These Are the Cars and SUVs Offering the Best and Worst Visibility

A vehicle’s shape and styling can make a big difference in terms of driving experience. How? It’s all about visibility.

The size, height and angle of the windows (including the windshield) and roof pillars are all key factors. Same thing for the design and placement of the steering wheel and dashboard. When there’s too much visual obstruction, it becomes harder to see your surroundings and other road users, not to mention pedestrians and cyclists.

Consumer Reports has just published a list of cars and SUVs offering the best and worst visibility in various segments (except for minivans and full-size SUVs where little separates the good from the bad). You’ll find them all in the photo gallery above.  

Small Cars
Best: Honda Fit / Worst: Chevrolet Spark

Compact Hatchbacks
Best: Fiat 500L, Volkswagen Golf / Worst: Toyota C-HR

Luxury Compact Cars
Best: Infiniti Q50 / Worst: Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz CLA

Midsize Sedans
Best: Subaru Legacy / Worst: Honda Clarity

Sporty Cars
Best: Subaru WRX / Worst: Chevrolet Camaro

Compact SUVs
Best: Subaru Forester / Worst: GMC Terrain

Compact Luxury SUVs
Best: Audi Q5 / Worst: Jaguar I-PACE

Midsize SUVs (2 rows)
Best: Honda Passport / Worst: Nissan Murano

Midsize SUVs (3 rows)
Best: Honda Pilot / Worst: Nissan Pathfinder

Midsize Luxury SUVs
Best: Land Rover Range Rover / Worst: Tesla Model X