Driving Shouldn’t Feel Like A Reach
Being a short driver comes with its own set of battles. Seats don’t slide far enough forward, and steering wheels feel miles away. That’s because some cars just aren’t built with smaller frames in mind, making everyday driving awkward at best and downright uncomfortable at worst. But not all hope is lost, as there are models designed with adjustability and comfort. So, first, here are ten cars that make life unnecessarily hard for short drivers.
LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash
1. Chevrolet Camaro
In the Chevrolet Camaro, the long hood stretches out of sight, and the low roofline lowers the driver’s vantage point, making the road harder to gauge. That limited view only grows worse with the thick rear pillars that form massive blind spots. To finish it off, the small rear window leaves only a sliver of visibility behind.
2. Jeep Wrangler
Getting into the Jeep Wrangler can feel like a climb, since the high step-in height makes entry difficult without side steps. Once seated, the vertical windshield cuts down forward visibility for shorter torsos, and manual seat adjustments offer little flexibility in height. Rear visibility suffers further thanks to the large spare tire.
3. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma’s steering wheel tilt doesn’t extend far enough for shorter arms, and with non-adjustable pedals, reaching the brake and gas feels inconsistent. Manual models add another challenge with a high clutch pedal travel, which makes shifting awkward.
4. Dodge Challenger
Sitting behind the wheel of the Dodge Challenger immediately feels different, but not always in a good way. In this car, heavy doors require strength to manage, and the long hood stretches the perspective on the road edges.
5. Nissan Frontier
In the Nissan Frontier, comfort takes a back seat for shorter drivers. Even simple tasks like using the cabin controls require overreaching. Add in a clutch pedal that sinks deep into the floor and a high dash that blocks smaller obstacles, and the driving experience quickly becomes tiring.
6. Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado often feels oversized in the wrong places. It features pedals buried deep in the floor that demand extra reach. The steering wheel’s limited telescoping range offers little adjustment, and broad seats leave smaller frames unsupported.
7. Ford Mustang
This car sets its drivers low against a long, sloping hood that makes it tricky to judge exactly where the road begins. Moreover, the roofline steals headroom, leaving upright seating uncomfortable, and many drivers find themselves constantly boosting the seat just to see better. Even then, thick A-pillars get in the way at corners.
8. Jeep Gladiator
Getting into the Jeep Gladiator feels like climbing onto a stage, with its tall step-in height making entry awkward without side steps. Its slim rear window leaves you guessing, the bulky windshield frame interrupts road awareness, and a towering dashboard hides necessary views.
9. GMC Sierra
At first glance, the Sierra promises power, but comfort fades once inside. The steering wheel lacks reach, which leads to constant stretching. Furthermore, the oversized seat feels more bulky than supportive, and finally, pedals and dashboard placement make driving unnecessarily strained.
10. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 features a massive hood that blocks close obstacles. Its brake pedal sits far back, and the wide cabin stretches to reach the controls. Most importantly, limited seat adjustment and incomplete mirror coverage restrict visibility.
Now, let’s take a look at ten alternatives that actually understand the needs of short drivers behind the wheel.
1. Honda CR-V
Getting into the Honda CR-V feels effortless thanks to its low step-in height, which saves you from awkward climbs. Once inside, the adjustable steering wheel lets you find the perfect reach. Lastly, a power driver’s seat with a wide height range also ensures you settle into a comfortable position quickly.
2. Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester’s thoughtfully designed power-adjustable driver’s seat makes it easier to fine-tune positioning, bringing comfort to shorter frames. The tall roofline adds to that experience, supporting an upright seating posture that feels natural and confident.
3. Mazda CX-5
In the Mazda CX-5, the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel comes standard, allowing drivers to set a natural reach before even adjusting their seat. That adjustment is equally versatile, with broad height ranges that make it easier to align sightlines.
4. Toyota RAV4
Slim front pillars instantly give the Toyota RAV4 an edge by opening up clearer visibility of the road ahead. Comfort comes next, with adjustable lumbar support available in most trims to keep long drives easier on the back. The seats also rise high enough to grant commanding sightlines.
5. Kia Soul
Boxy design on the Kia Soul creates broad outward visibility, giving the driver a clear sense of surrounding traffic. Moreover, height adjustments on the driver’s seat fine-tune comfort, while the cabin’s thoughtful layout ensures every control stays within easy reach.
6. Hyundai Kona
Small SUV proportions give the Hyundai Kona an edge in maneuvering through city traffic, where space is often limited. Such an agility pairs well with elevated seating, which creates a strong sense of road command without the heaviness of a full-size SUV.
7. Volkswagen Golf
Driving the Volkswagen Golf feels intuitive thanks to its compact hatchback proportions that balance agility with stability. Pedals sit in a well-aligned position, reducing stretch for shorter legs and adding comfort on longer drives. Lastly, visibility grows even better with a low beltline.
8. Mini Cooper
Judging distance feels natural thanks to the Mini Cooper’s short hood, which makes navigating close quarters far less stressful. Comfort follows with height-adjustable seats that adapt to a wide range of drivers. Finishing it all off, the compact frame proves perfect for city driving.
9. Honda Fit
The tall roofline in the Honda Fit not only improves visibility but also creates a more comfortable, airy cabin feel. Rear seating design cleverly avoids crowding the driver’s space. Adjustable steering then adds flexibility, offering multiple positions to fine-tune control and support.
10. Nissan Kicks
Confidence begins the moment you sit behind the wheel of the Nissan Kicks, where thin front pillars open a clear forward view. Besides, elevated seating sharpens awareness, compact proportions minimize blind spots, and ergonomics suit smaller builds.
