Tall drivers can often feel cramped in small cars, so what should you choose if you want a cheap, city-friendly hatchback that’s spacious enough for six-footers?

City cars and small hatchbacks combine low running costs with the sort of dinky proportions that make them easy to drive and park in town. However, small on the outside often means cramped on the inside, so if you’re more than six feet tall, which small cars are spacious enough to let you get comfortable?

Below, we count down the models that put the Tardis to shame while also providing all the equipment and comfort that buyers can expect these days. Plus, we name the ones that are best avoided if you’re on the tall side.

Best cars for tall drivers

10. Kia Picanto

You might think that the Picanto’s small dimensions mean that taller drivers will struggle for space, but in fact two tall adults will find they have plenty of head and leg room. Rear space is fairly good, too, although the Volkswagen Up offers more still. Go for our recommended ‘3’ trim and you get plenty of equipment, including a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav.

9. Hyundai i10

The i10 is one of our favourite city cars, and like the Picanto above, it’s well suited to sweeping around tight city streets. There’s plenty of room in the front for taller drivers, and no city car offers more space for rear passengers than the i10. Its rear doors also open extra-wide, making getting in and out easier than in some rivals.

8. Mini hatchback

If anything, the Mini might seem even more out of place than the Fiesta on a list of spacious small cars. However, while the three-door version doesn’t have much rear leg room when the front seats are slid all the way back, the five-door is a lot more practical. What’s more, both have supportive seats and loads of head and leg room in the front, even if the driving position isn’t perfect, due to offset pedals. The Mini is also good to drive and smart inside.

7. Kia Rio

Look back at the history of the Kia Rio and you’ll find a car that’s always offered plenty of room at a very keen price, and the latest version continues that tradition. Its driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment, too, both forwards and backwards and up and down, so it’s only the Rio’s lumpy ride and so-so handling that let it down.

6. Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen’s Polo doesn’t offer as much rear seat space as the i20 or Rio, but it’s still far from cramped, and there’s plenty of space for taller folk in the front. The Polo combines this with safe, predictable handling and one of the classiest interiors of any small car. And while it’s more expensive than some rivals, it holds its value well. Just bear in mind that it’s nearer the end of its life than the beginning, with a replacement set to be unveiled later this year.

5. Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is our favourite small car, because it’s a brilliant all-rounder. It’s not only agile and easy to drive in town, but is also more comfortable and refined at motorway speeds than many of its rivals. The Fabia’s solidly built interior and impressive array of safety kit just set it further apart from its peers. And it’s a very practical choice, with space for four adults, a large well shaped boot and a hugely adjustable driving position that offers all the head and leg room you’re likely to need.

4. Hyundai i20**

The Hyundai i20 doesn’t just give the driver lots of head and leg room; it’s also wider than most small cars, so there’s no chance of you banging elbows with your front passenger. As a bonus, rear space is on a par with some family cars, while the petrol engines are impressively refined and standard equipment is generous. Less impressive is the choppy ride and slow, overly heavy steering.

3. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta isn’t known for its practicality. And in terms of rear seat space and boot volume, plenty of rivals have it licked. However, if it’s just you and one passenger in the car, it’s extremely comfortable; the steering wheel moves for height and reach and has plenty of range, while the front seats slide back far enough to accommodate the longer-legged and are well bolstered. As a bonus, you’ll be getting the best-handling small car around. Just don’t expect a massive discount from the dealer, because a new Fiesta arrived earlier this year.

2. Volkswagen Polo

The latest Polo is one of the most spacious small cars around, and two tall adults can sit comfortably in the front. It’s a similar story in the rear, where two six-footers will find that their knees don’t touch the backs of the seats in front. Add in the fact that the Polo is good to drive and quiet and it’s easy to see why VW’s small car is so recommendable.

1. Seat Ibiza

The Ibiza is our favourite small car at the moment, thanks to its winning combination of interior space, a strong range of petrol engines and a good driving style. If you’re a tall driver, you’ll find that you can sit anywhere in the Ibiza and still have plenty of room, and its boot is among the biggest in this class. Team our recommended 1.0 TSI 95 engine with FR specification for the best experience.

Worst cars for tall drivers

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500, like the Mini, plays the retro theme to good effect and its quirky looks have found a strong following. It’s also a fair chunk cheaper than the Mini. However, it isn’t nearly as good to drive and, if you’re more than six feet tall, you might find getting comfortable a tall order. The steering wheel only moves up and down (not in and out), the driver’s seat doesn’t go back very far and the pedal area is cramped.

Vauxhall Adam

Vauxhall’s answer to the Fiat 500 is the stylish little Adam. Unfortunately, this model is even more flawed when it comes to comfort, because it’s tighter for the driver and rear passengers. Firm suspension and high prices also count against it. At least the Adam has a smart interior and plenty of personalisation options.

(whatcar.com, https://goo.gl/wZreks)

Comments

comments

It’s a problem most people don’t ever have. But if you’re taller than average — say 6 foot 2 and up — it’s something that’s constantly on your mind. Will you be able to fit? It doesn’t matter if it’s a pair of pants or that seat in economy class, there’s nothing worse than having to cram your body into a tight space for any period of time. And if we’re talking about cars, there are entire models that are best to avoid.

Thankfully, Consumer Reports has compiled a list of best and worst cars for taller drivers. Unsurprisingly, small sports cars are a tough sell, while big sedans and SUVs feel tailor-made for taller folks. Here’s a look at the 10 best — and worst — cars on the road for taller drivers.

1. Best: BMW 7 Series

BMW’s full-size flagship is an ultra-luxury, tech-laden sedan that offers a sporty ride and one of the most opulent interiors this side of a Bentley. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s also acres of room inside. Surrounded by BMW’s latest gadgets (gesture control for the radio, Bluetooth, HVAC systems, and touchscreens galore), both the driver and passengers have plenty of legroom, regardless of seating configurations.

Worst: Porsche 718 Boxster

While the big Bimmer has plenty of room, this German sports car comes up short (no pun intended). The recently redesigned Boxster is a real looker and a joy to drive. But it’s also a Goldilocks car. If you’re too short you can’t reach the clutch, and if you’re too tall you’re uncomfortable and cramped. If you’re anything other than average sized, you might not love this Porsche.

2. Best: Audi Q7

2014 Audi Q7 Audi

Audi’s big three-row SUV has Teutonic good looks, excellent handling characteristics, good fuel economy, and plenty of room inside. The German automaker has long been known for some of the best interiors in the business, and the Q7 is no exception. On top of excellent materials and fit-and-finish, there’s plenty of room for even the tallest drivers and passengers.

Worst: Ford Fiesta ST

After nearly five years on the market, the Ford Fiesta ST is still one of the most engaging affordable performance cars on the market. Unfortunately, a cramped footwell and upright sport seats can make the ST a little less than comfortable for taller drivers.

3. Best: Honda Pilot

The current Honda Pilot has been lauded by critics and consumers alike for its family-friendly features in a versatile three-row SUV. But on top of room for seven, at least the two up front can be comfortable even if they’re well over 6 feet tall.

Worst: Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST is the bigger, more powerful hot hatch for buyers who need a little more room than the Fiesta ST has to offer. Unfortunately, though this hot Ford delivers in the performance department, it’s just as lacking in the space department as its smaller counterpart. Expect a cramped, unforgiving driving position if you’re on the tall side.

4. Best: Volvo XC90

2017 Volvo XC90 Volvo

Volvo’s flagship SUV is a powerhouse of design and technology. Inside, its blend of the latest safety and infotainment features with old-world luxury (leather, wood, and metal everywhere) makes it a great place to spend some time. Tall drivers won’t feel claustrophobic here either.

Worst: Mazda MX-5 Miata

The world’s favorite roadster, at this point the Miata needs no introduction. But though its fantastic powertrain, almost telepathic handling, and gorgeous looks are easy to live with, its cramped interior is another story. With seats that offer limited adjustability and tight headroom from its folding top, the Miata is a tough sell for anyone over 6 foot 2.

5. Best: Toyota Highlander

2017 Toyota Highlander Micah Wright/The Cheat Sheet

The Highlander is the best-selling midsize SUVs year after year because it seems to do everything well. On top of its strong marks for safety and reliability, its acres of interior room ensures that even the tallest drivers and passengers will be comfortable here.

Worst: Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Now discontinued, Mitsubishi’s subcompact EV was a car full of compromises. It had a limited range (62 miles), was slow (top speed was 80 mph), and wasn’t exactly a looker. It was cramped inside, too. For taller drivers, it wasn’t exactly a pleasant place to be. Thankfully, there are plenty of better electric options out there.

6. Best: Range Rover

Look at any players’ parking lot at a sports arena: You’re likely to see more Range Rovers than just about any other brand. Not only is the British SUV tough as nails, good-looking, and exclusive, but it also offers plenty of room for tall drivers.

Worst: Toyota Tacoma

Toyota’s midsize pickup is prized by owners for its go-anywhere size, robust mechanics, and hard-wearing interiors. These trucks hold their resale value better than just about anything else out there. But when it comes to head and legroom, the Tacoma leaves taller drivers feeling hemmed in.

7. Best: Audi A8

2018 Audi A8 Audi

Like the BMW 7 Series, the Audi A8 is a fast, good-looking full-size luxury flagship sedan. But it’s also just as roomy. While Audi builds an extended wheelbase model, there’s enough space inside for drivers and passengers to spread out in comfort. As an added bonus, the A8 delivers near-sports car levels of performance should the mood strike you.

Worst: Toyota Yaris

At this point, the Yaris is good, old-fashioned transportation. It’s a small, no-frills hatchback. That means it’s economical to run, good on gas, and reliable. But that’s just about where the positives end. Tall or not, Toyota’s buzzy little compact is frustratingly cramped inside.

8. Best: Honda Odyssey

The minivan segment may be a shadow of its former self, but the holdouts have the formula refined to a science. At the top of the heap is the Honda Odyssey, which manages to look good (for a minivan), offers great reliability and fuel economy, and has a cavernous interior. That means taller drivers can rest easy, even if they’re hauling their kid’s soccer team, a load of plywood, or a group of buddies to tailgate.

Worst: Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 has been one of the best driver’s cars in the world for over half a century. But its low-slung fastback roofline and snug interior mean that taller drivers might not be able to indulge in the fun. Michael Jordan famously had the seat rails of his 911s modified, so he could fit in them. If tall drivers don’t want to go through that hassle, they might want to look elsewhere.

9. Best: Lexus LS

Lexus LS 600h Lexus

You might be starting to notice a trend here: Full-size luxury sedans are a pretty good choice for tall buyers. On top of its aggressive looks and bulletproof reliability, the flagship Lexus sedan is new for 2018. Sporting a twin-turbo 415 horsepower V6, it’s also sure to erase Lexus’ boring image once and for all.

Worst: Lexus IS

Lexus’ compact IS has always been positioned as a BMW 3 Series fighter, which is something it’s been able to do with varying degrees of success over the years. Unfortunately, this current generation falls short of the benchmark. On top of lackluster performance and polarizing styling, its interior is cramped even for the average-sized driver.

10. Best: Subaru Forester

Subaru’s combination of value, reliability, and all-wheel drive powertrains have made it one of the most popular automakers on the road. And its Forester is a perfect embodiment of the brand’s ethos. Slotting somewhere between a station wagon and a small crossover, the Forester is easy to drive and offers tons of room inside.

Worst: BMW Z4

Despite a 15-year production run, the Z4 rarely makes anyone’s list of top BMWs. Yes, it’s a small, good-looking roadster, but its lack of driver feedback is surprisingly not like a BMW. To make matters worse, its cramped cockpit is a tight fit for average-sized people. Tall drivers should probably look elsewhere.