If it seems like auto advertising is focussed only on smaller, compact cars, bigger people may be wondering:  what about me?

For those consumers at the taller end of the spectrum, options are slim when it comes to buying a vehicle.  These days, the emphasis seems to be on fuel efficiency and environmental impact.  This has resulted in smaller cars with smaller engines.  Therefore, with the introduction of many undersized hybrids, where do tall and/or big people fit in?

Are Smaller Vehicles The Future?

If you quickly scan dealership ads and commercials, as well as their websites, it is hard not to be impressed with all of the features that are standard in a newer vehicle, in addition to features you can upgrade to.  Extras such as satellite radio, Bluetooth phone systems and heated seats make it easy to forget simpler times when things like a spacey interior and the possibility of a sun/moon roof made a vehicle seem luxurious.  While it is nice to have some extra options, are auto manufacturers focussing too carefully on those instead of on the basic needs of all consumers?

The Danger (And Discomfort) For Larger People

To ensure you understand that those people who are above average height and/or weight cannot simply stuff their larger bodies into a compact vehicle, consider some scary, yet obvious points.  A midsize vehicle will always perform better on crash tests than a small car.  This is straightforward physics; the larger vehicle will apply greater force to the smaller one, causing more damage.  In fact, in a study done by CTV, crash test dummies actually sustained head injuries from hitting the steering wheel, despite the presence of airbags.  Now consider a person of above-average size sitting in that small car during impact.  Where a regular sized person would bump their head on the steering wheel, a taller or larger person would very possibly hit the windshield.

After the argument for safety, there is the issue of space.  Someone who is more than six feet tall or on the heavy side in terms of weight would have a hard time climbing into a vehicle such as a SmartCar or Honda Fit.  There is just not enough headroom or space between the driver’s seat and steering wheel.  While small cars claim enough space for a person of any size, compare their interiors to SUVs or even mid-size vehicles.  You cannot argue blatant observation.

Which Vehicles Have The Most Interior Space?

After everything I’ve said, what would this article be without a list of the most spacious vehicles?  So if you are a big person shopping for a vehicle, keep in mind that opinions vary and when the time comes to purchase, you have to consider what works best for you.  In the meantime, consider these models:  for convertibles, the Chrysler Sebring or, surprisingly, newer Volkswagen Beetles.  If you see a minivan in your near future, the Ford Econoline Wagon E-150 XL or the Dodge Caravan both have enough head and leg room for the driver and all passengers.  Pick-up trucks work well for you?  While most would probably have sufficient space for a big person, the Nissan Titan has a large cab (comes in King Cab or Crew Cab option) and if you have a smaller budget, any of the Ford F-series will suit you just fine.  Finally, for SUV lovers, think about going for a Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Landcruiser or Chevrolet Suburban.  Be prepared to pay more in gas however, because these large SUVs definitely consume more.

There Are Options

While a person of greater than average height may feel as though auto companies have forgotten about them, it takes only a minimal amount of effort to find that there are several choices in each vehicle category.  As with any other major purchase, trial and error is really the only way to decide if a vehicle is right for you.  The most important features should be comfort and safety and if that means you have to go for a larger model, so be it.  It is well worth the investment to know that you are protected should you ever be involved in an accident.

Also, there is a misconception that bigger is more expensive, but keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily true.  You will be able to find something in your price range, no matter what your size.  So while it may seem that fuel and energy efficient, micro vehicles are all that is available, know that you may have to look a little harder, but big vehicles do exist!


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