were anything but comfortable. However, all that has changed with the new Subaru Outback. The Japanese automaker has worked hard to provide more interior space for taller drivers, and it shows.
The new Outback comes with impressive legroom and competitive headroom. They also sorted out the driving position, which used to feel cramped and almost unnatural.
The Subaru Outback isn’t a looker, but it’s definitely an excellent option for those who want more room when driving.
Best Full-Size SUVs For Tall People
Do you think that, automatically, full-size SUVs are the most comfortable for tall people? It should be true, but it isn’t.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series isn’t comfortable, and its driving dynamics only make it less enjoyable. However, some models in this segment offer spacious cabins.
Chevrolet Tahoe
- Headroom: 42.3 in
- Legroom: 44.5 in
The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most comfortable SUVs out there, and you can put the Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade in this category as well. The spacious interior provides plenty of legroom, with a leading 44.5 inches, and a lot of headroom.
It’s expected from such a big family of vehicles, but it’s also a relatively comfortable driving position. Granted, these options don’t give you the best driving experience, unless you like a wallowing effect. That’s expected with vehicles this size, but they are the best option for long trips with the entire family.
Ford Expedition
- Headroom: 41.8 in
- Legroom: 43.9 in
A direct competitor of the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban is the Ford Expedition, and it doesn’t disappoint, although there’s slightly less space. That’s not to say it’s cramped, by no means. The Ford Expedition still offers plenty of comfort and a solid driving position.
At the same time, the Ford Expedition has an excellent towing capacity, at 9,600 lbs, compared to the Suburban’s 8,300 lbs. So, in long family trips, the Expedition could have a slight advantage.
If you want a more luxurious option, the Lincoln Navigator also has excellent head and legroom, but you have to pay a premium.
Best Trucks For Tall People
When it comes to trucks, driving position hasn’t always been a strong point. After all, originally these vehicles were for work, although that has changed considerably. Still, you will find some disappointing vehicles, such as the Tacoma and the Maverick, that are surprisingly uncomfortable. With that said, here are the best trucks for tall people.
GMC Canyon
- Headroom: 40.3 in
- Legroom: 45.2 in
The GMC Canyon offers adequate headroom at 40.3 inches, but it surprised us to hear that it comes with 45.2 inches of legroom. That’s almost unheard of in the midsize truck market, and it’s the main reason why we consider this to be one of the best cars for tall people.
The GMC Canyon, and its mechanical sibling, the Chevy Colorado, are both comfortable to drive, but their suspension can feel jumpy at highway speeds.
Still, it’s a great option for long trips, as the driving position has you high and with excellent visibility.
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
- Headroom: 43.03 in
- Legroom: 44.53 in
This full-size truck is an excellent option for tall drivers. When you’re looking for the best cars for tall people, it may seem logical to think full-size trucks are a good option, but you’d be surprised. In this segment, some options, such as the Tundra, might not feel as comfortable, but the GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab offers excellent headroom and a spacious interior.
We’re not only talking about comfort for the segment, but overall. This is an excellent option, especially for longer trips. Plus, with so much space on the truck bed, you can throw in anything you want, and you’re set for a long trip.
Closing Thoughts On The Best Cars For Tall People
If you’re tall, chances are you’re going to live perpetually uncomfortable, but driving doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why we’ve brought you some of the best cars for tall people in many categories.
That’s because, in everything from sports cars to full-size SUVs, there’s an option for tall people. You have to find it.
So, whenever you’re looking for a new car, here’s a tip: look around. Sit, explore, and test drive. After all, you should feel comfortable driving it.