Best Cars with High Driving Positions for Optimal Road View and Comfort

If you’re sick of hunching over the steering wheel or craning your neck in gridlock, seriously, it may be time to consider one with a high driving position. More than that, these vehicles provide a commanding view of the road, greater blind-spot awareness, and an aura of control that low-slung sedans never really deliver. A higher-sitting car makes every trip much safer and more fun, from city commutes to long highway drives to tight parking situations.

For 2024 and 2025, automakers are doubling down on comfort and vision by designing vehicles that elevate the driver’s seat high up off the ground while maintaining a comfortable ride and impressive mileage. The market is saturated with everything from subcompact SUVs to full-size off-roaders that put you higher and offer a more upright driving position.

This is the ultimate guide to the top cars with elevated seating positions that balance form and function. From engine specs to ground clearance, interior layout to driver comfort, we compare the best of the best. These models are all about helping you sit high, see wide, and drive far, whether you’re going for rugged durability or day-to-day utility.

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#1. 2025 Land Rover Defender 110

Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 with mild hybrid
Horsepower: 395 hp
Torque: 406 lb-ft
Drivetrain: AWD
Ground Clearance: Up to 11.5 inches
Highlight: Excellent off-road capability and upright driver position

The leather-lined, British-designed Land Rover Defender 110 packs a rugged punch. The reported 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 with a mild hybrid system delivers 395 hp (294 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque to tackle rocky inclines or tow gear for weekend adventures. Confidence comes from its full-time AWD system and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance over sand, snow, or slope. An upright driver position provides good visibility on the inside, with what I hope are durable yet premium materials to give comfort on each journey.

The Defender 110 combines that old-school ruggedness with a hefty dose of technology. Whether crawling muddy trails or cruising the highway, it makes an ideal partner for that adventurer who wants both a little luxury and a healthy dose of legendary off-road prowess.

#2. 2024 Ford Bronco

Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (optional 2.7L V6)
Horsepower: 300–330 hp
Torque: 325–415 lb-ft
Drivetrain: 4WD standard
Ground Clearance: Up to 11.6 inches
Highlight: Removable roof and doors with superior visibility

Ford Bronco is tailored for off-roading without sacrificing some everyday fundamentals. At its core, it packs a 300-hp, 325-lb-ft standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 or available 330-hp, 415-lb-ft 2.7-liter V6. That comes with a standard 4WD system and 11.6 inches of ground clearance for off-road confidence.

The removable roof and doors give it freedom; the upright seat and boxy shape translate into plenty of visibility outside. The Bronco strikes a good balance of capability, styling, and open-air fun, whether you’re maneuvering tight trails or the highway.

#3. 2024 Subaru Forester

Engine: 2.5L flat-4
Horsepower: 182 hp
Torque: 176 lb-ft
Drivetrain: AWD standard
Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
Highlight: Affordable, comfortable, and offers a great outward view

The Subaru Forester features standard all-wheel drive and a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance to tackle city streets and weekend trails in its compact SUV class. The Forester, meanwhile, runs on a 2.5L flat-4, making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, an ideal blend of reliability and fuel efficiency. With its roomy cabin, high rider height, and low beltline, it has good outward visibility that promotes confidence behind the wheel.

So, commuting or adventuring, you can count on the local Forester to deliver some comfy, capable, and seriously affordable value in one well-rounded package. The Forester is still at the top of the list for anyone looking for a cheap, reliable SUV with good sight lines and day-to-day usability.

#4. 2024 Honda CR-V

Engine: 1.5L turbocharged I-4
Horsepower: 190 hp
Torque: 179 lb-ft
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches
Highlight: Ergonomic seating and panoramic visibility

The Honda CR-V mixes near-bulletproof versatility, comfort, and mundane practicality in one easy package. With a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, it provides a smooth, responsive ride regardless of whether you opt for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It has 8.2 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough roads and light trails confidently.

The CR-V shines inside with supportive seats for long-trip driving and a great sense of visibility for safety and awareness. For families and commuters, the hatchback is a good companion, too, with civilized driving behavior, ample cargo space, and appropriate technological amenities. The CR-V remains a top choice in compact SUVs thanks to its clever packaging and balanced highway performance.

#5. 2024 Toyota RAV4

Engine: 2.5L I-4 or 2.5L hybrid
Horsepower: 203–219 hp
Torque: 184 lb-ft
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.4 inches
Highlight: Durable design and elevated seating

The Toyota RAV4 is practical but still versatile and fun, making it an easy choice for many compact SUV buyers. Available with a 2.5L inline-4 engine or a more power-conservative way in the form of a hybrid version, featuring a power output range of 203-219 HP. The 184 lb-ft of torque means the RAV4 can confidently handle anything the road throws its way, and you can also choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It provides a touch more ground clearance at 8.4 inches, allowing light off-roading and taller ride height for improved visibility. Higher-riding seats provide good outward views and comfort on those long drives inside the RAV4. A commuter, a weekend adventurer, and a family will find a solid partner in the Toyota, thanks to its practical build, thoughtful cabin design, and excellent fuel economy with every variant.

#6. 2025 Volvo XC90

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged I-4 with mild hybrid
Horsepower: 295 hp
Torque: 310 lb-ft
Drivetrain: AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.8 inches
Highlight: Luxurious interior with one of the highest seating positions in its class

Combining Scandinavian luxury with practical performance, the Volvo XC90 ranks high in the premium SUV segment. The 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged inline-4 engine featuring an integrated mild hybrid system cranks out an impressive 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. There is standard all-wheel drive for extra traction no matter the conditions, and a roomy 8.8 inches of ground clearance for some light off-road confidence, too. Considering the interior, the XC90 impresses with a minimalist design while still being elegant and high-end, thanks to the premium materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system.

But what makes it unique is the undeniable presence of its elevated seating position, one of the tallest in the segment, that feels like you can see over the entire road. This SUV is an ideal combination of luxury, comfort, and practicality.

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#7. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Engine: 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8
Horsepower: 293–357 hp
Torque: 260–390 lb-ft
Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
Ground Clearance: Up to 11.3 inches with air suspension
Highlight: Premium SUV comfort with great height and capability

The Jeep Grand Cherokee provides a sophisticated yet trail-ready experience, from the city streets to the mountain roads. Pop the hood, and you can choose the 3.6L V6 or the big 5.7L V8, providing 293 to 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, this SUV exudes a commanding presence anywhere on or off the pavement. Thanks to the adjustable air suspension, you can achieve ground clearance of up to 11.3 inches, which is ideal for beating backcountry trails or rolling over urban obstacles.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee envelops them in upscale materials, inviting them to inEngineteract with intelligent technology for a first-class experience on all journeys. It perfectly combines premium comfort, sporty performance, and upscale design.

#8. 2024 Kia Telluride

Engine: 3.8L V6
Horsepower: 291 hp
Torque: 262 lb-ft
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches
Highlight: Best-in-class seating comfort and high driving stance

With a timeless 3.8L V6 that made 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Kia Telluride wears its clothes well with either front-or all-wheel drive, with seamless operation regardless of driveline. With 8.0 inches of ground clearance, it is in the sweet spot for light-duty off-roading and a commanding road view.

On the inside, the Telluride provides best-in-class comfort in three rows of seats for large families or road trips. It feels good when driving: the high driving position exudes confidence, and the materials that construct the cabin impress, surpassing those found in pricier SUVs. Look no further than the Telluride, our top-rated midsize SUV, for the ultimate combination of capability, comfort, and rugged design.

#9. 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe

Engine: 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, or 3.0L diesel
Horsepower: Up to 420 hp
Torque: Up to 460 lb-ft
Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
Ground Clearance: Up to 10 inches
Highlight: True full-size SUV height with powerful engine options

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV powered by size, mass, and road presence. This truck has 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engine options and a 3.0L Duramax diesel to match all other full-size trucks with a top of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque on tap. Available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Tahoe is meant to own the highway and whatever off-road terrain you throw my way.

Its ground clearance climbs 10 inches, allowing superb off-road capabilities and a proper road view. Truck-tough yet SUV savvy, the Tahoe balances the best of both worlds with one of the highest driving positions in its segment—perfect for those who like to offer a bold, elevated ride. This SUV is meant for family, towing, and everything else.

#10. 2025 Toyota Sequoia

Engine: i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo hybrid V6
Horsepower: 437 hp
Torque: 583 lb-ft
Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
Ground Clearance: 8.6 inches
Highlight: Exceptional visibility and towing performance

Power comes from an i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo hybrid V6 engine good for 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque in the Toyota Sequoia. The available rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations give it a smooth yet strong driving performance, perfect for handling any terrain.

The Sequoia has an 8.6-inch off-road clearance while on-road height, so it’s made for tackling trails and gives a massive view on and off-road. With a hybrid powertrain that enables excellent towing horsepower, it’s a smart SUV that delivers for regular road and devout heavy lift. Muscle and plushness, together for adventure or work, the Sequoia embodies a sweet spot.

#11. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G 550)

Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8
Horsepower: 416 hp
Torque: 450 lb-ft
Drivetrain: AWD
Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches
Highlight: Ultra-premium SUV with iconic upright driving position

With an iconic design and powerful performance, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G 550)is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 rated at 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It provides strong acceleration and outstanding towing capacity. All-wheel drive (AWD) maximizes traction, while ground clearance of 9.5 inches aids off-road prowess.

With its blocky, vertical shape, the G-Wagon gives you a high seating position that clears your view and delivers an overview of the road ahead. This ultra-premium SUV is rugged enough to take you anywhere and stylish enough to be reflective of any successful individual. Combining the performance, power, and design of the legendary, Mercedes is a class of its own in the luxury SUV segment.

#12. 2024 Hyundai Palisade

Engine: 3.8L V6
Horsepower: 291 hp
Torque: 262 lb-ft
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
Ground Clearance: 7.9 inches
Highlight: Soft suspension and high seat posture for daily comfort

The 3.8L V6 engine in the Hyundai Palisade produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and delivers a streamlined and luxurious ride. As a three-row SUV, it’s offered in both FWD and AWD, sits 7.9 inches above the ground, and is capable enough for most conditions. Gentle suspension makes for a comfortable ride, and the high driving position gives you a great view of the road ahead.

Underneath, the Palisade utilizes high-end interior materials, generous seating, and tons of tech to ensure it remains a good fit for families that want comfort and convenience. With a focus on fun to drive, the Palisade is built for everything from driving to work to out on the open road.

Conclusion

Opting for a vehicle with a high driving position is more than a personal choice; it provides safety, comfort, and control. Whether stuck in traffic on your way to work or taking a weekend getaway, a good vehicle can help ease the stress and amp up your confidence.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury ride like the Volvo XC90 or Mercedes G-Class or a practical pick like the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4, there’s a high-seating vehicle to suit every lifestyle and budget. So think about details such as clearance, seat ergonomics, and panoramic visibility, and then choose. In the end, the best vehicle is the one that allows you to see better, ride high, and drive great.