Senior Friendly Rides: 5 Best SUVs for Comfort and Convenience
Retirement brings a newfound freedom to enjoy yourself full-time and there’s no better way to do it than in an SUV.
At this life stage, you want simple, long-lasting solutions that suit your new lifestyle. The last thing you need is to start the search for a new car over again in a few years.
So, when you choose an SUV, you want a vehicle that’s with you for the long haul, with features that fit your changing needs. Read on for tips on picking the best SUV for seniors and our suggestions about the most suitable ones.
Shopping for the Best SUV for Seniors
Being a senior citizen doesn’t mean you need a boring car. Sporty looks and economy are still appealing to you, but there are a few extra things you should consider when searching for your next car:
- Accessibility
- Safety
- Comfortable, elevated seats
- Reliability
- Easy-to-navigate controls
- Low maintenance
- Economical fuel consumption
Our recommendations offer all these qualities and more.
1. Honda CR-V
According to the Kelly Blue Book, this is the best compact SUV for 2023, and it’s also a good choice for seniors.
This mid-sized SUV has plenty of interior space, perfect for taking the grandkids on adventures. The 76.5 cubic feet of cargo room beats all its competitors, practically transforming it into a small moving van once you fold down the rear seatback.
It also has a low cargo floor to increase capacity and ease when hauling large loads. The reclining back seats have 41 inches of legroom for comfortable travel.
The CR-V has a nine-inch touchscreen to help you make your way easily around navigating maps and music along the way, and it’s available in a hybrid SUV version for eco-friendly drivers. There’s a good balance between technology and manual controls so you don’t worry about feeling overwhelmed by new gadgets.
The Honda CR-V is extremely satisfying to drive thanks to quick response steering, braking, and acceleration surrounded by sleek, modern interiors.
If you’re shopping on a budget, choosing a used Honda CR-V is also a good option thanks to the brand’s proven reliability. It’s a stable, dependable, and comfortable SUV and an outstanding choice for everyday driving.
2. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has standard all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, and excellent safety features, perfect for cruising along snowy, icy roads. Some features include blind spot monitoring, stop-and-go capability, nighttime pedestrian recognition, and a lane departure warning system.
The handling and steering are superb, and a heated steering wheel is just one of the interior comforts. While driving the CX-5, you enjoy a push-button start, plenty of interior space, and excellent trim levels, too.
An EPA of 30 mpg on the open road and 24 mpg in the city make this one of the most economical SUVs available.
The six-speed automatic transition and smooth, stable handling make this sporty vehicle fun and easy to drive. It has a 10.3-inch infotainment display that you can easily operate using controls in the center console. voice commands, or steering-mounted buttons.
3. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has handy driver-assist technology to help you navigate your way to the next exciting destination easily and safely. Extra safety features include lane-keep assistance and autonomous emergency braking.
The X-Mode all-wheel drive system is optimal for traction in deep snow, mud, and ice.
The Forester comes standard with a camera for 360-degree views, Eyesight driver assistance, and blind spot monitoring. Each control is clearly labeled for ease of use whether you’re answering a phone call or regulating the cabin temperature.
It offers the best outward visibility from the driver’s seat compared with all other SUVs and boasts a roomy interior for comfortable travel. Each seat has memory functionality for optimal convenience and the door access openings offer easy access for everyone.
An eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, large center console, and one-touch folding switches for the back seats complete the picture.
4. Kia Soul
This car has significant features for older drivers and comes at a price point that suits those on a fixed income. It allows easy access and plenty of room inside, although it’s slightly smaller than most crossover SUVs.
The Soul boasts a slew of safety features, like:
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Following Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Change Assist
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
Inside, you’ll find plenty of extras like six- and four-way adjustable seats, front and rear cup and bottle holders, and split-folding rear seats.
Technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, a fully digital instrument cluster, and an HD radio with a six-speaker audio system.
5. Chevrolet Trailblazer
Another compact SUV, the Trailblazer eliminates worries about navigating city streets safely. It has ample storage space despite its nifty size, accommodating four adults with their luggage for a long-awaited weakened break.
The Trailblazer offers ample head and leg room and easy access to every seat. The interiors are stylish and refined, with a heated steering wheel, an 11-inch touchscreen display, and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster.
You’ll enjoy satisfactory performance thanks to the turbo-charged .2-liter inline-three with 137 horsepower, an automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The Trailblazer is an excellent choice for zipping around urban streets thanks to responsive steering and smooth braking.
The entry-level Trailblazer is priced attractively with the option to add extras when you go up the models. This offers convenience and affordability according to your budget.
A high safety rating and affordable pricing add to the appeal of this vehicle, but it’s not a good fit for off-road driving.
Making the Most of Your Travels
Choosing the right SUV is imperative for an enjoyable retirement where you get to explore the world safely and conveniently. Use these tips and others featured on our website to ensure you make the most of every moment on the road.
Whether you’re wondering about the best SUV for seniors or how to care for your car, our blog has many more informative articles to suit you. Keep browsing or bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates.
