SUVs are undoubtedly one of the most popular automobile categories worldwide. But, to qualify as an ideal vehicle for seniors, an SUV must check many boxes. It should balance being compact enough for seamless maneuvering and spacious enough to accommodate family members. Typically, the best SUV for senior citizens should focus on ease of use, prioritizing practicality over luxury. This doesn’t mean seniors prefer a subpar vehicle; they often gravitate towards familiar and reliable brands.
1. Volkswagen Taos
Starting price – $23,995
The five-seater Taos is a top choice for seniors who are looking for a reliable and safe SUV. This subcompact SUV comes with a standard suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance attributes known as the IQ Drive, which provides a sense of safety and peace during rides.
Some of the standout features of this SUV include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, lane centering, rear-cross traffic warning, blind-spot warning, emergency assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Taos stands out as one of the 10 top SUVs for seniors due to the inclusion of such features. Further, the SEL trim offers additional specifications like adaptive headlights and rear parking sensors, making it an even more compelling choice for senior drivers.
When it comes to the interiors, the SUV features a spacious cabin, which is particularly noteworthy for its class. Its large door openings make it the best SUV for seniors to get in and out of the vehicle. In addition, the SUV features large windows that offer phenomenal outward visibility. Its well-laid-out controls are conveniently positioned for the driver and do not pose any distractions while on the road. Moreover, its preference for physical buttons over touch-sensitive ones makes it especially appealing to older drivers.
2. Honda HR-V
Starting price – $26,600
As with every new Honda model, the Honda HR-V also comes with Honda Sensing as a standard feature, providing a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance capabilities that meet every senior’s safety needs. These include lane centering, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking (AEB), traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Further, the Sport trim offers additional safety features such as rear cross-traffic warning and blind spot warning, making it an ideal choice for older adults.
The top EX-L trim further enhances safety with parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking. The Honda HR-V EX-L excels in providing exceptional ride comfort and comfortable seats, as it features front ventilated seats, making it the perfect choice for older drivers as well as senior passengers. Its interior features large door openings for easy access, excellent outward visibility, and an easy-to-use and intuitive infotainment system.
3. Mazda CX-30
Starting price – $24,995
This SUV is widely recognized for its lively engine and effortless handling, making it a joy to drive on the road. As a sub-compact crossover SUV, it’s a popular choice for seniors and often features on lists of the 10 top SUVs for seniors. This SUV is built on a car platform, giving it a similar (8 inches) ground clearance to a typical sedan. With an impressive base engine that yields 191 hp, it offers exceptional fuel efficiency, achieving 26 mpg on city roads, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. This means that seniors can enjoy their drives without making frequent trips to gas stations.
Inside the vehicle, the SUV is equipped with an easy-to-read digital instrument cluster display and an intuitive 8.8-inch infotainment system that is simple to navigate for information and entertainment alike. Moreover, the vehicle’s safety features are designed to help older drivers stay vigilant and secure while driving on the road. Some of the safety features that come standard include blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and smart brake support, among others.
4. Subaru Crosstrek
Starting price – $25,195
This vehicle is regarded as one of the most comfortable SUVs for seniors, offering a more compact alternative to a larger Subaru Forester. The Subaru Crosstrek is also equipped with an array of driver assistance features known as the EyeSight system, which includes advanced functionalities such as lane centering, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, evasive steering assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
In addition to these features, the Sport and Premium trims offer an optional package that includes safety attributes like rear cross-traffic warning and blind spot warning. Notably, these two solid attributes are standard on the rugged Wilderness and Limited trims, along with rear automatic braking, an exceptional feature that also comes standard on these two trims. This can help avoid collisions and keep the vehicle safe on the road.
Additionally, the Subaru Crosstrek is also lauded for its user-friendly nature. Its infotainment system functions are intuitive and straightforward. Despite its compact exterior, the interior of the Crosstrek is roomy, thanks to its extended cabin and high roofline.
The ride comfort is exceptional, with well-padded and cushioned seats that provide excellent support and comfort for all occupants. Also, the fuel economy of the Crosstrek is commendable for its class, offering a combined fuel economy ranging between 26 and 34 mpg, depending on the specific options chosen.