Traveling by car is something most of us do almost every day, yet it can often bring unexpected challenges. One of the seemingly minor issues that can affect comfort and convenience is the ease with which we can get into a vehicle, especially when carrying bags.
Whether it is a backpack, a gym bag, or shopping, the way a car’s design interacts with our physical movement can make a difference between a smooth entry and a frustrating struggle. For frequent travelers, parents, or people who commute with luggage regularly, cars that allow effortless access can save time and prevent unnecessary strain.
At the same time, certain cars present awkward entry steps that can turn a simple action into a careful balancing act, particularly for those who are taller, shorter, or have limited mobility.
The physical dimensions of a car, including door height, seat height, and step distance, play a significant role in determining how easy it is to get in and out with bags. Low cars can force a stooping motion, while taller SUVs may require a slightly more elevated step.
Vehicles designed with wide doors and ample interior space make maneuvering easier, especially when hands are occupied. These small but important details can influence not only comfort but also safety. When carrying multiple items, a well-thought-out entry path reduces the risk of dropping bags or bumping against the frame of the car.
In addition, the design of the car’s interior matters. Seats that are higher and more upright allow for a natural transition from standing to sitting, while lower seats may require bending knees sharply. Door design, such as the angle of opening and the size of the opening, also affects accessibility.
This is particularly noticeable in vehicles where space is tight or the doors do not open fully, creating awkward movements. People who regularly travel with luggage, grocery bags, or other items will notice these differences quickly, and their choice of vehicle often reflects a preference for comfort over style.
This article will highlight ten vehicles, split into two categories: five that are easy to climb into even with bags, and five that involve awkward steps that can make entry more complicated. By understanding which cars fall into each category and why, drivers and passengers can make more informed choices about which vehicles suit their lifestyle.
While some of the challenges are physical, others relate to design choices that manufacturers make, often prioritizing appearance or aerodynamics over ease of access. Through a detailed comparison, it becomes clear that not all cars are equal when it comes to comfort during entry and exit, especially for those carrying items.
5 Cars Easy to Climb Into with Bags
1. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is widely recognized for its practicality and comfort, and one of its main strengths lies in how easy it is to get into, especially when carrying bags. The vehicle has a moderately high seating position that aligns naturally with the average person’s stride, making entry less of a physical effort.
This is particularly helpful for parents juggling children’s bags, commuters carrying work supplies, or travelers managing suitcases. The door design complements this seating height, with wide openings that provide enough room to pivot and slide into the seat without bumping shoulders or elbows against the frame.
The balance between seat height and door width ensures that even taller individuals can get in comfortably without crouching excessively or twisting awkwardly.
Another factor contributing to the CR-V’s ease of entry is the seat design itself. The seats are firm enough to provide excellent support but remain cushioned to absorb movement and prevent discomfort when sitting down.
For people who carry heavy bags, this reduces strain on the knees and lower back because the transition from standing to sitting is smooth and natural.
Additionally, the door sills are positioned at a moderate height, which prevents accidental bumping of knees when lifting oneself into the car. For elderly passengers or those with limited mobility, these thoughtful details make a significant difference in comfort and safety, highlighting the vehicle’s appeal to a broad range of drivers.
The interior layout of the CR-V further enhances accessibility. The front and rear floors are spacious and unobstructed, allowing passengers to place bags on the seat beside them or on the floor without limiting their movement.
For example, parents loading sports equipment or commuters with backpacks can enter without setting items down awkwardly or blocking the door.
The seating area is also wide enough to provide freedom of movement, which is essential when multiple people enter or exit simultaneously. These design features work together to create an effortless boarding experience, making everyday use significantly more convenient than lower-profile sedans or compact cars.
Finally, the CR-V balances accessibility with modern aesthetics. Unlike some vehicles that prioritize utility over looks, it maintains a sleek, contemporary exterior while offering ample interior space and ease of entry. Its combination of height, door width, seat support, and legroom makes it a standout option for anyone who frequently carries bags or bulky items.
Whether for long trips, grocery shopping, or daily commuting, the CR-V ensures that passengers can enter and exit the vehicle comfortably and safely, reducing stress and effort in situations where convenience is essential.
2. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is another vehicle that offers remarkable ease of entry, especially for passengers managing bags or luggage. Its slightly higher seating position allows passengers to step directly into the cabin without excessive bending, while the doors open wide enough to create a comfortable entry angle.
This combination reduces the risk of awkward movements and provides enough space for individuals to balance themselves while holding heavier items. People who regularly transport shopping, backpacks, or outdoor gear benefit from this design, as it reduces the strain on their arms and legs during entry.
The seat design in the Outback also contributes to its accessibility. Ergonomically shaped seats provide firm support while still allowing the body to slide naturally into position. This is particularly important for individuals carrying heavy bags or groceries, as it reduces the risk of straining the back or knees.
The seat height also ensures that one foot can be placed inside the vehicle while pivoting into the seat, creating a smooth, natural motion without the need for awkward twisting or stooping. This thoughtful attention to comfort makes the Outback especially suitable for older passengers or those with limited flexibility.
The spaciousness of the Outback’s interior further enhances its bag-friendly nature. There is ample legroom and headroom, minimizing the chance of bumping items against the dashboard or roof. For taller passengers, this creates a feeling of freedom and reduces the mental effort required to maneuver bags inside the cabin.
In addition, the wide door openings provide sufficient space to enter the car while holding large items, preventing scratches or damage to personal belongings. These practical details make boarding a more pleasant experience compared to smaller vehicles with tighter interiors or lower seating.
Moreover, the Outback’s design considers repeated use, making it practical for daily routines. For commuters, parents, or travelers, entering the car multiple times a day can become tiring if the motion is awkward. Subaru addresses this with strategically placed grab handles, smooth door hinges, and low-effort entry steps.
The combination of seat height, ergonomic seats, wide doors, and generous cabin space ensures that passengers can enter the vehicle efficiently and safely, even when their hands are full. This careful balance of functionality and convenience solidifies the Outback’s reputation as an easy-to-access vehicle for everyday use.
3. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is widely praised for its user-friendly design, which makes entering the vehicle with bags a simple task. The SUV’s moderate height prevents excessive stooping while keeping the step manageable for a wide range of passengers. Its doors open wide, allowing for clear entry paths that accommodate both people and belongings.
The combination of moderate seat height and ample door space provides a comfortable pivot motion for passengers entering the vehicle, reducing the risk of bumping knees, elbows, or luggage against the door frame. This thoughtful design ensures smooth access whether passengers are loading backpacks, suitcases, or shopping bags.
The interior layout of the RAV4 further enhances entry convenience. The seats are positioned to maintain natural alignment of legs and torso, reducing strain during the sit-down process. For passengers carrying bags, this ergonomic approach minimizes physical effort and prevents awkward contortions.
The door sills are relatively low and smooth, eliminating potential obstacles that might make entering with heavy or bulky items cumbersome. This combination of ergonomic seating and well-designed entry paths ensures that the RAV4 accommodates a wide range of body types comfortably.
Another advantage of the RAV4 is the generous cabin space that allows for the placement of bags without restricting passenger movement. The distance between the door and the seats provides enough room to place luggage on the floor or the seat beside a passenger.
This is particularly useful for families or commuters who often travel with multiple bags, as it allows them to enter simultaneously without interference. Wide doors and unobstructed interiors make the RAV4 one of the most practical mid-size SUVs for carrying items while maintaining passenger comfort.
Finally, the RAV4 combines functionality with a stylish design. Its accessibility does not come at the expense of modern aesthetics, making it appealing for both practical and visual reasons. Passengers benefit from smooth entry, well-positioned seats, and spacious interiors, while drivers enjoy a vehicle that maintains a sleek exterior profile.
The thoughtful combination of seat height, door width, and cabin layout ensures that passengers carrying bags can enter and exit with minimal effort, making the RAV4 a highly accessible option for everyday use.
4. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is another SUV designed with comfortable entry in mind. Its slightly elevated seating position allows passengers to step in without excessive bending, while wide door openings provide clear paths for maneuvering bags.
The Sorento’s interior space is generous, accommodating large items without forcing awkward movements. Families with children, commuters with backpacks, or travelers with luggage find this feature particularly valuable, as it reduces the risk of strain or dropped items during entry.
The seats in the Sorento are firm yet supportive, allowing passengers to transition from standing to sitting with ease. This is especially important when carrying heavy or awkwardly shaped bags, as it ensures balance and stability during the process.
The vehicle’s moderate floor height minimizes the need for lifting or contorting the body, making it accessible to a wide range of passengers. By combining supportive seating with carefully calculated entry steps, the Sorento reduces physical effort while enhancing comfort.
The cabin layout also emphasizes flexibility and free movement. There are no narrow corridors or tight corners that force passengers to twist or adjust their bodies excessively when carrying items. This feature is particularly helpful when multiple people are entering the car simultaneously, each holding bags or other possessions.
The generous spacing between seats and doors ensures that passengers can navigate into the vehicle smoothly, enhancing both comfort and safety.
Finally, the Sorento combines practical entry features with a refined appearance. While it is designed to be accessible and bag-friendly, it does not sacrifice style or exterior appeal.
The combination of seat height, wide doors, supportive seats, and flexible interior space makes it a top choice among mid-size SUVs for passengers who frequently carry bags. It is a vehicle that prioritizes convenience while maintaining a polished look, offering both comfort and practicality for daily use.
5. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is another SUV noted for its passenger-friendly entry, especially when managing luggage. Its moderately elevated seating allows for comfortable step-in motion, while the doors provide wide, unobstructed openings.
This combination allows passengers to enter smoothly, even when holding bags in both hands. For daily commuters, parents, or travelers, this means that entering the vehicle is less physically taxing and more efficient, avoiding unnecessary bending or twisting.
The seats in the Escape are designed for comfort and support, making the transition from standing to sitting easier. The door sills are positioned to reduce knee and leg strain, particularly for taller passengers or those carrying heavy items.
By aligning seat height with natural movement patterns, the Escape ensures that passengers can maintain balance while holding bags, reducing the risk of dropping items or bumping against the car frame.
Finally, the Escape balances practicality with design. While its interior is functional and easy to navigate, the vehicle maintains a modern, stylish appearance.
The thoughtful combination of accessible seating, wide doors, and generous cabin space allows passengers to manage bags efficiently while enjoying a comfortable and visually appealing vehicle. Its design ensures that passengers can enter and exit smoothly, making it a reliable choice for those who frequently carry luggage or other items.
5 Cars with Awkward Steps
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is celebrated for its thrilling driving experience, but its compact design creates challenges for entry, especially when carrying bags. The car’s low seating position forces passengers to bend deeply to sit down, which can be uncomfortable or even difficult when holding backpacks, shopping bags, or luggage.
The door openings are relatively narrow, further restricting movement and forcing careful positioning of both body and items. This combination of low seats and tight doors makes the Miata a vehicle where passengers must be deliberate in their movements to avoid bumping knees, elbows, or bags against the car frame.
The interior of the Miata is extremely compact, providing limited space to maneuver once seated. Taller passengers, in particular, may find themselves twisting their bodies to fit comfortably, a process made more cumbersome when managing items like briefcases or duffel bags.
The low door sills intensify the bending motion, requiring a degree of flexibility that not all passengers may have. These challenges are magnified when entering the car quickly or attempting to bring multiple bags inside, turning a simple task into a careful balancing act.
Additionally, the seating arrangement in the Miata, while supportive during driving, contributes to awkward entry. The low seats force passengers to lower themselves gradually, placing strain on knees and lower back, particularly for people carrying additional weight. Bags often need to be balanced on the lap or awkwardly held to prevent interference with movement.
This can make the boarding experience less fluid and more taxing, especially during repeated entry and exit situations, such as running errands or commuting.
Finally, the Miata’s sporty design prioritizes performance over convenience. While it is perfect for spirited driving and handling, it offers little in the way of bag-friendly entry. Passengers often have to take extra care to maneuver into the cabin without bumping items or themselves.
For anyone who frequently travels with luggage or carries multiple items at once, this compact sports car can be challenging, highlighting the trade-off between driving enjoyment and practicality.
2. Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that offers a striking appearance and exceptional road handling, but its design creates entry difficulties. Its low, sleek profile requires passengers to bend deeply to sit down, a motion made even more awkward when holding bags or luggage.
The door openings are narrow and angled low to match the car’s aerodynamic shape, leaving little room to maneuver. Passengers must carefully lift items while simultaneously adjusting their bodies to fit inside, a process that can be uncomfortable and slow.
The interior space in the Corvette is also compact, providing limited legroom and shoulder room for passengers. Taller individuals often need to twist or angle their bodies to fit comfortably, making it challenging to place bags in the seat or on the floor without interference.
The seats, while designed to provide support during high-speed driving, sit very low to the floor, increasing strain on knees and lower back during entry. This makes boarding the vehicle with items in hand a careful and deliberate process.
Additionally, the Corvette’s cabin layout prioritizes performance, with minimal attention to accessibility. The center console, gear selector, and door placement can restrict available space, leaving passengers to carefully position bags to avoid hitting controls or the door frame.
Even experienced drivers or passengers can find this process inconvenient, particularly if multiple people are entering the car at the same time or carrying bulky items.
Finally, while the Corvette is admired for its design, speed, and handling, it is far from practical when carrying luggage. Passengers often need to strategize how to hold or place items during entry to avoid damage or discomfort.
The car emphasizes performance over utility, making it a less suitable choice for anyone who frequently travels with bags, highlighting the contrast between sporty aesthetics and everyday usability.
3. Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider is a small convertible designed for style and an engaging driving experience, but its compact form presents significant challenges for entry. The low seating position requires a steep bend, which becomes particularly difficult when carrying items.
Passengers must coordinate their movements carefully to avoid bumping the car frame with bags or themselves, making the entry process slower and more deliberate. The narrow door openings further restrict space, leaving minimal room for maneuvering.
The interior of the 124 Spider is tight, with limited legroom and shoulder space, which increases the difficulty of placing bags inside. Taller passengers may need to twist or adjust their posture significantly to fit comfortably, a challenge that becomes more pronounced when holding a backpack, purse, or duffel bag.
The seats are positioned close to the floor, requiring careful bending of the knees and hips to transition into a seated position. This layout makes the process physically demanding compared to SUVs or higher sedans.
Finally, the Fiat 124 Spider’s emphasis on style and driving enjoyment comes at the expense of accessibility. While the car offers a fun and visually appealing experience, passengers must navigate its low profile and narrow doors carefully, especially when managing items.
Those who frequently travel with bags may find it inconvenient, demonstrating how design choices for aesthetics and performance can impact day-to-day usability.
4. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911, an iconic sports car, is known for exceptional performance and design, but its low, narrow seating creates entry challenges. Passengers must bend deeply to sit down, a task made more difficult when carrying items like bags, backpacks, or briefcases.
The door openings are narrow and low, restricting lateral movement and requiring careful positioning to avoid bumping personal items or the car itself. Entry into the 911 can feel cramped, particularly for taller individuals or those managing luggage.
The interior space is compact, reflecting the car’s focus on driving performance rather than accessibility. Taller passengers may need to twist or angle their bodies to fit comfortably, which becomes more challenging when holding items.
The seats, positioned close to the floor, require a gradual lowering motion, placing strain on knees and lower back during entry and exit. This makes entering the car with bags a deliberate and potentially uncomfortable task, especially during frequent use or quick stops.
Finally, while the 911 excels in style, performance, and prestige, it is not ideal for passengers who frequently carry items. The low seating, narrow doors, and compact cabin create awkward steps that require attention and effort.
For anyone prioritizing ease of entry over sporty aesthetics, the Porsche 911 demonstrates the trade-offs inherent in designing a high-performance car.
5. Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z, a sporty coupe, offers an exciting driving experience but presents entry challenges for passengers carrying items. Its low seating position forces passengers to bend significantly to sit down, which can be uncomfortable when managing backpacks, bags, or small luggage.
The door openings are narrow and positioned low to maintain the vehicle’s sleek profile, leaving minimal space for maneuvering. As a result, entering the 370Z can feel deliberate and constrained, particularly when balancing items while getting into the seat.
The interior space is limited, with minimal legroom and shoulder room. Taller passengers often need to angle their bodies or twist slightly to fit comfortably, especially when placing bags on the floor or seat. The seats sit close to the ground, requiring careful coordination of knee and hip movement during entry.
This combination of low seats, narrow doors, and tight cabin space creates awkward steps that contrast sharply with the ease of entry found in SUVs and crossovers.
Finally, the Nissan 370Z exemplifies the trade-off between sporty design and accessibility. While it offers an engaging driving experience and an attractive exterior, passengers face awkward steps when entering or exiting with bags.
Its low profile, narrow doors, and compact interior highlight the challenges of combining high performance with everyday usability, making it better suited for solo trips or light travel rather than frequent luggage handling.
