New Subaru Forester And Outback Are Now The Best SUVs For Short Drivers

SUV shoppers who are shorter and smaller may have difficulty finding a car or especially an SUV that fits them best. Consumer Reports (by subscription) tests all vehicles to see which models are best for shorter and taller drivers. According to the new study, two Subaru SUVs and one of its cars are the best for shorter drivers, and one SUV is best for taller drivers.

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a rare SUV that fits both shorter and taller drivers. CR says the Forester is the top model in the Compact SUV category. The 2021 Subaru Legacy is a rare sedan that fits both shorter and taller drivers. The Legacy wins the best Midsize Car for shorter drivers and takes the crown and is best for taller drivers.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru

The 2021 Subaru Outback is the third vehicle in Subaru’s stable of all-wheel-drive cars that are best for shorter drivers in the Midsize 2-Row SUV category. The Outback is a unique model that drives like a car but has the utility of an SUV. Like the Forester, it comes with 8.7-inches of ride height, making it easier for smaller drivers to see the road ahead.

The Outback also recently scored one of the top models with the most comfortable front seats. The 2021 Subaru Outback scores the best vehicle in the midsize SUV category.

The Seven Best Cars and SUVs for Short Drivers

Among mainstream brands, CR’s list includes the Kia Soul in the Compact Car category. The Subaru Legacy wins the best Midsize Car, Toyota Avalon - Large Car, Subaru Forester - Compact SUV, Subaru Outback - Midsize 2-Row SUV, Hyundai Palisade - Midsized 3-Row SUV, and Ford Expedition - Large SUV.

The Six Best Luxury Cars and SUVs for Short Drivers

The best luxury models for shorter drivers are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Luxury Compact Car, Lexus ES - Midsized Luxury Car, BMW 7 Series Ultra-Luxury Car, BMW X3 - Luxury Compact SUV, Volvo XC90 - Luxury Midsize SUV, and BMW X7 Large Luxury SUV.

Photo credit: Consumer Reports

Mary Reed, business manager at Consumer Reports, is 5 foot 1-inches tall and says what she looks for in a car or SUV. “I adjust the seat for comfort before driving, sliding it forward as needed and moving the steering wheel. I then consider the visibility over the hood and to the rear, especially the corners. I then check access to make sure the ease of entry factors into my specific setup with everything adjusted. These things would be easy to overlook on a test-drive.”

The 2021 Subaru Forester compact SUV ($25,845), 2021 Subaru Outback midsize SUV ($27,845), and 2021 Subaru Legacy midsize car ($23,945) all win “best models” for shorter drives among non-luxury brands.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru, Consumer Reports, Buds Subaru, Competition Subaru