The tall layout has other advantages, too. They're naturally stiffer than wider and longer cars, allowing designers to make them lighter than other cars with similar interior space. Stiffer bodies reduce vibration and noise and can improve ride and handling. Drivers also like the view over the road. The design, however, does have some drawbacks.
Taller cars can roll over more easily.
And the larger front surface hurts aerodynamics, says Michael Seal, director of the Vehicle Research Institute at Western Washington University. Still, the idea of building taller sedans is nothing new. Sedans in the US were more upright before longer, lower styling became popular in the '60s. And, of course, upright seating can be found in all of today's sport-utility vehicles. What's new is applying the design to compact sedans.