Best Cars For Seniors
Helpful Car Features for Senior Drivers
Visibility
No matter your age, safety on the road starts with visibility. Having the ability to see and be seen in low-light conditions or in severe weather can make a world of difference in your confidence and safety. Most of today’s new vehicles come with standard LED exterior lighting. LED lighting technology is longer-lasting, more efficient, and offers significantly higher visibility compared to outdated halogen bulbs from years past. Other lighting-related technologies to look for include automatic high-beam headlights, automatic light controls, and daytime running lamps. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, also found on many modern cars, can automatically detect rain drops and adjust their speed accordingly without having to fumble with buttons or switches on the steering column.
Comfort
Reducing fatigue and maximizing comfort are critical to your enjoyment behind the wheel no matter how old you are. When shopping for your next vehicle, consider choosing a model that includes power-adjustable seats to help simplify how you find your perfect driving position. Adjusting the recline angle, height, and even lumbar support are great ways to help boost your comfort. Another helpful function is known as seat memory settings, allowing you to restore your individual settings at the touch of a button. These are great for situations where the vehicle is shared with multiple family members. Certain upscale vehicles can also come equipped with heated and ventilated seats, both of which are excellent for staying comfortable across the entire temperature spectrum.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Going beyond typical standard safety features like seat belts and airbags, modern vehicles are available with groundbreaking technology and safety features that are designed to keep you one step ahead of danger. Some features you can expect to find either as standard or as options on most modern vehicles include rear backup cameras, lane-keeping assist systems, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. While not a replacement for conventional safe-driving habits, these features can react to potential dangers often before the driver can.
Best Compact SUV for Seniors – Buick Envista
Due to their elevated driving position and ease of entry/exit, compact SUVs are excellent choices for senior drivers. Our top pick for this category is the sleek Buick Envista, powered by an economical ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo engine with a fuel economy rating of up to 32 MPG highway. Its city-sized platform allows you to maneuver in or out of a tight spot with confidence, made easier by its standard rearview camera system featuring parking sensors. Speaking of safety, every Envista comes standard with Buick Driver Confidence – a comprehensive suite of safety features that includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam auto high beams. An attractively low starting price and premium interior comfort amenities are just two other reasons why the Buick Envista is a great option for the senior driver in your life.
Best Compact Sedan for Seniors – Toyota Corolla
Another class of vehicle that’s popular with older drivers, a compact sedan is an economical choice for reliable and affordable transportation. Taking home the top spot in this segment is the iconic Toyota Corolla, known across the globe for its dependability and outstanding value. Its standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers an exceptional combination of responsiveness and efficiency, great for short trips around town. Standard on every Corolla is Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 – an award-winning assortment of active safety technologies designed to provide a helping hand when you need it most. Drivers will also enjoy the easy-to-use standard 8-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility. Whether you opt for the value-packed Corolla LE or upgrade to the athletic Corolla SE – the Toyota Corolla is the ultimate compact sedan for seniors.
Best Electric Luxury Vehicle for Seniors – Cadillac LYRIQ
Electric vehicles offer several advantages over their conventional counterparts. From their impeccably smooth power delivery and jaw-dropping efficiency to their advanced technology features – it’s easy to see why more and more drivers are making the transition to an all-electric vehicle. Combining world-renowned luxury with sophistication, the Cadillac LYRIQ is our top pick for the best luxury EV for senior drivers. Available with your choice of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the LYRIQ boasts an impressive total driving range of up to 308 miles along with revolutionary driver-assist technologies like the proven Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving feature. Other useful amenities like a wireless charging pad and a massive 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display make the LYRIQ the ultimate all-electric Cadillac SUV for older drivers looking to enjoy a touch of luxury.
Best Pickup Truck for Seniors – Ford Maverick
Staying active is always important no matter what age you are. With the compact Ford Maverick pickup truck, you’ll have more flexibility to get out and enjoy the things you love most. Available with an economical 2.5L hybrid powertrain and available all-wheel drive – the Maverick is ready to go the distance no matter what the weather conditions look like. Thanks to its class-exclusive FLEXBED, seniors can customize the way they carry cargo. No matter if you enjoy kayaking on the lake or taking a hike on your favorite trails, the Maverick has the flexibility you need to get out and explore. Unlike other pickup trucks that offer a bouncy and uncomfortable ride, the unibody design of the Maverick delivers car-like handling without compromising on capability. A lower ride height in comparison to other midsize or full-size trucks makes it easier to enter and exit the vehicle as well.