The best and worst cars for short drivers: which model to choose

Everything in this world is designed for people of average height, including cars. That's why it's so difficult to choose a comfortable model for someone who hits the ceiling with their head or can't see anything through a high dashboard.

There are many ways that car brands can make their vehicles accessible to everyone, regardless of height. These include fully adjustable seats and telescopic steering wheels. Slash Gear has selected three of the worst and best cars for short drivers.

The worst

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler has a lot of fans, but its uncompromising utilitarian design creates a lot of problems for short drivers. For starters, the Jeep Wrangler is not an easy vehicle to get into and out of: it has no running boards and its doors are far off the ground. Depending on the configuration, ground clearance is 9 to 12 inches. Opening the trunk fully is also a challenge. Although the tailgate handle is easily accessible, if you want to get maximum access to the cargo space, you will need to raise the rear window. And for this, you need to raise your arms very high.

The high dashboard and square hood can also limit your view of the road. Most importantly, short drivers may have trouble reaching the pedals comfortably unless you move the seat so far forward that you are practically touching the steering wheel. And this can be dangerous in the event of an airbag deployment.

Nissan Titan

Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Nissan Titan may force you to sit too close to the steering wheel to reach the pedals. None of the Titan trims come with adjustable pedals or a telescoping or tilt steering wheel. So your only choice is to adjust the driver's seat. The Titan has 4-way or 8-way paddle shifters, depending on the trim level, but this alone will not necessarily give you a satisfactory or safe driving experience.

The location of the brake pedal is also not ideal for short drivers, as it can scratch or interfere with them when getting in or out of the car. Visibility is another disadvantage, as the Titan's high beltline limits the view of the road, especially when looking across intersections or around obstacles. According to owner feedback, the side mirrors only worsen the blind spot problem, making it difficult for short drivers to fully appreciate their surroundings. They have to rely on blind spot monitoring warnings instead of better visibility. The Titan, on the other hand, has running boards in many trims, although you may have to purchase them as an optional extra.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

This small sports car has won many awards, but many of the design features of the Mazda MX-5 Miata do pose challenges for drivers of shorter stature. The low seating position and limited vertical seat adjustment options in the MX-5 Miata can force short drivers into awkward and dangerous positions to reach the pedals. Its fixed head restraints are not adjustable and are often in the wrong place for short drivers. The streamlined body shape is hailed as a highlight of the model, but this hood design can also impair road visibility for short drivers.

The compact interior of the Miata poses a challenge for people with short arms. You may find it difficult to reach the controls on the dashboard and center console without leaning forward, which is uncomfortable and dangerous when driving long distances. On the other hand, getting in and out of this car shouldn't be a problem for shorter drivers, as it has a ground clearance of 4.92 or 5.32 inches, depending on the trim level. But that's not much consolation when you consider its other shortcomings.

The best

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a reliable sedan that is comfortable for short drivers. It comes with a 10-way power driver's seat adjustment, including lumbar support in all but the cheapest trim. More expensive trims also come with a 2-position seat setting memory, which is great news for those who share their car with someone taller. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel is available on all trims. This means that you can set a comfortable driving position while maintaining the all-important 10-inch gap between you and the steering wheel.

Visibility is another strong point of the Honda Accord, as the design of the hood, windows, and dashboard provides good access to the road. Adjustable front seat belt anchors improve safety for shorter drivers by keeping the belt in the correct position. Access to the Accord's trunk is also easy, and you'll have no trouble getting in or out of the vehicle thanks to the low step, wide-opening doors, and 5.3 inches of ground clearance.

Toyota Camry

At just 56.9 inches tall, the Toyota Camry's compact design and low step make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle no matter how tall you are. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel is even standard, allowing shorter drivers to adjust the steering wheel without getting too close to the airbag. The base LE trim has a 6-way power seat, and if you pay extra, you can get a model with 8-way power and lumbar support.

The Camry also has large windows, well-positioned side mirrors, and a low dashboard, so you don't have to worry about your view being blocked while driving or parking. There are no adjustable pedals on this model, but its well-designed interior means you won't need them. Considering the excellent reliability of this model and its value for money, it's an attractive option for short drivers looking for both comfort and safety.

Ford 150

The Ford F-150 shows that short people don't have to be limited to small cars. This powerful pickup is suitable for even the shortest driver, although you'll need to choose one of the more expensive Ford F-150 trims to get the full range of features. There are six options to choose from, and the Lariat and above trim levels of the F-150 provide the most driver-friendly features for short drivers. You'll get power pedals and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory functions, so you can adjust everything to your ideal position and save it for the future. Higher trims also offer a 10-way power driver's seat that includes lumbar support.

For visibility, the F-150 offers a convenient dashboard layout and large windows, so you get a clear view of your surroundings. Unlike the Jeep, it has a 6-inch step, so you can get into your vehicle without having to climb up it like you're on a climbing wall. This is a must for a vehicle with a ground clearance of 8 to 12 inches, depending on the cab and body type of the pickup. The Pro Access tailgate is also a bonus, offering a convenient solution for accessing the truck body that can be used even with an attached trailer.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.