I went to check out some EVs this past weekend as the price point for entry-level EVs is comparable to the value of my Tundra. Important: I am 6’3" and wear a size 60 jacket as I have broad shoulders. I tested out the Mach-E, the Ioniq 5, the F-150 Lightning, and a number of hybrids.
With the exception of the Ioniq 5 and the F-150 Lightning, literally the interiors of every EV and hybrid were either too narrow or too short for me to comfortably fit in. Their ICE equivalents though, are large enough.
So why are so many EVs designed for smaller people? Will there be EVs with larger interiors? Or are large people advised to stick with ICEs or Teslas?
Side note: I haven’t tried a Tesla yet, I’m reluctant to buy a small hatchback so the Ioniq is out, and I don’t have an $80K budget for the F-150. I want a midrange vehicle in the 40K price range.
Dear Penthouse: I never thought these letters were true until I had an experience that changed my life. Important: I am 6’3" and wear a size 60 jacket as I have broad shoulders.
MkBHD, who is 6’2" and a professional athlete, does a height check in every EV he does a video about, including the back seat where applicable. I don’t recall him ever saying that he couldn’t fit in an EV.
It’s hardly surprising that car manufacturers design their products based on average human sizes. That’s just good practice.
as someone who is the same sazes as you the Tesla Model 3 will be comfortable but getting in and out requires some adjustment as its low to the ground!
leg room and set adjustment give a good amount of room.
Good thing you didn’t try a polestar! Seriously though one difference is that there are 6 or 8 inches of battery under the seat that eats into headroom. The main impact to this 6’3” person is that the headliner blocks my view of things like traffic lights.
Americans are a strange people. Ioniq is not a small hatchback.
So far, most modern EVs have been pretty large cars with a lot of room. It is only natural that they smart making smaller cheaper ones now.
Oh, and I am 6’8" and also quite broad shouldered.
At least on height, I (also 6ft 3) have not found a modern car I can’t fit in after suitably adjusting the seat. Including the smart fortwo.
My best friend is 6’ 5" and almost 300 pounds and finds the passenger seat of my 3 quite comfortable.
You aren’t invited into my Fiat.
I’m 6’5, 280lb, and pretty broad-shouldered. Of course an F-150 is going to have more room in general, but I fit fine in a Model 3 as long as nobody needs to sit behind me.
EV crossovers can be slightly more cramped than ICE versions due to the battery pack under the floor plus low rooflines for aerodynamics. I found the Mach-E to feel a bit compact, but the Ioniq 5, ID.4, and Model 3/Y were more spacious. The EV6 feels like crawling into a coffin, but it might have been reduced headroom from the sunroof in that trim.
I’m going to take the OP at his word. As a big guy you’re probably only going to be happy with a big vehicle, which generally means an expensive vehicle. Your options then are to spend more or wait for a used one.
On the market now: Highlander hybrid, Sienna, Pacifica PHEV, Mazda c-90 PHEV, Tacoma Hybrid, Santa Fe hybrid or PHEV, Grand Cherokee phev, Kia EV9, F150 lightning, Cadillac Lyriq, Rav4 Prime, Rivian R1t or R1s, Blazer EV
Coming soon: Ram REV or Recharger, Silverado EV, Cybertruck , Volvo EX90, VW ID Buzz
I imagine you should be able to find something on this list that works for you today or soon on the new or used market.