What are the best cars and SUVs for shorter drivers? Here are Consumer Reports best new models for short drivers. See why three Subaru vehicles score best in class.
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New model car and SUV shoppers who are shorter may need help finding a car or SUV that fits them best. Consumer Reports (by subscription) updated its picks of the best 2023 model-year vehicles for short drivers. CR tests vehicles for seat comfort, driving position, access (how easy they are to get in and out of), and the driver's seat's view to determine the best in their categories.
According to Consumer Reports, three Subaru vehicles are again rated the best for shorter drivers. The 2023 Subaru Forester is ranked the number one compact SUV for short and tall drivers. The 2023 Subaru Legacy is the best midsize car pick for short. The 2023 Outback is ranked the best new vehicle for short drivers in the 2-Row SUV category.
CR's best 2023 model year cars and SUVs for short drivers
The best mainstream car brands
Kia Soul scores best compact car, the Subaru Legacy is the best midsize car, Subaru Forester is the best compact SUV, Honda Odyssey is the best Minivan, Subaru Outback is the best midsize 2-Row SUV, and Honda Pilot best 3-Row SUV.
The best luxury car brands
Tesla Model 3 is the best luxury compact car; the Lexus LS is the best ultra-luxury car, Lexus ES is the best midsize luxury car, BMW X3 is the best luxury compact SUV, Lexus RX is the best luxury midsize SUV, and Volvo XC90 best large luxury 3-Row SUV.
What sets Forester apart?
The 2023 Subaru Forester is a rare compact SUV that fits shorter and taller drivers. CR says the Forester is the top model in the compact SUV category. Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and is rated the best compact SUV for outward visibility.
Mary Reed, business manager at Consumer Reports, is 5 foot 1 inch tall and says what she looks for in a car or SUV. "I adjust the seat for comfort before driving, sliding it forward as needed and moving the steering wheel. I then consider the visibility over the hood and to the rear, especially the corners. Finally, with everything adjusted, I check access to ensure the ease of entry factors into my specific setup. This would be easy to overlook on a test drive."
What is the price of the 2023 Forester?
All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price, including destination and delivery. The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).
Related Report: Subaru Drops The Next-Gen Forester Bombshell - No New Upgrades Until 2025
What sets Outback apart?
The 2023 Outback is a unique model that drives like a car but has the utility of an SUV. The Outback has 8.7 inches of ride height, making it easier for smaller drivers to see the road ahead.
What is the price of the 2023 Outback?
The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.
Check Out This Related Story: Subaru Crosstrek And Outback - Affordable Used Models Under $20K Are Vanishing
The 2023 Subaru Legacy fits short drivers in the midsize sedan segment. Legacy comes standard with all-wheel-drive, making it an excellent all-weather vehicle. The Legacy scored one of the ten best all-wheel-drive cars under $30,000.
What is the price of the 2023 Legacy?
The 2023 Legacy sedan now comes in five trim levels. The 2023 midsize sedan starts at $25,415 for the base trim, Premium ($27,715), Limited ($32,465), Sport with a new 2.4-liter turbo engine ($34,915), and Touring XT ($38,715).
Destination and delivery fees are included in the pricing above ($1,020).
Consumer Reports ranks the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Subaru Outback, and 2023 Subaru Legacy, as the best new vehicles in their class that will fit short drivers.
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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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