Being tall isn’t always easy. You may be able to tower above other people while standing outside, but issues like low doorways, clothes shopping, and short people occasionally trying to scale you like a mountain can sometimes make it feel like the view from the top isn’t worth it.
And one place you really don’t want to feel too tall is behind the wheel of your car. We all have heard stories where people don’t get a car that’s suitable to their size. Cars, and sports cars in particular, don’t always cater for people who are taller than average. With manufacturers looking to save on material costs, cars are trending towards smaller rather than larger. But there will always be options, and from hybrid cars to saloons, from SUVs to estates, we’re here to help you find the perfect one for you.
10) Honda Jazz
Alright, so it isn’t the coolest car on the block, but the Honda Jazz has repeatedly received praise from automotive journalists and consumers alike for being a great car for taller people, and for a supermini, that’s no mean achievement. Now coming in hybrid-as-standard, it fits nicely into the bracket of people who need plenty of leg space, but also need something that can fit into a smaller parking space. Honda has tweaked the design of the fuel tank to give more legroom, and the result is a cabin that is almost TARDIS-like in its use of space. It’s never going to be the most exciting car in the world, but it’s definitely one of the most useful.
9) Hyundai i20
At some point, Hyundai has crept into the market as producing cars that aren’t just reliable mid-rangers but are extremely desirable due to their sport style and driving experience. The Hyundai i20, to be frank, is a good-looking car, and – if you’re so inclined – even has a hot hatch variant in the i20N. It isn’t super powerful, with the most basic variant coming complete with a 1 litre engine, producing around 98BHP. However, if you’re looking for a run around with plenty of space, you couldn’t be faulted for going with the i20. It isn’t perfect; the ride is very firm for a car of this size, but both the front and rear can comfortably seat a couple of adults without having to do a human version of Origami.
8) Audi A6 Avant
Estate cars have fallen slightly out of fashion over the last few years, as a lot of people’s favour has shifted towards crossovers and SUVs when they want more space. Despite that, the Audi A6 Avant has managed to remain one of the front runners in its class, easily fitting five adults with plenty of room. With prices starting at the £450 per month mark, the car sits firmly in the executive estate market, with similar pricing to its nearest competitors. Whatever specs you choose, you’re going to be getting a lot of car for your cash.
7) Honda CR-V
Yes, we’ve hit that point at last. Crossover-SUVs have rapidly become the cars of choice for people who need a lot of space, and while we can argue the merits of them all day long, interior space is certainly not one of their downsides. The Honda CR-V is no exception, with the longer wheelbase giving good legroom in both the front and rear seats. A third row of seats is also available, but are really only suitable for children, and are a little fiddly to put up. Starting at just under £325 per month, the crossover-SUV is a great option for those looking for more space.
6) Skoda Fabia
If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember when Skoda used to be the butt of every automotive joke on the playground. That time has long since passed, and the passage can be largely put down the existence of the Skoda Fabia. The budget-friendly supermini has been continually refined ever since its debut in 1999 and one of those refinements is a pleasantly spacious interior with room for four adults. With an adjustable driving position that offers a greater range than most and a tall profile providing plenty of legroom, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option for the price point.
5) BMW 7 Series
About as far away from a supermini as you can get. A BMW 7 series lease gives you luxury and hugely spacious interior. Some might even say the car has the weird quirk of being a more pleasant setting for rear passengers than it is for the driver. That isn’t to say that the front isn’t an enjoyable place to be also, but the 7 series is definitely as much of a limo as a personal car. Like all BMWs, however, it’s great to drive and has plenty of space for both driver and passengers.
4) MINI Hatchback
From a passenger-oriented car to what is certainly a driver’s car, it’s strange to be putting a Mini on a list of cars that are good for tall people. However, the driver’s cabin of the Mini Hatchback is accommodating for drivers of all sizes, although adult passengers wouldn’t really be able to fit in the back without amputations. If you need more rear space, the five-door is the way to go, and if you need a lot more space the Clubman is always an option, but the Hatch retains a lot of the relaunch cool it once possessed, even if it tries a bit too hard by plastering the union jack on everything.
3) Toyota Prius
The original hybrid has evolved a lot over the years from its original, understeering form. Some might say that the Toyota Prius is still more of a city car than a long-range cruiser, but the interior can keep you in comfort no matter the length of the journey. As one of the preferred drives of Uber drivers across the UK, both the back and the front have plenty of room to accommodate even the tallest drivers.
2) Volkswagen Polo
You can always rely on VW to bring the goods, and the enduringly charming Volkswagen Polo continues to be one of the most spacious small cars available on the market. With a heritage spanning back to 1975, the Polo has been refined into something truly great to be in, with a drivers position that can be adjusted to fit just about anyone. It remains one of the best options on the market for taller drivers although the tallest of taller rear passengers might get slightly sore knees.
1) Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s all-electric saloon continues to be the best EV on the market. Leasing a Tesla Model 3 gives you a clean, albeit slightly stark interior. It has plenty of space for both drivers and passengers, and the infinity roof gives the illusion of endless space. The main touchscreen will feel a little weird when you first see it - like someone has glued an iPad to the car. However, it possesses massive functionality and is unmatched by any of its competitors.
So, there we have it, a selection of cars for the taller among us, for all walks of life. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find a car to fit your lifestyle, whether that be a family cruiser or an executive saloon on our car leasing page.
