Lately, society seems to have embraced the term “plus-sized.” That term can mean individuals who are taller than average, but usually, it means overweight or obese people.
If you go back to 2013-14 CDC statistics, 71% of Americans were overweight, while close to 38% were obese. That number has only increased since then. It’s because many of us lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
It often starts with children since childhood obesity is rampant as well. If you struggle with it when you’re a kid, many times, you will during adulthood as well. If you have a job where you often sit in front of a computer or at a desk for many hours on end, losing weight is not that easy.
In this article, we’re not going to focus on weight loss, but rather on what vehicles the plus-sized individual can drive. Many people have to drive to work, and that includes overweight and obese Americans. Not every car will work for each body type, but we’ve identified a few that will.
What Do Overweight or Obese Individuals Need in a Vehicle?
Before we get to the vehicles on this list, we should talk about what an obese or overweight individual needs from their car, truck, etc. You’ll probably want to avoid something like a motorcycle if you’re too overweight.
It’s just as well. A recent report revealed that in Georgia, 56% of motorcycle accidents caused severe injuries.
If you’re overweight or obese, you want a vehicle that has:
- Ample hip room
- Ample leg and head room
If you’re heavier, you need that extra hip room, while if you’re taller, you often want the additional head and leg room. The vehicles you’ll find on this list should work for you regardless of whether you’re taller or heavier.
Luxury Car Option: The 2020 Cadillac CT6
If you’re shopping with luxury in mind as well as extra space, the 2020 Cadillac CT6 model is a smart buy. It has:
- 55.9 hip room inches
- 46.4 front leg room inches
- 40.2 head room inches
That’s more than you’ll get from a lot of similar models, and you also get the trusted Cadillac name. You’ll turn some heads pulling up in this one. The only issue is that these are a little hard to find since Cadillac only made a limited number for US sales.
Full-SizedSedan Option: The 2020 Chevrolet Impala
If you don’t have Cadillac money right now, you might also look into the 2020 Chevrolet Impala. It’s a full-sized sedan that gives you:
- 54.9 hip room inches
- 45.8 front leg room inches
- 39.9 head room inches
Chevrolets stay on the road a long time, and they hold their resale value very well, which is something you always want to think about down the line. This one has ample room for five people, including the driver, and it’s stylish and sleek. The Nissan Maxima is another good option around this price point.
Midsized Sedan Option: The 2020 Kia Optima
This is another more modestly-priced option if you want a midsized sedan with plenty of trunk space. You also get:
- 56 hip room inches
- 45.5 front leg room inches
- 39.8 head room inches
Every year, midsized sedans sell very well, and Kia is a brand that people like because of the price point and different features that come with the base models. This one comes with enhanced Pedestrian Detection and Forward Collision Avoidance. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is another noteworthy option around this price.
Compact Car Option: The 2020 Subaru Impreza
If you’re tall, overweight, or obese, you might not think that a compact car would work for you at all. However, that is not the case. There are some possibilities if you want a smaller vehicle, and the 2020 Subaru Impreza is a solid pick. This one comes with:
- 56.7 hip room inches
- 43.1 front leg room inches
- 39.8 head room inches
Though this is a smaller car, it can definitely accommodate larger individuals. If you only get a smaller parking space at work, give this one a look. The 2020 Chevy Cruze is another vehicle around this price that’s about the same size and has some similar features.
Larger individuals should find something on this list to like. You should look at price, features, and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for a more modestly-priced vehicle, you can always look for a used or certified pre-owned model. That way, you won’t have to worry about that new vehicle instant-deprecation factor.
