Which car or SUV has a lot of hip and shoulder room?

I am a big man — 6-foot-5 — with all my height in the torso (only have a 30-inch inseam) and a very broad build. I have sat in many a car and SUV that does not have enough height or shoulder and hip room to be comfortable (I currently drive an Explorer and it fits, but barely). What cars or SUVs are out there that will let me be comfortable in them and have someone of similar height sit behind me?

Bert, Griffin

If you want to stick with a similarly sized SUV to your Explorer, you may want to look at a car-based crossover SUV. Crossovers have more interior space in the form of hip and shoulder room than do truck-based SUVs like the Explorer.

Similar to the Explorer’s size is GM’s lineup of full-size crossover SUVs: the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. The Honda Pilot also has more hip and shoulder room than the Explorer.

On top of the bigger dimensions, be on the lookout for a vehicle with adjustable foot pedals, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and as many seat adjustments as possible for maximum tailoring of the seating position to your build. The same is also useful for shorter-than-average drivers.

GM’s full-size crossovers have a tilt/telescoping steering column and eight-way adjustable seats. The Honda Pilot also has eight-way adjustable seats.

You can use the Cars.com Side-by-Side Comparison tool to find dimensions like shoulder and hip room. These numbers don’t measure comfort, but they will give you a rough idea of interior space.

Learn more

Answered by Joe Bruzek on March 17, 2008 in What Car Should I Buy? | Permalink

Comments

A ford lincoln navigator. Any year

I just went car shopping today and was sure the Nissan Murano would be a sure bet because I am tall, wide, and round. It didn't work. Neither did any of the other comparable vehicles but to my surprise, the Saturn Vue was a PERFECT fit! It's just my luck that the best car for me is no longer made. I test drove a 2009 which was the last year they were made and was very impressed at how much room I had and how well it drove.

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