15 Best cars with high driving positions

Ever wondered why cars with high driving positions are so popular? It’s simple — they provide a clear view of the road and a sense of security, especially around larger vehicles like lorries or buses. And more likely than not, it’ll be an SUV that offers this advantage. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best cars that offer a great view and practicality.

Plus, here’s a tip: Carplus is your go-to for a hassle-free car purchase with favourable terms. Explore the top cars, find the best fit for you, and let Carplus make the experience straightforward and convenient.

1. Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a top choice for a rugged exterior and a practical interior. It stands out for its high driving position and provides a clear view of the road. If you’re into towing, the diesel variants are great, but don’t overlook the petrol engines — they’re fuel-efficient and have lower service costs. Truly great fuel economy is in a hybrid variant, though.

Inside, the Tiguan offers plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. This makes it comfortable for adults, even with three passengers abreast. The flexibility of split-folding, sliding, and reclining rear seats adds to its practicality. Moreover, the Tiguan boasts good boot space, larger than most in its class.

2. Škoda Kodiaq

The Škoda Kodiaq is a bit more expensive compared to some models in this list. Still, its sharp design, impressive dynamics, and great value capture the essence of Škoda’s appeal. The engine provides ample performance, and the balance between comfort and refinement is ideal for big SUV buyers who aren’t just into sheer speed or handling.

For those looking for high driving positions, the Kodiaq is excellent. Inside, you’ll find a well-crafted dashboard with soft-touch materials and well-damped switches. There’s generous space up front and room for three passengers in the second row. The third row is best suited for short journeys with children.

3. Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a nice choice for those desiring SUV style without compromising practicality. The model has various engine and gearbox options throughout its lifecycle. It may not be an off-road beast, but its all-wheel-drive system ensures confidence on fields or muddy tracks.

The Kuga is known for its balanced size — it doesn’t feel oversized compared to rivals. The high seating position provides a clear view over traffic, which means a comfortable and commanding driving experience reminiscent of a tall estate car rather than a hefty SUV. Overall, a car with optimal driving position, offered at a great price.

4. Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a top contender for cars with high driving positions, and it’s recognized for its prestigious badge, seven seats, and solid build quality. Whether navigating muddy fields or ferrying the family, it excels effortlessly. With a range of engine options, the Q7 offers ample choices for performance. The entry-level model in Sport ensures the best value for efficiency-minded buyers.

Inside, the Q7 provides reasonable space in the first two rows, while the third row is better suited for children. The cabin quality reflects Audi’s commitment to refinement. Although the boot space is satisfactory, you get a huge boot after folding down the rearmost seats into the boot floor.

5. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is favoured for school runs and excels as a comfortable long-distance cruiser, especially if you want to sit high. Its immense success means there’s a wide selection in the used market.

The XC90’s interior is classy, comfortable, and has smart materials. The driving position is typical for such a big car and a 4x4, which ensures excellent visibility and supportive seats. There are various engine options, including a hybrid, so the XC90 is versatile enough to suit different preferences.

This family-oriented vehicle is on the pricier side to run. But again, spacious seating for seven is a hit with families who appreciate the high seating position.

6. Vauxhall Crossland X

The Vauxhall Crossland X has earned its spot among the best cars with a high driving position, providing surprising agility for city drives. It’s not a dedicated driver’s car, but it excels in urban settings and does its job perfectly for short trips. For long journeys, the turbocharged engine is recommended for more efficient performance.

Crossland’s elevated stature offers a great view and easy entry/exit, and it’s complemented by the ’Ergonomic Active driver’s seat’ in the top-spec Ultimate trim. Buyers appreciate the Crossland X for its connectivity, decent fuel economy, and advanced infotainment.

7. Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 is a practical and family-friendly choice. As a larger car with a higher driving position, it provides a commanding view of the road, so you’re great on visibility.

Inside, you’ll find a spacious interior with family-oriented features and a generous boot. Engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid, offer cost-effective solutions with efficient performance.

The small steering wheel and unique dial placement may take some getting used to. Still, the 3008 is considered the most natural-feeling Peugeot to drive. Up front, there’s ample space and convenient storage options. Rear seat accommodation isn’t class-leading.

8. Renault Captur

The Renault Captur is known for its sleek design and personalization options like two-tone paint. Despite modest engine power, it’s praised for its frugality and affordability. Overall, an easy-to-live-with choice, albeit less refined in driving.

For those shopping for cars with high driving, the Captur comes with well-aligned seats, steering wheel, and pedals for comfortable driving. The rear space is decent, but the front passenger area impresses.

The Dynamique Nav trim is a standout, featuring a user-friendly 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Added perks like removable seat covers and climate control enhance the driving experience.

9. Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is pricier when new. But opting for a used GLE now makes more sense, given its excellent engineering and top-notch safety. With robust, efficient engines and high driving positions, the GLE delivers strong performance.

Inside, the interior looks smart at first. Although, a few areas have less-than-perfect fit and finish. The interior space is enough for four passengers, but five might want more space. The GLE doesn’t offer a third row, so it’s a no-go for seven-seater seekers. On the bright side, the car has a huge amount of boot space.

10. Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is a top choice for those after a roomy, upscale off-roader with seven seats and excellent off-road capabilities. It has a desirable high driving position, which offers a better view, especially with large windows. This makes it unconventionally great for city driving. The model range provides various engine options, all with a responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Discovery stands out for the comfortable experience it provides. Inside, it’s well-designed with classy, durable materials. With room for seven adults (some versions have five seats), it’s practical. Drop the seats, and you’ve got a spacious cargo area to explore.

11. MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman combines the retro charm of the iconic Mini Hatch with the practicality of small cars in the SUV sector. If you’re drawn to a fashionable image, funky styling, and nimble handling, the Countryman is a great choice.

Aside from its compact size and high driving positions, the model offers various petrol and diesel engine options. There’s versatility to suit different preferences.

Inside, the Countryman has comfy and supportive seats, which translates to reasonable space for four occupants. However, squeezing in a fifth person will be less comfortable. On the bright side, the boot is very accommodating.

12. Suzuki Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny, from 2018 onward, inherits the legacy of its predecessor (1998-2018), which remained on sale for an impressive 20 years. The new model maintains a deliberate simplicity while striving for excellence in other aspects. This ensures a similarly enduring appeal for this smaller car.

The car is designed for off-road adventures. And its smaller size and raised driving position cater to those seeking a compact yet capable vehicle. The Jimny excels in durability and features hard plastics, which aligns with its utilitarian focus. Notably, the post-2018 models address storage space concerns.

13. Seat Arona

The Seat Arona is a solid family car. Don’t expect it to be the quirkiest in the used compact SUV market, but it offers excellent value. It provides a smooth and refined on-road experience with ample standard features.

The Arona adopts the latest, most fuel-efficient engines from the VW Group, which ensures cost-effective and environmentally friendly driving. It readily joins the small-crossover trend but also earns its points for practicality and reliability. Plus, you get the benefits of a high driving position that you’d expect from a larger SUV. The interior is not flashy, but it features a well-organized dashboard for easy use.

14. Dacia Jogger

The Dacia Jogger is a straightforward, affordable, and extremely practical family car. It won’t boast prestige, but it will deliver on durability and reliability. The Jogger is built on the familiar Renault-Nissan platform and shared with the smaller Sandero and Renault Clio. And so, it maintains a nimble, supermini feel that’s easy to handle around town.

The large windows make the inside bright and spacious, which improves the driver’s visibility in the rear and the sides. What also puts the Jogger among the cars with high driving positions is its commendable visibility of the road ahead.

15. Audi Q2

The Audi Q2 is a premium choice. As part of the Volkswagen Group’s top-tier brand, it features an elevated driving position, a variety of excellent engines, bold exterior styling, and a well-finished, sporty interior with responsive handling.

The Q2 isn’t a small car by any means, but it remains easy to manoeuvre and makes it great for city driving. Its fuel efficiency, along with the premium badge, strikes a balance between style and practicality. Moreover, the Q2 incorporates decent tech features, and the front occupants enjoy generous space.

Final words

Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly ride or leaning towards something more luxurious, this list has got you covered. With a variety of high driving position cars on the market, finding the right one is a piece of cake. And when you’re ready to seal the deal, Carplus is here to help you with financing. Happy driving!