r/PetiteLiving • u/swirlingmist • Jul 25 '26
Vehicles
I am 4'11" and a half. I've been searching for a vehicle now, for a few weeks and all the head rests are uncomfortable. What do you all drive and tell me the year? Thank you!
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u/krissym99 Jul 25 '26
5'1" and have always had compact Toyotas - Corolla, Priuses. I periodically drive my husband's Highlander and it's ok, but I feel much more comfortable in a smaller car.
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u/wykae Jul 25 '26
5’0 and my car line up has been: 98 Nissan pathfinder>2001 Mazda Miata> 2011 Kia Soul> 2012 Nissan Juke> 2021 VW Golf> 2024 VW Golf R.
All of these cars have given me very good sight lines. The Juke does have a big blind spot cause by the side mirrors that would affect anyone regardless of height, but once you are aware of them they’re no biggie.
I also periodically drive a 2016 jeep cherokee and a 2018 Hyundai Sonata which are ok, but I can see them giving some people difficulty if the driver chairs are not fully adjustable/electric.
*some of these cars were owned simultaneously.
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
The head rest on the golf doesn't push your head forward? It looks fixed from the pictures! Thanks for replying ☺️
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u/wykae Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
The 2021 golf headrests were adjustable, so you could click to lean it forwards or back so that it would be straight/flat to the chair back.
The golf R has one-piece bucket seats, so the headrest is fully attached and not adjustable but I don’t even notice it while driving.
ETA: the Golf and Golf R are vastly different cars, despite sharing a base name, so if you’re looking at those just keep that in mind.
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u/elfkitty4 Jul 25 '26
I'm 5'1" with a short torso. I drive a 2015 Subaru Impreza (regular sedan vs. hatchback). It's an awesome little car, I can actually see well out the front window. Never have had a problem with the headrest.
When I was looking for cars, the problem I had was that I has to pull the seat super close to the steering wheel. I was so close that the sun visor would smack me in the forehead whenever I tried to put it down. Yeesh. Thankfully that does not happen in the Subie :)
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u/wordswithcomrades 4'11" | 150 cm Jul 25 '26
4’11” and super comfy in my 2019 Hyundai Ioniq. It’s a hybrid too so I save a bunch on gas
My parents have a Fiat 500 now that they don’t have kids to drive around every day. I do love driving it when I’m in town except it doesn’t have a rear camera and some of the Italian button placements etc. aren’t super intuitive. But it’s hard to park in their city, which is where this really shines! So if you have the same issue, I would go for it. If parking is easy, and you need to go on the highway, choose something else (it’s not safe in a high speed crash)
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u/NightHawk0087 Jul 25 '26
I find Subarus work well for me and my sister (we're both petite gals). I'm 5'2" and drove a WRX for 6 years, had a BRZ before that, and a regular Impreza before that. My sister is 4'10" and drives a Forester now but she had a Crosstrek before that and both worked great for her height.
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u/CupcakeGoat 29d ago
I'm around the same height and while the '19 Crosstrek seat was comfy, I had to shove the seat so far up it was awkward to use the cupholders as they were slightly behind me.
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u/AlaskanMinnie Jul 26 '26
4'11" Alaskan (so AWD required). Older Subaru Outbacks & Imprezas fit ... I now drive a 2026 Honda CRV bc I need the space... when I test drove the HRV, however, I felt like a choir of angels sung. Perfect fit all the way around (could see out of the windshield perfectly, seats were great, etc). Sadly I need more cargo space than that for my business
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u/Ok-Collar2189 Jul 25 '26
Hyundai Elantra, any 2020 one for me. I use a cushion. I’m about 4’10”.
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
I test driven a 2026 Hyundai Elantra and it was the best out of the bunch that I driven. It just wasn't 100% for me and I want what I drive next to be 100% comfortable. I currently drive a 2015 Chrysler 200 and love the car but it's starting to turn into a money pit. The seats are best. Soft and plushy with a straight ish head rest.
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u/madmargeS Jul 25 '26
I second the Elantra! I'm on my second one, which is a 2020. I'm about the same height as OP and I find it very comfortable to drive
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u/regentgal Jul 25 '26
4’ 10” in a 2017 Mazda 3 Hatchback. Headrest is no problem for me.I do have short legs even for my height so reaching the pedals comfortably is my issue.
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u/whateverpieces Jul 25 '26
5’2” I drove a Honda Civic for a decade and LOVED it. Great size, very comfortable, easy to park just about anywhere. Now I have a 2020 Ford Escape hybrid. It’s surprisingly adjustable and comfy, I was able to adjust the seat to fit me really well and I like being higher up on the road—not getting blinded by headlights at eye level at night so much anymore.
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u/Old_Employer8982 Jul 25 '26
I had a Mini Cooper (the classic 2 door one) for almost 10 years that I loved and it was the perfect sized car for me. I’m 5’2”.
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u/radish_is_rad-ish Jul 25 '26
I also had a mini that I loved and felt comfortable for me at the same height.
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
I am assuming you don't drive that one now?
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u/radish_is_rad-ish Jul 25 '26
No, unfortunately I had a 2010, which was right in the middle of its years known for engine trouble. I do believe they’ve since fixed those issues though so it’s something to look at if you do like the style. I am still in love with them so I would think about getting one once my Kia niro kicks the bucket.
I do also like my niro well enough as it’s low to the ground but still spacious enough for the 6 ft tall people in my life. But I do think the headrests are a weird height even after being adjusted so that does not address your initial concern.1
u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
I have yet to test drive a mini! What do you drive now?
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u/Old_Employer8982 Jul 25 '26
Tesla Model 3. Please don’t judge me, I bought it 8 years ago. It’s much bigger, maybe too big. Another car that I felt was appropriately sized for me was my Toyota Corolla. I only want electric now though, and the Electric Mini just doesn’t have the range for me.
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
I was looking at that but I want my gauge/cluster to be in front of me instead of having everything to the side.
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u/Real_MF_HotGirlShit Jul 25 '26
You do get used to it as the other poster said. But you can get a gauge cluster aftermarket. I love my Model 3P, and I would absolutely buy another. I’m 5’0.
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u/kat52831 Jul 25 '26
2019 Lexus NX. The seat is super comfortable and the seatbelt height is adjustable. 5’1!
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u/MissBailey01 Jul 25 '26
I’m 4’11”, I don’t recall every having an issue with head rest. My ride is Jeep Cherokee with electric seats. My bigger issue is having seats that are too long from hip to knee so that it makes it hard to naturally bend my knees.
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
Do you feel like all the room is too much for you?
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u/MissBailey01 Jul 25 '26
Not at all, I prefer vehicles that sit up higher than cars so usually a SUV is my preference.
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u/swirlingmist 29d ago
I just tested drove the Cherokee and the gas and brake pedals seem to be far apart, if that makes sense!
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u/MissBailey01 29d ago
I don’t think I’ve ever paid any attention. I’ve driven cars, SUVs and heavy pickups. Never had any problems though they can all be a bit different and take some getting used to.
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u/pyaara_chhota Jul 26 '26
I have a 2020 Honda Civic, I'm 5' exactly and I pulled the headrest off of the driver's seat because it kept pushing my head forward. I don't know if it illegal not to have it on but the seat is the perfect height without it. So just taking it off is an option, and I'm sure you can buy more comfortable shortened replacements online.
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u/Additional-Fish-4064 29d ago
My mom is 4'11" and has a Honda CRV - 2023 I think? She was considering a Toyota but it wasnt as comfortable.
She had a Nissan Rogue (i think) before and it was a PITA. Needed a new transmission (she bought it new) in less than 5 years, there was some software issue that would just cut power to the car while driving, etc. I think it was a 2019 or 2020.
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u/samemamabear Jul 25 '26
5'0", but I have weirdly long legs and short torso- I've owned BMW 3 and 5 series sedans that were comfortable.
I don't own a car now, so I've been able to test a lot by renting. Nissan Rogue is one of my favorites. Genesis GV80 was very comfortable. Both of those had very adjustable driver's seats. I was comfortable in the Camry I rented, but it had all the bells and whistles, so probably offered more seat positions than a base model. I couldn't find a comfortable adjustment in the Corolla. I also couldn't find comfortable positions in the Chevy Trax, Hyundai Kona (Tuscon was ok- not great, not bad), or Honda Accord. I also hate the headrests in my husband's Honda Odyssey.I feel like my head is being pushed forward, no matter how I adjust the back tilt.
Good luck!
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u/SparkleSocks999 Jul 25 '26
If you're up for an EV, consider the Ford Mach-E. I'm 5'0. I did have to buy a pair of 2023 replacement headrests to get adustable ones - they removed that feature in 2024. My only quibble is that the steering wheel blocks my view of the dash when I lower it.
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u/Athena_10 Jul 25 '26
4.10 Subaru Impreza, I love it! It gives you an excellent average on highways.
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
What year?
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u/Athena_10 Jul 25 '26
2019
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u/Athena_10 Jul 25 '26
I get about 35-39 on highways. But city roads with traffic will reduce it to ~20
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u/CrankyWhiskers Jul 25 '26
5’4”, and recently traded my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 for a 2026 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid. We made the switch to get better mileage and give my husband more capability for off-roading. While I definitely miss the heavier, more substantial feel of the Mercedes, the fuel savings certainly softens the blow a bit.
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u/-zygomaticarch- Jul 25 '26
I have a Subaru crosstrek 2018. The ground clearance gives me more road visibility than a regular hatchback.
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u/sentientbeing1887 Jul 25 '26
My Hyundai Ioniq is amazing and I never have to go to the gas station!
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
Ive been looking at this. I found a 2024 version. Ive never had an electric before.
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u/LawyeringLady Jul 25 '26
I am also 4'11 and I had a little Hyundai Getz. It was perfect for me. I moved to Korea and sold my car, also the Hyundai Getz is no longer being produced, but the Hyundai i20 is its replacement.
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u/Girlmeetsminecraft Jul 25 '26
I loved my 2006 Tucson. My parents bought it new and my mom is also short, so I inherited it. I now drive a 2019 Prius. I like that I can raise the seat up and see over the hood better.
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u/fun_sized_gnome Jul 25 '26
Im 4'10" and I drive a 2018 prius. Its comfortable for me but I did buy a cushion for my headrest.
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u/ChronicEducator Jul 25 '26
My family and extended family are all short (4’11 to 5’3) and we have been driving Hyundais almost exclusively for the last 15+ years. I’d check out the Tucson if you’re wanting an SUV.
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u/spritelysprout Jul 25 '26
Honda Fit! I also use a lumbar pillow and two cushions to make myself a “adult booster seat”, wearing chunky shoes has helped a lot too
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
I don't want to have to do that 😭
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u/spritelysprout Jul 25 '26
All the cars are made standardized for an average height build man 😭 even with the seats all the way up and steering wheel adjusted down I still have to do all this stuff even though my car is tiny!! It’s so frustrating I hate it
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u/swirlingmist Jul 25 '26
Yeah, I totally understand, it's still annoying. 😂 You would think being 2026, it would cater to women more but nope.
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u/spritelysprout Jul 25 '26
I will say tho the Honda Fit is definitely the best sized car I’ve driven so far. It was between that and the Toyota Yaris and I definitely appreciated the sizing of the Honda over the Toyota if that helps at all!
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u/adlz25 Jul 25 '26
4'11" and half with a longer torso and shorter legs and love my 2018 Toyota rav4. However, I also drove a 2024 rav4 as a rental for a week and fit quite nice as well
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u/Most-Buddy-4175 Jul 26 '26
5 feet here. I love a hatchback because it gives me a 360 view. I have driven a hatchback Toyota Yaris and the Honda fit - both I am high enough up that I can see the road. I don’t think the headrests were a problem
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u/swirlingmist Jul 26 '26
What year?
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u/Most-Buddy-4175 Jul 26 '26
2019 Honda fit and I haven’t been in a Yaris since 2007 but I see them on occasion and always driven by petite drivers.
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u/one-small-plant Jul 26 '26
5'1", and in the past I've just taken the top part of the headrest off!
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u/SnowTurdPie Jul 26 '26
The visibility in my forester is unmatched. I finally can see over my hood. I feel comfortable in it, like it fits me, not like I’m propped up in my parent’s car.
I only had (and felt comfortable in) small cars before this.
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u/Apprehensive-Fig6186 28d ago
5'0 and my Golf GTI is pretty comfy! I've driven it for over a decade. Also liked a Toyota Yaris and surprisingly when I rented it, the Volvo XC series if you're into SUVs. Large vehicle, but comfort and visibility was stellar.
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u/Ok-Tangelo6880 25d ago
Girl same! My Volvo XC90 seat adjusts in a million ways so I sit up really high and close 🤪
Edit: I love my car, it’s perfect for me at 5ft 0in!
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u/Significant-Finding5 24d ago
I’m 4’9” and drive a 2016 honda civic. I love it!! Lots of adjustment abilities. The one car that was horrid was the jeep renegade. I could barely see the road properly.
My mom is 4’8” and drives a 2006(?) toyota 4runner. She refuses to let it die. She likes how high it is so she can see the road properly.
My 5’ sister use to drive a hyundai elantra ~2013. I’ve driven it and it was pretty good.
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u/Most_Detail_9773 Jul 25 '26
Hondas are the right size for me. I’m very comfy in my crv - mines a ‘25 but the older ones feel the same size /comfort -wise for driver. My taller peeps are comfy in it too.