Best Cars For Short People

Whilst the average height of mankind grows with each new generation, for every person above the average, there is another below it. Smaller drivers need and deserve a car model that will allow them to get similarly comfortable behind the wheel. In addition to comfort, there are also important safety considerations to take into account.

Smaller drivers need a suitable driving position that maximises visibility, and they also need to be able to reach the pedals and other controls easily from the driver’s seat.

You also need to be correctly protected by your seat belt. At the very least, short drivers need a car with a height adjustable driver’s seat, to ensure maximum comfort and practicality, and a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach, therefore each car in our list will feature these. This will allow you to get into a position where you can see clearly as well as reach the wheel, gearstick and pedals safely.

Features like parking sensors, reversing cameras and an easy to reach tailgate should also be considered.

It would be far too easy for us to list small cars that are suitable for small drivers – besides, short drivers might want cars of all shapes and sizes – so we’ve chosen a selection of cars to help you make an informed decision and get a car that does what you need it to.

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Honda CR-V

The new Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a smooth and efficient hybrid petrol-electric option. If you choose the latter, you can expect to achieve a fuel economy of around 40mpg, which isn’t bad for a car of this size. Even the basic model, the S trim, features the likes of 17” alloy wheels (18” on the hybrid version), automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, making things even easier on a motorway.

Upgrade to the SE trim to gain a 7” touchscreen media system with built-in sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All trim levels get a steering wheel that’s adjustable for height and reach, plus electric lumbar support for the driver’s seat.

The EX trim even gets eight-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, so set your budget and take your pick. The S trim starts from £32,815, moving up to £34,990 for the SE, £35,865 for the Sport Line, £36,580 for the SR and the EX topping off the range at £40,910. Find out more about the Honda CR-V, here.

Renault Megane Sport Tourer

Smaller drivers should favour a good estate car over an SUV, if only for the fact that you won’t need a step to get into the cabin. However, whilst access is certainly easier, this doesn’t mean an estate car is guaranteed to be suitable for short drivers – but there are no such fears when it comes to the Megane Sport Tourer.

The cabin has been configured to provide great access, especially in the R.S.Line model which features an impressive tablet-style 9.3” portrait touchscreen media display.

All models get dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What’s more, in addition to the adjustable driver’s seat, you also get an electrically adjusted steering wheel. Even the base level Iconic gets front and rear parking sensors, a trip computer and power assist steering.

The Iconic starts at £22,580, with the R.S.Line at £24,580. Find out more about the Renault Megane Sport Tourer, here.

Toyota Yaris

There are plenty of reasons to choose a Toyota Yaris. It features a spacious interior and a large boot, and is also backed by Toyota’s fantastic five-year warranty, meaning even if you get a used model you might benefit from the cover.

What makes it stand out as a small hatchback is its suitability for shorter drivers – all versions get an adjustable steering wheel along with a manually height-adjustable driver’s seat. Even the smallest of drivers should have little trouble getting comfortable behind the wheel.

All versions also get audio controls on the steering wheel, meaning you won’t have to reach across to the standard-fit 7” multimedia system. You even get a reversing camera, cruise control and automatic wipers, regardless of the trim level with newer models.

It’s also a self-charging hybrid, offering the option to drive with petrol, electric or a combination of both, meaning your carbon footprint will be lower with this car, too. The base-level Icon trim starts at £21,080, with the Design coming in at £22,140, the Excel at £24,040, and the GR Line topping off the range also at £24,040. Find out more about the Toyota Yaris, here.

Ford Mondeo

This is a big car, but smaller drivers shouldn’t be put off – all versions come with front and rear parking sensors as standard. You also get a steering wheel that’s adjustable for height and reach, while Titanium and ST-Line versions get a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function. This is perfect if you’re sharing a car with a smaller driver, but aren’t so small yourself.

The standard kit includes a heated windscreen, an 8” colour touchscreen media system, dual-zone climate control and cruise control. The Mondeo’s all-round visibility isn’t the best on this list, but this is where the parking sensors come in handy. A rear-view camera is standard on the Vignale and optional on all except the Zetec model.

The base Zetec model starts at £26,900, with the Titanium at £28,700, the ST-Line at £30,000 and the Vignale at £32,600. Find out more about the Ford Mondeo, here.

Mazda 3

Aside from lower prices and good looks, the Mazda 3 has a lot to offer for smaller drivers, including an adjustable steering wheel. The cabin features a simple design matched by quality that wouldn’t feel out of place in a car with a much more upmarket badge. The driver’s seat offers great scope for adjustment.

The GT Sport and GT Sport Tech models even feature an electric driver’s seat, with lumbar adjustment and a head up display on the windscreen. Even the base level SE-L comes with rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist.

Prices start from £23,265 for the SE-L, £24,365 for the SE-L Lux, £24,415 for the Sport Lux, £26,280 for the GT Sport and £27,144 for the GT Sport Tech. Find out more about the Mazda 3, here.

Nissan Leaf

If you’re after an electric car, the current Nissan Leaf represents a giant leap forward over the original version – which in itself is one of the world’s bestselling electric vehicles. You can drive up to 168 miles or 239 miles depending on the battery size, but this is also dependent on how you drive it and the external temperature.

The driving position is more akin to an SUV than a five-door hatchback, with a high seating position that offers better visibility, even for smaller drivers.

Choose the Tekna model and the leaf will park itself using the clever ProPilot system, with an electronic handbrake making things even easier. A rear-view camera is standard across the range, as are the sat-nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You even get an e-Pedal, which enables you to accelerate, decelerate and brake using one pedal – simply lifting off the throttle causes the car to slow quickly enough for most braking situations.

The entry-level Accenta comes with a rear-view camera, 16” alloys and cruise control. It starts from £26,995, with the N-Connect beginning at £28,995, and the Tekna at £30,495. Find out more about the Nissan Leaf, here.

Skoda Fabia

Not every car comes with adjustable features, and whilst finding a steering wheel that goes up and down is easy, finding one that pulls in and out from the dashboard is less common than you might think. For a smaller driver, this can be make or break for a potential purchase.

There aren’t any such problems with the Fabia – even the entry level SE Comfort features a height adjustable driver’s seat and an adjustable steering wheel for height and reach. You also get good all-round visibility, so you might not need the rear parking sensors that are fitted to all except the base model.

The Fabia SE offers great value for money, including a 6.5” screen that’s easy to reach and operate from the driver’s seat, thanks to large and prominent buttons. The Fabia SE Comfort starts from the bargain price of £17,800, with the SE-L jumping slightly to £19,985 and the Monte Carlo at £20,935. Find out more about the Skoda Fabia, here.