No matter the age, here at Kelley Blue Book, we believe in owning a car that makes everyday life easier, driving safer, and fits our budget. On the other hand, we’d be kidding ourselves to think there aren’t some features and issues that take on more consequences as we age. So, with all of that in mind, we approached pulling together a list of the best vehicles for seniors. Use our quick links below to head to the section you want, or jump ahead to see the Best Cars for Seniors list.
- Considerations and Features for Senior Drivers
- What Are Driver Assistance Technologies?
- How About Electric Cars?
- Which Is Best for Seniors: Cars or SUVs?
- The List of Best Vehicles for Seniors
Considerations and Features for Senior Drivers
You probably don’t need us to tell you what to keep in mind as you shop for a car. However, we want to tell you about a few things and features to consider as you carefully weigh your buying decision. The goal of our process aims to put you into a comfy, safe environment so you can concentrate on what is important. That is, an environment allowing you to keep your attention on the road and surrounding traffic.
So as you set out on your search, you can use the information below to create a checklist helping you itemize the features you want in a new or used car. Just know that scoring all of them in a single vehicle is a tough nut to crack. However, acquire most of them, and you should be more than satisfied with your choice.
Accessibility
Whatever you drive, you’ll want to be able to get into and out of any vehicle with ease. That means wide door openings and seats just below hip level, or as close to it as possible. You will eventually tire of falling into and leveraging yourself out of a sports car or a subcompact if that’s what you had in mind. If you are more than 6 feet tall, you probably figured that out a long time ago. It only gets worse with age.
Likewise, if you are considering a pickup truck or large SUV, you’ll want running boards and grab handles on the A-pillars to hoist yourself in. We didn’t include any large trucks or SUVs among our picks for that very reason.
We also didn’t include any 2-door coupes. Folding yourself into a pretzel and crawling into the backseat of a 2-door is a kid’s game.
Visibility
In any vehicle, you want to see and be seen. We are convinced a higher perch with plenty of glass surrounding you is your best bet. Our list leans heavily on crossovers providing exactly that.
LED exterior lighting — like headlights with auto on-off, taillights, and daytime running lights — provides better illumination over a wider space than conventional lights. These lights shine brighter, and other drivers will easily spot them.
[Editor’s Note: If night driving is a common occurrence, pick a vehicle with LED headlights and high-beam assist. As we age, our eyesight worsens as we tire. LED headlights throw their beam wider and farther than regular headlights. We need every edge we can get. — Russ Heaps, senior editor]
We are big fans of high-beam assist, in which the headlight system automatically engages and disengages the high-beam lights as needed. We also appreciate an auto-dimming rearview mirror that senses approaching headlights from behind. The feature automatically dims their reflection from the rearview mirror.
We like the idea of rain-sensing wipers that we don’t need to keep fidgeting with as the precipitation volume increases and decreases. In the Snowbelt, wiper de-icers will be a big help, as are headlight washers. If you buy a crossover, a rear-window wiper and defroster rank as must-haves. Heated outboard mirrors are equally helpful in colder temperatures.
RELATED: Best Cars and SUVs for Snow: Features You Need
Comfort
Give yourself a break. Driving makes you tired regardless of age. Consequently, what you want to do is minimize fatigue. We strongly recommend a power-adjustable driver’s seat. And not just a 4-way or 6-way seat.
Insist on one that adjusts fore and aft, up and down, and reclines. While you are at it, consider seats with power lumbar adjustments. On that next multi-hour driving trip, you’ll be glad you did.
It’s just part of the getting older experience to become more sensitive to cold and heat. If you deal with cold winters, heated seats and a heated steering wheel make a lot of sense. If you reside in the Sunbelt, the same goes for ventilated seats, which help to cool you down in hot weather.
Adjustable Steering Wheel
A steering wheel with height (tilt) and telescopic adjustments is a must. Between a fully adjustable seat and an adjustable steering wheel, you should be able to find the most comfortable driving position.
Convenience Features
- Stick to automatic transmissions. It probably goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: An automatic transmission is a no-brainer. Given that models with a manual transmission are more scarce today than street parking in Manhattan, they are easy for seniors to avoid. However, if you are still determined to stir the gears yourself, many of today’s automatic transmissions provide a manual shift mode. Many even have steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
- Keep controls close at hand. Keeping controls at your fingertips at any age is crucial. You need not reach too far for anything. User-friendly systems help you get what you need without too much effort.
- Look for larger touchscreens. A large, easy-to-use touchscreen controlling audio, phone, and other systems is preferable to a tiny one. An infotainment system with voice recognition is even better. Telling the system what to do is better than taking your hands from the wheel and eyes from the road to do it manually — the same with your Bluetooth smartphone interface.
- Go for the proximity key. We are also big fans of proximity-key systems, allowing the doors to lock or unlock simply by walking up to the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket, purse, or anywhere on your person. Such systems usually include push-button start as well. Along those lines, hands-free power smart trunks and liftgates also make life easier. They automatically open — a big help when your hands are full. Another perk of the proximity-key systems: it’s hard to lock your keys in the car because most vehicles will not let you. Instead, the car sends a signal or beeps at you if you try.
- Choose automatic climate control. We like the idea of setting the ideal temperature and then letting the climate system maintain that control. In other words, we don’t have to continue fiddling with it as the outside temperature changes. Even better is an automatic climate system with multiple controls, which divides the vehicle into different temperature zones.
Noise Control
Some vehicles do better than others at controlling the amount of racket seeping into the cabin from the engine and surrounding traffic. Noise is annoying and distracting. So, it’s best to spend time in as quiet an environment as possible.
Many of our vehicle picks excel in this area.
Lowest Maintenance Costs
Even if you did everything right and are sitting on a big pile of retirement savings, value still counts. It’s just a reality of car ownership; stuff goes wrong. The goal is to minimize upkeep costs. Well, all costs, really.
Driving a vehicle with solid fuel economy helps at the start. Therefore, we’ve included the combined (mixed city-and-highway) mileage estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the models we’ve picked. Beyond mileage, some models simply require less maintenance than others.
Safety
Cars, trucks, and SUVs are safer today than ever before. Safety features like antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and rearview cameras are now on every new car. Most vehicles come with at least six airbags, and many provide more than that.
The government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test cars, scoring their safety. All of the new cars on this list earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating. Used cars posted the IIHS top score of Good in their crash tests, while some also earned the TSP or TSP+ accolade. Keep in mind, however, that those coveted TSP and TSP+ designations for used vehicles are for the specific model years listed. The IIHS testing protocols are evolving, and some vehicles that qualified in some previous year probably wouldn’t qualify by today’s IIHS standards.
Additionally, safety technology in the form of active driver aids is advancing at a blistering pace. We can thank the relentless march toward driverless cars for most of the driver-aid (driver-assistance) technologies. Velcro and microwave ovens were born of our efforts to send people into space. Today, all manner of gee-wizardry is a side benefit of trying to make cars self-driving.
Those of us still haunted by the flashing clock on a long-abandoned VCR can take comfort in knowing many of these driver aids don’t require much in the way of input from us.
However, remember that totally autonomous cars may still be decades away. No matter how much a carmaker boasts about its driver-assistance systems, they all require your attention and eyes on the road. There are no exceptions.
What Are Driver-Assistance Technologies?
- Rearview or Back-up Camera: Government-mandated since 2018, these rearward-pointed cameras capture what is behind us as we back up. Shifting into reverse will bring up the image on the touchscreen or some other dashboard-mounted display. (In older models, the display may be in a section of the rearview mirror). More advanced cameras feature bending trajectory lines that change as your turn the steering wheel to mimic the path of the vehicle. Using a rearview camera effectively requires a bit of practice but can save you from stretching to physically see what’s behind you. The older you become, the more that will mean to you.
- Parking Assist: Depending on the system and availability, it can parallel park or diagonally park the car on its own.
- Parking Sensors: Mounted on the rear and/or the front bumper of a car, these sensors detect a nearby object and sound an alarm. We refer to this feature as “park assist.”
- Forward Collision Warning: Using a camera alone or with radar, this feature sounds a warning when it detects an impending front crash. Many systems also include an emergency braking feature in case the driver fails to respond to the warning.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Once the speed is set, adaptive cruise control maintains the preset speed and responds to the changing speed of the vehicle ahead. It slows your vehicle as the vehicle ahead slows, then speeds back up with the traffic flow. Some systems will come to a complete stop, if necessary.
- Traffic Jam Assist works like a low-speed adaptive cruise control feature because it’s engineered specifically for slow-moving, stop-and-go city traffic.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Sensors mounted on the rear bumper corners detect and warn of traffic approaching your flanks.
- Lane-Keeping Assist: A forward-pointing camera keeps track of lane markings, nudging you back if you begin drifting out of your lane.
How About Electric Cars?
As you research that next car purchase, you may be shocked by the number of vehicles on the market featuring some degree of electric propulsion. Cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks are represented in the wave of vehicles offered that are at least partially electrified.
What Are the 3 Types of Electric Vehicles?
- Hybrid (HEV): A gasoline-fueled engine and an electric motor (maybe more than one) work in tandem. A battery, which is charged by the gas engine and through the brake system, powers the electric motor. The Toyota Sienna on the new car list is an HEV.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A gasoline-fueled engine and electric motor team up, but the motor can power the vehicle all by itself. Typically the electric-only range is between 25 and 50 miles. Although the brake system might help charge the battery, a PHEV requires charging by plugging into an electric source.
- Fully Electric (EV or BEV): An EV sources all of its output from an electric motor powered by a battery array. As with the PHEV, the EV must also be charged by plugging into an external electric source. The range of fully charged EVs varies wildly. For example, the government estimates 114 miles of range for the 2023 MINI SE Hardtop, while it’s 358 miles for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 are EVs on the new car list, as is the Hyundai Kona EV on the used car list.
Which Is Best for Seniors: Cars or SUVs?
Our picks do not include full-size SUVs or trucks. Taller drivers may be happier in a big SUV or truck, but we believe most older drivers (and passengers) would find entering and exiting challenging and potentially unpleasant.
The List of Cars for Seniors
New Cars
Here are our new car picks, based on the best combination of features, fuel economy, safety, and reliability for the money. We provide the trim and its price for each pick that we think is the best buy for seniors. However, we’ve also included the base prices for the entry-level trim level so you can get an idea of whether or not each vehicle will fit your budget. Note: The starting price for each new model here is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) including the factory-to-dealer delivery charge (destination fee).
1. 2024 Toyota Camry
Best Value for Seniors: $32,265 (XLE)
Starting Price: $27,515 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 32 mpg
The rankings between #1 and #2 on this list are razor-thin. However, you won’t get an argument from us if you want to crown the Toyota Camry as one of the best midsize cars ever. It’s roomy, quiet, and easy to live with. We score it high for reliability and holding its value. The Camry offers a 4-cylinder or a V6 engine, as well as a hybrid that nets up to 52 combined mpg. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on 4-cylinder models. Ten airbags are standard on all grades.
The base LE trim level provides the full battery of LED exterior lighting (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and Safety Sense 2.5+. This bundle of advanced safety tech includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.
However, moving up to the XLE adds blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded rearview camera, upgraded adaptive cruise control, the proximity key, and a larger 9-inch touchscreen. See Toyota Camry models for sale near you
2. 2024 Honda Accord
Best Value for Seniors: $31,005 (EX)
Starting Price: $28,990 | Expert Rating: 4.8
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 32 mpg
The Honda Accord continues to be one of the best midsize sedans money can buy. It is known for its refinement, safety features, interior space, comfort, and reliability. It boasts cutting-edge tech, including the ability to set temperature with voice commands, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. The Accord has a long history of excellent reliability and resale value. We like it so much that we named it our Midsize Car Best Buy for 2024.
The two most affordable models, the EX and LX, come with a 4-cylinder engine; the rest of the lineup uses an excellent hybrid powertrain with fuel economy as good as 51 city mpg. All trim levels have 10 airbags. As the Accord’s IIHS TSP+ rating indicates, it has performed well in safety and crash tests.
The base LX trim level comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite. This array of advanced safety tech includes forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and automatic high beams. It also comes standard with full LED exterior lighting, a 7-inch color touchscreen, and a proximity key with a push-button start.
If you move up to the EX, you’ll benefit from heated front seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat — including 2-way power lumbar — upgraded audio, and dual-zone climate control. See Honda Accord models for sale near you
3. 2024 Honda CR-V
Best Value for Seniors: $33,360 (EX)
Starting Price: $30,850 | Expert Rating: 4.8
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 30 mpg
Under the hood, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission powers the front wheels. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. With carlike driving dynamics and comfort, the Honda CR-V offers loads of space, a quiet environment, and fuel economy that’s about average for this class. Those searching for even better mileage will like that Honda also offers the CR-V with a hybrid powertrain. The IIHS named the CR-V a Top Safety Pick, and Kelley Blue Book chose it as our Compact SUV Best Buy for 2024.
On the safety front, the CR-V provides Honda Sensing with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with steering assist. Adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and Traffic Jam Assist are also standard.
Honda equips the CR-V with LED exterior lights (taillights, auto on-off headlights, and DRLs). Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, heated outboard mirrors, and a proximity key with push-button start. A 7-inch touchscreen commands the infotainment system. A 9-inch touchscreen comes on higher trims.
For seniors, we recommend the EX grade because it comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, remote start, and heated outboard mirrors. See Honda CR-V models for sale near you
4. 2024 Kia Telluride
Best Value for Seniors: $39,485 (S)
Starting Price: $37,585 | Expert Rating: 4.8
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
The largest SUV in Kia’s arsenal, the Telluride resides in the 3-row midsize segment. It’s a kissing cousin to the Hyundai Palisade. Kelley Blue Book named it the 3-Row Midsize SUV Best Buy for 2024. An impressive value, the Kia Telluride provides plenty of passenger and cargo room and an amazing amount of standard content. Every grade uses a V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available.
In entry-level LX form, the Telluride comes with auto on-off headlights, LED DRLs, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel. Other standard fare includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and the proximity key. Among its driver aids are forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, and Highway Driving Assist (which helps the driver steer and brake). Also included are lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist, rear-park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
To add an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments and heated front seats, you need to go up a level to the S. See Kia Telluride models for sale near you
5. 2024 Toyota Sienna
Best Value for Seniors: $44,390 (XLE)
Base Price: $39,080 | Expert Rating: 4.7
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 36 mpg
This marks the Sienna’s fourth year as a hybrid-only model. We give the Toyota Sienna high marks for comfort, space, versatility, impressive fuel economy, and, of course, Toyota’s reliability. In fact, we named it the Minivan Best Buy for 2024. It’s ideal for cross-country touring, capable of seating seven or eight, plus hauling loads of luggage. It has 10 airbags. The Sienna’s hybrid propulsion system uses an automatic transmission to funnel output to the front or all wheels.
The entry-level LE grade comes with LED exterior lights (headlights with auto on/off, taillights, and daytime running lights), heated outboard mirrors, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Among the other standard content are a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, power sliding side doors and liftgate, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a 9-inch touchscreen. Its active driver aids include forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Moving up to the XLE adds LED fog lights, hands-free power side doors and rear liftgate, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments, proximity key for all five doors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. See Toyota Sienna models for sale near you
6. 2024 Toyota Crown
Best Value for Seniors: $41,445 (XLE)
Base Price: $41,445 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 41 mpg
When the Crown rolled onto the scene in 2023, it replanted Toyota’s flag in the large-car segment. Forward motion comes from one of two hybrid systems. Our recommendation for seniors is to stick with the base XLE grade, which uses the 236-horsepower hybrid system. The top-end Platinum trim uses a 340-horsepower system.
Checking our boxes for senior content, the XLE includes LED headlights with auto on-off, LED taillights, high-beam assist, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. Also included are heated seats, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. A comprehensive bundle of advanced safety tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Spending another $5,600 for the Limited would add rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. See Toyota Crown models for sale near you
7. 2024 Subaru Ascent
Best Value for Seniors: $39,800 (Premium w/Convenience Package)
Base Price: $35,740 | Expert Rating: 4.2
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
One of the things we really like about the Subaru Ascent is that despite providing all-wheel drive as standard, its fuel economy is average within a segment mostly populated with front-wheel-drive models. Moreover, the Ascent base model includes many of our recommended senior features. Among them are adaptive cruise control, a large 11.6-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, high-beam assist, and even steering-responsive headlights that turn in the same direction as the front wheels.
Among the Ascent’s standard advanced safety tech are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-centering, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Stepping up a grade to Premium adds $2,600 to the bottom line; however, it also adds a lot of value. The gained senior features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. Furthermore, we’d add the Premium’s Convenience Package ($1,460) with proximity keyless entry with push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, reverse automatic braking, and a power rear liftgate. See Subaru Ascent models for sale near you
8. 2024 Honda HR-V
Best Value for Seniors: $29,500 (EX-L)
Base Price: $25,950 | Expert Rating: 4.7
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
The Honda HR-V gets its go from a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine through an automatic transmission to the front wheels. For whatever reason, the government classifies the HR-V as a small station wagon. It isn’t. It is a crossover, providing ample passenger space.
Although the base LX is generally well-equipped, we’d pony up the extra $4,000 for the top-of-the-line EX-L to score more of our recommended features for seniors. The LX comes with Honda Sensing, which includes lane-keeping assist, lane-departure assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Other standard features are high-beam assist, auto on-off LED headlights, LED taillights, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
Stepping up to the EX-L adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, a 9-inch touchscreen, proximity key, and front-rear park assist. You also get dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. See Honda HR-V models for sale near you
9. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Best Value for Seniors: $43,175 (SE Standard)
Base Price: $43,175 | Expert Rating: 4.7
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 114 MPGe
One of the better things about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for seniors is that most of the features we recommend are included in the base SE Standard trim. Yes, you can pick up a couple of items like a hands-free power rear liftgate by moving up to the SEL; however, there’s little reason to spend more. In its base guise, the Ioniq 5 electric motor delivers 168 horsepower and a maximum estimated range of 220 miles. To gain another 57 horsepower and 83 miles of range will set you back another $4,050 for the SE. Kelley Blue Book named the Ioniq 5 the Electric Vehicle Best Buy of 2024.
Included among our recommended features is a full array of advanced safety tech. For example, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and more are standard. Adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, auto on-off LED headlights, LED taillights, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and proximity key with push-button start are standard. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, heated front seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control are included, too. See Hyundai Ioniq 5 models for sale near you
10. 2024 Acura MDX
Best Value for Seniors: $51,500 (MDX)
Base Price: $51,500 | Expert Rating: 4.5
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
A no-muss, no-fuss pick for seniors, the 2024 Acura MDX provides reliability, safety, and many of our preferred senior features in the entry-level version Acura calls simply MDX. For example, it arrives standard with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a power rear liftgate, a large, easy-to-see 12.3-inch infotainment display, tri-zone automatic climate control, and proximity keyless entry. If all-wheel drive is a must-have, Acura has one of the best in the industry, and it’s available on the entry-level trim.
AcuraWatch is a suite of advanced safety and driver-assist tech that’s standard across the MDX lineup. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist (low-speed adaptive cruise control), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Stepping up to the MDX with Technology Package adds a few more of our senior features, like rain-sensing wipers and front/rear park assist, but it costs nearly $5,000 more. Therefore, we recommend sticking with the base version. See Acura MDX models for sale near you
11. 2024 Genesis GV80
Best Value for Seniors: $59,050 (2.5T)
Base Price: $59,050 | Expert Rating: 4.8
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
The Genesis GV80 shines with its impressive engines, posh cabin, and class-leading warranty. For seniors on the hunt for a luxury SUV, the entry-level all-wheel-drive GV80 2.5T comes right out of the box with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and multiple driver-selectable driving modes. Also standard are LED exterior lights, power-folding and auto-dimming heated outboard mirrors, high-beam assist, a hands-free power rear liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and proximity keyless entry with push-button start. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power-adjustable front seats, and a huge, easy-to-see 14.5-inch touchscreen.
Among the advanced safety and driver-assist technologies are adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and junction-turning assist, which prevents the GV80 from turning left in front of oncoming traffic. There are a couple of option packages that add features like a surround-view camera, a head-up display, and more; however, we think the GV80 2.5T is more than adequately equipped as is. See Genesis GV80 models for sale near you
12. 2024 Ford Explorer
Best Value for Seniors: $40,265 (XLT)
Base Price: $38,455 | Expert Rating: 3.8
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
We included the Ford Explorer among our picks for seniors not only because of its IIHS rating and senior-friendly standard features, but also because, for those with a mission, it provides above-average performance, fuel economy, and towing for its class. Seating in the third row is tight, but we think most seniors will keep it folded down anyway to expand cargo space. The Explorer uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission to generate thrust and deliver 5,300 pounds of maximum towing capacity. Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with 4-wheel drive optional.
The base Explorer comes standard with many of our recommended features like LED headlights, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, high-beam assist, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technologies are also included with such features as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. We’d step up to the XLT grade to gain proximity keyless entry, heated outboard mirrors and front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power rear liftgate, and second-row captain’s chairs, which improves access to the third row if you do need it. See Ford Explorer models for sale near you
13. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Best Value for Seniors: $43,625 (Laredo w/Luxury Tech Group I)
Base Price: $38,290 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
The Jeep Grand Cherokee made the grade not only because of its IIHS rating but also because of its off-road potential. We priced it here with rear-wheel drive; however, you can add 4-wheel drive for $2,000. The 293-horsepower of thrust is via a V6 engine tied to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Among our recommended features, the Laredo grade comes standard with LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated outboard mirrors, proximity keyless entry, and 8-way power-adjustable front seats. Included in the advanced safety tech are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
We advise adding the optional ($1,795) Luxury Tech Group I. Among other features, it adds heated front seats and steering wheel, a power rear liftgate, and rain-sensing wipers. See Jeep Grand Cherokee models for sale near you
Used Cars
Here are our picks for the best used cars for seniors. The fuel economy, IIHS score, and Kelley Blue Book Expert rating are all for the most recent model year listed or available. Where that is not the case, we call out the specific year listed. Carmakers tend to bake in some new standard feature every year or two. The features listed are for the most recent model year in the model-year spread.
1. 2019-2023 Subaru Forester
Price Range: $17,000-$32,000 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
Subaru did a total Forester redesign for 2019. As with nearly every Subaru, all-wheel drive is standard. The Forester is larger on the inside than you might expect. We like its space, unflappable ride, standard AWD, and relatively excellent mileage.
We’d look for the Limited trim level. It comes with steering-responsive (adaptive) auto on-off LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity key, power rear liftgate, heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, and LED fog lights. Among the standard driver aids are forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruised control, and high-beam assist.
If you want to dig back further, check out the 2018 Forester ($16,000-$22,000). To get a fair share of our recommended standard features, you’ll need to shop the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The EyeSight System of driver aids was standard on the Touring grade. It included all of the driver-aid features named above. The Limited also included a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED auto on/off headlights, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, front wiper de-icer, and more. See used Subaru Forester models for sale near you
2. 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $15,000-$23,000 | Expert Rating: 4.4
IIHS Rating: TSP+ (2016-2017), TSP (2018)
Combined Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
No matter what you are looking for in a sensible vehicle, somehow, the Toyota RAV4 always makes the list. This universally well-received compact SUV is often cited as beginning the compact crossover SUV segment. And it’s still a standout. We like it for its reliability, spunky performance, and high-end interior. Toyota offered it in these model years with a 4-cylinder engine and as a hybrid.
We suggest looking at the SE trim level and trying to find one with the Advanced Technology Package. That adds a surround-view camera and front and rear park assist. On the SE standard content list are dual-zone automatic climate control, an advanced rearview camera with projected-path dynamic lines, and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel. Also included are an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments, heated front seats, LED exterior lights (auto on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Standard driver aids include forward collision alert with auto emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control. See used Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
3. 2018-2020 Honda Fit
Price Range: $15,000-$22,000 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: Good
Combined Fuel Economy: 33 mpg
Never has something so small on the outside been so big on the inside. We are sorry Honda decided not to bring the next-generation Fit here to the U.S. Its last year in America was 2020. However, they are still available on the used market, albeit a bit hard to find. We are fans of pretty much everything about this car, from its roomy, comfy interior to its zippy 4-cylinder engine.
Stick with the EX or the top-of-the-line EX-L. The EX came with auto on-off headlights, fog lights, proximity key, and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Among its driver aids: adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX-L added heated outboard mirrors and heated front seats. See used Honda Fit models for sale near you
4. 2018-2019 Kia Soul
Price Range: $11,000-$13,000 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: TSP+ (2018) TSP (2019)
Combined Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
We like a lot about the Kia Soul, which is why it’s on this list. Kia thought it was aiming the Soul at young hipsters, but the average owner’s age skews much closer to 60 than 25. Why? Because it’s roomy, easy to get into and out of, has a tall greenhouse with great visibility, and is relatively inexpensive to own.
The trim level you want to be on the lookout for is the Plus (+). However, even with this grade, the Soul will need to be packed with options to have many of our recommended features. The Plus came with auto on-off headlights, fog lights, heated outboard mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and single-zone automatic climate control. The only standard driver aid is adaptive cruise control.
Option packages include an audio package with an 8-inch touchscreen. To pick up another significant bundle of our features requires the Primo package with a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments, heated front seats, blind-spot monitor, and forward collision warning with auto emergency braking. Also in the Primo package are lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and LED taillights. The Primo package was $4,500 on 2019 Souls. This package will probably add at least $3,000 to the price of a used one, but it’s worth finding a Soul that’s equipped with it. See used Kia Soul models for sale near you
5. 2019-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Price Range: $17,000-$28,000 | Expert Rating: 4.7
IIHS Rating: TSP+ (2019) TSP (2020)
Combined Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
The Hyundai Santa Fe received a complete redesign in 2019 as a 2-row SUV. The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its 185 horsepower isn’t a lot for this class SUV; however, stepping up to the SEL, which we recommend, opens you up to the optional 230-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine. We like the Santa Fe for its interior space, quiet cabin, and loads of standard features.
Look for an SEL with the Convenience Package. Standard equipment for the SEL includes advanced safety tech like forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Also included are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto on-off headlights, high-beam assist, and proximity key with push-button start. Heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a 7-inch touchscreen are also included. The Convenience Package adds a hands-free power liftgate and dual-zone automatic climate control, among other goodies. See used Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you
6. 2018-2020 Nissan Rogue
Price Range: $13,000-$23,000 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: TSP+ (2018-2019) TSP (2020)
Combined Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
The 2018-2020 Nissan Rogue was the end of that generation, before Nissan redesigned the all-new version for 2021. But the previous-gen Rogue is still well-equipped. We like Rogue for its roominess, amazingly comfortable seats, affordable price, and unpretentiousness. AWD was available.
We suggest you look at the SV trim. If you can find examples that include the Premium Option Package, all the better. It adds a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and Nissan’s ProPilot driver-assist system that helps the driver steer, brake, and accelerate.
Otherwise, the SV includes heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Also included are the proximity key and remote start. Among its driver aids are forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with auto rear braking. See used Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
7. 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey
Price Range: $20,000-$39,000 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: TSP (2018-2020) TSP+ (2021-2022)
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Honda redesigned the Odyssey in 2018 and updated it in 2021. There is a lot to like about Odyssey. What about that crazy built-in vacuum, right? If you stick with the EX grade, you’ll find several of our recommended features. However, if you want to save some money, the 2014-2017 model-year Odyssey was also solid.
Standard EX content included an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch touchscreen, and power sliding side doors. Among the other standard features are forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto on-off headlights, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Also included was a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and See used Honda Odyssey models for sale near you
8. 2019-2021 Kia Forte
Price Range: $14,000-$18,000 | Expert Rating: 4.2
IIHS Rating: TSP+ (2019) TSP (2020-2021)
Combined Fuel Economy: 33 mpg
Kia redesigned the Forte for 2019. Our advice is to stick with the EX grade. Its standard content includes an 8-inch touchscreen, fog lamps, LED taillights, and daytime running lights. Also included are a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Listed among the driver aids are forward collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-changing assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
You can also venture back to the previous-generation Forte, say 2016-2018 ($8,000-$13,000). Again, look for an EX. The EX standard content included auto on/off headlights, a wiper de-icer, fog lights, heated front seats, proximity key, LED taillights, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also provided a hands-free power trunk lid, blind-spot monitor with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Options to look for include heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, and adaptive headlights. See used Kia Forte models for sale near you
9. 2020-2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
Price Range: $18,000-$30,000 | Expert Rating: 4.2
IIHS Rating: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 120 MPGe
We believe the 2020-2021 model years of the Hyundai Kona Electric provide a lot of bang for the buck. Our listed price range tops out at the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim. That’s where you’ll find the widest array of our recommended features for seniors. Generating thrust is a 201-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. The government estimated the maximum range at 258 miles.
A bundle of advanced safety tech represents our list of recommended features on the base SEL trim. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention alert. Heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, proximity key with push-button start, and heated front seats are also standard. Other standard fare includes single-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
Moving up to our suggested Ultimate grade adds high-beam assist, auto on-off LED headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included are rear park assist, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. See used Hyundai Kona Electric models for sale near you
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