[dremd]

1) How much are you looking to spend?
2) How many Children do you have/ are expecting?
3) what is your 50 Mile commute like? ( I see 80% highway, just noting)
4) Are you planning on hypermiling? A little? Drive normal? Like you stole it?
5) Is your wife a "I have to have a BIG car lady"

I'm 6'3" 270 and have no issue at all in the Golf, some small cars absolutely, but it is very comfortable (even on long (500 mile) trips). I'm not necessarily recommending it but I do use it for Child seats with no issue, have only wished it was larger 1 time (5 adults + luggage = bad idea). A Passat wagon TDI gets awesome mpg for its size/ room particularly good highway. If you are in town more a Escape hybrid would be a better choice. The XB fits a 6'~6" 400 lbs friend no issue, his wife basically drove to every car dealership and made him get in every car until she found the smallest car he was totally comfortable in, the Xb was a lot smaller/ more efficient than the next larger vehicle he fit comfortably in.

Answer the above questions (even to yourself) then try and make an informed purchase of your next vehicle.