17 new and used cars short people will love

No, the problem is, carmakers tailor autos based mostly on top averages. The extra our top deviates from these averages, the better the variety of points we encounter.

Let’s face it — drivers are available in all sizes. Carmakers attempt to accommodate as a lot of the scale spectrum as doable. Nonetheless, it’s merely inconceivable to cowl all the chances. Over time, automakers realized a number of methods to broaden the peak vary. Consequently, extra automobiles grew to become inclusive of drivers on each ends of the peak bell curve. We’ve listed a few of these methods under within the part on options.

Options quick individuals want and can love

As autos have grown extra refined, carmakers elevated the degrees of consolation and comfort. Conveniences many people now take as a right, like key fobs, have accomplished a lot to make our lives simpler. Past that, in addition they assist us overcome a few of our top challenges.

When placing collectively our picks of automobiles for brief individuals, we assembled a listing of options we discover useful in overcoming top limitations. With this objective, we chosen autos wherein you will discover the perfect driving place whereas taking full benefit of all points of a automobile, truck, or SUV.

Discovering the perfect driving place

Discovering the perfect driving place requires mixing seat top, distance from the steering wheel, and distance from the pedals to the purpose you drive successfully and comfortably. The extra the options of the automobile function collectively to achieve this objective, the higher.

Attaining that very best driving place, although, isn’t solely a matter of consolation, however of security. Sitting too near the steering wheel can put you in hurt’s means throughout airbag deployment. A deploying airbag works like a managed explosion. Because it exits the steering wheel, it strikes with round 2,000 kilos of pressure.

One purpose why younger youngsters get relegated to second-row seats is to maneuver them away from the entrance airbags. The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) recommends sitting with at the least 10 inches between your breastbone and the airbag.

Optimizing your automobile’s performance

Getting essentially the most out of your automobile means greater than optimizing consolation and effectiveness behind the wheel. You wish to enter and exit with as little problem as doable. Possibly it is advisable to assist place a baby in a security seat. Doing so turns into harder in a full-size truck or SUV with out working boards. Opening and shutting a automobile’s trunk or an SUV’s rear liftgate needn’t require a step stool. Nor ought to the protection belt lower throughout your neck.

Our sought-after options checklist addresses each key targets. We consider you’ll discover it useful in your quest in your very best automobile.

What are automobile options for brief drivers?

• Wonderful visibility: It’s not sufficient for a automobile to supply a giant greenhouse (window surfaces). You wish to sit excessive sufficient to see out of all that tumbler. Whenever you do see out, you should utilize a head-up show to maintain all the things within the eye’s view.

• Simple to enter and exit: Some autos will likely be simpler to get into and out of than others. This ease of ingress and egress relies on low step-in, a big door opening, and seat top.

• Adjustable driver’s seat: The extra changes a seat provides, the extra doubtless you’ll obtain that very best driving place. Changes will be made for top, distance from the steering wheel, and seat-back recline.

• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel: Offering changes for top and attain, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel could also be operated manually or powered.

• Energy-adjustable pedals: Discovering the perfect driving place usually turns into a compromise. Even with totally adjustable seats and steering wheel, it’s a compromise as a result of your ft nonetheless should attain the pedals. This difficult-to-find function addresses that subject. In the event you can not discover a automobile with this function, aftermarket pedal extenders will be obtained for buy.

• Steering wheel system controls: Many automobiles, vehicles, and SUVs provide steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio and cruise management programs, in addition to for some driver-aid controls, smartphone options, and the motive force info show. Learn our story on utilizing paddle shifters, additionally mounted to steering wheels.

• Energy rear liftgate or trunk lid: Reaching as much as shut a trunk lid or a rear liftgate is tougher for these on the decrease finish of the peak spectrum. Consequently, many autos in the present day provide energy variations that function with the press of a button on the automobile or key fob. A number of autos even provide hands-free variations that open by swiping a foot below the rear bumper, or open when stepping near the trunk.

• Car decreasing: Many autos with an automated air suspension provide a function for decreasing and elevating the automobile by a number of inches for simpler entry.

• Working boards and seize handles: Providing a step that will help you hoist your self right into a taller automobile, working boards will be fastened or energy deployable. Seize handles on the A-pillars or inside the highest of the door opening usually accompany working boards.

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The checklist of the very best new and used automobiles for brief individuals

Most of our picks don’t provide all of our sought-after options. As a substitute, every brings a number of ones.

We put a giant emphasis on seating top. Most drivers recognize the upper seating place of crossovers and SUVs. From our expertise, shorter drivers fall inside that majority. So, you’ll discover the majority of our picks listed to be crossovers and SUVs.

Word: Pricing doesn’t embody vacation spot prices.

One of the best new automobiles for brief individuals

1. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $29,000 (SEL)

Base value: $27,200 | Knowledgeable score: 4.7

IIHS score: High Security Decide+

Mixed gasoline financial system: 25 mpg

We ranked the Hyundai
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-1.17%
Santa Fe as Kelley Blue Guide’s 2-Row Midsize SUV Greatest Purchase for 2021 as a result of it provides one thing for everybody. We prefer it quite a bit. The thrust comes from a 4-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automated transmission. Proper out of the field, the bottom grade offers auto on-off LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a complete checklist of driver aids. Wi-fi Apple
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+0.98%
CarPlay and wi-fi Android Auto are additionally commonplace.

Amongst our advisable options on the bottom grade are raised seating and a manually adjusted driver’s seat with top adjustment. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls can be included. Nonetheless, merely transferring as much as the SEL ($29,000) grade provides an 8-way energy driver’s seat. Likewise stepping up by way of the opposite grades provides a hands-free power-adjustable rear liftgate.

2. 2022 Honda CR-V

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $32,009 (EX-L + Utility Package deal)

Base value: $25,750 | Knowledgeable score: 4.7

IIHS score: High Security Decide

Mixed gasoline financial system: 30 mpg

Not liking the Honda
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CR-V is sort of inconceivable. We embody it on lots of our “Greatest” lists just because it checks all of the packing containers it ought to. Massive inside, a zippy powertrain, stable security tech, and spectacular reliability work as enticing traits for drivers of any top. The CR-V’s go comes from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Amongst its commonplace options are automated local weather management, auto on-off headlights, and a number of other driver aids, together with adaptive cruise management and high-beam help.

From our checklist of advisable options included on the Honda are a excessive seating place, a big greenhouse, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and a manually adjusted driver’s seat with top adjustment. With the EX-L trim, you get a 12-way energy driver’s seat. Working boards are a part of the Utility Package deal ($1,159). A hands-free energy liftgate is commonplace on the Touring grade. 

3. 2021 Nissan Rogue

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $27,740 (SV)

Base value: $26,050 | Knowledgeable score: 4.5

IIHS score: High Security Decide+

Mixed gasoline financial system: 30 mpg

Redesigned for 2021, the Nissan
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Rogue impresses us with its exterior styling, quiet inside, and a stable array of ordinary driver aids. The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an automated transmission. Customary content material consists of LED exterior lighting, Zero Gravity low-fatigue seats, and distant keyless entry. Additionally commonplace are an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Popping one other $1,690 for the SV grade provides a great deal of additional goodies like satellite tv for pc radio functionality, a Wi-Fi scorching spot, and a surround-view digicam.

Customary options on our advisable checklist embody an elevated journey top, good visibility, and a 6-way manually adjusted driver’s seat with top adjustment. Additionally included are seize handles and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. To choose up the 8-way energy driver’s seat, it is advisable to make that step as much as the SV trim ($27,740). The SV additionally consists of the Nissan semiautonomous driving system ProPilot Help. High trim ranges embody a hands-free energy liftgate. 

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4. 2022 Toyota Camry

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $25,295 (LE)

Base value: $25,295 | Knowledgeable score: 4.6

IIHS score: High Security Decide+

Mixed gasoline financial system: 32 mpg

There are many causes the Toyota
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+0.81%
Camry is the bestselling midsize sedan. The Camry has been on many “Greatest” lists and this one is not any completely different. That it is smart for this checklist is only one of them. We recognize its stable resale worth, comfortable journey, spectacular gasoline financial system, and accessible AWD. In its base LE guise, it’s powered by a 4-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automated transmission. Customary tools consists of dual-zone automated local weather management, distant keyless entry, 10 airbags, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Camry boasts a tidy array of ordinary driver aids, too.

In its base trim, our advisable options embody low step-in, good visibility, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Though transferring up by way of the opposite grades will add a great deal of further goodies, spending extra money gained’t convey you extra of our advisable options.

5. 2021 Mazda CX-30

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $28,700 (Premium)

Base value: $22,050 | Knowledgeable score: 4.6

IIHS score: High Security Decide+

Mixed gasoline financial system: 28 mpg

We may have simply inserted the Mazda3 on this area, however went for the Mazda CX-30 as a substitute. First due to its barely (1.5-inch) larger journey top. Second, we like the additional inside area the CX-30 provides. Mazda
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payments itself as a sporty model and that’s precisely what it’s. We recognize the dealing with, steering, and peppy 4-cylinder engine. Customary on the bottom grade are LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Additionally included are a Wi-Fi scorching spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

From our checklist of advisable options are an elevated seating place, good visibility, a low step-in, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. It additionally encompasses a manually adjustable driver’s seat with top adjustment. Shifting as much as the Premium grade ($28,700) provides an 8-way energy driver’s seat, an influence liftgate, and many different goodies like navigation and a head-up show. 

6. 2022 Kia Soul

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $21,490 (S)

Base value: $19,190 | Knowledgeable score: 4.5

IIHS score: High Security Decide

Mixed gasoline financial system: 30 mpg

The Kia Soul is a tidy package deal however offers a great deal of inside area. We like its funky form, which offers a giant glass space. Likewise, we recognize its reasonably priced pricing and terrific powertrain guarantee. The Soul’s go comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine by way of an automated transmission. The bottom LX grade consists of auto-on-off headlights, distant keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Additionally commonplace are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nonetheless, you could pony up an additional $900 for an possibility package deal of driver aids.

Included within the base value is a manually adjustable driver’s seat with top adjustment, a low step-in, and an elevated seating place. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls can be commonplace. Nonetheless, transferring up one stage to the Soul S ($21,490) provides an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Furthermore, it provides different goodies like the motive force aids within the above possibility package deal.

7. 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $27,435 (LS + Aspect Steps + LS Comfort Package deal)

Base value: $25,800 | Knowledgeable score: 4.3

IIHS score: High Security Decide

Mixed gasoline financial system: 28 mpg

Usually, the Chevy Equinox is a fantastic, all-around crossover. It encompasses a aggressive value, plenty of user-friendly expertise, and a snug cabin. Powered by a peppy turbo 4-cylinder, it performs energetically. As priced right here, it offers auto on-off LED headlights, full energy equipment, heated outboard mirrors, a 7-inch colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It additionally features a suite of driver aids.

Amongst our advisable options, the bottom trim offers stable visibility, a raised seating place, and entrance seize handles. Additionally included: a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. Choices embody side-mounted help steps ($850) and an 8-way energy driver’s seat within the Comfort Package deal ($785).

The upper up you progress in trim ranges, you get the choice for an influence programmable and hands-free liftgate, surround-vision digicam, and automated parking help that may steer your automobile right into a parking spot. 

8. 2022 Subaru Outback

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $30,545 (Premium + Palms-Free Energy Carry Gate possibility package deal)

Base value: $28,070 | Knowledgeable score: 4.6

IIHS score: High Security Decide+

Mixed gasoline financial system: 26 mpg

As a result of it’s greater than a wagon however not fairly an SUV, the Subaru
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Outback defies being pigeonholed. Though we consider the Outback is a stable decide for this checklist, we’d pony up the additional $1,075 for the Premium grade. We like Outback’s commonplace all-wheel drive (AWD), a wealthy group of ordinary driver aids, and spectacular gasoline financial system. Granted, the 8.7-inch floor clearance makes its step-in larger than a daily passenger automobile, but it surely does include seize handles. Different commonplace options embody automated local weather management, LED headlights, distant keyless entry, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

From our advisable checklist the bottom grade consists of an elevated journey top, stable visibility, a manually adjusted driver’s seat with top adjustment, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. Choosing the Premium trim ($29,145) provides a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Tacking on the choice package deal with the hands-free energy liftgate will set you again one other $1,400. 

9. 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $35,820 (Touring)

Base value: $35,820 | Knowledgeable score: 4.5

IIHS score: Good

Mixed gasoline financial system: 22 mpg

A fantastic mixture of high-end consolation and flexibility, the Chrysler Pacifica is spectacular as household transport or a weekend job-jar workhorse. With its intelligent seating system, it will possibly take a household of eight to the films, in addition to, haul a full sheet of plywood. Accessible in all-wheel drive, it sources energy from a V6 mated to an 8-speed automated transmission. Customary fare consists of LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and fog lights), rain-sensing wipers, a ten.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A full suite of driver aids additionally comes commonplace.

The bottom Pacifica consists of a number of of our advisable options like a low door sill, energy sliding aspect doorways, an influence liftgate, an 8-way energy driver’s seat, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls.

Different accessible options on higher trims and choices embody hands-free energy doorways and a hands-free energy liftgate. 

10. 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $28,140 (SE + Comfort package deal)

Base value: $22,995 | Knowledgeable score: 4.0

IIHS score: N/A

Mixed gasoline financial system: 31 mpg

Consider the all-new VW
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+1.68%
Taos as a Tiguan mini-me. Volkswagen principally downsized the Tiguan and consequently, the Taos is its smallest crossover. We’re impressed with its zippy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, snug journey, and carlike dealing with. In its base guise, it comes with auto on-off headlights, keyless entry with push-button begin, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Each Taos touchscreen responds to the touch the identical means a pill does, permitting you to pinch and swipe.

From our advisable checklist are an elevated journey top, good visibility, a manually adjustable driver’s seat with top adjustment, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. You need to step as much as the SE ($27,245) grade to attain an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Then add the Comfort package deal ($895) for the semiautonomous driving system and rain-sensing wipers. 

11. 2022 Ram 1500

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $40,845 (Massive Horn + Tools Group 1 + Working Boards)

Base value: $33,225 | Knowledgeable score: 4.5

IIHS score: High Security Decide

Mixed gasoline financial system: 26 mpg

The Ram 1500 is likely one of the top-selling pickup vehicles in America. It’s extremely succesful, dependable, and provides quite a lot of attraction for shorter drivers. The worth right here is for the bottom Tradesman. Sure, it’s extra of a piece truck. Nonetheless, it does have an affordable quantity of ordinary comfort and connectivity options. Nonetheless, we advocate stepping as much as the Massive Horn ($38,060) trim (referred to as the Lone Star trim in Texas).

The Tradesman does include a few of our advisable options. They embody a excessive seating top, wonderful visibility, and seize handles. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls can be commonplace. You possibly can then add aspect steps for $695. Shifting as much as the Massive Horn ($38,800) doesn’t in itself assist a lot as a result of it doesn’t improve our advisable options. Nonetheless, including its Degree 1 Tools Group ($1,300) does. It consists of an 8-way energy driver’s seat and power-adjustable pedals. You possibly can add wheel-to-wheel working boards for one more $745. As you progress up the trim ranges, you possibly can add an influence tailgate and an air suspension permitting the motive force to lift and decrease the automobile. 

12. 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Greatest worth for brief individuals: $40,825 (Reserve)

Base value: $36,105 | Knowledgeable score: 3.3

IIHS score: High Security Decide

Mixed gasoline financial system: 25 mpg

A chief instance of Lincoln’s dedication to high quality and luxurious, the Corsair is the model’s smallest crossover. Corsair sources its energy from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with an 8-speed automated transmission. Customary options embody auto on-off LED headlights, dual-zone automated local weather management, and heated entrance seats. Additionally included are an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Its suite of ordinary driver aids is included in the usual Co-Pilot360 package deal.

Amongst our advisable options are a excessive driving place, wonderful visibility, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls. Additionally commonplace on the bottom grade is an influence rear liftgate. Shifting as much as the Reserve ($40,825) trim provides a power-adjustable steering wheel and a voice-activated navigation system. Shifting as much as the Grand Touring ($50,330) grade, which is a plug-in hybrid, consists of the Air Glide Adaptive Suspension. It permits drivers to decrease the automobile’s top for simpler entry and exit.

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One of the best used automobiles for brief individuals

1. 2019-2021 Subaru Forester

Worth vary: $27,000-$31,000 | Knowledgeable score: 4.4

IIHS score: High Security Decide+

Mixed gasoline financial system: 29 mpg

Subaru did a complete Forester redesign for 2019. Each Forester comes with AWD, but it nonetheless will get an estimated 29 mpg in mixed driving. Furthermore, we like Forester for its inside room, easy journey, and reasonably priced value. We’d advocate sticking with the Restricted grade. It comes with steering-responsive auto on-off LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automated local weather management, and keyless entry with push-button begin.

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Amongst our advisable options are an elevated seating place, stable visibility, an influence liftgate, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

2. 2015-2017 Honda Accord

Worth vary: $20,000-$30,000 | Knowledgeable score: 4.6

IIHS score: High Security Decide (2015) High Security Decide+ (2016 & 2017)

Mixed gasoline financial system: 26 mpg

How will you go unsuitable with the Honda Accord? We prefer it due to its room, quiet journey, and dependability. Even 4 or 5 years in the past, the Accord was a expertise chief. Due to their further content material, we advocate wanting on the EX or EX-L when purchasing on this model-year vary.

The above value vary represents these trim ranges. On the EX stage, you’ll discover a keyless entry with a push-button begin, dual-zone auto local weather management, an influence sunroof, a 7.7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Honda was providing its Honda Sensing group of driver aids as an possibility throughout this era. We advise in search of that as effectively.

Amongst our advisable options embody low step-in, good visibility, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. 

3. 2018-2020 Honda Match

Worth vary: $17,000-$24,000 | Knowledgeable score: 4.6

IIHS score: Good

Mixed gasoline financial system: 33 mpg

Small on the surface however enormous inside, the Honda Match provides plenty of passenger and cargo area. Simple on gasoline and a pleasure to drive, it’s the very best small automobile. Sadly, 2020 was the final 12 months Honda bought it within the U.S.

We might recommend sticking with the higher trim ranges just like the EX and EX-L. Each are fairly effectively outfitted with auto on-off headlights, high-beam help, keyless entry with push-button begin, and some driver aids.

For our functions right here, we recognize the low step-in, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and the manually adjustable driver’s seat with top adjustment. 

4. 2017-2020 GMC Yukon

Base Worth: $40,000-$67,000 | Knowledgeable score: 4.3

IIHS score: N/A

Mixed gasoline financial system: 18 mpg

A kissing cousin to the Chevy Tahoe, the hulking GMC Yukon could look like an odd alternative for shorter of us. Not so quick. It provides a number of of our advisable options, making it a stable decide for this checklist. We prefer it for its roomy inside, robust powertrain lineup, and spectacular towing functionality. It additionally comes because the long-wheelbase Yukon XL, and a 5.3-liter V-8 engine offers the thrust. Amongst its commonplace tools are a rearview digicam, distant begin, tri-zone automated local weather management, an 8-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi scorching spot, 5 USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There are a number of accessible driver aids.

Amongst our advisable options the bottom Yukon features a excessive seating place, aspect help steps, an 8-way energy driver’s seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and overhead entrance seize handles. Accessible on higher trims or as choices are retractable working boards, power-adjustable pedals, and the Air Experience Adaptive Suspension with driver-selectable journey top. Yep, you possibly can decrease the journey top for decrease step-in. 

5. 2018-2019 Audi SQ5

Worth vary: $41,000-$45,000 | Knowledgeable score: 4.7

IIHS score: High Security Decide (2018), Good (2019)

Mixed gasoline financial system: 21 mpg

We selected this model-year unfold as a result of Audi redesigned the SQ5 for 2018. Used SQ5 fashions are inclined to common round $5,000 greater than the Q5. A efficiency model of the Q5, the SQ5 could look like one other odd decide for this checklist, however there’s a good purpose. The SQ5 qualifies for a Sport Package deal with Audi’s Air Adaptive Suspension. Not solely does it guarantee a greater journey, however the driver can even decrease the peak for decrease step-in. The worth unfold is for fashions with the Sport Package deal.

Even in its base trim, the SQ5 is effectively outfitted. It consists of LED exterior lighting, a tri-zone auto local weather management, a slide-recline-split 40/20/40 rear seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Amongst our advisable options it offers an elevated journey top, good visibility, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with system controls, and a height-adjustable energy driver’s seat. As well as, one other function shorter drivers will recognize is a height-adjustable heart armrest that additionally slides fore and aft.

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FAQ

Are automobiles extra harmful for brief individuals?

Working a automobile will be extra harmful for a shorter driver in case your seat isn’t adequately adjusted. In the event you drive too near the steering wheel, you danger taking a major affect from an airbag should you get into an accident. To keep away from this, make sure that you correctly regulate your seat to be a secure distance from the wheel.

Are there automobile booster seats for brief drivers?

In case you are on the shorter finish of the peak curve, visibility generally is a downside. Nonetheless, utilizing seat cushions and booster seats will assist elevate you just a few inches, permitting higher visibility of the street.

Are there automobile pedal extenders for brief drivers?

Sure. In the event you wrestle to succeed in the gasoline and brake pedal, you possibly can store numerous credible web sites to buy a pedal extender that most accurately fits your wants.

This story initially ran on KBB.com.