The best new cars and SUVs for tall people

We polled some taller drivers around Kelley Blue Book’s halls for their thoughts. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, KBB car reviewers Andy Bornhop and Michael Young have tallied plenty of bruised knees and head bumps over the years, climbing in and out of cars. Their insights revealed to those of us in the middle of the height curve some of the compromises tall people must settle for when picking a vehicle.

Armed with these revelations and automakers’ model specifications, we created our picks for the best cars for tall people.

Check out: The cars, trucks, EVs and SUVs with the best resale value in 2024

Choosing a car for a tall person is not an easy task

Those of us in the middle of the height curve usually don’t need to think much about headroom, maximum legroom, and windshield height. However, those are the first things a tall driver must consider. Sadly, for taller people, the issues for selecting a car don’t end there.

Even if a driver can properly adjust the driver’s seat so one’s legs are comfortable, Bornhop pointed out that often the steering wheel won’t telescope out far enough for a tall person’s comfortable reach. Likewise, when the driver’s seat is positioned for comfort, often the side mirrors don’t offer sufficient adjustment to provide a decent view of the car’s flanks.

And then there’s some head bumping with sunroofs. “Sunroofs are horrible for headroom,” Bornhop said. That’s why it’s best for a taller person to check the headroom around a sunroof. Better yet, set up a test drive for all the considerations below.

What are a tall driver’s basic considerations?

• Front-seat legroom: Is there enough legroom to be comfortable while driving?

• Front-seat headroom: Can you assume a normal driving position without your head brushing the headliner?

• Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel: Is there sufficient adjustment to avoid a locked-elbow driving position?

• Windshield height: Can you see traffic lights without ducking to see under the windshield header?

• Side mirror adjustment: Do mirrors provide enough adjustment to position them out to the car’s flanks?

• Moonroofs and sunroofs: Will that loss of 1-2 inches of headroom put your head against the ceiling?

Best new cars and SUVs for tall people

When discussing car comfort, any tall person will assure you, the size of the vehicle does matter. The trend toward crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks during the last 10 years has improved the vehicle-buying prospects of taller drivers. Also, because they tend to be boxy, full-size trucks and SUVs often have taller windshields.

Full-size cars are another class of vehicles offering extra room for tall drivers. Although Ford
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and General Motors
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stopped making large sedans, not every automaker abandoned this type of vehicle. We included a couple of larger sedans among our picks.

Surprisingly, there are even some smaller cars on our list capable of accommodating tall drivers. They may prove a little tougher to get into and out of than a large car or SUV, but they provide a remarkable amount of headroom and legroom once seated inside.

These vehicles are ranked based on the amount of room they offer. We put them into three categories. The vehicles with the best all-around room with excellent head and legroom. The next category is our picks for tall drivers who carry their height in their torsos, thus prioritizing headroom over legroom. And the third category contains vehicles for long-legged drivers and those who seek out vehicles with excellent legroom. Although we heavily weighted the driver’s headroom and legroom, some subjectivity seeped into our picks. Note: All prices include destination charges.

Best all-around room

1. 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe

Base price: $58,195 | Expert rating 4.6 / 5

Front headroom: 42.3 inches, Front legroom: 44.5 inches

As far as the driver’s headroom and legroom are concerned, you can lump the Chevy Suburban and both the GMC Yukon models in with the Chevy Tahoe. In addition to these models’ impressive front-seat legroom, the third-row legroom in the Tahoe (36.7 inches) is better than average.

Completely redesigned in 2021, the Tahoe retained its truck-based construction. It’s also more comfortable than ever. It’s loaded with connectivity tech and delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg on the highway with its base V8. 

2. 2024 GMC Sierra Crew Cab

Base price: $47,390 | Expert rating 4.3 / 5

Front headroom: 43 inches, Front legroom: 44.5 inches

The Chevy Silverado Crew Cab has the same dimensions as the GMC Sierra. Actually, the more affordable Double Cab versions with narrower second-row doors also provide the same front-seat headroom and legroom. However, the Crew Cab has roughly 8 inches more rear-seat legroom.

As with all full-size pickups, the Sierra offers a wide variety of engine choices. The base engine is a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway. If you want better fuel economy from your Sierra, a Sierra EV is slated for 2024.

The price here is for the most affordable, base model Sierra Pro. It does have Bluetooth connectivity and a few other amenities. To begin adding some popular content means adding options or spending another $8,000 for the SLE trim.

3. 2024 GMC Canyon

Base price: $37,595 | Expert rating 4.5 / 5

Front headroom: 40.3 inches, Front legroom: 45.2 inches

The recently redesigned Canyon’s front legroom is the best among our truck and SUV picks. You can group the Chevy Colorado 4-door with the GMC Canyon for the sake of this list, as they share interior dimensions — and they are all crew cab models. With this new generation, GMC corrected our one big gripe with the previous model, which was the lack of advanced safety technologies on lower-tier trims. Now, even the 2024 base truck comes with a suite of safety and driver-aid tech like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, and more.

The Canyon is available with a 310-horsepower version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that motivates the Colorado. An 8-speed automatic transmission hustles engine torque to the wheels.

A power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 11.3-inch touchscreen, Apple
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CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports are standard.

If you need a truck before the 2023 Canyon and Colorado go on sale, the 2022 models offer 41.4 inches of headroom and 45 inches of legroom in front. 

4. 2024 Ford Expedition

Base price: $57,520 | Expert rating 4.8 / 5

Front headroom: 42 inches, Front legroom: 43.9 inches

We could have just as easily featured the Expedition Max or Lincoln Navigator here. The front headroom and legroom are the same in the Max and nearly the same in the Navigator.

“Being 6-foot-4, the Ford Expedition provides an ample amount of room and then some,” said Michael Young, a senior editor of video and car reviewer at Kelley Blue Book.

Like the Tahoe, the Ford Expedition is truck-based, meaning it’s more rugged and can tow more than car-based SUVs. When appropriately equipped, maximum towing is 9,300 pounds.

KBB named it the Full-Size SUV Best Buy for 2024.

The 5-seat, entry-level XL trim comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids with tech such as blind-spot monitoring and forward emergency braking. A 380-hp turbocharged V6 powers the Expedition.

5. 2024 Ford Bronco 4-Door

Base price: $41,765 | Expert rating 4.2 / 5

Front headroom: 43.3 inches, Front legroom: 43.1 inches

Although the 2-door Bronco loses a couple of inches of headroom to the 4-door, the front legroom is the same. Every Bronco uses 4-wheel drive (4WD) motivated by either the more popular turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a twin-turbo V6. Both post an estimated 20 mpg combined. You can even get a manual transmission with the 4-cylinder. When you feel like going native, the doors and roof are removable.

Even the base Bronco comes with lots of features like a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, six driving modes, heated side mirrors, remote keyless entry, push-button start, automatic emergency braking, and high-beam assist. 

Best headroom

1. 2024 Buick Enclave

Base price: $45,295 | Expert rating 3.8 / 5

Front Headroom: 42.6 inches, Front Legroom: 41.2 inches

Although the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse shares DNA with the Buick Enclave, the Traverse has a little more headroom (0.2 inch) and less legroom (0.19 inch). At 33.5 inches, the Enclave’s third-row legroom falls in the middle of the pack, but it’s easy to access.

In addition to its wide-open spaces, we like the Enclave for its comfy seating, quiet cabin, and list of standard features, like an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. In addition, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability is included.

A 3.6-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission delivers an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon on the highway. 

Learn more: The 2024 Buick Enclave review: A roomy and comfortable family cruiser

2. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Base price: $39,420 | Expert rating 4.0 / 5

Front headroom: 41.3 inches, Front legroom: 41.7 inches

The refreshed-for-2024 Volkswagen Atlas is tall, with a large glass greenhouse providing excellent visibility. With three rows of seats, it can hold up to seven people.

Access to the rear seat in the Atlas, often an afterthought in other SUVs, is engineered for taller people. So is the impressive third-row room.

With the new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, fuel economy is improved over the 2023 model. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway. You lose 1 mpg city, highway, and combined if you opt for all-wheel drive (AWD).

Some standard features include LED exterior lights, rain-sensing wipers, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Among the standard driver aids are forward collision warning with emergency braking and a blind-spot monitor. 

See: The Volkswagen Atlas is refreshed for 2024, and it’s big, bold and agile

3. 2024 Subaru Ascent

Base price: $35,740 | Expert Rating 4.2 / 5

Front headroom: 41.2 inches, Front legroom: 42.2 inches

Subaru updated the Ascent last year with more technology and a few styling enhancements. As Subaru’s largest SUV, the Ascent delivers scads of legroom, as well as impressive headroom. Moreover, it boasts standard AWD, solid resale value, and 26 mpg on the highway. Oh, and it can seat up to eight in its three rows of seats, or seven with its available second-row captain’s chairs. There are plenty of reasons Subaru owners are rabidly loyal.

Sourcing its go from a 260-hp 4-cylinder engine, the Ascent has sufficient oomph even when loaded with passengers or cargo. Its ride is smooth and reasonably quiet. Subaru arms every Ascent with a range of advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The infotainment touchscreen is a generous 11.6 inches. It supports satellite-radio capability, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. 

4. 2024 Nissan Leaf

Base price: $29,280 | Expert rating 3.9 / 5

Front headroom: 41.2 inches, Front legroom: 42.1 inches

With the most headroom of any car among our picks, the Nissan Leaf falls near the middle in legroom. An electric vehicle, the Leaf delivers a government-estimated 123 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway. Its standard range on a full charge is 149 miles. The Nissan Plus increases that range to 212 miles.

Even the base Leaf comes well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, satellite radio capability, 10 airbags, and automatic climate control.

Among the driver-aid technologies are forward collision warning with emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. 

Also see: Your complete guide to MPGe, the electric equivalent of miles per gallon

5. 2024 Genesis G80

Base price: $55,650 | Expert Rating 4.3 / 5

Front headroom: 41.1 inches, Front legroom: 42.2 inches

Genesis continues to strive to reinforce its position within the ranks of luxury brands. Its G80 plants the Genesis flag in the midsize luxury sedan segment. It comes with a wide range of standard equipment, including 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats. A 14.5-inch touchscreen anchors the Genesis G80’s infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and high-beam assist come standard, among other driver aids.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. It delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving with its 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. You can upgrade to a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6. Only available in certain states, Genesis also markets a G80 EV version. 

6. 2024 Nissan Rogue

Base price: $29,810 | Expert rating 4.3 / 5

Front headroom: 41.1 inches, Front legroom: 41.5 inches

You may think a 3-cylinder engine is a bit small even for a compact SUV, but Rogue’s generates 201 hp. The really good news, though, is it delivers a class-leading estimated 33 mpg combined. Not only does Rogue provide generous legroom and headroom, but it also features Nissan’s wonderful Zero Gravity front seats. Oh, and it also has above-average cargo room for its class.

Although the entry-level Rogue isn’t brimming with standard features, it’s not bare bones either. Auto on/off LED headlights, cloth seating, push-button start, power windows, power side mirrors, keyless remote locks, and rear-park assist are among the convenience features. Moreover, Rogue delivers a wide array of advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, and more. 

7. 2024 Kia Niro

Base price: $28,315 | Expert rating 4.5 / 5

Front headroom: 40.5 inches, Front legroom: 41.5 inches

Another best-headroom contender snatched from the electrified roster, the Kia Niro comes as a hybrid (HEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and an EV. In fact, Kia doesn’t even offer the Niro with a gasoline-only powertrain. Nope. When tagged as simply the Niro, it’s a hybrid good for 53 mpg in the city, 54 mpg on the highway, and 53 mpg in combined driving.

Check out: The 2024 Kia Niro EV vs. the Nissan Leaf

Kia redesigned the Niro for 2023. Defying pigeonholing, the Niro isn’t quite a hatchback, nor is it quite a small crossover. The government classifies it as a small station wagon, but it’s not that either. Oh well. However you categorize it, the Niro offers ample front headroom while still delivering excellent legroom. Second-row legroom is a generous 39.8 inches to boot.

Propulsion for the Niro is in the form of a 139-horsepower 1.6-liter engine mated to a self-charging electric motor. It only comes with front-wheel drive. Roomy and comfortable, the cabin is nicely equipped. Kia also arms it with a wide array of advanced safety technologies. And, of course, it boasts Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Best legroom

1. 2024 Kia K5

Base price: $26,745 | Expert rating 4.5 / 5

Front headroom: 40.2 inches, Front legroom: 46.1 inches

The Kia
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K5 is a midsize sedan with a spacious, well-executed interior. Its 46.1 inches of legroom in front is the best of any vehicle on this list.

Delivering an EPA-rated 37 mpg on the highway, the K5’s base engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Output reaches the front wheels by way of an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available.

Even the entry-level LXS comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and high-beam assist.

Read more: The 2024 Kia K5 review: This lively, sharp-looking midsize sedan is roomy with an upscale interior

2.  2024 Nissan Versa

Base price: $17,530 | Expert rating 4.2 / 5

Front headroom: 39.5 inches, Front legroom: 44.5 inches

More evidence that a car doesn’t need to be huge on the outside to deliver accommodations for taller people, the Nissan Versa impresses with its thoughtful use of interior space. Solid headroom and the second-best front-seat legroom among the sedans on our list, the Versa shines. The listed price is with a 5-speed manual transmission. Opting for an automatic will set you back $1,670.

Here’s what Andy Bornhop said after a family holiday trip in the car: “The Versa may be compact, but it recently accommodated my unusually tall family surprisingly well. Son Andrew (6’7”) rode shotgun, while I drove. Both of us had plenty of headroom. Wife Patty (5’4”) took the spot behind me, while the other son, Thomas (6’2”), sat behind his brother. Because I had my seat all the way back, Patty did struggle a bit with her feet as she got out of the Versa. But, that’s a minor complaint on a car that reminded me of just how pleasant and accommodating a compact sedan can be.”

Go comes from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. Mileage is 35 mpg on the highway, which jumps to 40 mpg with the automatic. The base trim has basic convenience features like power windows and door locks, as well as a 7-inch touchscreen, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. 

3.  2024 Nissan Kicks

Base price: $22,440 | Expert rating 4.2 / 5

Front headroom: 40.4 inches, Front legroom: 43.7 inches

Yep, it’s another Nissan
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This time it’s the value-packed Kicks. Although at 33.4 inches the rear legroom might be a little tight for those towering over six feet tall, the front headroom and legroom are surprisingly abundant.

We wish Nissan packed a little more under the hood of the Kicks. It makes do with a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine matched to an automatic (CVT) transmission. Government-estimated highway mileage is 36 mpg. Nissan only offers Kicks with FWD.

Nissan loads up the Kicks with an array of advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Some surprising features at this price point are proximity keyless entry with push-button start, high-beam assist, and safety alerts transmitted through the steering wheel.

We think tall drivers on a budget certainly should check out the Kicks. 

Read more: The 2024 Nissan Kicks is nimble, fuel efficient and easy on the wallet

4. 2024 Toyota Prius

Base price: $29,045 | Expert rating 4.8 / 5

Front headroom: 38.0 inches, Front legroom: 43.2 inches

The fifth-generation Prius delivers exceptional fuel economy (57 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving) and looks darn good doing it. This hybrid’s spacious interior also features a user-friendly design. In fact, we are so smitten with the redesign, we recognized Prius as the rookie of the year with our Best New Model of 2024 award.

Standard equipment includes a full bundle of advanced driver assist technologies like full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic emergency braking. Among the other standard features are an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic climate control, and six USB-C ports. 

Read: It’s sexy, it’s fast. It’s…the new Toyota Prius?

5. 2024 Subaru Outback

Base price: $30,240 | Expert rating 4.6 / 5

Front headroom: 40.1 inches, Front legroom: 42.8 inches

The second of three Subaru
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models among our picks, the Outback benefited from a freshening last year. It’s still difficult for us not to think of the Outback as a wagon rather than the SUV it’s grown into. Driving this nimble AWD machine doesn’t do much to make us think it’s an SUV. Despite its high driving position, the Outback is responsive in its handling and car-like in its ride. Taller drivers should have no issue with establishing a comfortable driving position.

Most grades use an 182-hp 4-cylinder engine to generate thrust and an automatic transmission to spin all four wheels. Subaru incorporates its X-Mode into its software, which adds hill-descent control and monitors wheel grip to move torque to the wheels with traction. Even with AWD, the Outback delivers 29 mpg on the highway. A more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is available.

Read more: The quirky and charming 2024 Subaru Outback strikes the right balance of comfort and off-road capability

A suite of standard advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-centering, adaptive cruise control, and more are included.

The price listed is for the base model; however, we suggest spending a couple of grand more for the value-packed Premium trim. It adds goodies like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and much more. 

6. 2024 Subaru Legacy

Base price: $26,015 | Expert rating 4.0 / 5

Front headroom: 39.4 inches, Front legroom: 42.8 inches

For the money, it’s tough for taller drivers to find a more well-rounded car. The Subaru Legacy, even with standard AWD, gets a whopping EPA-estimated 35 mpg on the highway from its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. A continuously variable transmission transfers power to the wheels.

Although we recommend spending an extra $2,300 for the Premium grade, the Base version comes with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and high-beam assist.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. But stepping up to the Premium grade adds a 10-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and more. 

You might like: The 10 best, most affordable 3-row vehicles of 2024

7. 2024 Lexus ES

Base price: $44,340 | Expert rating 4.8 / 5

Front headroom: 37.5 inches, Front legroom: 42.4 inches

Fulfilling the role of a roomy, comfy midsize sedan for the Lexus lineup, the Lexus ES features sharp styling and the availability of all-wheel drive. The second-row seat is spacious, too, with plenty of legroom.

The $43,190 base price is for the ES 250 with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, or an ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the ES 250 is 34 mpg, and 32 mpg for the ES 350. The ES 300h hybrid earns up to 44 mpg.

See: The luxurious, reliable 2023 Lexus ES is all about responsible indulgence

Every ES comes with forward-collision warning with emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

8. 2024 Honda Accord

Base price: $28,990 | Expert rating 4.8 / 5

Front headroom: 39.5 inches, Front legroom: 42.3 inches

The Honda
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Accord earned our Midsize Car Best Buy of 2024 award, the ninth time it has earned that accolade. In addition to the Honda Accord‘s impressive headroom and legroom, its base 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine turns in an estimated 37 mpg on the highway. Upper trim levels get a hybrid powertrain, good for an estimated 46 mpg city/41 highway mpg fuel economy.

In the base LX, a self-opening trunk, automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard.

Every Accord comes with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, which includes forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. 

9. 2024 Honda Civic

Base price: $25,045 | Expert rating 4.7 / 5

Front headroom: 39.3 inches, Front legroom: 42.3 inches

Basically, the Honda Civic and Accord share front headroom and legroom numbers. That might surprise you. It did us. However, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that we named it our Compact Car Best Buy for 2024.

The Accord does have roughly three inches more rear-seat legroom than the Civic. Not only can the Civic accommodate tall drivers, its base price includes a rich array of standard features, like the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids.

“I’m pleasantly surprised that the Civic can offer this much space for a 6’4″ tall guy like me,” said Young, the Kelley Blue Book reviewer. “With good legroom, features, and entry price, it could pose as a good alternative to spending more on an Accord.”

There are two Civic engines to choose from. A 158-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine comes standard; a 180-horsepower turbo version comes with higher trim levels. The base engine gets 37 highway mpg. The more powerful turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway.

10. 2024 Kia EV6

Base price: $43,975 | Expert rating 4.5 / 5

Front headroom: 39.0 inches, Front legroom: 42.4 inches

With its fast-charging capability, free charging, and 310 miles of maximum range, the Kia EV6 should be inviting to EV shoppers in general and to long-legged ones in particular. Achieved by adding a second motor to the rear axle, AWD is available for the lower two trims and standard for the top grade.

It’s no surprise the EV6 is quiet; however, the quiet is amplified by the smooth ride. Dominating the dashboard is a 12.3-inch curved digital gauge cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot capability are standard.

Also see: 10 of the best and coolest sports cars you can get used for under $30,000

Every new EV6 arrives with Kia’s Drive Wise bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies. For example, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more are included. It even provides the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist that accelerates, brakes, and steers the EV6 under certain conditions. 

This story originally ran on KBB.com.