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‘It must be great to be tall.’ How many times have you heard that? Almost always, it’s said by someone who is average height or smaller. They have no idea what the world is actually like when you’re tall. You’ve got to get your clothes at different shops (and pay extra for the privilege).
It’s hard to find comfortable chairs. And then, of course, transport can be a nightmare. Airplanes aren’t designed for tall people. Are they? Nor are buses and trains. And when it comes to cars, some are better than others. Fortunately, it’s possible to find a roomy car that allows a tall person to stretch out their legs and not to have to crouch for the whole time that they’re inside the car.
There are a few key features of cars that you need to check out so that you know if it will suit your height or not. The two main ones are the amount of headroom and the amount of legroom that they offer. We’ll have a look at what these two terms mean, and then we’ll have a look at some types of cars that are suited to tall people, as well as some examples of good and bad cars for you.
Let’s get going!
What is Headroom?
Of course, headroom relates to the amount of room that your head will have while you’re in the car. But it is a measurement that can be misleading if you don’t know where it is calculated from and to. This number actually refers to the distance between the ceiling of the car and the bottom of the seat. Some people in the car industry refer to it as the ‘torso room,’ as that’s actually what it is.
There are some elements of a car that will enhance the amount of headroom that a car has. For example, you’ll find that cars that don’t have a panoramic sunroof tend to offer much better headroom, and you should look out for cars that don’t have this extra. And, to be honest, how much would you use the sunroof anyway?
What is the Optimum Amount of Headroom for Tall People?
The more headroom the better, of course. But it might not be in your budget to purchase an SUV or other extra-large vehicle, so you’ll want to look at the headroom size closely because some smaller cars feature designs that enhance the amount of headroom.
For tall people, it’s important to choose a car that has a minimum of 40-inches. Preferably, however, the car should have a few extra inches than that if you want to have a bit more room. It will also depend on your height. You might wish to sit down, then measure the distance between your bottom and the top of your head, so then you know just how much headroom you’ll need in your future car.
What is Legroom?
Again, it’s likely that you understand intuitively what this term means. It’s the amount of room that your legs have when sat in the car. But this is also given in a measurement. And it’s important to know from what point and to what point that the measurement is taken. This is so that you know what numbers to be looking out for when you’re reading about future cars.
There is, however, a bit of an issue with the legroom number. Unfortunately, some manufacturers measure it from when the seat has been pushed all the way back. In contrast, others choose to measure it from the middle position, and others show the minimum amount of legroom. It can be quite confusing. And lots of people in the industry debate this number. It’s best to use it as a comparative. When you’re reading about the specs of certain cars, then you’ll quickly see which ones have a small amount of legroom and which ones have a lot more.
You’re not going to be buying a car without sitting in it anyway. The point is that when you look at the legroom numbers, you’ll know which cars to target, so that you don’t just wander aimlessly around showrooms, with car salespeople doing their best to get you in cars that are much bigger, knowing that they’ll be able to sell them to you for a lot more cash.
What is the Optimum Amount of Headroom for Tall People?
As we’ve just read, it can be difficult to know what the optimum amount of legroom is in terms of numbers because different manufacturers use different measurements. Just like the torso room, though, you’re not going to want anything less than 40-inches. You’re better off looking at cars that have got around 44-inches or 45-inches of legroom. But don’t write off cars that say they have slightly less than this, as you might find them to be roomy when you actually sit inside them.
What Types of Cars are Best for Tall People?
Cars that deliver a significant amount of legroom and headroom – as well as a comfortable distance for reaching the steering wheel – are the best for you.
Of course, SUVs are big cars that will suit a lot of tall drivers. But not everyone likes SUVs. Fortunately, they are the only types of cars that are available to you. You can find lots of great sedans or estate cars that will provide enough room for you to be comfortable. And you shouldn’t write off all hatchbacks either, because some are deceptively roomy.
Examples of Cars for Tall People
The following are cars that are tried and tested for tall people. They all come in different price categories. And you should always test drive any car before committing to purchasing it. It might offer comfort when you sit in it on the lot, but when you’re out on the road, you could find that you have other issues with it, that maybe don’t even have anything to do with your height.
Volkswagen Polo – Hatchback – This is a deceptively roomy car that is very efficient when it comes to petrol consumption, and it’s a pleasure to drive, too. The price isn’t bad, as well.
Chevrolet Colorado – 2019 – With 45-inches of front legroom, this car from Chevrolet is ideal for tall people who want to be able to stretch their legs while they drive.
Genesis G90 – 2018 – This is a luxury car that is perfect for tall people, thanks to the combination of significant legroom and headroom.
Audi A5 – Sportback Hatchback – This is a gorgeous car that’s got a lot of space for your head and legs. It’s very stylish, too, and will certainly turn a few heads when you’re out on the road.
Summary
That’s it. Now you know what specs to be checking out when you’re looking for your next car. Looking online for cars that tick these boxes will allow you to head out to showrooms knowing exactly what types of cars you want to test. Never settle for an uncomfortable car. There are lots out there that are perfect for tall people. And once you’re inside them, you’ll find driving a pleasurable experience.
