Top 10 Worst Cars for Short Drivers in 2017: Consumer Reports
If you’re a short driver shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to avoid the ones on this list.
Consumer Reports has revealed its list of the top 10 worst cars for short drivers, based on test scores of recently evaluated vehicles for seat comfort, seat and steering adjustability, driving position, ease of access, and the view out. The publication said its shortest tester is 5 foot 1 and helped determine which vehicles aren’t recommended for short drivers.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Worst Cars for Tall Drivers in 2017: Consumer Reports
The cars were not ranked in any particular order, so we have them listed alphabetically below.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is an entry-level pickup truck that comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. Inside, there’s 41.4 inches of head room up front, 45 inches of leg room and 57.5 inches of shoulder room.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is a fun muscle car, but its long, bulging hood and small windows and windshield make it difficult for shorter drivers to see out of. Front head room measures 39.3 inches, leg room is 42.0 inches and shoulder room is 58.5 inches.
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford’s compact hot hatch is pretty fun to drive, but it may not be as fun if you’re a short driver. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission, putting 197 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque in the hands of the driver. Front head room measures 39.1 inches, leg room is 43.6 inches and shoulder room is 52.7 inches.
Jeep Renegade
Don’t let its compact size fool you — the Jeep Renegade isn’t recommended for short drivers. The Jeep Renegade comes standard with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine generating 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Front head room on the Renegade measures 41.1 inches while leg room is 41.2 inches and shoulder room is 55.9 inches.
Jeep Wrangler
The popular Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine offering 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Inside, it boasts 41.3 inches of head room up front, along with 41 inches of leg room and 55.8 inches of shoulder room.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Surprised that a compact sports car isn’t recommended for short drivers? Although it’s not great for very tall drivers either, the steering and driver seat aren’t terribly adjustable, making it more difficult for shorter drivers to reach the clutch and see over the steering wheel. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Head room measures 37.4 inches, leg room is 43.1 inches and shoulder room is 52.2 inches.
Mitsubishi Mirage
With a super cheap starting price, the Mitsubishi Mirage might look appealing, but don’t be fooled since that nets you a weak 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with just 78 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. Front head room measures 39.1 inches, leg room is 41.7 inches and shoulder room is 51.7 inches.
Porsche 718 Boxster
Believe it or not, the Porsche 718 Boxster is also one of the top 10 worst cars for tall drivers. The Porsche 718 Boxster is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine as standard, offering 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The sports car manages to return 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway when the engine is paired to a manual transmission.
Porsche Panamera
The German automaker’s luxury sedan doesn’t fare any better for short drivers. The Panamera comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine generating 330 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota Tacoma
Like the Chevrolet Colorado, Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend the Toyota Tacoma to short drivers. The Tacoma also made the top 10 worst cars for tall drivers list. It offers 39.7 inches of head room, 42.9 inches of leg room and 58.3 inches of shoulder room. Under the hood is a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
Toyota Highlander. Short drivers have significant problems reaching the infotainment and hvac.