What is the Most Comfortable SUV for a Large Person?
Taller drivers might need more front-seat space for their drive. While some vehicles allow the driver to move the front seat to allow taller drivers to stretch their legs, not all models are roomy enough for larger drivers.
SUVs tend to be larger vehicles that offer more space in the front seat. What is the most comfortable SUV for a large person? Taller drivers should look at models that offer more spacious dimensions in the following areas:
- Leg room
- Hip room
- Head room
- Shoulder room
What SUV Models offer the Most Legroom?
iSeeCars included a list of the crossover SUVs that offer the most front-seat space. While the site ranks SUVs according to all their space, these SUVs are the top five best choices for taller drivers with longer legs:
- 2022 Lexus RX 350 AWD and 450H 44.1 inches
- 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe (Calligraphy AWD) 44.1 inches
- 2022 Ford Explorer 43 inches
- 2022 Ford Edge SE AWD 42.6 inches
- 2022 Acura RDX FWD 42 inches
About the Models
Larger drivers who need the most legroom can choose from the top five models. These vehicles vary in price. Here’s what buyers should know about each model’s starting price, safety rating and fuel efficiency.
The RX 350 is a luxury SUV that has a starting MSRP of $46,995 and can get up to 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The RX received a Top Safety Pick (with specific headlights) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The standard RX has space for five, while the RX L is a three-row model that has space for seven.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe (Calligraphy AWD)
The Santa Fe Calligraphy is a compact SUV that has a starting MSRP of $41,410 and offers space for five. It can get 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The 2022 Santa Fe received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS.
The Ford Explorer starts at $35,510 and can get an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The Explorer is a three-row SUV that has space for up to seven. The 2022 Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.
The 2022 Ford Edge SE starts at $37,945 and can get an estimated 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. It offers two rows of seats and space for five. The 2022 Ford Edge received a Top Safety Pick rating/award (with specific headlights) from the IIHS.
The Acura RDX is a luxury SUV that has a starting MSRP of $40,600; it can get an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. It offers space for five. The 2022 Acura RDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS.
These SUVs Offer the Most Headroom
Some drivers sit higher; they might have a longer torso and require more headroom for driving comfort. Per iSeeCars, these five SUVs offer the most headroom space:
- 2022 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 1LS 41.4 inches
- 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD 41.2 inches
- 2022 Ford Explorer Base 4WD 40.7 inches
- 2022 Ford Edge 40.2 inches
- 2022 Acura RDX 40 inches
The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 1LS offers the most headroom of the SUVs on the list. The model has a starting price of $33,700. It can get an estimated 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The Traverse has space for seven or eight (depending on the configuration).
The Best SUVs for Shoulder Space
Some drivers have broader shoulders. They might want front seat space that offers more room for their back and shoulders. The SUVs that offer the most shoulder space for drivers include:
- 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD 62.2 inches
- 2022 Honda Pilot Black Edition AWD 62 inches
- 2022 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 1LS 61.9 inches
- 2022 Acura MDX 61.9 inches
- 2022 Ford Explorer 61.8 inches
The 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD offers 62.2 inches of shoulder space in the front seat. The luxury SUV has a starting MSRP of $55,100; it can get an estimated 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The Enclave Avenir has three rows of seating and can fit up to seven.
The 2022 Honda Pilot Black Edition offers the second most spacious front seat for shoulder space—measuring 62 inches. The Black Edition has a starting MSRP of $51,870 and can get an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The Honda Pilot Black Edition offers three rows of seating and has space for seven.
The Best SUVs for Hip Room
Taller drivers could also have wider hips. If a seat is too narrow, drivers could feel cramped and uncomfortable. Those who need wider seats that offer more hip room can choose from these spacious SUVs:
- 2022 Acura MDX FWD 59.3 inches
- 2022 Ford Explorer Base 4WD 59.2 inches
- 2022 Honda Pilot Black Edition 59.1 inches
- 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD 59.0 inches
- 2022 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 1LS 58.1 inches
The 2022 Acura MDX is the most spacious SUV for those who need more hip room in the front seat. The MDX offers 59.3 inches of hip room. The 2022 MDX is a luxury or premium SUV and has a starting price of $48,000. It can get an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The MDX offers three rows of seating and space for up to seven. The 2022 MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS.
What is the Best SUV for Larger Drivers?
Those who need the most space in the front seat might choose the 2022 Ford Explorer, which offers 51.175 inches of space in the front seat. However, space needs for drivers might be different. Some need more headroom, while others might need more space to stretch their legs or more hip or shoulder room.
The 2022 Lexus RX 350 AWD and 450H offer the most legroom (44.1 inches). The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 1LS offers the most head room (41.4 inches). The 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD has the most space for shoulders (62.2 inches) and the 2022 Acura MDX FWD offers the most hip room (59.3 inches).
Car buyers should use these measurements to help determine the best SUV for their comfort. In addition, drivers also might look for features that help them better adjust their seat space during the drive. Telescoping steering wheels, power adjustable seats or even memory front seats could be good options for those who need to make adjustments to aid their driving comfort.
Don’t Skip the Test Drive
While front seat dimensions can help drivers understand their space options for different SUV models, the best way that buyers can determine the most comfortable SUV is by taking a test drive. While seats could be easy to adjust, buyers might find that they have to position the front seat too far back; this could impact the back seat space.
Car buyers want to feel out the comfort of the driver’s seat during the test drive, but they also need to assess other features of the car, too. Does the SUV maneuver easily? How is the acceleration?
Check out the infotainment screen and other interior features. Some drivers like larger infotainment screens. Others have other preferences.
The test drive can help buyers better understand if their dream car is really their best option. Buyers might have a few models on their ‘must have’ list. If front seat space is a major factor for the purchase decision, take a test drive of a few different models to find the most comfortable option.
For some buyers, though, price can be an issue. The Ford Explorer is both the most spacious and one of the most affordable options on the list from iSeeCars. The Explorer starts at $35,510.
If buyers are more limited in their budget, they could consider leasing a new model. Leasing offers a lower monthly payment than buying the same vehicle. There are pros and cons to leasing a vehicle, though.
Drivers who have long commutes might not be good candidates for a lease, as the agreement stipulates mileage restrictions. Exceeding these restrictions could be costly.
For those who are good candidates for a lease, this option can be more affordable. In addition, leasing also is less of a commitment than buying an automobile. At the end of the lease, the driver can simply return the car. Those who prefer to lease also might like that they don’t have to pay for basic maintenance like oil changes (this is the responsibility of the dealership).
As 2023 models roll into the dealerships, the 2022 models also could be priced lower. Buyers also could shop for used models to find more affordable options. For taller and larger drivers, there are many 2022 SUVs that offer plenty of front-seat space; buyers might just have to do a bit of research to find out which SUV is affordable and spacious enough for their needs.
Recent Posts
Categories
Luxury Cars
Trucks
Sedans