These are the Best Cars that are Easy to Get In and Out Of

These are the Best Cars that are Easy to Get In and Out Of

Some car buyers might be more petite or have physical conditions that make it difficult to get in and out of a vehicle. Cars that sit higher off the ground can be easier to enter and exit. In addition, features like running boards can serve as a step to help those who have difficulty getting into and out of the vehicle.

The cars that are easy to get in and out of might include SUVs, minivans and trucks. Here are a few vehicle recommendations for buyers who need a model that’s easier to enter and exit:

  • Toyota Sienna
  • Chrysler Pacifica
  • Honda Odyssey
  • Kia Carnival
  • Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
  • Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
  • Ford Expedition Timberline
  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Look for Vehicles with a Higher Ground Clearance

Buyers who have difficulty getting into (or out of) the vehicle could look for a model that sits higher off the ground. The vehicle’s ground clearance could allow buyers to easily slide into the front seat.

Vehicles that sit lower to the ground might be harder to exit. Those with trouble bending could find lower vehicles difficult or cumbersome to get into or out of on a daily basis. In addition, crouching down to enter the car also could be painful for some individuals.

The ideal height of a vehicle might vary per individual, though. While minivans and SUVs could sit higher off the ground, some buyers could find that they are too high. This also could be an issue.

Cars that are Easy to Get In and Out Of

Opt for Running Boards

Running boards might be an upgraded option for SUVs and minivans. However, this feature could be useful for those with difficulty getting into (or out of) a vehicle. Running boards could be used as a step to aid entry and exit.

These boards also could be installed as an aftermarket customization. Car and Driver rounded up a list of running board recommendations for car owners who are interested in installing this upgrade to their vehicle. Car owners can choose boards with a nonslip tread that can help provide extra grip during bad weather.

Cars that are Easy to Get In and Out Of

Minivans Could Be a Good Option

Minivans tend to have a higher ground clearance than standard cars. For this reason, they could be a good choice for those who need a vehicle that’s easier to enter and exit. There are four minivan models available:

  • Chrysler Pacifica
  • Honda Odyssey
  • Kia Carnival
  • Toyota Sienna

Chrysler Pacifica

The Pacifica is offered as a standard minivan and as a plug-in hybrid. The starting price for the standard Pacifica is $37,095. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid starts at $46,978. The Pacifica does not come standard with running boards or a side step.

The 2022 model can get up to 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway (22 MPG combined). It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).The Pacifica has a ground clearance of a little more than five inches.

Honda Odyssey

The 2023 Honda Odyssey starts at $37,340; it offers space for up to eight. The Odyssey also can get 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The ground clearance for the 2022 Odyssey is 4.5 inches, slightly lower than the Pacifica. The 2022 Honda Odyssey received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS.

Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna has a starting MSRP of $35,285; it offers a standard hybrid drivetrain and can get up to 36 MPG. According to Get Jerry, the standard ground clearance for the Sienna is 6.3 inches; this could make it a great model for those who need a higher minivan. In addition, the 2022 Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS.

Kia Carnival

The 2023 Kia Carnival has a starting MSRP of $32,900. It can get up to 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The 2022 Carnival offers the best ground clearance of all the minivan models; the Carnival provides 6.8 inches of ground clearance. The 2022 Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating/award (for models with specific headlights and built after March 2021) from IIHS.

Buyers who need additional features to aid in getting in and getting out of their minivan, installing running boards could be an option. Some manufacturers might offer running boards as an upgraded feature or buyers could install them on their own.

What SUVs Offer High Ground Clearance

Those who are interested in buying an SUV might be focused on ground clearance for off-road adventures. However, higher clearance SUVs also can be easier to enter and exit.

Carfax rounded up the SUVs with the highest ground clearance. The five models that offered the most ground clearance included:

  • Land Rover Range Rover
  • Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch
  • Land Rover Defender
  • Land Rover Discovery
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport

With the exception of the Ford Bronco, all the models were produced by Land Rover. These models are considered luxury vehicles, and not all buyers might be able to splurge on a higher-priced vehicle. Other models on the list included the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Ford Expedition Timberline and Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.

Affordable High Ground Clearance SUVs

While four out of five of the SUVs on the Carfax list included Range Rover models, others on the list were more affordable. Buyers who need a car that sits higher off the ground could choose these SUVs.

Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch

The 2022 Bronco Badlands has a starting price of $44,495. However, this model is no longer available to order as it was so popular. The base model offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has a starting MSRP of $37,545. The Trailhawk offers 11.3 inches of ground clearance. For some, this SUV might sit too high. They might opt for running boards to add a step up into the Trailhawk.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The 2022 Wrangler Rubicon has a starting MSRP of $46,195. The Rubicon also comes in a hybrid drivetrain; the hybrid offers 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

Ford Expedition Timberline

The 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline starts at $70,450. However, the base Timberline starts at $53,375. The Timberline offers 10.6 inches of ground clearance, while the base model has slightly less than 10 inches of clearance. Both the base and the upgraded Timberline could be good options for those who need a higher vehicle.

Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro has a starting MSRP of $76,900. It offers a V6 hybrid engine and can get an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway; it offers three-rows of seats and space for seven. The TRD Pro provides 10 inches of ground clearance.

Visit the Dealership to Test Favorite Models

While ground clearance specs and even details like running boards could make some models easier to get into (and out of), car buyers might want to visit the dealership to sit in these vehicles to better understand the design.

Some SUVs or minivans might not be comfortable. Others might not be high enough or the seat design could make getting into or out of the vehicle more difficult. Take a test drive of the model to better understand if it’s a good fit.

Other Options for Buyers Who Need Higher-Clearance Vehicles

Vehicles with a higher clearance can be easier to enter and exit. However, vehicles that are too high also could pose a challenge to passengers that have difficulty climbing into a vehicle. Again, running boards could make entering a bit easier.

Beyond minivans and SUVs, pickup trucks could be a higher vehicle that’s easier to get into. The most popular pickup trucks include the Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram and the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some pickups could be difficult to find, especially since these vehicles are often in high demand. For example, Ford offered an electric F-150 called the Lightning. The model was so popular that Ford is no longer accepting orders.

Chevrolet is introducing an electric Silverado, though. Buyers that are interested in a pickup truck that’s electric might make a reservation to ensure they receive one of the models.

What about Sedans or Compact Vehicles?

Those who need a car that’s easy to get into don’t necessarily need to choose a minivan, SUV or pickup truck. Some sedans or smaller cars could be easy to enter and exit.

To find the best cars for their needs, buyers might research the ground clearance of models they like. However, the easiest way to find out if a model is a good fit is to visit the dealership and sit in the vehicle. Get in and get out of the model. Is it comfortable? Does the buyer find that it’s cumbersome to enter or exit?

Every buyer might have their own personal preference as to what vehicle is easiest for them to drive and navigate. Getting into and getting out of a vehicle could be an issue for some drivers, too. Choosing vehicles that are higher off the ground or models that offer running boards could make exiting and getting into the vehicle easier and more comfortable.