Obtaining a comfortable vehicle can be a challenging proposition for those who are either taller or shorter than average. Luckily, by following a few tips, one can increase the chances of finding a car that suits their unique frame. Read on for our handy guide to finding a properly-sized ride!

For the Tall

If you're tall, ask yourself if it's your torso, legs, or both that are longer than the average person.

• If one’s legs are particularly long, it’s good to look for a vehicle with at least 48 inches of legroom.
• If one’s torso is lengthy, 38 inches of headroom is an ideal minimum.

AutoBlog has a Car Finder tool that makes it easy to find vehicles with the amount of headroom and legroom you're looking for. Simply filter your results by "Head Room" and/or "Leg Room" to see a list of models sorted by those measurements.

For the Short

Those who consider themselves short have a few strategies they can pursue.

• One option is to look for vehicles that can flexibly cater to height; features to look for include power-adjustable seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and adjustable pedals.
• Going for an SUV or crossover can help increase visibility due to their high ride height. Such models also tend to boast advanced safety tech such as blind-spot monitoring and surround-view cameras, which can help the vertically-challenged maintain awareness of their surroundings.

If you're thinking about getting a bigger car, there are two things you should keep in mind: ease of entry/exit and being able to access the trunk. Make sure to test how easy it is for you to get in and out of the car before you buy it, as well as whether or not you can reach the cargo area. If either of these things are a concern for you, maybe a smaller vehicle would be better suited for your needs.

How much legroom do I need in my car?

If one's legs are particularly long, it's good to look for a vehicle with at least 48 inches of legroom. If one's torso is lengthy, 38 inches of headroom is an ideal minimum.

What is legroom in a car?

Legroom is the amount of space, especially in a car or other vehicle, that is available in front of your legs. Tall drivers won't have enough legroom.

Should you sit higher or lower in a car?

Ideally, the back of your car seat should reach the height of your shoulders. If it is slightly higher or lower but you can still rest into it, it will be fine in most circumstances. Most car seats come with adjustable headrests. Ideally, you should be able to adjust both the height and the front-to-back position.