SUVs for a height-challenged person

With the engine in the Dancer's 2008 Mariner almost certainly down for the count (zero compression on a cylinder is firmly in the 'not good' column), we're going to be doing the math on whether it's worth fixing it or cutting our losses and getting her a new (to her) vehicle.

Her work requires her dragging around a small horde children's chairs, so and SUV is pretty much a requirement (yes, a truck with a topper could probably work, but I doubt she'd go for that, and she absolutely, positively will not set foot in a minivan). The big problem that we've encountered when we were looking around for a vehicle for me earlier this year is that she is SHORT- not much over 5 feet tall- and a number of the SUVs we tried out were discounted at least in part due to the fact that she could not adjust the driver's seat to where she could safely and comfortably drive it.

So, since I know there have to be other height-challenged people either on the board itself or in their friends and families who have encountered this before, what SUVs would you both recommend we give a try and which ones should we just not bother with?

We know that the older (pre-2013) Escape/Mariner/Not-the-Greatest-Car-In-The-World will work since it's what she drives now, and she drove an older Xterra before that so presumably it would also fit the bill. My QX4 is passable (she is afraid she'll be killed by the air bag in an accident though since the steering wheel is almost right up against her), so presumably its sister Pathfinder model might work (maybe better if it has a manual seat). We test-drove a Trailblazer and she just could not reach anything comfortably so that's definitely out.

Thanks!

My mom was 5 foot even and absolutely loved driving her Suzuki Sidekick and it wasnt bad for someone who was average height either.

Maybe a Forester?

Edit:  With depreciation what it probably is on them, I’d just hunt for a 4 cylinder Escape/Mariner/Tribute

Running boards.  A lot of SUV's have them , or install aftermarket to suit.  My wife is short, with a bad back, and I use a small stool, to help her in and out.

While I'm spending your money, look for adjustable pedals.   I know some Ford, and Gm came with them.   (Navigator, Buick Rainier)

It would have to be a newer Forester- the older ones would undoubtedly trigger her hate of all things station wagon. Will keep the Sidekicks in mind, but a quick search says that they're not that common here- and I would worry a bit about the cargo capacity she needs.

eastsideTim said:

Edit:  With depreciation what it probably is on them, I’d just hunt for a 4 cylinder Escape/Mariner/Tribute

Honestly, one of the Escape family will be what we look for first- will be a bit easier than last time since 4/AWD is not a requirement since the QX4 covers that nicely, but it may be a harder sell getting her to go for the 4-banger vs. the V6 she has now- the I4 has 70 less horses than the V6 does.

Honestly I would LOVE to find a good-condition Escape-family Hybrid for her- as much get-up-and-go as her V6 but solidly more efficient (if not more challenging for me to work on...), but they're not too common. If we hadn't gone for the QX4 the next on our list was a Mariner Hybrid up in Cinci...

My ex was really short and we found that bigger “soccer mom” SUVs actually fit her really well.  They more often had adjustable pedals, telescoping wheels, and armrests attached to the seat (don’t laugh, this was a criteria).  Ended up with an ‘05 Sequoia.  More truck than you need but the Toyota version of the Tahoe/Suburban is a heckuva truck and does everything you could want.

Cross shop 4runners but the Sequioa is actually a better value.

Toyota Venza. It's pretty much a Camry with a wagon-y crossover body. Sits higher than a Camry, and has a more upright seating position that should feel similar to the Mariner. Available with 4cyl or v6, and FWD or AWD. Similar fuel economy to her Mariner in a larger package.

Ashyukun (Robert) said:

It would have to be a newer Forester- the older ones would undoubtedly trigger her hate of all things station wagon. Will keep the Sidekicks in mind, but a quick search says that they're not that common here- and I would worry a bit about the cargo capacity she needs.

They are definitely small but can hold a suprising amount for how small they look.

What about a mazda5? My wife has the same kind of criteria and hatred, and loves hers.

and she absolutely, positively will not set foot in a minivan).

I don't know her, but I like her style.

Probably too small, but Honda Fit. Holds way more cargo than it has a right to. 

Dusterbd13 said:

What about a mazda5? My wife has the same kind of criteria and hatred, and loves hers.

Unfortunately the Mazda5 would probably trip both her hatred of minivans AND wagons at the same time...

What about a Kia Soul?  Possibly smaller than you want, but it's basically square, so your chairs might fit fine.  If I may quote the distinguished Tim Suddard when the 2nd generation came out:  "I liked the original Kia Soul. From its quirky looks, mood lighting and total practicality to its super cute hamster advertising, the Soul was a slick effort. It was only let down by a buzzy powertrain, a bit too much road noise and numb steering.

"The advertising on the new Soul, with its slimmed down, sophisticated hamsters, tells the message in a very authentic way. Oh my word, is this new Soul fantastic! Every aspect of the already real decent car is improved. It is quieter, better equipped (air conditioned seats in a $24,000 car?) and its drivetrain is seemingly now among the best in class.

"Kia is a powerhouse to be reckoned with. I would buy a new Soul in a heartbeat."

Look for a Toyota Rav4.  She will like the side opening rear door.  On most SUV's the rear hatch will lift up so high that it will be hard for her to reach it and clos it unless it has some sort of motorized assistance.  

The side-ways open could be better for her than something way above her head...

Another vote for a Rav4, simply because the steering wheel is so close to the dashboard that short-of-stature individuals usually have no problem with airbag placement.

Ashyukun (Robert) said:

Dusterbd13 said:

What about a mazda5? My wife has the same kind of criteria and hatred, and loves hers.

Unfortunately the Mazda5 would probably trip both her hatred of minivans AND wagons at the same time...

For whatever reason, my wife doesn't think its either. She calls it a hatchback. She hates vans and wagons too.

Dunno why.....

Ashyukun (Robert) said:

eastsideTim said:

Edit:  With depreciation what it probably is on them, I’d just hunt for a 4 cylinder Escape/Mariner/Tribute

Honestly, one of the Escape family will be what we look for first- will be a bit easier than last time since 4/AWD is not a requirement since the QX4 covers that nicely, but it may be a harder sell getting her to go for the 4-banger vs. the V6 she has now- the I4 has 70 less horses than the V6 does.

Honestly I would LOVE to find a good-condition Escape-family Hybrid for her- as much get-up-and-go as her V6 but solidly more efficient (if not more challenging for me to work on...), but they're not too common. If we hadn't gone for the QX4 the next on our list was a Mariner Hybrid up in Cinci...

Could try to sell the 4 cylinder to her as it being more reliable and easier to fix when something does break?

In reply to John Welsh :

An older Rav4 was actually one that we gave serious consideration to in our search a few months ago because of concerns about the power to make it up the hill our cabin is on- but she did very much like the side-swinging doors of the 2nd-gen ones, so that's one that is worth giving consideration to again.

In reply to eastsideTim :

We'll see what she says when we discuss it tonight... it's not impossible that she could be amenable to the lower-powered engines now as she now very infrequently has to make longer drives out of town and is now mostly just driving around in town, so less hill-climbing and driving at speed. Honestly if I had my way and money wasn't an object we'd be getting her a plug-in hybrid/pure electric since she rarely needs much driving range.

Power?  The Rav4 came with a 4cyl standard and a 6cyl optional in the Gen3.  At the time, the 6cyl version was the faster Toyota sold as it was generally a small body with a big engine.

Gen1 & 2 on came with 4 cyl.  

Rav4 Wiki

My wife is 5'-3" and drove my old '06 F150 a few times and I don't remember her complaining other than the oversized tires and leveling kit made it hard to enter/exit. If I had running boards it probably would have been a non-issue. Also, my truck had the moveable pedals. It helped keep the airbag out of her face.

Her work '03ish Suburban suits her too and she isn't too close to the wheel.

In reply to John Welsh :

The one we had been looking at was a Gen1. There were other issues too, as we were ideally wanting something with true 4wd capability vs. AWD, and I had some concerns with the condition of the engine. What we need/want now if we replace the Mariner will be a bit different than it was then, so they may be worth taking another look at.

My '01 Montero Limited has all the 4wd capability you could want as well as a side opening door.  Mine also has the factory side running boards / steps.  A bit under powered but not powerless due to gearing.  Has a 5k# tow rating.  

Sample photos:

Has a disappearing (stow/go) 3rd row seat too.  

My wife is about 5' and drives a 1st Gen Highlander.  They have AWD versions and at least hers has been damned reliable with the FWD and 4-cylinder, her FIL had a 2002 with the V6 and AWD and would still be driving it if he hadn't hit some black ice and totalled it out.  He replaced it with an RX350 Hybrid, which is pretty much the same rig with more tech and a more jellybean exterior.

I never, ever understand the hatred towards minivans, especially given her needs.

The new Pacifica is a pretty handsome rig, IMO and with the tax incentives on the hybrids along with FCA's current situation you could get one for a damned decent chunk of change.