Plenty of legroom: The best cars for tall people

It's best if everything fits in a car. The car is sufficiently motorized, it looks cool, it has a good sound system and so on and so forth. But there is a catch that you don't necessarily have on your radar at first: People who are a little taller often only find space in the car if the limbs are contracted in a confined space.

Whether people with a height of over 1.90 meters can comfortably fit in a car depends on a few factors. In addition to legroom and headroom, it is also about the interior height, the headrest, even the steering wheel. At the end of this article, we will go into more detail about the points that tall people should consider when buying a car. Either just read away or navigate to the part of the text that interests you:

Depending on the ratio of legs and upper body, some need more headroom, some need more room for the legs.

Buying a used car

We're focusing on the best cars with plenty of legroom, and we've put together some models for you. The legroom usually says a lot about the general space in the car.

What you should pay attention to as a tall person when buying a car

Cars are mass-produced goods – no one can deny that. In order to bring a mass product to the man and woman as much as possible, it is simply easier for companies to offer a universal size. Or have you already seen a Kia Picanto in large?

Of course, cars are also made, if you want to call it that, in a "one-size-fits-all" manner. If you have a little more height, buying a car could become a problem. It's a good thing we're giving you a small selection of things you can or should consider if future riders are taller than 1.90.

Even people for whom the standard 2-metre folding rule is no longer sufficient for body measurement can find suitable models on the car market. If you systematically go through the following points on the potential new vehicle and pay attention to the cars in this article, nothing stands in the way of buying the right car!

Leg

We've already warned you – in our article, we've mainly looked at the maximum height in relation to the leg area in each car. This makes sense, because the decision about the right vehicle stands and falls with the certainty of whether the legs fit under the steering wheel or not. After all, both the clutch and brake and accelerator pedals should be easily accessible and at the same time not too close; the height at which the dashboard is manoeuvred is also important to get an idea of how and whether the legs find enough space.

Steering wheel settings

The steering wheel and its position contribute immensely to the feel-good factor in a car. If the upper edge of the steering wheel hangs over the instrument cluster, a pull on the lever helps and the steering wheel can be easily adjusted in height. Is the seat comfortably adjusted, but the steering wheel still hangs far too close to your nose? Pulling the lever again allows the steering wheel to be adjusted in depth.

At this point, however, as a future car owner, you should have eagle eyes: Check with each potential purchase candidate whether you can adjust the steering unit to your satisfaction. Although most steering wheels can be adjusted in height, depth adjustment is not always the order of the day – especially in older or cheaper cars.

In addition, the angle of adjustment can also vary from car to car: Not all steering wheels can be moved up or down the same distance. The same applies to the adjustment of the steering wheel depth.

Adjust seat height and backrest

Seat depth

Quite rightly, an attentive reader pointed out to us that the depth of the seat also plays a decisive role for tall people. So now a few words should be said about this: If you are equipped with quite long legs, you should also have slightly longer thighs. In the best case, these should rest on the seat in such a way that the legs do not tire and start to tingle on longer journeys. So you should avoid buying a car with your thighs hanging in the air. It's best to make sure that the seats of your dream car have enough depth by nature or use a vehicle where the seat depth can even be adjusted.

Headrest height

Just like the other points, the adjustable headrest height is an extremely important purchase criterion when it comes to delighting a slightly taller person with a fresh wheeled base. The head should not only be able to be comfortably bedded, but also be adequately protected in the event of an accident. The headrest makes a significant contribution to occupant safety in the vehicle - if it is set too high or too low, you risk overstretching your neck.

That sounds rather less desirable, doesn't it? That's why it's advisable, especially for tall people, to literally push the headrest to its limit and see how far it can be pulled out of the seat.

Adjusting the seat belt

As the name of the seat belt suggests, it is essential for vehicle safety and thus also for the physical well-being of the passengers. By the way, a practical gimmick when lacing is the possibility of adjusting the belt height: Either electrically or very old-fashioned by hand, the upper loop, through which the seat belt runs, can be moved either down or up on a rail. Fastening your seat belt is a must - and not only because of the obligation to wear a seatbelt.

So if you get the feeling that the seat belt is constricting your chest because of your height, you can promptly move the belt holder towards the headliner and breathe a sigh of relief again.

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Cars for people up to 2.0 meters

If you are two meters tall, it is not easy at all and this is noticeable everywhere in everyday life. Difficulties in finding the right clothes are the order of the day, and even the upper ends of some door frames come dangerously close. The choice of cars suitable for such a size is also shrinking. But don't worry, you don't have to be completely carless on the road.

VW T-Roc – Stylish SUV with plenty of space for tall drivers

With a height of 1.97 metres, the legs can still be easily stowed in the Volkswagen T-Roc. Unlike the previous models, the height of the maximum neck support adjustment is 1.96 meters, which gives you significantly more freedom. You actually only hit the headliner at 2.03 meters. One or the other tall person probably feels a bit cramped, but basically the T-Roc accommodates enough space for people who scratch the 2-meter mark.

If that's not enough headroom for you, you can also order the T-Roc as a convertible model. Should the sun shine on your head and your hair blow in the wind? Then the Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible is the right choice.

The T-Roc is also suitable as a car for seniors, because the high seating position and the good overview also make it attractive for the older semesters.

Citroën e-Berlingo – Plenty of space and comfort in a practical electric minivan

In the Citroen e-Berlingo you feel comfortable and don't feel so tall anymore, because the seat height is a maximum of 2.35 meters, which still gives you a lot of air above your head. The leg area is designed for a maximum height of 1.99 meters, the headrest has reached its maximum at 1.98 meters. Overall, the e-Berlingo is still recommended for a height of 1.99 meters. Thanks to the high headrest position, the ratio of legs to upper body can also vary more than is possible with other models.

Friends of exquisite materials will not get their money's worth in the Berlingo, because the assortment of hard plastic elements runs through the entire interior. But advocates of the electric motor and emission-free mobility may have found their new faithful companion in the Citroen e-Berlingo. With one charge, the fully charged Frenchman can travel up to 275 kilometers - that's not particularly much, but it could be enough for a weekend trip.

VW Polo – Compact classic with a surprising amount of legroom

Some did not expect the Volkswagen Polo in this comparison. Despite its small exterior dimensions, VW's bestseller is considered a purchase recommendation for people with long bodies or up-fashioned hairstyles: The Polo is suitable for people up to 1.97 meters, but the headrest only favors a maximum height of 1.92 meters. Enough space for the legs can also be found with a height of 1.97 meters and the seat height of 2.10 meters still leaves enough space above the head, so that drivers do not have to worry that their head will hit the headliner in the event of bumps or potholes.

The Polo is just one example of a small car that can also meet the needs of tall people without having huge dimensions itself.

Ford Focus Turnier – Plenty of space for tall people in a practical station wagon

With a maximum length of 1.96 meters for the leg area, the Ford Focus Turnier almost lubricates a little, because other models such as the small car king VW Polo can do that better - and after all, the Focus Turnier is a station wagon. Be that as it may, even in the American station wagon you can be quite tall to be able to ride along. The neck support is a maximum of 1.85 meters and the seat height is 2.10 meters. Unfortunately, more than average is therefore not possible. The recommendation for a height of 1.96 meters is a little more difficult to say than for a Citroen Berlingo, but it can still be just about pronounced.

Mazda 3 – Sporty compact car with a comfortable seating position for tall drivers

To ensure that every vehicle type gets a place in this round of introductions, we are throwing a compact car into the ring. This is not only extremely tolerant, but also great for all tall people who don't feel like a clunky SUV or high-roof station wagon or even a tiny small car. The Mazda 3 definitely made it into the ranking: It is a really snazzy compact car with excellent workmanship and a good selection of materials. And best of all, if you want to use 1.01 meters of legroom and about 97 centimeters of headroom to your advantage, the Mazda 3 is the right choice. Tall people sit comfortably up to about 1.98 meters.

Less edifying, on the other hand, is the freedom of seats in the rear rows. A sloping roofline and the compact city car dimensions make the back not a desirable place for tall people. It's a good thing that there are two places in the front for two giants! The use of mild hybrid engines in all variants of the Mazda 3 is also commendable. Whether it will come for the Mazda 3 or whether a completely new model will come is open.

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Cars for people over 2.0 meters

People who are over two meters tall are relatively rare. Not even one percent of Germans have this height. Maybe you know someone who is having a hard time buying a car and could use our recommendations. Here are five models that could be suitable for people over two meters.

VW Touran – Plenty of space and flexibility in the family van for tall people

Who doesn't know them? The dusty vans of this world are usually known as old-fashioned workhorses that have nothing more than passenger transport in mind. The Volkswagen Touran is a small exception: it is a van, but it has a visually quite modern design. In the interior, it offers a lot of space - even for tall people. The maximum size for the leg area is a whopping 2.02 meters, so there are still 17 centimeters left before the head scratches the headliner. However, you should not be taller than 1.93 meters for the maximum headrest position, but if you only have long legs, you should have no problem here.

Overall, the Touran is still recommended for a height of 2.02 meters and is quite comfortable and appealing - for a van. If you still can't get used to the van segment, there are also good Touran alternatives. There is also room for the extended family here.

Mini 3-Door – Small but surprisingly spacious for tall drivers

For many, the appearance of the Mini in this category should come as an extreme surprise. The Mini 3-door is not as mini as it seems, because 2.03 meter tall people can just about rest their legs comfortably. But then the turnips are very likely to touch the headliner, which is also only at 2.03 meters. A small drop of bitterness, however, is the neck rest, which is at a rather low 1.83 meters - which is rather less surprising, after all, the Mini is and remains a small car.

Again, it depends on the ratio of legs and upper body: If you have long legs and a rather short upper body, you will certainly be able to use the Mini. In the back, however, no one is likely to ride with you.

Kia Ceed SW – Comfortable station wagon with plenty of space and modern equipment

The Kia Ceed SW is an extremely useful station wagon if you are tall, because the maximum person height here is 2.03 meters. The largest headrest position is a very good 1.95 meters, so you are very likely to sit safely here even with a long torso. The seat height is 2.11 meters, which means that you still have a few centimeters free above your head and should not get claustrophobic.

Visually, however, the Ceed is not really a hit: The elongated headlights and the wide radiator mouth can now be described as outdated. But you have to live with that for better or worse when you get such a good all-rounder as the Kia Ceed for your money. If you like a green thumb, you can also buy the Korean station wagon with plug-in hybrid drive.

Skoda Octavia – Spacious compact car with a spacious interior for tall drivers

The seats of the Skoda Octavia offer enough space for long legs, and the headroom is still good even with a larger height, so that drivers can sit comfortably without feeling cramped.

As far as the neckrest adjustment range is concerned, the Octavia offers a practical adjustment option that supports the neck well. Tall people benefit from a comfortable posture here, which also provides relaxation on longer journeys. There is also a plus point with the steering wheel: it can be adjusted in both depth and height, so that an ideal seating position can be found for people over 2 meters. This helps to ensure that the driver can adopt a relaxed and ergonomic posture without straining the arms or shoulders.

The seat belt in the Octavia can also be adjusted in height, which is particularly important for taller riders to put on the belt correctly. This provides extra comfort and safety as the strap does not sit too high or too low. What is less ideal, however, is the space in the back seat, as legroom is limited here for taller passengers. This could be uncomfortable for people over 2 meters on the rear bench seat, especially on longer journeys.

Volvo XC60/Volvo XC90 – Elegant SUVs with plenty of space for comfortable rides

Old Swede! The Volvo XC60 and the Volvo XC90 have equally managed to appear in this guide. And rightly so: The two SUVs not only live up to their vehicle category in terms of size, they also cut a fine figure in the interior - especially in terms of space. The two Swedish bombs each offer space for people up to 2 meters tall, the XC90 even allows a whole three centimeters more and says "Hej" to anyone up to 2.03 meters long. These dimensions reflect the maximum height in relation to the leg area.

In fact, the Volvo XC90, together with the Mini and the Kia Ceed, looks down on the other cars from high above, because no one else really comes close to 2.03 meters. In addition to the generous amount of space, the extensive concept of safety systems is particularly pleasant about the two Volvo vehicles. No matter what body length the passengers have, you know you are in good hands with Volvo. However, the price for the highest headrest setting does not go to the two Volvos with their 1.83 and 1.85 meters, but to the Kia Ceed SW, which trumps all of them with 1.95 meters.