Best Cars for Tall Drivers in the UK

Car Owl

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Summary

• Tall drivers need extra headroom and legroom: Not all cars fit people over 6 feet comfortably.
• SUVs and saloons are usually best: They offer more space than hatchbacks and superminis.
• Always test drive first: Measurements on paper do not tell the whole story. Sit in the car before buying.

If you are tall, buying a car can be frustrating. Many popular cars feel cramped. Your head touches the roof. Your knees hit the dashboard. The steering wheel jabs your thighs.

We have found the best cars for tall drivers in the UK. These all offer generous headroom, legroom, and seat adjustment.

What to Look For as a Tall Driver

• Headroom: At least 100 cm (39 inches) of front headroom. More if you are over 6 foot 3.
• Seat height adjustment: A seat that drops low gives you extra headroom without changing the car.
• Steering wheel reach: A telescoping steering column lets you push the wheel further away.
• Legroom: Check that your knees do not hit the dashboard or centre console.
• Seat slide range: A long seat rail lets you push the seat further back.

Best Cars for Tall Drivers in the UK

Skoda Superb

The Superb has one of the biggest cabins in its class. Front headroom is 102 cm. Legroom is massive. Even tall back-seat passengers will be comfortable.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan's raised seating position and generous headroom make it ideal for tall drivers. The seat drops low and slides far back.

Ford Mondeo / Ford Focus

Ford cars have always been good for tall drivers. The Mondeo has excellent headroom and a wide cabin. The Focus is smaller but still generous for its class.

BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series has a low seating position and plenty of headroom. The seat adjustment range is huge. Tall drivers love the driving position.

Kia Sportage

The Sportage has a high roof and a commanding driving position. Headroom is 103 cm. It is also great value with a 7-year warranty.

Honda Civic

The latest Civic has a surprisingly spacious cabin. Front headroom is 100 cm. The seats are supportive and adjust well for taller frames.

Volvo XC60

Volvo designs cars with Scandinavian proportions. The XC60 has excellent headroom, a comfortable driving position, and seats that fit big people well.

Cars to Avoid If You Are Tall

Some popular cars are not great for tall drivers:

• Mazda MX-5: Fun but very cramped for anyone over 6 feet.
• MINI Cooper: The name says it all. Limited headroom and legroom.
• Fiat 500: Stylish but small. Tall drivers will feel squashed.
• Audi TT: Low roofline cuts into headroom significantly.

Tips for Tall Drivers

1. Always test drive: Sit in the car for at least 20 minutes. Short test drives do not reveal comfort problems.
2. Check the back seats too: If you have tall passengers, make sure they fit behind you.
3. Look for electric seat adjustment: It gives you finer control over your position.
4. Avoid sunroofs: Panoramic roofs steal 2-3 cm of headroom.
5. Try used cars from different eras: Some older models had more generous cabins than new ones.

Buying Tips

When buying a used car, always check the car's history first. This tells you about past accidents, outstanding finance, and mileage.

If you are buying on a budget, our guide to the best cars under £5,000 includes some great options for tall drivers too.

Do not compromise on comfort. You spend a lot of time in your car. Make sure it fits you properly.

Final Thoughts

The best cars for tall drivers are the Skoda Superb, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan. They all offer generous headroom and legroom without breaking the bank.

If you want something premium, the BMW 3 Series and Volvo XC60 are excellent choices. Just remember to test drive before you buy.

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