Consumer Reports 12 Best New Models For Tall Drivers And Subaru’s 2 Best Options

Which new models are the best for taller drivers? Have you ever gotten into a vehicle and felt cramped and didn't "fit" the car or SUV? You aren't alone. That's why Consumer Reports (by subscription) updated its best cars and SUVs for tall people list for 2024. 

Consumer Reports says, "When judging cars, I pay particular attention to the balance of legroom, headroom, and comfortable reach to the steering wheel," says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR's tire program manager, who's 6 feet, 2 inches tall. "Having a steering wheel that can tilt and telescope makes a big difference." 

I'll cover the two Subaru models on the list, the 2024 Forester and the 2024 Legacy sedan, and why they are top choices for tall people looking for a compact SUV or a midsize sedan.

I recently covered the cars and SUVs for short drivers, and the 2024 Subaru Forester is also on that list. Surprisingly, the Subaru Forester fits all sizes. You can read my report on those new models here.

But first, the best thing about this report is that there are models for everyone in every price range, category, and size. You may not want a large SUV. 

I'll list the Consumer Reports' best 2024 model year vehicles by category.

The Best Mainstream Models

• Best Compact Car for Tall Drivers - Kia Soul
• Best Midsized Car for Tall Drivers - Subaru Legacy
• Best Minivan for Tall Drivers - Honda Odyssey
• Best Compact SUV for Tall Drivers - Subaru Forester
• Best Midsized 2-Row SUV for Tall Drivers - Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
• Best Midsized 3-Row SUV for Tall Drivers - Kia EV9

The Best Luxury Models

• Best Luxury Compact Car for Tall Drivers -BMW i4
• Best Midsized Luxury Car for Tall Drivers - Audi A6
• Best Large Luxury Car for Tall Drivers - Audi A8
• Best Luxury Compact SUV for Tall Drivers - Audi Q3
• Best Luxury Midsized SUV for Tall Drivers - Porsche Cayenne
• Best 3-Row Luxury Midsized SUV for Tall Drivers - Audi Q7

Why does the Subaru Forester score high with taller drivers?

Subaru's design offers taller drivers more room than other models. It uses a modular chassis, and the new platform allowed Subaru to increase driver and passenger space in the new-generation Forester, Legacy, and other new Subaru models. All new 2024 Subaru models ride on the Subaru Global Platform, providing more interior room than previous generation models.

• 2024 Forester Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395
• CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
• Forester is ranked #2 of 31  Compact SUVs by Consumer Reports

Forester Is A Rare Model

The 2024 Subaru Forester is unique in that it accommodates short and tall drivers equally well—a rare combination for a compact SUV. 

Another advantage the Subaru Forester has for taller drivers is the vehicle's ride height. The Forester has an 8.7-inch ground clearance, so the compact SUV sits higher off the ground, allowing easier access for taller people. And you won't hit your head on the door jam. 

If you opt for the 2024 Forester Wilderness trim level, it has 9.2 inches of ground clearance and is even easier for tall drivers to get in and out. You can read my report on Forester here.

Here is the pricing for the 2024 Forester

The Forester has six trim levels: Base ($28,190), Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

If you want a midsize sedan, check out the 2024 Subaru Legacy. 

• The 2024 Subaru Legacy Price Range is $24,895 - $38,195
• CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 39 mpg
• Legacy is ranked #6 of 12  Midsized cars by Consumer Reports

What is the Legacy pricing?

The 2024 Legacy sedan comes in five trim levels. The base is priced at $25,985, Premium ($28,285), Sport ($35,585), Limited ($33,035), and Touring XT ($39,285). Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,090).

What If You Wait For The 2025 Forester?

The 2025 Subaru Forester arrives now, so you may want to wait for it. How does the all-new 2025 Forester rank for tall drivers? The 2025 Subaru Forester has yet to be rated. I would say it will also rank best in the compact SUV category, if not better than the 2024 model year. Subaru has made improvements that will make a difference for tall drivers. 

The Next-Gen Forester Gets 2 New Features For The First Time On Any Subaru @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto @AdventureSubaruhttps://t.co/JGH3C1E884#subaru #forester #forester2025 pic.twitter.com/Cnabfs8yJT
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) May 27, 2024

The 2025 Forester Has Improved Visibility

Forester has always had the best visibility from the driver's seat, but tall drivers will appreciate that outward visibility has been improved in the sixth-generation model. Subaru says the front seats feature slimmed-down shoulder areas for better visibility and access to the rear seats.

What is the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester pricing?

Now we know how much the price increased, and it's significant. Before you read this, consider taking a seat. 2025 Forester prices increased a minimum of $2,000, and some trim levels saw close to a $3,000 price increase.

The 2025 Forester has five trim levels: Base ($31,090), Premium ($33,390), Sport ($35,890), Limited ($37,390), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,395).

The 2024 Forester Wilderness carries over with a starting price of $36,265. Destination and Delivery ($1,345)

Where is the 2025 Forester Wilderness?

Subaru says, "The rugged 2024 Forester Wilderness will continue in production alongside the all-new 2025 Forester and is unchanged."

Overall, the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Legacy are top choices for shoppers looking for a compact SUV or midsize sedan. Consumer Reports says they are best in class for tall drivers. 

Do you have a car or SUV that will accommodate a tall driver, and what's your favorite model? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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