You get to see the road ahead clearly and you don’t feel threatened when large trucks or buses are passing you – you can feel safe and secure in a car with a high driving position.
With this list of the best cars with high driving positions, you’ll get a great view and also a lot of practicality.
1. Range Rover
It has been more than half a century since the Range Rover was the car that defined the phrase ‘commanding driving position’. It is common for a new model to hit the mark so well, and sell so consistently, that it remains on the market for longer than most cars when it is released. Therefore, the Range Rover, unveiled in 2022, is only the fifth all-new model to be released. Despite the addition of the latest drivetrains and technology, the Range Rover retains the lofty perch, tall body, and large windows that contribute to the sense of occasion drivers have come to expect from Range Rovers.
All models come with air suspension for a cushy ride and alloys of at least 21 inches in diameter for imposing looks, with a 3D parking camera, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a Meridian sound system, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Among the available engines are plug-in hybrids, as well as a long-wheelbase version that can accommodate seven people. Land Rover known for offering a variety of trims and option packs, so the price is high along with the driving position.
2. Skoda Kodiaq
Despite its large size and seven-seat option, the Skoda Kodiaq appears almost nothing like the Range Rover. It’s fair to say the cabin of the Kodiaq isn’t on the same level as the Range Rover’s, so the price of the Kodiaq is a major divergence.
In addition to its value, the Kodiaq has a lot to offer. There’s a strong sense of character in this car, and it enjoys an upright driving position, an easy-to-use dashboard, and a third row of seats (an option most buyers specify). Despite its lofty driving position, the Kodiaq has a generous boot, and while there’s no plug-in hybrid, you can opt for a posh L&K version if you prefer a touch of luxury.
3. Land Rover Discovery
With its high seating position, the Land Rover Discovery keeps the same sense of luxury and luxury, but with a greater sense of practicality and utility – albeit without the high-end materials and the cozy cabin. Though it’s still a premium car by many standards, the driver’s position still feels similar to that of the captain’s chair, and it’s one of the most practical cars money can buy. While you may want to upgrade from the entry-level model, the Discovery remains a car with a lot to offer for almost half the price of the full-fat Range Rover.
In addition to a 3.0-liter diesel engine, a 2.0-liter petrol engine, and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol engine, the options list includes upholstery, lighting, infotainment, and driver assistance packages. If you prefer to make the most of Discovery’s workhorse credentials, you can buy the Commercial version.
4. Volvo XC90
XC90 takes a completely different approach to the seven-seat SUV format, focusing on calm understatement in the cabin while keeping the firm’s strong safety ethic in mind. Volvo has fitted all of its XC90s with a speed limiter of 112mph, which means no XC90 occupant has ever perished in a traffic crash.
There is a high driving position, and the dashboard is uncluttered, while the interior materials are thoughtfully curated so as to create a sense of comfort and relaxation. The rearmost row of seats may not be as spacious as the Discovery’s, but the comfortable and practical XC90 is the family car of choice for many families. XC90 is only available with 2.0-liter petrol or diesel engines, but there is also the T8 plug-in hybrid, which offers an impressive 400 horsepower and the option of cruising on battery power.
5. BMW X7
BMW’s X7 is an unmistakable road presence thanks to its spaciousness, imposing appearance, and uncompromising performance. The car isn’t for the timid, but it does offer an imperious driving position from which you can lord over other road users. Despite its size, the X7’s cabin impeccably constructed and fully stocked with everything you need, along with BMW’s superb infotainment system.
Start with the X7 xDrive 40d, which offers a 530hp engine with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. For those who may think the other engines aren’t enough, there’s also the X7 M6oi, which offers 530hp with a Twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.
6. Ford Kuga
Ford’s chassis engineers ensured the Kuga was a good car to drive, as well as a practical mid-size SUV, and it’s a cornerstone of the mid-size SUV market. The Kuga rewards those who appreciate winding roads with accurate steering and limited body roll, and its starting price of under £30,000 makes it affordable for a wide range of buyers.
Zetec trim has LED headlights, power-fold mirrors, keyless entry, a digital driver’s display, and a powerful stereo. Titanium trim offers a full range of features, including a digital driver’s display. Whether you’re looking for the sporty ST-Line or the plush Vignale, there’s a Kuga to suit your needs. For those who want to spend a little more on the car and save a little fuel, there are hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains available. The base engine is a 150hp 1.5-litre petrol, but 190hp hybrid, and 225hp plug-in hybrid units are also available.
7. Audi Q7
Audi Q7 was updated mid-life in 2020, but it is still an older SUV – not that you would know. When the Q7 second-generation came out in 2015, cabin quality and material choices were ahead of their time, and with all the technology and styling tweaks since then, that remains the case.
In addition to a big SUV, it comes with a high driving position that gives you an excellent view of the road ahead. You can get a hearty mix of power, quiet cruising, and decent fuel economy if you choose an Audi diesel engine. Even though the new infotainment system really slightly fiddly compared to its simpler predecessor, the Q7 still stands out as a great car.
8. Volkswagen Tiguan
A Volkswagen Tiguan combines everything you like about a Volkswagen in a high-riding SUV body. On the outside, the Tiguan looks restrained – unless you choose the sporty-looking R-Line – while the interior feels solid, with a fully digital display.
If you would like to carry extra passengers from time to time, there’s also the seven-seat AllSpace Tiguan model. The Tiguan is the epitome of a family SUV because it comes with a big boot and lots of storage. The engine choice is excellent and you can decide between two or four-wheel drive, the only problem is the Skoda Kodiaq offers all of this, but it’s also cheaper and has more interior space.
9. Peugeot 3008
Despite its sensible nature, the Peugeot 3008 isn’t boring at all. With thoughtfully selected fabric dashboard inserts that really lift the cabin, it also ushered in a new design language for Peugeot interiors. Piano-style infotainment buttons for the infotainment system were a welcome change from conventional buttons, and they are also very easy to use.
While the 3008’s body is dripping with creases and slashes, it also has room for four and a fairly large boot, so it looks like nothing else out there. It’s easy to drive and comes with a variety of cheap-to-run engines. However, its high driving position isn’t as attractive as it could be, and it has a small steering wheel, which may not appeal to everyone.
10. Mercedes GLS
As Mercedes’ largest and most luxurious SUV, the GLS gets a high seating position, and its high ranking matches its high status. With its sweeping design, fancy trim pieces, and crystal-clear infotainment display, it feels extremely posh on the inside. When all the seats are in use, the boot still has enough room to fit seven people. Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which costs almost double as much as the standard GLS 400d, comes with a powerful diesel engine of 330 horsepower and costs around £86,000, effectively a riding black limousine. GLS models in the UK may missing the GLS’ trick ‘E-Active’ suspension, which can bounce you free from mud if you get stuck off-road. Mercedes Benz S550 commonly used as a fleet in New York for Luxury travel.