What Cars Are Hardest to Park?

Do you ever dread the thought of having to park your car? Do you find yourself circling the parking lot, hoping for a miracle open spot? If so, you’re not alone. Parking can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned drivers. But some cars make it even harder than others.

Whether it’s due to their size, shape, or visibility, certain cars present unique challenges when it comes to finding and maneuvering into a parking spot. And let’s face it – nobody wants to be that person holding up traffic while attempting to parallel park on a busy street.

So which cars are the hardest to park? In this article, we’ll explore some of the top contenders and discuss tips and tricks for mastering the art of parking. From compact cars that are deceptively tricky to larger vehicles that require extra vigilance, we’ll cover all the bases. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

Factors that Make a Car Difficult to Park

1. Size of the Car

One of the most significant factors that make a car difficult to park is its size. Bigger cars require more space, which makes it challenging to find adequate parking spots, especially in tight spaces. Small cars, on the other hand, are easier to maneuver and park in tight parking spaces.

Examples:

• An SUV or a truck is more challenging to park than a sedan or hatchback.
• A compact car is easier to park than a full-size sedan.

2. Shape and Design of the Car

The shape and design of the car also play a crucial role in how easy it is to park. Cars with long hoods or large bumpers can be challenging to navigate around tight corners, making them difficult to park.

Examples:

• Cars with low ground clearance can scrape against speed bumps or curbs when parking.
• Cars with sloping roofs or high trunks can obstruct rear visibility while reversing into parking spots.

3. Lack of Parking Assistance Features

Cars without advanced parking assistance features can be difficult to park for inexperienced drivers. These features include sensors and cameras that help drivers navigate into tight spaces safely.

Examples:

• Rearview cameras and sensors that alert drivers when they’re getting too close to an object behind them.
• Parking assist systems that help steer the car into parallel parking spots automatically.

How the Size and Shape of a Car Affects Parking Ease

The size and shape of a car play significant roles in how easy it is to park. Larger and bulkier cars can be more challenging to maneuver in tight parking spaces. A car’s shape also affects how easy it is to park, especially when reversing into a spot.

Size

The size of the car is one of the most significant factors that affect parking ease. Large cars require more space, making it challenging to park in tight spaces. Compact cars, on the other hand, are easier to maneuver and park.

Examples:

• SUVs and trucks are difficult to park compared to sedans or hatchbacks.
• A full-size sedan can be more challenging to park than a compact car.

Shape

The shape of the car’s body also plays a crucial role in parking ease. Cars with long hoods or large bumpers can be challenging to navigate around tight corners, making them difficult to park.

Examples:

• Cars with low ground clearance can scrape against speed bumps or curbs when parking.
• Cars with sloping roofs or high trunks can obstruct rear visibility while reversing into parking spots.

Parking Assist Technologies

Advanced Parking assist technologies help drivers navigate their cars into tight spaces safely.

Examples:

• Rearview cameras and sensors that alert drivers when they’re getting too close to an object behind them.
• Parking assist systems that help steer the car into parallel parking spots automatically.

Notoriously Difficult Cars to Park: Makes and Models

While all cars can be challenging to park under certain circumstances, some models are notoriously difficult due to their size, shape, or lack of advanced parking assistance features.

Larger Cars

Large cars, such as SUVs and trucks, can be challenging to park due to their size. These types of vehicles require more space to maneuver, making them difficult to park in tight spaces.

Examples:

• Ford Expedition
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Nissan Armada

Cars with Poor Rear Visibility

Cars with poor rear visibility can be challenging to park, especially when reversing into a spot. The driver’s limited view of the surrounding area can make it difficult for them to gauge the distance between their car and other objects.

Examples:

• Coupe-style cars (e.g., BMW 2 Series Coupe)
• Hatchbacks (e.g., Audi A7 Sportback)
• Sedans with high trunks (e.g., Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan)

Sports Cars

Sports cars often have low ground clearance and long hoods, making them challenging to park in tight spaces. Their design also tends to prioritize performance over practicality, which means they may lack parking assistance features.

Examples:

• Porsche 911 Carrera
• Audi R8 Coupe
• Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder

Parking Assistance Technologies and Features for Challenging Situations

Advanced parking assist technologies help drivers navigate their cars into tight spaces safely. These features range from sensors that alert drivers when they’re getting too close to an object behind them to systems that automatically steer the car into parallel parking spots.

Rearview Cameras and Sensors

Rearview cameras and sensors are among the most common parking assistance features in modern cars. These technologies help drivers see what’s behind them when reversing into a parking spot.

Examples:

• Nissan Intelligent Rear View Mirror
• Ford Co-Pilot360
• Toyota Safety Sense

Parking Assist Systems

Parking assist systems automatically steer the car into parallel or perpendicular parking spots, helping drivers avoid collisions with other vehicles or objects.

Examples:

• BMW Parking Assistant Plus
• Volkswagen Park Assist
• Audi Park Assist

Surround-View Cameras

Surround-view cameras provide drivers with a 360-degree view of their car’s surroundings, making it easier to park in tight spaces without worrying about hitting other cars or objects.

Examples:

• Mercedes-Benz Surround View System
• Kia Surround-View Monitor with Parking Guidance System (PGS)
• Lexus Panoramic View Monitor

Driver Experience and Skill Level Impact on Parking Ease with Different Cars

A driver’s experience and skill level can significantly impact how easy it is for them to park different types of cars. Experienced drivers who are familiar with advanced parking assist technologies may find it easier to park larger or more challenging vehicles than inexperienced drivers.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers may struggle to park large or difficult-to-maneuver vehicles, especially if they lack advanced parking assistance features.

Tips for Inexperienced Drivers:

• Practice parking in empty lots before attempting to park in tight spaces.
• Use rearview mirrors and sensors to help gauge distance when reversing into a spot.
• Ask for assistance from a passenger or bystander if necessary.

Experienced Drivers

Experienced drivers who are familiar with advanced parking assist technologies may find it easier to park larger or more challenging vehicles than inexperienced drivers.

Tips for Experienced Drivers:

• Use the car’s advanced parking assist features, such as surround-view cameras and automatic parallel parking systems, to make parking easier.
• Be aware of the car’s size and shape when maneuvering in tight spaces and adjust accordingly.
• Practice regularly to maintain good parking skills and confidence behind the wheel.

Cars That Are More Challenging to Maneuver in Certain Environments or Parking Situations

Some cars may be more challenging to maneuver in certain environments or parking situations due to their size, shape, or lack of advanced features.

Parking Garages

Parking garages can be challenging for drivers due to their tight turns and low clearance. Cars that are too large or have poor rear visibility can be particularly difficult to park in these environments.

Examples:

• SUVs (e.g., Ford Expedition)
• Coupe-style cars (e.g., BMW 2 Series Coupe)
• Cars with high trunks (e.g., Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan)

Parallel Parking

Parallel parking requires drivers to back their cars into a tight space between two other vehicles. This task can be particularly challenging for inexperienced drivers.

Examples:

• Larger cars (e.g., SUVs, trucks)
• Cars with poor rear visibility (e.g., coupe-style cars, hatchbacks)
• Cars without advanced parking assist features (e.g., sensors, cameras, automatic parking systems)

Tight City Streets

Navigating tight city streets can be challenging for drivers due to the lack of space and frequent stops. Cars that are too large or have poor maneuverability can be particularly difficult to drive in these environments.

Examples:

• SUVs and trucks
• Larger sedans
• Cars with poor turning radius

In conclusion, larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs tend to be the hardest to park due to their size and limited visibility, while smaller cars are more easily maneuverable in tight spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Cars Are Hardest to Park?

Is it easier to park a smaller car?
Small and maneuverable cars, also known as “Tiny Feet,” offer the benefit of fitting into tight spaces without hitting adjacent vehicles and accessing parking spots that larger sedans and SUVs cannot. These cars provide new opportunities for parking and convenience.

Is it easier to park a sedan or SUV?
According to The New York Times, sedans are easier to drive than SUVs due to their lower center of gravity. They have a lower risk of rollover when navigating tight turns, and parking is also simpler.

Are bigger cars harder to drive?
Smaller cars generally have better maneuverability than bigger vehicles, especially heavier ones like SUVs and trucks, which also have a longer stopping distance. As a result, it can be more challenging to avoid accidents when driving larger vehicles compared to smaller ones.

Is it harder to park an SUV?
Parking an SUV can be challenging, especially in tight spaces like parking spots. Additionally, some parking spaces are simply not large enough to accommodate an SUV, making the task even more difficult.

Is SUV harder to park?
If you have a bulky SUV, finding a parking spot can be challenging. Most parking spaces and garages aren’t designed to accommodate such a large vehicle, which is equivalent to two cars. Parking the SUV to ensure that the back end doesn’t stick out too much requires skill in itself.

Why is it hard to put my car in park?
If you are having trouble putting your vehicle into park, it is likely caused by a problem with the shifter cable, ignition, or shifter mechanism. This issue can usually be resolved easily, but if left unaddressed, it could result in a more costly repair.


Nick Renford
Nick Renford is a seasoned traveler and parking expert who is passionate about helping people find the best parking spots and save money on parking fees. With his insider knowledge and commitment to providing trustworthy information, Nick is dedicated to empowering readers to make informed parking decisions.