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A high driving position raises the seat and the hip point, so you sit further off the road with a clearer view over the traffic ahead. It also means less bending down to get in and out, which is one of the main reasons drivers move from a hatchback to an SUV or a taller family car. This guide explains what actually creates that raised feel, which types of car provide it, and a selection of models worth shortlisting.
A high driving position comes from a combination of ride height and seat design. Ride height is how far the body of the car sits above the road, while the hip point is how high you sit inside the cabin. A car can look tall but still seat you quite low, so the two are worth judging separately.
Most modern cars have height-adjustable driver's seats, which changes where you sit within the cabin but does not change how high the cabin itself sits. The models that genuinely feel raised tend to combine a taller body, an upright seating position and large glass areas that make it easier to judge the corners of the car.
The most common reason is visibility. Sitting higher gives a longer view down the road and over the roofs of smaller cars, which many drivers find helpful in queuing traffic and at junctions.
Access is the other main factor. A raised seat height means you step across into the car rather than lowering yourself down into it, which can make a noticeable difference for anyone with hip, knee or back discomfort, and for parents fitting child seats.
There are practical trade-offs. Taller cars tend to lean a little more in corners than a low-slung hatchback, and larger SUVs can be harder to place in narrow parking spaces. Thick rear pillars on some styling-led models also restrict the over-the-shoulder view, so a raised seat does not automatically mean better all-round visibility.
The models below cover different sizes and budgets, and represent brands available through Eden Motor Group.
The Mokka is a small SUV that sits noticeably higher than a Corsa while keeping similar exterior dimensions, so it suits drivers who want a raised seat without a larger car to park. The dashboard is set high and squared off, which adds to the upright feel from behind the wheel.
The 2008 pairs a raised seating position with Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout, which uses a small steering wheel with the instrument display viewed above it rather than through it. Some drivers find this gives a very clear view of the road and the dials; others need to adjust the seat and wheel carefully to get a comfortable sightline, so it is worth trying before committing.
The Avenger has a boxy shape with a flat bonnet and upright windscreen, which makes it easy to judge where the front of the car ends. Its compact footprint keeps it manageable in town while still providing a high-set seat.
The Tucson is a mid-size family SUV with a tall body and a generously sized cabin. The driving position is high without feeling perched, and the wide windscreen and door mirrors give a good view for motorway driving and longer journeys.
The Grandland is the larger of Vauxhall's family SUVs and offers more rear seat and boot space than the Mokka, along with a commanding view forward. It works well for families who regularly carry passengers and luggage.
The main difference between these three body styles is how much space you gain alongside the raised seating position. A small SUV such as the Mokka or 2008 gives you a higher view of the road while remaining close to hatchback size, which keeps parking and town driving simple.
A family SUV like the Tucson, CX-5 or Grandland adds rear legroom and boot capacity, making it the better choice for regular passengers, longer trips or bulkier loads. A van-based MPV goes further again on interior space and ease of access, with a tall roofline and wide door openings, but the driving experience is more utilitarian.
Eden Motor Group has dealerships across the south of England representing brands including Vauxhall, Peugeot, Hyundai, Mazda, Jeep and MG. Browse the latest used cars online, or contact your nearest dealership to arrange a test drive and try the driving position for yourself.
A high driving position means you sit further above the road than you would in a conventional hatchback or saloon, usually because the car has a taller body and a raised hip point inside the cabin.
It is most commonly associated with SUVs, crossovers and MPVs, although the amount of height gained varies considerably between models. Ride height and seat height are separate things, so a car that looks tall from the outside does not always seat you as high as expected.
SUVs are the most common choice, but they are not the only one. Van-derived MPVs often seat you higher still and provide wider door openings, which can make getting in and out easier.
Some smaller crossovers also raise the seat without significantly increasing the size of the car, which suits drivers who mainly travel in town. The right option depends on how much interior space you need alongside the raised position.
Cars with a seat height close to hip level are generally the easiest to use, because you step across into the seat rather than climbing up or lowering yourself down. Wide door openings and a low sill also make a noticeable difference.
Van-based models with sliding rear doors are often the most accessible for rear passengers, particularly in narrow parking bays. Trying several models in person is the most reliable way to compare them.
Taller cars tend to be less aerodynamic than equivalent hatchbacks, which can affect fuel economy or electric range at higher speeds. Larger SUVs are also heavier, which can influence tyre and brake wear over time.
The difference varies by model and engine, so it is worth comparing the official figures for the specific versions you are considering rather than assuming all raised cars cost more to run.
Test drives can be arranged through your local Eden dealership, and trying more than one model is the most practical way to compare driving positions.
It helps to bring anything you use regularly, such as a child seat, so you can check how easily it fits. Contact the dealership in advance to check which models are available to drive.
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