12 SUVs for Tall People with Rear-Facing Car Seats (2024)

I’m about 6’1″ tall and realize a lack of legroom while driving with the rear-facing car seat installed.

Even though forward-facing child seats take up less space than their rear-facing counterparts, you still need to provide ample space for the kids’ legs and feet, especially if you don’t want to get kicked in the back forever.

If you are a tall person and have ever used a rear-facing car seat, you know the struggle of finding an SUV that accommodates both you and the car seat.

The good news is that there are a few SUVs on the market that have been designed with taller people in mind. If you’re in the market for an SUV and rear-facing car seats are a must, be sure to check out these Tall Person-Friendly options.

Top Pick’s

Honda CR-V

All New Honda CR-V
  • Type: Midsize SUV
  • Base Price: $29,500
  • Seat: 5
  • Legroom: 41.3 inches

Kia Telluride

New Kia Telluride Pictures
  • Type: 3-row SUV
  • Base Price: $35,990
  • Seat: 7-8
  • Legroom: 41.4 inches

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Pictures
  • Type: 3-row SUV
  • Base Price: $39,120
  • Seat: 7-8
  • Legroom: 42 inches

Honda CR-V

All-new Honda CR-V Redesign

The Honda CR-V has plenty of room for tall people when using rear-facing car seats.

The back seats are higher off the ground, so there’s no need to worry about your head being hit by the car doors.

The front passenger seat also reclines further back, so you can really stretch out your legs.

Even with the front seat all the way back, you still have enough space to fit a rear-facing car seat behind the seat, impressive.

On top of that, you also have a very spacious cargo space at the back. The CR-V is one of the best when it comes to storage space.

So, if you’re looking for a tall-person-friendly SUV, the Honda CR-V should be at the top of your list.

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Pictures

The Toyota Highlander is worth a look if you’re in the market for an SUV that can accommodate rear-facing car seats. With its spacious interior and comfortable seating, the Highlander provides a safe ride for adults and children.

With 42 inches of legroom in the first row, I could sit comfortably with the rear-facing car seat installed behind me.

The SUV’s height also makes it easy to get in and out of, even with a car seat in tow. And if you’re looking for added peace of mind, the Highlander comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

So if you’re tall and searching for an SUV that can accommodate your family’s needs, the Toyota Highlander should be at the top of your list.

Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet Traverse 3-row suv

The Chevrolet Traverse SUV is a great option for tall people who need to use rear-facing car seats.

With a generous amount of legroom and headroom, the Traverse provides a comfortable and safe ride for both adults and children.

In addition, the SUV’s large windows offer excellent visibility for both drivers and passengers. As a result, the Traverse is an ideal choice for families with young children who need to be able to see out of the car.

Additionally, the SUV’s spacious interior makes it easy to store all of the necessary gear for a day trip or a long vacation. The second and third-row seats can be folded flat when you need more space to transport more items.

With plenty of room for luggage, strollers, and other items, the Traverse is perfect for those who want to travel in style.

Finally, the Traverse’s robust engine ensures that it can handle even the most challenging terrain. Whether you’re driving on city streets or off-road trails, the Traverse will get you where you need to go.

With its combination of safety, comfort, and capability, the Chevrolet Traverse SUV is an excellent choice for tall people who need to use rear-facing car seats.

Nissan Pathfinder

New Nissan Pathfinder Interior

The Nissan Pathfinder is another excellent choice for tall people when using rear-facing car seats.

The headrest and sun visor are both adjustable so that you can position them for maximum comfort and visibility.

The front passenger seat also reclines, so you can recline the seat back and still have plenty of legroom. And, with the rear seats folded down, there’s plenty of room for your car seat.

The Pathfinder also has a rear-view camera, so you can see what’s behind you when backing up.

And, with the optional blind spot monitor, you can be notified of vehicles in your blind spot.

Mazda CX-9

Mazda CX-9

When using a rear-facing car seat, the height of the vehicle’s seats becomes an important factor.

Mazda’s CX-9 is a great option for taller people who need to use a rear-facing car seat.

The CX-9’s seats are higher than average, making it easy to get a good view over the top of the car seat.

In addition, the CX-9’s headrests are adjustable, so you can still get a comfortable view even when the car seat is reclined. And, for extra tall people, the CX-9 offers an optional sunroof.

So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s comfortable for taller people when using a rear-facing car seat, this seven-seater SUV is definitely worth considering.

Kia Sorento

New Kia Sorento PHEV

The Kia Sorento is a popular SUV for families, and it’s also a great choice for tall parents who need to use rear-facing car seats.

The Sorento has plenty of headroom and legroom in the back seat, so you won’t have to worry about your child being cramped or uncomfortable.

And, when you’re not using a car seat, the Sorento’s second-row seats can be reclined for additional comfort.

Hyundai Sante Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Pictures

Hyundai’s Sante Fe SUV is a great choice for tall people when using rear-facing car seats.

The midsize SUV has plenty of headroom and legroom, making it comfortable for even the tallest passengers.

The seats are also positioned high off the ground, making it easy to get in and out of the car.

In addition, the Sante Fe comes with a rear-view camera, making it easy to see what’s behind you when backing up. The camera is particularly useful when reversing into tight spaces.

Overall, the Hyundai Sante Fe is a great choice for tall people who need to use rear-facing car seats.

Kia Telluride

New Kia Telluride Pictures

The Kia Telluride is a welcome addition to the lineup of SUVs designed for tall people.

Its spacious interior and high roof make it a comfortable option for those who need to use rear-facing car seats.

The Telluride also has a wide range of standard features that make it a great value for families. These include a rearview camera, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.

In addition, Telluride’s optional third-row seating makes it a good choice for larger families.

With its spacious interior and impressive list of features, the Kia Telluride is an SUV that tall people will appreciate.

Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester Midsize SUV With All-wheel Drive

The Subaru Forester is a great SUV for tall people when using rear-facing car seats. It has plenty of headroom and legroom, making it comfortable for even the tallest passengers.

In addition, Forester’s adjustable seats and steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

And, with its all-wheel drive system, the Forester can handle any terrain, making it a great choice for adventures.

So, if you’re looking for an SUV that’s comfortable for tall people and can handle any terrain, the Subaru Forester is a perfect choice. Thanks for considering it.

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Palisade Pictures

The Hyundai Palisade SUV is a great choice for tall people when using rear-facing car seats.

The seat is elevated so that the child’s head is above the headrest, and the legroom is generous so that the child’s legs are not cramped.

In addition, the height of the vehicle allows for easy access to the car seat, and the wide door opening makes it easy to get in and out of the vehicle.

The SUV also has a large trunk, which is perfect for storing all of the gear that is needed for a day out with the family.

The Hyundai Palisade is a great choice for tall people who want to use a rear-facing car seat.

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer Off-road reliability

The Ford Explorer SUV has long been a popular choice for families, thanks to its spacious interior and comfortable ride.

However, the Explorer has also been known for its poor safety record. In recent years, Ford has made significant improvements to the Explorer’s design, making it one of the safest SUVs on the road.

One key safety feature is the car’s rear-facing car seat. The seat is designed to provide optimum protection for children in the event of a collision.

The seat is also tall, making it ideal for taller passengers. As a result, the Explorer is an excellent choice for families with tall children who require a rear-facing car seat.

Infiniti QX80

Infiniti QX80 4WD SUV

The Infiniti QX80 SUV is a great option for tall people who need to use rear-facing car seats.

Not only does it have a large interior, but it also offers a wide range of adjustability for both the front and rear seats.

This means that you can find a comfortable position for your child, regardless of their size.

Given its many features and benefits, the Infiniti QX80 SUV is an excellent choice for tall parents who need to use rear-facing car seats.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding an SUV that’s tall enough to accommodate a rear-facing car seat, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to make sure that the vehicle has enough headroom.

Second, you’ll want to make sure that the seat is positioned high enough off the ground so that your child can see out the window.

Third, you’ll want to make sure that the seat belt is positioned correctly so that it doesn’t rub against your child’s neck.

And fourth, you’ll want to make sure that the SUV has side curtain airbags.

Here are a few SUVs that meet all of these criteria: the Honda CR-V, the Toyota Highlander, and the Kia Telluride.