Anonymous wrote:I'm 5'2" and loved my Subaru Outback, it was perfect for my height. I know the Forester is a little taller, so definitely drive it and test it out.

I currently have a Kia Sorento and while it is very similar in size to my Outback, it's too big for me on the inside. When I have the seat and steering well adjusted such that I can see over the dash and reach the pedals, it's still hard for me to reach out the window and interact with parking garage kiosks/machines, drive through ATMs, etc. I worked it out so that I have preset 1 for the seat set for driving and preset 2 for the seat set high for drive through type things.

So funny bc i am also 5-2 and i hate driving DH’s outback… feels like driving a boat. I test drive a forester and didn’t like it… but really love my crosstrek. Definitely smaller than the Outback, which we notice only if I’m loading the car for some extended trip without DH.

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need a SUV?

More of a want than a need. I have driven them for 25 years and like the better visibility it offers over cars. I do a lot of dog transports, so trunk space where a dog can fit comes in handy.

Audi Q3.

(have recently driven it and a BMW 1 for weeks at a time; prefer the ergonomics of the Audi)

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Anonymous wrote:I'd delete everything except CRV and Mazda. Also add Toyota Rav4

Even the Subaru? It has a great reputation for reliability.

My tiny MIL loves her Subaru.

Fellow shorty here. I have a 2018 Honda Pilot. They’ve changed the car since I purchased so the newer model might not work but I love mine. We test drove so many SUVs but it was the only one that met our needs while allowing me to find a comfortable driving position and giving me a good view of the corners.

Why do you need a SUV?

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Anonymous wrote:5’ with short legs. I’ve driven a Forester for 13 years.

ditto.

But, I hate the auto engine shut off feature on my 2020 forester. Did they change it?

The Forester is great because the windows are huge, unlike other newer cars. I test drove a lexus, Rav4, etc.. and the Forestor was the only one where I felt like I could see the outside well. The other cars had tiny windows. What's with all these new cars with tiny windows. I felt even shorter sitting in those cars because the window were so high up.

I'm the OP. The auto engine shut-off feature is now a button you can engage (or not). Same as the one where you don't have to keep your foot on the brake at lights and such.

Your observation about the windows is accurate, per my car crazy BIL. He said it's as close to a glass house as you're going to get to, in a car.

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Anonymous wrote:I'd delete everything except CRV and Mazda. Also add Toyota Rav4

Even the Subaru? It has a great reputation for reliability.

Study Subaru carefully if you like how it drives. I have a Subaru and I am not too crazy about it. That’s why I didn’t include it.

I hated ours, couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

What is it about the Subaru that you disliked?

dp - i find my subaru under-powered and sluggish

Never had this issue with mine..

dp.. I went from a little sports car to a subaru turbo forester back in 2004. I couldn't give up the pep. I bought a regular forester in 2020. It's obviously not as fast as my turbo, but it's not super slow, either. I cannot stand sluggish cars. I find them really frustrating to drive.

Anonymous wrote:5’ with short legs. I’ve driven a Forester for 13 years.

ditto.

But, I hate the auto engine shut off feature on my 2020 forester. Did they change it?

The Forester is great because the windows are huge, unlike other newer cars. I test drove a lexus, Rav4, etc.. and the Forestor was the only one where I felt like I could see the outside well. The other cars had tiny windows. What's with all these new cars with tiny windows. I felt even shorter sitting in those cars because the window were so high up.

Volvo cx60

Anonymous wrote:I'm 5'2" and loved my Subaru Outback, it was perfect for my height. I know the Forester is a little taller, so definitely drive it and test it out.

I currently have a Kia Sorento and while it is very similar in size to my Outback, it's too big for me on the inside. When I have the seat and steering well adjusted such that I can see over the dash and reach the pedals, it's still hard for me to reach out the window and interact with parking garage kiosks/machines, drive through ATMs, etc. I worked it out so that I have preset 1 for the seat set for driving and preset 2 for the seat set high for drive through type things.

NP, also 5'2" and this is genius. Wish I'd thought of it but will definitely be trying it. The struggle to reach my office garage parking kiosk is ridiculous.

i'm 4.11 and drive a Toyota Highlander. Honestly, I enjoyed my CVR better when I had it and feel like the highlander is just a smidge too hard too see out of when trying to park properly and stay within lines.

Wanted to post a quick update, in case it helps someone out (now or in the future). So far, I have drive 3.

Subaru Forester (regular and hybrid) - I freaking LOVE this one. Everything about it is easy and intuitive, I can see forever and there are virtually no blind spots, and I haven't found it to be lacking in pep. I will take it out on the highway if we do decide to go with it.

Mazda CX-50 - Very very nice. Super comfortable, very easy to adjust to my height. I am able to not only put my heel down on the accelerator, I can actually pivot between the accelerator and brake! The ride wasn't as smooth as the Forester, and it didn't handle as well. The console display thing is terrible, but it is more than offset by the feature where they project the speed, speed limit, nav, etc. onto the screen, so you don't have to look at anything else. Didn't go in thinking I needed that, but now I'm thinking how awesome it would be to have it.

Honda CR-V - A distant third right now. Not as adjustable, couldn't see as well, and for me what is pretty much disqualifying is that I can't put my heel down on the floor when my foot is on the accelerator. Definitely not a good thing for any travel involving distance.

I have revised my list on the basis of input from my car crazy BIL who takes test drives on weekends for fun, so I have another 5 or 6 on the list now.

Anonymous wrote:The seat has to adjust vertically, I’m short too and it’s a must for me. I like my Volvo!

I’m not short and this is a requirement for me too. I need to be able to see over the hood. I assume most cars have this?

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Anonymous wrote:I'd delete everything except CRV and Mazda. Also add Toyota Rav4

Even the Subaru? It has a great reputation for reliability.

Study Subaru carefully if you like how it drives. I have a Subaru and I am not too crazy about it. That’s why I didn’t include it.

I hated ours, couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

What is it about the Subaru that you disliked?

dp - i find my subaru under-powered and sluggish

Never had this issue with mine..