Best Used Cars With a High Driving Position
From city-friendly runarounds to full-size SUVs, here's how to get a commanding view of the road without going too big.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 17 September 2026 | 5 mins read
For some drivers, there’s nothing like the thrill of a low, sporty ride that hugs the road. However, others prefer the elevated vantage point of a high driving position. Whether it’s for the added visibility, ease of access, or simply the comfort on long journeys, a high driving position has numerous benefits.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best used cars with a high driving position, catering to various tastes and budgets. These cars promise not just comfort but also practicality and style. If you'd rather stay smaller still, our guide to the best compact cars is a good place to start instead. Let’s get started!
How do I find the right driving position?
Before we dive into our list, it’s important to understand what makes a high driving position desirable. Car designers often use the term ‘H point’ to describe the height of a car’s driving position. This refers to how far above the ground a typical person’s hips are when sitting in the driver’s seat.
For maximum comfort and ease of access, the H point should align closely with the level of your hips. This eliminates the need to climb up or drop down into your seat. It’s worth noting that personal preference and specific needs, such as mobility issues or child seat access, play a crucial role in choosing the right driving position.
1. Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis is proof that you don't need a big car for a high driving position. It's one of the smallest cars on this list, but its tall, boxy shape gives it a surprisingly upright seating position and a commanding view out over the bonnet that plenty of larger cars can't match.
Suzuki discontinued the Ignis in the UK in 2025 as part of its shift towards hybrid and electric models, so every one on the market now is used, but that's no bad thing: it was always cheap to buy, cheap to insure, and simple to live with, and its light controls and tall glasshouse make it one of the easiest small cars around to get in, out of, and see out of.
2. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is renowned for its practicality. Despite its compact exterior, it offers the interior space of a midsize family car. Tall and wide, the Jazz comfortably accommodates four tall adults, and its large boot is a bonus.
The seats in the Jazz are set at a height that makes getting in and out a breeze. The rear doors open wide, further simplifying the process of loading and unloading children or cargo. If you need a small, practical car with a comfortable driving position, the Honda Jazz is an excellent choice. If you're torn between this and a rival supermini, our Honda Jazz vs Toyota Yaris comparison digs into which makes the better used buy.
3. Citroen C4 Cactus
The Citroen C4 Cactus stands out with its unique character and high driving position. Versions sold from 2014 to 2018 feature AirBumps—plastic panels designed to absorb minor impacts. Post-2018 models have a more subdued design but retain the car’s distinctive charm.
The C4 Cactus sits higher than most compact hatchbacks, offering a more SUV-like feel. Its interior is spacious, with soft, well-shaped seats that provide excellent comfort on long journeys. Fuel-efficient engines make the C4 Cactus a practical choice for daily commuting. Citroen dropped the Cactus name entirely when it replaced the car in 2020, so this is a one-generation-only badge – every example you'll find now is used, and there won't be a newer one to compare it against.
4. Ford Focus Active
The Ford Focus is a beloved midsize hatchback, and the Active variant takes it a step further with SUV-inspired styling. Raised suspension and grey and silver trim give it a rugged look, while the higher seats offer improved visibility and ease of access.
Available as both a hatchback and an estate, the Focus Active provides versatility and comfort. Whether you’re driving in the city or on a country road, the extra lift and high-tech features make every trip enjoyable. Ford ended Focus production altogether in November 2025 after 27 years, so like the C4 Cactus, this is now a used-only buy with no direct successor.
5. Audi A6 Allroad
If you’re looking for luxury combined with practicality, the Audi A6 Allroad is a top contender. Based on the A6 Avant estate, it features rugged exterior trim and raised suspension. The beautifully crafted interior is spacious and packed with high-tech features.
The A6 Allroad excels in long-distance driving, offering a relaxing and powerful experience. Its high seats make entry and exit easy, and its ability to handle off-road terrains and tow heavy trailers adds to its versatility. Audi is launching an all-new, fifth-generation A6 Allroad in autumn 2026, so nearly every used example currently available is the outgoing model – still an excellent buy, but worth knowing if you're weighing it up against a brand-new one.
6. Volkswagen Sharan
The Volkswagen Sharan is the epitome of a family car. This seven-seat MPV offers ample passenger space, even for adults in the third row. Its flexible seating arrangement allows for a massive boot space when needed.
High-mounted seats provide excellent visibility and comfort, while sliding side doors make rear access effortless. The Sharan combines practicality and ease of use, making it a family favourite. Volkswagen took the Sharan off sale in 2022 after more than a decade on the market, and hasn't replaced it with another seven-seat MPV, so a good used example is now your only way into one.
7. Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster is the most affordable new SUV on the market, yet it rivals many pricier competitors. Though not the quietest or smoothest, it is incredibly practical and built to withstand the demands of family life.
The Duster’s high ground clearance and tall body make getting in and out simple. It also offers substantial off-road capabilities for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. For value and functionality, the Duster is hard to beat. A brand-new third-generation Duster arrived in 2024, starting from around £18,500, but most used examples on the market today are the older, similarly boxy second-generation model from 2018 onwards, which is every bit as practical for a fraction of the price.
8. Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a versatile compact SUV available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle. Its spacious interior, smooth ride, and impressive fuel efficiency make it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Although the Niro sits closer to the ground than some SUVs, its high seats ensure easy entry and exit. The electric version has been renamed the Niro EV (previously badged e-Niro on the first-generation car) and now offers up to around 285 miles of official range, making it suitable for longer journeys.
9. Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque combines luxury and practicality in a compact SUV package. With sumptuous leather upholstery and advanced tech features, it turns every drive into a special occasion.
While shorter individuals might need a slight step up, the Evoque’s overall height ensures excellent visibility and ease of access. It provides the luxury feel of a larger Range Rover in a more manageable size. A 2023 update refreshed the interior and boosted the plug-in hybrid's electric range, so a post-2023 car is worth seeking out if that side of the car matters to you.
10. Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a premium SUV offering unparalleled comfort and space. It’s perfect for families needing a vehicle that can handle various terrains and tow heavy loads.
The high driving position provides a commanding view of the road, adding to the overall safety and comfort. The GLE is packed with cutting-edge technology and luxurious touches, making it a top choice for those seeking both elegance and functionality. A facelifted GLE with a new infotainment system and plug-in hybrid options is due in showrooms from May 2026, so if you're after the very latest tech, it's worth checking whether a used example is pre- or post-update.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a car with a high driving position can greatly enhance your driving experience, offering better visibility, comfort, and ease of access. From the tiny, tall-riding Suzuki Ignis to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLE, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
A good few of these are now discontinued nameplates rather than cars you can still buy new, which is worth bearing in mind: it generally means plentiful used choice and softer prices, but also that it's worth getting a proper service history and independent inspection, since there's no newer version to prop up parts supply forever. Our guide on how to buy a used car covers exactly what to check before you commit.
Ready to find your next high-riding vehicle? Explore our extensive selection of used cars and discover the ideal match for your needs at Cazoo.