So many cars, so little time. When it comes to choosing your next car lease, your comfort in the cabin should be one of your key considerations.

Bad back?

We feel you. Modern day living is rough on the spine.

No, most of us aren’t headed down the mines, or ploughing the fields anymore, but a sedentary lifestyle can be incredibly damaging for our backs.

And (speaking from recent experience here) there’s literally nothing worse than cramming yourself into an ill-fitting, uncomfortable car when it’s playing up. 

In fact, we spend so much time behind the wheel that the wrong car seat can genuinely make things worse for our backs. So, even if you feel fine when testing out cars for your next lease, choosing a model with comfortable seats and good lumbar support should be a high priority.

Why?

Because yoga is great, but it’s not a quick fix for back problems – no matter how great you are at downwards-facing dog.

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about choosing the best car lease deal for your back right here.

The bad back epidemic

Just like Fight Club, we don’t talk about it. 

But if you’re in the know, you’re probably a reluctant member of a growing club we like to call the Bad Back Society.

And no, it’s not just for the elderly. It’s not just for the heavily pregnant either. Literally anyone can join, though you won’t thank us for the membership. Because there are no perks, no rewards, and definitely no benefits.

Why, then, would anyone want to sign up?

The fact is, back pain is on the rise – and with the NHS already poorly stretched from years of strategic underfunding and a global pandemic, it can’t cope with the influx of people reporting problems.

Which is bad news for those of the 2.9 million patients who reported problems linked to their back or neck last year.

Surely, you think, not all of these unfortunates are suffering as a result of slipping on ye old banana peel or taking a tumble down the stairs?

We reckon there are a boatload of different causes, but being locked into a sedentary lifestyle is doing no one any favours.

And with more people than ever working from home, it’s more time spent sitting in chairs that weren’t necessarily meant for office work. Which means more strain on our poor backs.

There are, obviously, things you can do to look after yourself.

After-dinner walks, wake-up yoga, and a lovely cold-water swim in the sea are all great ways to keep moving and reinvigorate your mental health while you’re at it.

But there are times when back injury is unavoidable.

Sciatica?

Here for the duration.

Slipped disc? You’ll need medical guidance.

But if you’ve got run-of-the-mill back pain from sitting hunched at your desk for too many lunch breaks, or from lifting your baby at an awkward angle, you can take steps to mitigate the pain while you heal.

And this is where having the right car lease is critical.

 

Hyundai Tucson on the road with image accents

Can choosing the right car lease help?

You bet it can.

Hatchback, estate, saloon – they all have their pros and cons. Hatchbacks make for great little runabout cars, but they can be bit lacking in legroom. We love a coupe for that sportier vibe, but they’re not always that easy to get into.

So, if there’s one payoff from the growing SUV trend, it’s that cars are generally designed to be more comfortable.

And yes, while modern car design does lack a certain flair at times (nothing looks cooler than a Triumph – shame they don’t make them anymore), there’s something to be said about sacrificing style for it when your spine is screaming.

SUVs generally have a more elevated position, so you feel like you’re stepping up into your seat instead of contorting your body into it. Always a plus.

They tend to come with more legroom as well, which is great for those of us topping 6ft and feeling like our knees are level with our ears every time we take the steering wheel.

It’s nice to drive something that doesn’t give off clown car vibes, is what we’re saying.

Add in some nice features like adjustable driver and passenger seats, lumbar support, and driver memory seats, and you’re all set for a more comfortable driving experience.

While you can get these features in your faithful hatchback, combining them with an SUV is probably going to be your safest bet for the most comfortable experience.

So, if you're looking to choose a car with your back in mind, an SUV is probably your safest bet. And fortunately, you have your pick of the litter to choose from.

 

Some of the best SUV models for back comfort

With so many makes and models out there, narrowing down the one that suits your needs can take an age.

So, we’ve made a start on it for you. If you’re after a car that is specifically going to look after your back, these models are a good place to start your search.

Nissan Qashqai

It’s a long-standing family favourite for a reason.

The Qashqai is the TARDIS of the compact crossover SUV class – it’s definitely giving bigger on the inside.

While entry-level spec gives you manually adjustable slide, recline and liftable driver and passenger seating, it may be worth splurging for a higher spec if you want more support.

Choose from the N-Connecta, the Tekna and the Tekna+ trims for additional lumbar support. But be warned, it varies between driver and passenger seating depending on which trim you go for.

The Tekna+ is the safest bet, coming with 4-way electrical lumbar in the driver seat and 4-way lumbar in the passenger seat – so all bases are covered, no matter which front seat you’re in.

But, the N-Connecta is probably the best value option if you need a bit of care for your spine, but don’t want to break the bank.

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson has a lot going for it, including a sizeable boot space. But that’s not why we’ve put it on our list.

Though you have to go top spec to make the most of it, the Tucson has done some great things with its seating on the Ultimate trim.

Adjustable head restraints, electric adjustments for driver and front passenger seating, and drivers seat memory function are just some of the features designed to keep you comfortable in the cabin.

You’ll never have to waste time trying to find the perfect driving position again. Just one press of a button and the car will do it for you.

For some of us, that’s worth its weight in gold.

The lower specs are not as intuitive, but electrical adjustments are still available on the Premium and N Line S trims.

Kia Sportage

Another familiar face, but one that’s truly worth considering if your back is troubling you. Or even if you’re just wanting to feel more relaxed on your commute.

Why?

Because the Kia Sportage is definitely not being stingy with its tech when thinking about your comfort. While memory seats are limited to the top GT-Line S trim, you can get electric lumbar support on every trim level in the range, even the entry level GT-Line.

You have to pay more for electrical seat adjustment (available from the next level up, the 3 trim), but it’s clear with Kia you’re getting more bang for your buck than its rivals.

Worth thinking about when you start to compare car lease deals. 

Jaecoo 7

It’s a surprise entry from a newbie on the UK SUV scene.

You may not be familiar with Jaecoo but the Chinese-owned brand is already making waves since launching in the UK last year. And taking a look at the Jaecoo 7’s Comfort Seats, it’s already looking good. 

Promising a car that’s “designed for adventure, built for comfort”, it’s clear that Jaecoo has paid attention not just to the flashy design, but to the practical details.

Electrical adjustment seems to come as standard, but upgrading to the Luxury trim gives just that bit extra (as you’d expect) in the form of lumbar support.

It’s early days and yet and time will tell if Jaecoo deliver on their promises. Nonetheless, we’re naming them as one to watch.

Ready to start your search?

We may not be able to cure your back pain, but we can help you find the best car lease deal to eliminate discomfort behind the wheel. Get started by comparing the models we've highlighted, or ask us if you need help refining your search. 

Want some help getting started?

Chloe Allen

Chloe Allen

Our Digital Marketing Executive Chloe is in charge of our e-newsletter. There's no one better placed to inform and delight you every month, so keep your eyes peeled for her newsletter hitting an email inbox near you soon.