KBB Says Its 12 Best Cars For Short Drivers Now Includes Two New Subaru SUVs

Which cars, SUVs, and trucks are best for shorter drivers? According to a new study, the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2022 Outback score among the best SUVs. Check out the complete list and what separates the Subaru Outback and Forester from the other models.

SUV shoppers who are shorter and smaller may need help finding a car, , especially an SUV that fits them best. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) assembled its picks of the best vehicles for short drivers. KBB says it’s not just about comfort, but it’s also a safety issue. Check out the best new and used models.

According to KBB, two Subaru SUVs are rated the best for shorter drivers. The 2023 Subaru Outback is one of the top ten new cars for short people. KBB gives the Outback a near highest “expert rating” of 4.6 for its price, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ scores, and excellent fuel economy.

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

KBB says the Subaru Outback Premium trim level ($32,095) plus the option package OP13. The 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.

KBB says, “Because it’s more than a wagon but not quite an SUV, the Subaru Outback defies being pigeonholed. Although we believe the Outback is a solid pick for this list, we’d pay the extra $1,075 for the Premium grade. We like Outback’s standard all-wheel drive, a rich group of standard driver aids, and impressive fuel economy.”

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

KBB’s 12-best new mainstream cars and SUVs for short people

The top twelve new cars and SUVs ranked from the best are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-30, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Outback, Chrysler Pacifica, Volkswagen Taos, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

KBB also ranked the best pickup and luxury cars. The best pickup is the Ram 1500, and the best luxury car is the Lincoln Corsair, Audi A4 Allroad, and Dodge Hornet GT.

Consumer Reports also ranked the best new models for shorter drivers. Check out the report here.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback 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.

What is the 2023 Outback fuel mileage?

The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2023 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo is 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The estimated fuel economy of the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg city/highway and 28 combined mpg.

The EPA says the 2023 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.

What are the best used cars for short drivers?

KBB ranks the 2019-2022 Subaru Forester as the number one best used models. The Forester compact SUV is the top pick for its used price range of $23,000 to $35,000, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ score, and 29 mpg combined fuel economy.

KBB says, “Subaru did a total Forester redesign for 2019. Every Forester comes with all-wheel-drive, yet it still gets an estimated 29 mpg in combined driving. Moreover, we like Forester for its interior room, smooth ride, and affordable price. We’d recommend sticking with the Limited grade, which our pricing reflects. It has steering-responsive auto on-off LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start.”

Because KBB says the 2022 Forester is the best, we would include the 2023 Forester as one of the best new models for shorter drivers. This is because the 2023 model year has the same features and dimensions as the 2022 model.

What is the Forester fuel mileage?

The 2019-2022 Forester compact SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine powers the Forester.

The top five used cars and SUVs for short drivers are the 2019-2022 Subaru Forester, 2015-2017 Honda Accord, 2018-2020 Honda Fit, 2017-2020 GMC Yukon, and 2018-2019 Audi SQ5.

The 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV scores as one of the best new models, and the 2019-2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV is the best used models for shorter drivers. Check out each model in the link below, as Consumer Reports rated the Outback and Forester the best for shorter drivers. We've also included the 2024 Subaru Outback model year in the link below.

You Might Also Like: The 2023 Subaru Outback pricing and model guide

The 2023 Subaru Forester pricing and model guide

The 2024 Subaru Outback pricing and model guide

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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