Growing older signifies a new phase that comes with new hopes and needs. As a senior citizen, you have to make numerous important decisions, like how to navigate savings and insurance. There is also the question of selecting a vehicle that suits your needs. Here is how to get an SUV that suits you:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car for Seniors
While it might seem like any SUV would work for a senior driver, there are some critical factors to consider when choosing the best one. Here are a few of the most important factors:
1. Visibility and Drivability
A great FOV (Field of View) is one of the most important considerations when choosing a vehicle. You should be able to access the front seat of the SUV easily, have a higher seating position that gives you clear vision, as well as have a large field of view. These features enhance good drivability.
2. User-friendly Technology
The ability to adapt to technological changes varies from one person to another, regardless of age. A user-friendly user interface, however, is necessary for seniors. In addition, features like USB/Bluetooth/iPod/AUX compatibility increases a vehicle’s convenience.
Besides, features like rain-sensing wipers, electronic parking brakes coupled with Auto Hold, automatic headlamps, and cruise control increase the car’s user-friendliness, especially for seniors.
3. Comfort
A vehicle should be comfortable enough to keep you from being tired or sore. For example, heated seats are useful if you’re experiencing cold sensitivity, lower back pain, or stiff hips.
Besides, vehicles with power seats that can adjust in various directions are more accommodating to different situations.
For instance, you may need to shift the seat back when you’re getting in or out, but you may need to move it closer to the steering wheel when driving.
Seats with memory settings are especially helpful because you don’t need to reconfigure them repeatedly.
Adjustable steering columns and pedals also come in handy because they ensure you get a great fit.
Additionally, features like keyless entry, larger climate control dials, audio controls, and multi-function steering increase convenience for seniors, especially if they have joint issues. Also, senior citizens enjoy more comfort when driving SUVs with automatic transmissions.
4. Cargo Space
You’ll likely need a car with ample cargo space to haul things around, particularly large items like scooters and walkers. Usually, SUVs offer more space than sedans.
But, some hybrid cars place the battery packs in the trunk space, limiting the space available for your stuff, like gear and groceries.
5. Overall Suitability
Every senior has unique needs, so you should look for a vehicle that is ideal for you. Then, through programs like CarFit, you can have a health professional or a trained professional assess how well your vehicle suits you.
Factors like how well you are positioned vis-à-vis the seat belt, mirrors, pedals, steering wheel, and so on are considered during the evaluation process.
Best SUVs for Seniors 2022
To easily classify the available SUVs, we will discuss them in subcategories according to how best they are adapted to various situations.
Best SUV for Seniors to Get in and Out of
As a senior citizen, mobility is greatly hindered, so a vehicle with easy accessibility is incredibly welcome. Here are the vehicles with great accessibility.
1. Subaru Forester
This affordable SUV that is popular amongst seniors comes with standard features. While seniors may not take full advantage of the adventuring capabilities that Subaru is known for, one can’t ignore Forester’s standard all-wheel drive and other useful features.
Thanks to the all-wheel drive, the Forester offers a better grip making it stable even when driving snow flurry or wet surfaces. Besides, baseline Forester models have useful safety features like lane-keeping and braking assistance.
The controls inside the Forester are also very intuitive. Everything is marked clearly, and the tech isn’t too complicated for anyone to turn on music or make a call.
The Forester’s wide doors ensure that you can easily get into the SUV, and this practically-sized vehicle offers a huge amount of trunk space. Also, you can add an adjustable liftgate to the Forester.
2. Nissan Rogue
Nissan Rogue can be a great option if you’re an older driver. This SUV offers inward-slanting door sills and wide doors that make entry and exit easier. Besides, the Nissan Rogue is a top safety pick, according to IIHS, thanks to its features like rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
In the interior, Rogue is pretty high-tech, but the controls are easy-to-use. This SUV also comes with a large heads-up display and touch screen, increasing convenience while driving.
Besides, Rogue offers backup buttons and knobs if you don’t prefer touchscreen systems.
The Nissan Rogue’s seats are quite spacious because it only has five seats. Therefore, both you and your passenger will enjoy a comfortable ride.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes for a good choice for seniors thanks to its unique features. This SUV comes with an extensive safety suit that offers exceptional offerings.
For instance, the safe exit assist comes in handy if you have grandkids who like to open the door and jump out of the car. In addition, if it senses another vehicle approaching, it blocks the passengers from alighting.
It’s also a top safety pick, according to IIHS, thanks to its features like lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian detection, and forward crash avoidance.
The large touch screen inside the SUV is also easy to use. And the vehicle heated steering wheel is especially useful for seniors considering cold sensitivity increases with age.
Importantly, Santa Fe offers you peace of mind thanks to its 24/7 roadside assistance; if you get in trouble while on the road, you’ll get the necessary help.
Most Comfortable SUV for Seniors
If your primary concern is comfort, here are the SUVs that should be on your list.
1. Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander is a reliable SUV that seniors should consider. Thanks to its robust V6 engine and seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers, your pets and grandkids can comfortably fit in this SUV.
Inside, you can easily navigate the user-friendly controls with easy-to-see visuals. Even if you aren’t tech-savvy, you can easily change the interior temperature, answer calls, and turn on music.
The Highlander is also fuel-efficient, at 24 mpg (miles per gallon). If you want even better fuel economy, you can get the hybrid model of the Toyota Highlander.
2. Ford Edge
If you’re looking for an SUV with a familiar design, Ford Edge is a great option. Unfortunately, the vehicle’s inside hasn’t transformed much since its launch in 2006.
However, the subtly designed cabin is spacious. Besides, Edge is a comfortable vehicle with a spacious cargo space that includes ingeniously designed cubbyholes.
The recent tech updates in the Edge, like the Ford MyKey system and the Co-pilot, are also handy. Co-pilot 360 comprises multiple safety features, including evasive steering assistance, automatic emergency braking, and pre-collision assistance.
The MyKey system can program your car key to set vehicle settings. For instance, you can set maximum radio volumes and maximum speeds and thus enhance the level of safety.
The car will respond accordingly as soon as you use the car key.
3. Honda CRV
This midsize SUV offers excellent maneuverability and a comfy interior. Besides, Honda CR-V is exceptionally fuel-efficient, at 34 mpg.
Moreover, you can get a hybrid version of the Honda CR-V to enjoy even more fuel efficiency.
Unlike many midsize SUVs, CR-V is accommodating to taller drivers. In addition, the vehicle’s front seat offers plenty of headroom.
The CR-V also offers one of the roomiest cargo and luggage spaces for a vehicle of its class. You can also expand the space by folding the second row of seats which can lie completely flat. The infotainment touchscreen is also very easy to use.
Best Small SUV for Seniors
As a preference, some senior citizens prefer smaller SUVs. This is helpful, especially if one frequents urban settings where parking is tight or limited. So here are our picks for small SUVs.
1. Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe is roomier for a small SUV – it looks taller than it is thanks to its tall cabin. If you’re tall, this upscale cabin is ideal, especially if you enjoy driving on various terrains, including off-road.
Tahoe’s convex mirrors and side mirrors offer an extensive view of the back and side of the SUV. The vehicle is also roomy enough for you to take your pets and grandkids for a ride. In addition, the Tahoe is such a strong SUV that many law enforcement agencies prefer using it.
2. KIA Seltos
Kia Seltos is a comfortable vehicle to drive. The car’s seat position is elevated and minimizes blind spots by providing you with a clear view as you drive. It also has an assortment of safety features for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
The Seltos comes with a 1.6L engine that’s sufficiently powerful without risking the introduction of raw, unbridled power. Also, compared to many competitors, the SUV is quite spacious, so you can haul gear, like your walker or golf bags, without making any adjustments.
Other key Seltos senior-friendly safety features include smart cruise control, blind spot warning, collision avoidance assistance, lane assist, rear-cross traffic alerts, and more. The SUV is also relatively inexpensive.
3. Acura RDX
RDX is a higher-end SUV, so you’ll likely pay more. But, with its higher price tag, you enjoy multiple safety features.
These include: The Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS), lane assist, parking assist, road departure adjustment and warning, cruise control coupled with a low-speed follow that ensures you’re a safe distance from the motors in front of you, cross-traffic monitoring, proximity alerts, and sleep warning.
You can easily get off and on the RDX. This is thanks to the running board that’s conveniently placed on both sides. The car also comes with a proximity-based auto-lock feature that will automatically lock the door if you walk away without locking it.
Best Midsize SUV for Seniors
If you want a blend of compact and large SUVs, here is what you need to consider.
1. KIA Sorento
There are two variants of the Sorento, a plug-in hybrid model, and a self-charging model. This car is, therefore, very economical.
Besides, the vehicle’s rear suspension is self-leveling, which means it can tow a caravan or trailer without your comfort being affected.
It also comes with other senior-friendly features like lumbar support in the driver’s seat, a weighted steering wheel, a driving seat that affords you a great view, and rear and front parking sensors.
2. Honda Pilot
The Pilot’s V6 engine is fuel-efficient and fast. Besides, with its 185 mm ground clearance, most seniors can easily enter and exit the vehicle.
Honda Pilot also comes with plenty of driver assistance features like emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Also, with its elevated driving position, you enjoy a great view as you drive.
3. Volvo XC40
Volvo is a slightly higher-end SUV that offers great reliability. According to IIHS, it’s a top safety pick. In addition, the XC40 comes with a comprehensive driver assistance tech package and a semi-autonomous self-driving feature.
Best Used SUV for Low-Income Elderly
At times, finances are strained, and you might be looking to buy a used SUV, but you don’t want the unreliability of a used vehicle.
1. Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks is a relatively low-cost SUV that comes with sizable cargo space. Exiting and entering the vehicle is also easy. Kick’s senior-friendly features include blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and cruise control.
2. Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 delivers an exceptionally comfortable ride thanks to its agile handling and sharp steering. It also offers good visibility, decent fuel efficiency, and a stylishly designed spacious cabin. Other standard features include rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking.
3. Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek’s all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance make it ideal if you live in an area prone to severe winters. Besides, this SUV offers fantastic visibility, a comfy ride, and a roomy interior.
Best Luxury SUV for seniors
SUVs are synonymous with luxury. So here are our picks for the best luxury SUVs for seniors.
1. Land Rover Range Rover
This luxury SUV keeps you in the most luxurious environment as it nimbly navigates rough terrain. Land Rover Range Rover’s styling, size, and power are superior, offering you the ultimate control and comfort.
Surprisingly, the large SUV is early to maneuver, and the air suspension allows you to lower the vehicle so that you can easily get in and out.
2. Mercedes-Benz GLC
The GLC comes with an exceptionally luxurious interior. Besides, this small SUV offers a supremely smooth ride, and you can easily maneuver it. The GLC’s other senior-friendly standard features include:
- An attention warning system.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Exceptional visibility.
- A low step-in height.
- Capacious interior space.
3. Lexus RX 350
The RX 350 offers a quiet, smooth ride and comfortable seats. In addition, this midsize luxury SUV has multiple senior-friendly features, like keyless ignition and entry, elevated seat height, and wide open doors.
