SUV for tall drivers?

[B Prime]

I'm hoping someone here can help in the search of a vehicle that will accommodate a 6'5'' to 6'6'' driver in both the front and back seats.

My wife and I have been searching and the only vehicles we have found have been the Honda Pilot (definitely the most room), Mazda CX-9 (just above being comfortable), and the Chevrolet Traverse.

We have tried the Ford Sport Trac, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV, Hyundai Veracruz and the Mitsubishi Endeavor.

We're not interested in a GM, Chrysler, or Buick etc... due to the possibility of bankruptcy.

We are interested in the Toyota Highlander but the dealership here doesn't normally stock them and does not know when they will get another one in to test drive.

So does anyone have any personal experience or ideas on other vehicles?

[Arcaneind]

I'm 6'4" and have owned a Ford Escape XLT since 2002. I have never found it tight for room and rarely put the driver's seat all the way back.

I've owned Chrysler, Pontiac, Toyota, Mazda and Honda and I can honestly say that for quality this has been the best vehicle of the bunch (except the first CD player in my Escape ate 6 CD's back in 2003 before it was replaced). It's fairly good on gas and the new body trim is way better than the plastic on my model. My cousin owns a Tribute (same thing but Mazda) and I know two co-workers that own Escapes and all are happy with them.

I think it would be cheaper than some of the models you are looking at too. At least worth a look.

[To Fly In]

I am 6'2" and my son is 6'3" so I have been looking at all types that will accomodate not just the driver but the back seat passenger as well. It is surprising the number of big vehicles that leave no room in the back seat. I drove a Infiniti FX 35 for the last three years and just turned it back in off lease. Great car, but expensive on gas. Kits if room though. My criteria was room, AWD, and SUV or wagon. Here are my top runners so far:

Chev Equinox (Pontiac Torrent) These ones will surprise you. Back seat slides about 5" front to back to give more leg room. Tons of room in this car. Chev is giving $5500 off and the dealers are eager to drop another 4-5K for a deal.

Toyota Venza, bags of room. Priced quite competitively so no big discounts. Only complaint is the wind noise caused by the windsheild and the mirrors. Ride a little choppy due to big tires, but the dealers all overinflate the tires, so dropping the pressure to 32 Lbs will help (that is what I did with my FX35)

FX35 I love these with the tech package, radar cruise and land depature are a real treat if you do a lot of driving. Very powerful engine. Lousy gas. They will deal on the 09's and if you don't mind last years body style there are still 08's on the lots for a good deal.

Hope this helps, good luck.

[blakjak]

I'm also 6'6" and have been driving a Murano for the past 4 years. Lots of leg room. Plenty of room still between my head and the head liner. One thing you have to look for, whatever you decide to test, is a model without the sunroof/moonroof option. That option can cut down on the headroom considerably on some models - up to 2"! This can make the world of difference to us taller folks.

I'm looking at an FX35 or a Highlander now. I have found the head and leg room is very decent on both (slightly more on the Highlander). I have yet to test drive either one (just sat in them), but plan on doing so within the next few days.

[B Prime]

I'm also 6'6" and have been driving a Murano for the past 4 years. Lots of leg room. Plenty of room still between my head and the head liner. One thing you have to look for, whatever you decide to test, is a model without the sunroof/moonroof option. That option can cut down on the headroom considerably on some models - up to 2"! This can make the world of difference to us taller folks.

That's interesting to know because the Nissan Murano I sat in had the sunroof and I was hitting my head right away. The salesman said about an inch or an inch and a half difference without the sunroof, but I thought it wouldn't matter. Perhaps I'll have to give it another shot.

What year was the highlander that you tried? and how much head room was there for you?

Thanks for all the replies

[RobDek]

I"m 6'5' and I love my 2006 Honda Pilot. I haven't tried the new version for fit.

[JohnB]

Have you thought of a convertible? Or a really large sunroof?

[blakjak]

That's interesting to know because the Nissan Murano I sat in had the sunroof and I was hitting my head right away. The salesman said about an inch or an inch and a half difference without the sunroof, but I thought it wouldn't matter. Perhaps I'll have to give it another shot.

What year was the highlander that you tried? and how much head room was there for you?

Thanks for all the replies

It was a 2009 Highlander and there was easily 2"-3" of space above my head (no sunroof).

Prior to buying my 2006 Murano, I test drove one with a sunroof and felt very uncomfortable knowing how close my head was to the head liner (I could feel my hair touching it, lol). The salesman let me try one without the sunroof and it made a world of difference. The other difference between the two was that the one with the sunroof had leather seats, whereas the other one did not. This really should not make a difference, but you never know.

[blakjak]

Have you thought of a convertible? Or a really large sunroof?

...and goggles :lol:

[dshiu]

subaru forester

[Jon Lai]

OP, if you're interested in Highlander, you should give the Venza a drive. It's basically a Camry Highlander hybrid, meaning less on gas, cheaper, and IMO nicer than the Highlander.