Tall drivers learn to read a spec sheet before a brochure. Two numbers decide most of the experience: front headroom and front legroom. Below are the published figures for this year’s most-recommended cars, plus the trap that catches people on the test drive: the sunroof.
How these numbers are measured. Carmakers follow an industry standard (SAE J1100) that measures headroom and legroom from one seat position, with the seat in its rearmost normal driving position (SAE J1100). It doesn’t account for how high or low the seat adjusts, so two cars with the same headroom can feel different. Use the numbers to shortlist, then sit in the car.
Want to narrow it down? The car finder filters every car below by the headroom and legroom you need.
Sedans
| Car | Front headroom | Front legroom |
|---|---|---|
| Kia K5 (2026) | 40.2 in (38.4 with moonroof) | 46.1 in |
| Subaru Outback (2025) | 40.1 in | 42.8 in |
| Honda Accord (2026) | 39.5 in on LX (37.5 on other trims) | 42.3 in |
| Toyota Camry (2026) | 38.3 in | 42.1 in |
Sources: KBB, KBB, Honda, KBB.
The standout: the Kia K5’s 46.1 inches of front legroom is unusual for a midsize sedan. Pick a trim without the moonroof to keep the extra headroom.
SUVs
| SUV | Front headroom | Front legroom |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade (2026) | 41.5 in on SE/SEL (40.1 on other trims) | 44.2 in |
| Subaru Forester (2026) | 41.2 in on base (40.0 on other trims) | 43.3 in |
| Kia Telluride (2027 SX) | 40.0 in | 41.4 in |
| Honda CR-V (2026 EX) | 38.2 in | 41.3 in |
Full-size trucks and SUVs
This is where tall drivers usually win. Boxy cabs and tall windshields leave room above and in front of you.
| Vehicle | Front headroom | Front legroom |
|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 Crew (2025) | 43.0 in | 44.5 in |
| Chevy Tahoe (2026) | 42.3 in | 44.5 in |
| Ford Expedition (2026) | 41.8 in | 43.9 in |
| Toyota Tundra CrewMax (2026) | 41.0 in (39.3 on Platinum/1794) | 41.2 in |
| Ram 1500 Crew Cab (2026) | 40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Ford F-150 (2026) | 40.8 in | 43.9 in |
Sources: KBB, KBB, KBB, KBB, KBB, iSeeCars.
EVs
EVs put the battery under the floor, which can raise the seat. That’s worth checking in person, because the published headroom won’t show it.
| EV | Front headroom | Front legroom |
|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 (2026) | 41.2 in on Light (39.6 on other trims) | 41.4 in |
| Rivian R1S (2026) | 41 in | 41 in |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2026) | 39.8 in (39.1 on Limited) | 41.7 in |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E (2026) | 38.9 in | 43.3 in |
Sources: KBB, Cars.com, KBB, KBB.
The sunroof trap
Notice a pattern in the tables: the trim with the sunroof or panoramic roof often has less headroom. Kelley Blue Book calls sunroofs “horrible for headroom”, and AAA notes they usually drop the ceiling “a few inches.” The 2025 Genesis G80 is a clean example: 40.9 inches of headroom without a sunroof, 39.0 with one (KBB).
In the tables above, the trims with a standard glass roof lose between about 0.7 and 2 inches. When you’re choosing a trim, the cheaper one without the roof is often the better car for you.
What to check on the test drive
- Traffic lights. Can you see a light at an intersection without ducking under the top of the windshield? (KBB)
- Wheel reach. Put the seat back where your legs are comfortable, then check whether the wheel telescopes far enough that your arms aren’t locked straight. Consumer Reports says a wheel that tilts and telescopes “makes a big difference.”
- Seat height. Drop the seat all the way down. That’s where you find the real headroom.
- Mirrors. Side mirrors sometimes don’t adjust far enough for a tall driver’s eye line (KBB).
- Getting in and out. Sloped roof pillars cut headroom at the door. Get in and out a few times, not once.
One more thing from Consumer Reports’ tall-driver testing: a taller vehicle isn’t automatically roomier. It found some small cars fit tall drivers better than taller crossovers (Consumer Reports). Trust the seat, not the silhouette.
Specs are for the model years shown and can change between trims and years. Check the exact configuration before you buy.