For some people, buying a car is an easy task, as a lot of people choose a vehicle based on personal preference. However, there are features to take into consideration for some. If you’re a large person, you want to contemplate your car choice carefully, as it is important to buy a car you feel comfortable driving and riding in.
The best car for most large people is the 2021 Kia Soul. It has an ample amount of head and legroom. It also has many other important features, including a spacious interior, good gas mileage, and optional extra features. You can also put the driver’s seat back a good distance if you’re extra tall.
The Kia Soul has a mixture of all the factors on this list, making it a good option for a variety of people. However, if you have one feature that you prioritize above the others, there are other excellent cars to choose from as well. This article details some of the most critical things to consider when buying a car and features spacious cars that work for different lifestyles.
Contents
Factors to Consider When Buying Cars for Large People
Some of the top things to consider when buying a car include:
- Headroom and legroom
- Gas mileage
- Seating capacity
- Extra features
Consider each of these carefully, as you want to pick a car that suits your needs exactly.
Let’s take a closer look at these factors now.
Headroom and Legroom
You need to consider how much physical space the car has. The headroom and legroom are arguably the most crucial part of buying a car for a large person, as you want to make sure you fit comfortably.
The last thing you want is to graze your head on the ceiling every time you drive or get cramps because your legs are too long. Make sure to always look at the interior space before buying a car.
Don’t forget to check the back seat as well, in case you are not driving all the time, or if you have larger passengers.
Gas Mileage
Gas mileage is a big factor in any car purchase.
If you’re on a tight budget or care deeply for the environment, you likely do not want a car that uses an extreme amount of fuel. Lower gas mileage usually comes with smaller cars, but this is not always true.
The better the gas mileage is, the better your wallet will feel. However, some people prefer performance over gas mileage, so this may not be relevant to everyone.
Seating Capacity
If your family is large, you probably will not buy a compact vehicle.
Likewise, if you’re a solo driver, you may not need the extra seating in a minivan. It is essential to buy a car that suits your needs, so make sure to consider how many passengers you might have at one time.
However, if you are a solo traveler who enjoys camping, you may want the extra room for equipment. Or maybe you want the flexibility of being able to take a group of friends for a ride.
No matter what your circumstance is, make sure you’re realistic about your own expectations.
Extra Features
Extra features such as heated seats and luxury sound systems are important to some people, but for others, they are not a priority. Cars with additional features often come with an extra cost, so this is a category that depends on your budget.
Some different features you might see in cars include sunroofs, rear-seat entertainment centers, upgraded stereo systems, and even Wi-Fi hotspots.
Best Overall: 2022 Kia Soul
The latest Kia Soul offers a good mixture of all the features mentioned above.
It is roomy, and it has decent gas mileage compared to other large vehicles. You will not feel cramped in this car. It also offers some optional luxury features such as smartphone charging pads, heated seats and steering wheels, and Apple CarPlay.
The Kia Soul is ideal for people who want the most bang for their buck. It is very customizable with six different packages and multiple optional features.
It fits up to five passengers, so it may not be ideal for large families.
However, if you just want to take the occasional road trip with a few friends, the Kia Soul is an excellent choice with plenty of cargo space.
Pros
- Interior lighting and illuminated glovebox.
- Trendy interior trim options.
- Combined city and highway mileage of 30-32 mpg (12.75-13.6 kmL).
- Front legroom measurement of 41.1” (104.39 cm).
- Front headroom measurement of 39.4” (100.07 cm).
- A hidden compartment in the back makes storing your gear easy.
Cons
- Rear seats are unable to fold down.
- Seats only five passengers, so it’s not ideal for large groups.
- No driver assistance technology on base models.
Best for Good Mileage: 2021 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been known for years as a beloved car for many reasons.
It has great gas mileage, which averages around 33 mpg (14.03 kmL) between highway and city driving. It is also known for being spacious and comfortable, so if you want a roomy car but are not looking for something the size of an SUV, this sedan is a good option for you.
The Honda Accord is optimal for people who would like to save on gas money. It has a greater mpg rating than the Kia Soul, and the fuel tank holds 14.8 gallons (56.02 L).
It can seat up to 5 people, so like the Kia Soul, it may not be a good option for extra large families.
Pros
- Up to 30 city mpg (12.75 kmL), 38 highway mpg (16.16 kmL), and 33 combined mpg (14.03 kmL).
- 14.8-gallon (56.02 L) fuel tank capacity.
- Front legroom measurement of 42.3” (107.44 cm).
- Front headroom measurement of 39.5” (100.33 cm).
Cons
- It doesn’t have a lot of storage space.
- Trim packages are pre-picked and don’t have add-ons.
- It’s not ideal for large groups.
Best for Large Families: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe has three rows of seats and can seat up to seven passengers. Not only does this car have the capacity to seat large families, but it also has many features that families will love as well.
It has an entertainment center in the back seat, a luxury Bose stereo system, and connects with many features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the Chevrolet Tahoe is remarkable for large groups, it is likely too much space for a solo traveler. Likewise, the Tahoe is on the higher end of the price spectrum, so it may not be ideal for someone who doesn’t need the extra seats.
It also has a lower gas mileage than the first two options on this list.
Pros
- It can fit up to 7 passengers.
- The entertainment system has two 12.6” (32 cm) screens.
- Front legroom measurement of 45.3” (115.06 cm).
- Front headroom measurement of 42.8” (108.71 cm).
Cons
- It is not a low-cost car, as some models cost almost as much as a luxury vehicle.
- It is not ideal for small groups or solo travelers.
- It has low gas mileage, as the combined city and highway driving is 17 mpg (7.23 kmL).
Best With Features: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder
If you’re looking for a car jam-packed with extra features, the Nissan Pathfinder is for you. This car has many different add-ons to its models, including a camera system, sunroof, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Like the Tahoe, this car is not ideal for solo travelers or those looking for great gas mileage. However, what it lacks in this regard is made up for by the advanced tech within the vehicle.
The other major detractor from this vehicle is the handling.
Experts say the handling is “utterly forgettable and not in the least entertaining.” However, if you don’t need a car with flashy handling, this car is a good option to consider.
Pros
- It has a variety of features that are sure to please any driver.
- It seats up to 7 and is ideal for large groups.
- Front legroom measurement of 42.2” (107.188).
- Front headroom measurement of 42.2” (107.188 cm).
Cons
- It has low gas mileage: combined city and highway driving is 23 mpg (9.78 kmL).
- It is not ideal for small groups or solo travelers.
- The handling and steering are mediocre at best.
Final Thoughts
There are many cars that are good options for large people. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but the factors listed in this article will help you decide on any car if you consider them closely.
Remember, the most important part is to keep your personal circumstances in mind and see which vehicle will suit your lifestyle best. If you make a careful decision, you are sure to pick a car that you’ll fall in love with.
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