Best cars with a high driving position
Take a look at some of our favourite cars with a high driving position – from hatchbacks to SUVs.
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 10 February 2025
A car with a high driving position is great if you like a good view of the road – and that should hopefully be all drivers...
Whether you like the visibility that comes from driving up high or feel a bit safer on the road when you’re slightly elevated, there are plenty of cars that'll suit you – thanks to the ever-popular SUV.
That doesn’t mean you have to pick a big SUV though. Lots of the features – such as the high driving position – that make them so popular are filtering into cars of all different kinds.
From hatchbacks to full-size luxury SUVs, here are the best cars with a high driving position that you should consider.
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What cars have a high driving position?
Citroën C3
Škoda Kamiq
Toyota Yaris Cross
BMW X7
Audi Q7
Range Rover
Volvo XC90
Ford Puma
The best cars with high driving positions
Citroën C3
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Not all high driving position cars need to be massive – the Citroën C3 may be boxy (especially the new one we reviewed on YouTube recently), but it's a compact option that straddles the line between hatchback and small SUV.
The driving position is comfortable and upright and gives you plenty of visibility while you drive.
Space isn’t tight in this small car either, as there’s a generous 300-litre boot at the rear that can extend to 922 litres if you fold down the rear seats. The interior feels nice and airy as well, which only adds to the enjoyable driving experience of sitting nice and high up.
Škoda Kamiq
 "Skoda Kamiq")
The Škoda Kamiq is a spacious small car that also offers a high driving position. If you’re a fan of a classic, handsome SUV – the Kamiq might be the one for you. And it won't break the bank.
It’s a great value pick that can bring tech that rivals the fancy German SUVs at a lower price, with more vision-improving features such as matrix LED headlights (for the night) and a panoramic sunroof (for sunny days) on offer.
Toyota Yaris Cross
 "Toyota Yaris Cross")
If you’re like us and love the OG Toyota Yaris, the Yaris Cross bumps it up a notch with an SUV update that offers a higher riding position.
It’s definitely a looker and has a rear end that’s a bit reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque, though it’s a lot cheaper to buy.
The hybrid power train makes it nice and efficient, pushing up to 58.9mpg in the 130hp model.
If you want your higher driving position for better visibiliy and a safer feel on the road, adding an all-wheel drive powertrain offers an ever grippier ride – though it does mean fuel efficiency takes a bit of a kick.
BMW X7
 "BMW X7 front three quarters")
We’ve spoken a lot about not needing a big SUV if you want a car with a high riding position, but in case you do want a big SUV, consider the BMW X7.
There are few cars that feel as luxe as a BMW SUV, and this one is everything you could want from a luxury car. Plus, there’s room for seven people – and they'll all enjoy sitting nice and high on the road.
Standout features include the option to switch from a seven-seater with a rear bench to a six-seater with two captain's chairs and massive windows that give you a great all-round view.
Engines are fun, as always with BMW. Choose from 3.0-litre petrol and diesel options or a spicy V8 4.4-litre engine that can get from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds.
Audi Q7
 "Audi Q7 front three quarters")
If you like the X7 but aren’t loyal to BMW – the Audi Q7 is a worthy rival and a great option for a big, luxurious car with a high riding position.
It’s spacious, has plenty of visibility, and is good for your posture with the upright but comfy seating.
Our motoring editor, Sam Sheehan, road-tested the Audi Q7 and said: “Anyone who needs more space than an Audi Q7 can offer is, frankly, being a bit greedy.
“There is an enormous amount of space up front ... And there’s enough adjustment for you to be comfortable even if you’re a bit shorter of stature.”
Range Rover
 "Range Rover front three quarters")
Rounding out the trio of big, luxurious SUVs with a high driving position is the king of them all. The Range Rover. It’s one of the most coveted cars on the roads for the whole package of premium features, off-road capability and so much more.
It’s the ultimate luxury SUV, with a seriously posh interior that can seat four, five or seven people nice and high.
Fuel efficiency isn’t the Range Rover’s strong point, though the plug-in hybrid models offer up to 329mpg in the best-case scenario.
Volvo XC90
 "Volvo XC90 driving")
Don’t overlook a Volvo – they're reliable, quietly classy and among the safest cars on the road. The Volvo XC90 is our pick for a car with a high riding position – and its massive windows only improve the view of the road.
Sam tested the XC90 for himself and rated it an impressive four-and-a-half stars out of five.
He said: “You sit up high behind the wheel, with a comfortable position that makes long journeys a breeze.
“Anyone sat in the second row has plenty of space, too, with enough head and legroom for adults to stretch out and enjoy the ride.
“It’s one of our favourite large SUVs.”
Ford Puma
 "Ford Puma front three quarters")
The Ford Puma is a small SUV with a high seating position that’ll give you plenty of visibility on the road.
There are reversing cameras and rear sensors on all Pumas as standard, so that definitely helps with knowing your surroundings. If you want even more, choose a model with the Driver Assistance pack that adds a 360-degree reversing camera.
All engines are based on a 1.0-litre petrol set-up that’s very affordable to run (if we don’t count the ST), with the 125hp manual model being the most economical with up to 52.3mpg.
Benefits of high driving positions
There are a few benefits of a high driving position, including:
Better visibility of the road
Easier accessibility – better for those with mobility issues
No bending down to put children in car seats
Encourages better posture so comfortable on long drives
How to adjust your driving position
There are a few ways you can adjust your driving position to make it absolutely ideal for your journeys.
Seat adjustments
Modern cars often come with an almost excessive range of seat adjustments. These can include height, recline, lumbar and head support adjustment.
Some cars even come with automatic seat adjustment features that memorise the driver’s seat position and move it back when needed. This feature is common in BMW and Ford models.
Steering wheel adjustments
Some cars also have the option for you to adjust the steering wheel position, so you can bring it closer or tilt it at a different angle.
This is great for getting comfier behind the wheel, especially if you have shorter arms and feel like you’re really stretching to reach.
Find cars with a high driving position
These are some of our top picks for cars with high driving positions, but there are still loads to consider.
Take a look at our full range of used cars to see more options.
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