What are the best cars and SUVs for drivers of all sizes and shapes? Here are Consumer Reports' best new models for short and tall drivers. Also, see why two Subaru vehicles score well in both categories and one Subaru vehicle is best in one.
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New model car and SUV shoppers who are shorter or taller may need help finding a car or an SUV that fits them best. Consumer Reports (by subscription) put together its picks of the best 2023 model-year vehicles for short and tall 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 both categories.
According to Consumer Reports, two Subaru vehicles are rated the best for shorter and taller drivers again. 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 and tall drivers.
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru
The 2023 Outback is also ranked the best new vehicle for short drivers in the midsize SUV category. On the list below, many are luxury models, but the Forester, Legacy, and Outback are affordable mainstream vehicles for new model shoppers.
CR's best 2023 model year cars and SUVs for short drivers
Kia Soul scores best compact car; the Tesla Model 3 is the best luxury compact car; Subaru Legacy is the best midsize car; Lexus ES is the best midsize luxury car; Dodge Charger is the best large car; Audi A8 best ultra-luxury car; Subaru Forester best compact SUV, BMW X3 best luxury compact SUV, Subaru Outback best midsize 2-Row SUV, Hyundai Palisade best 3-Row SUV, Volvo XC90 best luxury midsize SUV, and BMW X7 best large luxury SUV.
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru
CR's best 2023 model year cars and SUVs for tall drivers
Kia Soul scores best compact car; BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the best luxury compact car; Subaru Legacy is the best midsize car; Audi A6 is the best midsize luxury car; Dodge Charger is the best large car; Audi A8 best ultra-luxury car, Subaru Forester best compact SUV, Audi Q3 best luxury compact SUV, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport best midsize 2-Row SUV, Kia Telluride best 3-Row SUV, Porsche Cayenne best luxury midsize SUV, and BMW X7 best large luxury 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. You can read the complete report here.
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).
Which new Forester trim is best for you? Check out the complete 2023 model guide here.
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. For the complete 2023 Outback model guide, check here.
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru
The 2023 Subaru Legacy fits short and tall 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. You can check out the complete report here.
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). For the complete 2023 Legacy model guide, check here.
Consumer Reports ranks the 2023 Subaru Forester and 2023 Subaru Legacy as the best new vehicles in their class that will fit short and tall drivers. In addition, the 2023 Outback is the best new midsize SUV for short drivers
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Schumacher Subaru
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