I’ve had this experience before on various cars. I now drive a 2018 Honda Pilot and have no issues. I’m 5’2.

You're smart to check for the headrest and how it feels. I am 5 foot tall and I had a Jeep Patriot which I did love, but when I was rear-ended about a year ago the headrest cause me a concussion or at least contributed to it because of where my head hit it and it was hard hard plastic. I don't have any advice about an SUV because I bought a used Chevy HHR to replace it.

I'm a little over 5 feet and drive a 2008 CRV. I know exactly what you are describing and it is why I passed on the Subaru that I really wanted. It was orange and awesome but just somehow not right for short people.

I had a similar (but not the same) physical issue and before I bought my new car, I rented for a week and/or took loaners to be sure that it would be OK in all types of driving conditions (city, highway, waiting for a while in a car pool lane, etc). Hated all the Nissans, loved the Hyundai Santa Fe, loved the new 2018 BMW X3 and X1.

Can you do a long term test drive? Or rent from Emerald or Hertz before buying?

My 2017 Ford Escape is great. I’m 5’2

Glad to know I’m not the only one. My in laws have an older crv which works great for me. But a 2015 crv hurts my neck/Head. Guess it’s very model dependent.

5,1 crv works just great. My 2017 seems to be a better fit for me than my moms 2013 crv FWIW

I drive an MDX and it's comfortable. I've always had Hondas and they've been fine.

I"m 5 ft and I drive a Mini.

5’2 and love everything about my Mazda CX-5, except for the headrest, which hits me in exactly the wrong place.

I’m 5”1’ and drive a CRV with no issues.

I am 5’1.5. I own a Toyota Camry and I absolutely love it. I’ve never had issues with the head restraints