According to a survey conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014, the average American height for women is a little under 5 feet 4 inches tall while men come in at approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall. There are almost 15 million American males alone that fall between 5’1″ and 5’7, and tens of millions of American women that are shorter than 5’4.

And all of them need a car! The question is which one!

Consumer Reports conducted a thorough survey and compiled a list of best cars for short drivers. Interestingly enough, not all vehicles on the list are SUVs. I have additionally polished the list and now present you with the 10 best cars for shorter drivers.

What Do Best Cars For Short People Have To Offer?

There are some crucial elements to consider when buying a car for short people. To make driving as safe and as pleasurable as possible, all the best cars for small drivers have to offer certain qualities:

-* good visibility

-* low door sills

-* powered and adjustable driver seat

-* power closing liftgate with a programmable liftgate height, and easily accessible button

-* tilt and telescoping steering wheel

-* audio controls on the steering wheel

-* voice control

-* adjustable belt height

-* power folding headrests

-* gesture control system (if possible)

-* handsfree foot-activated liftgate

Subaru Forester

The Forester may well be one of the cars with the best visibility for short drivers. With a quite large glasshouse, low positioned side windows (lower than the hood), and a possibility for the side step installation, the latest Forester most certainly feels like an exceptional proposition for vertically challenged drivers.

The Subaru Forester also has an AWD system and fuel-efficient gasoline engine options. Plus, it is not too big, which means you will be even able to get that snow off the roof if need be - especially with that optional aftermarket side step fit.

Read our full review on the 2019 Subaru Forester.

BMW 7 Series

While you may ask why the hell do I recommend a luxury executive sedan for short people, I can tell you to keep an open mind. Moreover, it features all the imaginable features, including gesture controls that allow you to control the radio, Bluetooth, and HVAC just by waving with your hand. Plus, it has adjustable seats with all possible combinations, and it offers a beautiful view outside. If it wasn't so expensive, I would consider the 7 series (and similar cars) as the best cars for short people. Well, they can still be. Imagine the 7 series as one of the best-used cars for short drivers.

Read our full review on the 2020 BMW 7 Series.

Acura RLX

The Acura RLX may not be as big as the 7 Series, or the S-class however, it is a large, advanced, and loaded sedan with distinct qualities that can help shorter drivers. The Acura RLX comes equipped with an advanced V-6 engine, 10-speed transmission, and 12-way power adjustable seats. The car even can be equipped with a heads-up display and a keyless entry system with a push-button start control.

Read our full review on the 2018 Acura RLX.

Lexus ES

As a mid-size executive sedan, competing in a similar market bracket as the Acura RLX, the Lexus ES includes all the executive qualities and provides a beautiful environment for short drivers.

As one of the best cars for petite drivers, the Lexus ES comes standard with Lexus safety plus 2.0 systems. Furthermore, you can equip it with smart adjustable cruise control for even more driving comfort. All these features dramatically increase active safety, but also offer a certain level of convenience and driving practicality most valued by shorter drivers.

Obviously, all advanced, high-end vehicles provide similar features, and I highly recommend you to pay extra for them if needed.

Read our full driven review on the 2019 Lexus ES

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is an expensive, presentable, and advanced mid-size crossover with possibly the most advanced safety features on the market. However, it would seem that it is also an excellent option for shorter drivers. Considering that it is a mid-sized crossover, entry is not as challenging as for some other similarly sized SUVs and trucks.

As the first of the latest line of Volvo vehicles, the XC90 features fuel efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged engines that provide it with absolutely excellent fuel efficiency, and performance.

Read our full review on the 2020 Volvo XC90

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Similarly to the BMW 7 series, the Mercedes-Benz S-class is a full-size executive saloon created to provide the best possible experience for the drivers and the passengers.Not only is it safe, luxurious, and powerful, but the S-class features the best possible seat in the business, and, if equipped right, semi-autonomous driving feature.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Subaru Outback

Based around the Subaru Legacy, the Subaru Outback offers the same qualities as the sedan, but with the added practicality of the wagon form and raised ground clearance. Sure, ample ground clearance isn't something that short people want to overcome every time they sit in a car, and that is precisely why Legacy-based Outback feels so perfect.Power adjustable seats are one of the main advantages along with the advanced equipment and latest generation of infotainment and safety features.

Read our full review on the 2020 Subaru Outback

Kia Soul

Curiously styled with a boxy appearance and crossoverish form, the Soul is high on the list of best small cars for short people.

Aside from the parking guidance and mandatory rearview camera, Kia Soul comes as standard with advanced suite of safety technologies including:

-* Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) / FCA Pedestrian type

-* Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

-* Lane Changing Assist (LCA)

-* Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

-* Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)

-* Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCW)

-* Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

-* High Beam Assist (HBA)

Read our full review on the 2020 Kia Soul.

Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna is the only proper MPV on this list, but, honestly, the Honda Oddisey offers much the same features and capabilities for short drivers as the Sienna. The main advantage over the cars is its raised driving position, large glass surfaces, and the visibility matched only by the other MPVs and vans. It, of course, has a power liftgate option you can control with a key, a button on the liftgate, or from inside the car.

Read our full review on the 2018 Toyota Sienna

Nissan Cube

The Nissan Cube isn't, say, a standard car. Its boxy shape, raised driving position, small stature, and side-opening hatch provide the best possible solutions for the short drivers.

While the Cube is the smallest car on this list, it is also one of the most practical. Drivers experience actually shows that it is best suited for short driver needs.

Read our full review on the 2010 Nissan Cube

Conclusion

Short drivers will find large executive sedans and SUVs quite well adapted for their needs. Their long lists of equipment, high-end infotainment systems, driving aids, and adjustable seats provide an excellent driving platform for short drivers. Of course, even smaller and cheaper entries such as the Cube, the 500L, or the VW Beetle offer a rather well-balanced interior, and great visibility that is of great importance for shorter drivers. All in all, while I can present to you all these cars and its main advantages, you are best to visit a showroom and try all the cars by yourself. I am sure that one of the vehicles on this list will fit you perfectly.