Trouble finding a car for the vertically challenged.

I've only recently started living in Michigan and am in love with the beautiful trails here, but can't find the right car for the area. My assumption is that I need an 4WD/AWD vehicle with some clearance to help me deal with going to trailheads and driving in the snow. However, I'm a somewhat small person (~5 feet) and even the small SUV's feel too big to me, especially the seats.

I've looked at numerous cars along the way, mostly SUVs. I've found that SUVs in general have gotten too big recently. Many brands offer a smaller SUV which are still quite large, but those are usually their budget option and tend to be much worse quality. (if you've driven the Outback and Crosstrek you'll know what I mean)

Basically, do I need a large car to be safe hiking/driving in snow in Northern Michigan? If so, what options are good for a smaller person?

in CampAndHikeMichiganby gemini1700banana

25%

14d

TheBimpo

14d

Michigan isn’t Colorado, you don’t need 4WD to get to trailheads. Maybe some remote areas of the Keweenaw or state forest two tracks, but there aren’t many hiking trails in those areas.

Snow tires are more helpful than 4WD in bad weather. You don’t need 4WD in Michigan, lots of people in the snow belts don’t.

I drive a Crosstrek, I’m 5’7”, and I live up north. It’s a beast in the snow. You could check out a Wrangler or Bronco, they’re not oversized and are very capable.

Jocelineedwa

13d

I agree with this. Consider compact SUVs like the Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V, which offer AWD and clearance without feeling too oversized. Test driving a few models can help you find the best fit for your height and driving preferences.

pvtdirtpusher

14d

I’ve lived in michigan for years and visit plenty of trailheads. Every single trail I have visited has been with a 2wd vehicle with all season tires, with the exception of the few years i lived in the UP where i had snow tires. As long as it has okay ground clearance, think standard car, not lowered, you should be fine. I wouldn’t be afraid to buy the car that you like and fits you.

All that being said: My wife, 5’1’, loves her cross trek.

lakorai

14d

You only really need AWD in remote unmaintained roads in the UP. You'll be fine most everywhere even in a Honda Civic.

LJandBMforever

14d

Honestly even though you say the crosstrek and outback are much worse quality I would have said Subaru is the sweet spot of small statured AWDs that still offer good ground clearance for trail heads and snow.

slrogio

14d

I get everywhere I want in my Civic.

Even down some sketchy forest service roads with minimal damage. I wouldn't recommend THAT in a similar vehicle.

mittencamper

14d

No trailheads here that require 4wd

Also the outback and Crosstrek are great cars

jeffinbville

14d

Get thyself a Subaru. Don't worry about clearance that much as there aren't many proper roads where you will need it.

freshlysqeezed

14d

As a fellow shorty, the forester gives me much better height/sight over the cross trek

iownakeytar

14d

Many brands offer a smaller SUV which are still quite large, but those are usually their budget option and tend to be much worse quality. (if you've driven the Outback and Crosstrek you'll know what I mean)

I really don't know what you mean. I drive a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback. 175k miles, still runs great. And I moved here with it from Colorado, where I actually had terrain to deal with.

It's probably going to blow a head gasket in the next few years, but I've definitely gotten a good value out of it in the 7 years I've owned it.

lpsweets

14d

Yeah maybe I’m missing something but the car this person is describing is definitely some kind of Subaru. But even that isn’t necessary around here

Chris_Christ

14d

I think it’s really a “you” issue. I see short people in large cars all the time. I think if you try it for a while you will settle into the extra space. I guess I’m biased but in your situation I’ve bought jeeps grand Cherokee 3/3 times and always loved them. That being said I’ve never been to a trail head in Michigan that I couldn’t get to in a normal little fwd sedan. If the weather is so bad that you can’t get there then it’s probably not a day for hiking anyway.

by_dawns_light

14d

I drove a 03 Pontiac Vibe for ~10 yrs all over Michigan. 97% of trailheads you're not going to have a problem in a low clearance vehicle and the only time I had a problem with snow was when I let my tires get a little too bald. I wouldn't go haring down a two track or try to go dune riding but as long as your sensible you really shouldn't have a problem in a smaller car. Hell, my dad's drives a Ford Fusion eith a jacked up transmission and he doesn't have any problems. A bit of common sense goes a long way. Probably further than 4WD tbh.

Narri214

14d

Most trailhead do not need awd to get to. Snow tires are more important than awd. My first winter with my subaru I spent more times in the ditch than all my previous cars put together because I had all seasons and not snows.

My high-school days I drove my Toyota corolla and my mom's Saturn LS everywhere in northern Michigan. The Saturn actually went more places than my friends suv because it was so light it didn't sink on muddy two tracks.

A large car isn't necessary to get places, but rather a car prepared for the environment, snow tires, tow strap, shovel, Jumper cables Etc.

A large car might be preferred when dealing with wildlife. I'd rather hit a deer with a truck suv vs my old Toyota corolla.

I have no clue what your price point is, but many station wagons are awd and would be kind to someone vertically challenged. But many station wagons are now luxury cars and the price point isn't fun. The Toyota Corolla (cross) has a wagon again, if you don't like subaru. Also, as I hate how compact I feel in it, the Chevy Trax awd would be great for a smaller person.

aabum

14d

Here's the reality between all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive. Most all wheel drive vehicles used a system akin to an automatic transmission to transfer energy to drive wheels. They are not intended for off reading. The and drive mechanism overheats and slips.

With a 4 wheel drive, and some Jeeps that are awd, I don't keep up with Jeep so I don't know specifics to the current models, the is a physical transfer case connected to the transmission, typically with a chain.

The transfer case drives the front wheels in a rear wheel drive vehicle like a pickup truck. There are also two basic types of axles. The basic type of axle puts power to one wheel on the axle. Locker axles put power to both wheels at the same time.

So if you want to go off-roading, read up about that in forums or on reddit. You will need a "traditional" 4 wheel drive vehicle.