Not the Car for Us

Finding a comfortable car can be a tall order when you stand at 6'5", and my recent experiences with the Peugeot 508, Mazda CX60, and Renault Grand Scenic IV proved this challenge all too real. Unfortunately, none of these models measured up, highlighting a disconnect between stylish design and practical functionality.

Starting with the Peugeot, the sedan I rented on a recent trip fell short—literally and figuratively. The sluggish acceleration made highway merging and overtaking nerve-wracking, with a noticeable lack of response even when the pedal was floored. It felt like driving through molasses, which is far from ideal when navigating tight European roundabouts or trying to get up to speed in city traffic. The poor sight lines compounded the problem. Thick pillars and awkwardly positioned windows created significant blind spots, forcing me to constantly crane my neck and shift in my seat to get a clear view of the road. The low roofline only exacerbated the issue, leaving me hunched over and struggling to see around obstacles.

Seat comfort was another major disappointment. The Peugeot’s seats were firm and oddly shaped, with minimal adjustability to accommodate my longer legs and larger frame. Despite multiple attempts to find a comfortable position, I ended up constantly shifting to alleviate the aches in my back, knees, and feet. The lack of lumbar support was particularly painful, turning what should have been leisurely drives into exercises in frustration. Instead of enjoying the scenery, I found myself focusing on the numbness creeping up my legs or the persistent ache in my lower back.

My experience with the Mazda CX60 was no better. While the car had a bit more get-up-and-go compared to the Peugeot, the seats were just as uncomfortable. They felt too narrow, with an overly stiff feel that turned long drives into endurance tests. Despite Mazda’s reputation for responsive handling, I found the ride surprisingly rough and jittery, making it hard to relax and enjoy the drive. The cramped interior made it difficult to settle in, and I felt more cramped and confined than comfortable and secure.

The Renault Grand Scenic IV seemed like a promising option at first glance, boasting a spacious cabin and family-friendly features. However, the seats were once again a letdown, lacking both cushioning and proper adjustability. Even with the ability to slide and recline, I struggled to find a comfortable position. The driving experience was equally underwhelming; the engine felt underpowered and unresponsive, especially when accelerating from a stop or trying to overtake on the highway. The ride felt heavy and sluggish, and the car’s handling was far from agile. Despite its roomy interior, the Renault’s poor performance and lack of driving comfort made it a frustrating choice for anyone looking for a dynamic and comfortable ride.

In summary, my experiences with the Peugeot, Mazda CX60, and Renault Grand Scenic IV highlighted serious shortcomings in design and comfort, particularly for taller drivers. Each model has stylish features, but the practical flaws—lack of power, uncomfortable seating, poor sight lines, and awkward handling—made each car more of a burden than a pleasure to drive. For anyone tall or simply looking for a car that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and visibility, I’d recommend exploring other options. Style alone isn’t enough to make up for the shortcomings I encountered, and these models fall short of delivering a truly enjoyable driving experience.