What is the best compact SUV for a tall person?

For tall drivers, the Subaru Forester is widely regarded as the best compact SUV choice, offering generous headroom and a high seating position. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are close contenders, balancing space, comfort, and practicality.

Tall drivers often face challenges in compact SUVs where a low roofline, short seat travel, or limited pedal reach can make driving uncomfortable after a long day. This article examines headroom, legroom, seat adjustability, entry and exit ease, and overall driving position to identify the models that accommodate taller frames while still delivering the maneuverability and efficiency the class promises. It also provides practical guidance for test-driving and choosing among top contenders.

What tall drivers look for in a compact SUV

Before listing specific models, it’s helpful to know the criteria most important to taller drivers. The following factors influence comfort and long-term usability in daily driving:

• Front headroom and overall ceiling height


• Front and rear legroom for long-legged passengers


• Seat adjustability, including height, tilt, and lumbar support


• Telescope steering wheel reach and locking steering column


• Seat cushion depth and thigh support for comfortable seating position


• Pedal placement and ample footwell space


• High seating position and good outward visibility for confidence on the road


• Ease of entry and exit from the vehicle

These criteria shape how each model performs in real-world driving for people over 6 feet tall or those with long legs and arms. A test drive remains the best way to verify comfort and ergonomics before buying.

Top picks for tall drivers

Below is a selection of compact SUVs that consistently perform well for tall drivers, based on space, adjustability, and overall comfort. The list is not exhaustive, but it highlights models known for accommodating taller frames without sacrificing other virtues like fuel economy or cargo space.

• Subaru Forester — widely praised for its tall roofline, roomy front seats, and generous headroom; strong seat adjustment range and good visibility.


• Honda CR-V — spacious cabin with easy-to-find seating positions, long seat cushion, and broad range of adjustment.


• Toyota RAV4 — solid interior space with a comfortable, adjustable driving position and reliable ergonomics.


• Hyundai Tucson — roomy interior with good headroom, versatile seating, and user-friendly controls.


• Kia Sportage — competitive space, supportive seats, and accessible driving position.


• Mazda CX-5 — refined interior with decent headroom and a comfortable driving posture, though some tall drivers prefer other models for extra headroom.

Each of these models offers a winning combination of space and accessibility for taller drivers, though the Forester generally leads for headroom and overall seating height, followed closely by CR-V and RAV4.

Model spotlights

Subaru Forester

The Forester is often the first choice for tall drivers thanks to its tall roofline and generous headroom in the front seats. The driver’s seat typically offers a broad range of adjustment, including height and lumbar adjustments, while the steering wheel provides ample reach. Large windows and a straightforward dashboard contribute to excellent visibility and a relaxed driving posture, which many tall drivers value for daily commuting and long trips.

Honda CR-V

The CR-V is known for its roomy cabin and accommodating seats, with a long bottom cushion and strong adjustment range. Tall drivers frequently report comfortable entry and exit and a pleasant highway cruising position. The overall ergonomics are designed to minimize fatigue, making it a popular pick among families and longer-range drivers.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 pairs space with practicality, offering a comfortable driving position and intuitive controls. The seat travel and steering reach work well for taller drivers, and visibility is generally strong thanks to a higher seating position. Variants with larger wheels and sportier tuning may affect ride height, so a test drive is recommended to confirm comfort.

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson provides a roomy interior with ample headroom and flexible seating. Tall drivers often appreciate the easy-entry feeling and the supportive seat design. The cockpit layout is straightforward, which helps reduce strain on the neck and shoulders during longer drives.

Kia Sportage

Similar to the Tucson, the Sportage offers generous space and a comfortable driving position. It’s known for a supportive seat and easy-to-adjust steering wheel, which helps taller drivers achieve a natural, fatigue-free posture on daily commutes or weekend trips.

Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 brings a premium feel and solid ergonomics, with comfortable front seating and a driver-centric cockpit. While headroom is respectable, some taller drivers may find the Forester, CR-V, or RAV4 more expansive, particularly if a higher roofline is a priority.

How to choose and test-drive

To determine the best fit, prioritize a thorough test drive that mimics your typical routine. Bring a few items that matter to you, such as a bulky jacket or a car seat, to see how your space changes with real-world load. Check:

• Seat height adjustment and travel range


• Reach and comfort of the steering wheel


• Pedal position and legroom at full accel and braking


• Headroom with the driver's seat in your preferred position


• Rear-seat access if you frequently ride with tall passengers

Finally, consider features such as adjustable pedals (where available), heated and power-adjustable seats, and driver-assistance systems that improve comfort on longer trips. A balanced combination of space, comfort, and safety tech will yield the best long-term experience for tall drivers.

Summary

For tall drivers, the Subaru Forester remains the standout compact SUV due to its high seating position, generous headroom, and broad seat adjustability. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are close behind, offering strong space, comfort, and accessibility. Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5 provide compelling alternatives with solid ergonomics and appealing features. The best approach is to test-drive several models, focusing on headroom, legroom, seat travel, and steering reach to ensure a comfortable, fatigue-free driving experience each day.

What is the best small car for a tall person?

The best small cars for tall people often include the Hyundai Elantra for its generous legroom, the Kia Soul for its tall roof and ergonomic design, and the Volkswagen Golf for a good balance of space and a smaller footprint. Other strong contenders are the Mazda3, Honda Fit (especially older models with more legroom), and Nissan Versa, all of which have a reputation for accommodating taller drivers despite their compact size. 
Recommended small cars for tall people

• Hyundai Elantra: A budget-friendly option with ample front legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable choice for taller drivers. 
• Kia Soul: A subcompact SUV that defies expectations with its tall roofline and a low "hip point," which maximizes interior space. It offers a good amount of headroom and legroom for its class. 
• Volkswagen Golf: Often praised by tall drivers for its excellent headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable option for those who need more space than a typical small car provides. 
• Mazda3: Known for efficient space use that can comfortably fit taller drivers, particularly in the front seats. 
• Honda Fit: While newer models might have less legroom, older versions were highly regarded for their spacious interiors and 41 inches of front legroom. 
• Nissan Versa: Offers a surprisingly large amount of front legroom for its class, making it a great value option. 
• Toyota Yaris / Ford Fiesta / Honda Civic: These models are frequently mentioned on forums as being surprisingly spacious for smaller cars, though it's best to check specific model years for dimensions. 

How to choose the right car

• Prioritize legroom and headroom: Check the specific specs for both metrics, as a car might have great headroom but limited legroom, or vice versa. 
• Test drive and adjust: The best way to know for sure is to test drive the car and adjust the seat, steering wheel, and pedals to your preference. 
• Consider hip point: A lower "hip point" can create more headroom in a car, so it's a feature worth noting, according to MotorTrend. 
• Check the back seat: Even if the front seats are comfortable, consider if you'll need to have passengers in the back. Some small cars may have great front-seat space but a cramped rear seat for other tall people. 

Which compact SUV has the most leg room?

Which small and compact SUV has the most legroom? The small and compact SUV with the most legroom is the Hyundai TUCSON with rear legroom of 41.3 inches. Coming in second is the Kia Sportage with 41.3 inches of legroom in the second row.

What is the most comfortable car for a tall person?

The most comfortable cars for tall people are often large SUVs, trucks, and some sedans and compact SUVs that offer high ceilings and ample legroom, with the Genesis G90, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Tahoe frequently cited for their spaciousness. Other comfortable options include the Honda Pilot, Ford Expedition, Kia Telluride, and sedans like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Hyundai Sonata.
 
Large SUVs and trucks

• Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Tahoe: These large SUVs are consistently praised for having abundant front headroom and legroom, with the longer versions like the Suburban offering more third-row space, notes Kelley Blue Book. 
• Ford Expedition: Another large SUV option with plenty of room for taller drivers, says Indy Auto Man. 
• Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot: These SUVs are also frequently recommended for their spacious interiors and comfort for tall passengers, according to Indy Auto Man. 

Sedans

• Genesis G90: This luxury sedan is noted for having impressive legroom, even more than some larger luxury sedans, and a 22-way power driver's seat. 
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Offers a good amount of headroom (404040 inches) and legroom (41.741.741.7 inches) for a comfortable driving position, says U.S. News & World Report. 
• Hyundai Sonata: A comfortable and spacious option with good headroom, notes United Auto Sales. 

Compact SUVs and other options

• Hyundai Tucson: Provides significant headroom (41.541.541.5 inches) and legroom (43.743.743.7 inches) for a compact SUV, making it a great choice for taller drivers, according to Wilsons Motor Group. 
• Kia Soul: Despite its smaller size, the Soul is frequently mentioned as being surprisingly spacious for tall individuals due to its tall profile and adjustable features, says MotorTrend. 
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: A strong electric SUV option for tall drivers, with good headroom (39.839.839.8 inches) and legroom (41.741.741.7 inches), according to {

Which compact SUV is best for tall drivers?

The best small SUVs for tall drivers are the Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Kia Soul, due to their combination of ample legroom and headroom. The Forester is often cited for excellent front-seat headroom and legroom, while the Trailblazer provides a large cabin feel and deep footwell for a subcompact SUV. The Kia Soul is a great option with spacious front seats, a telescoping steering wheel, and good under-thigh support.
 
This video demonstrates the interior space of the Kia Telluride, a midsize SUV with plenty of room for tall drivers: 31sThe_Car_MomYouTube · Mar 25, 2024
Top recommendations

• Subaru Forester: This compact SUV stands out for its spacious front-seat dimensions, offering excellent headroom and legroom. It's a top choice for tall drivers, with the 2025 model providing 41.2 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom. 
• Chevrolet Trailblazer: As a subcompact SUV, the Trailblazer offers surprisingly generous space, with 41.6 inches of front legroom and 40 inches of headroom. Its upright seating position and deep footwell make it feel open and comfortable, rather than cramped. 
• Kia Soul: For a more budget-friendly and stylish option, the Kia Soul is a strong contender. Its front seat features 39.9 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom, and its seat can angle for better under-thigh support. The telescoping steering wheel also helps drivers comfortably reach the controls. 

Other notable options

• Ford Bronco Sport: A compact SUV that fits drivers up to 7 ft. 1 in. 
• Honda HR-V: Offers 39.5 inches of headroom and 41.2 inches of legroom, with power-adjustable seating for customization. 
• Mazda CX-30: Provides 41.7 inches of front legroom, and its low, athletic seating position can feel more natural for tall drivers. 
• Mercedes-Benz GLB: A small luxury SUV that can accommodate drivers up to 6 ft. 11 in. 

Key features for tall drivers

• Front-seat headroom and legroom: Look for vehicles with higher numbers in these categories to avoid feeling cramped. 
• Telescoping steering wheel: This allows you to adjust the steering wheel further out towards you, providing a more comfortable driving position. 
• Windshield height: A higher windshield can prevent you from feeling like you're looking through a small slit, which can be a problem in some smaller SUVs.