Choosing the right set of preferences while buying a new car is essential if you want to maximize your satisfaction levels from acquiring a new car. Younger and older drivers tend to differ as far as both needs and wants are concerned so be sure to balance these two out perfectly in order to buy the right car for you.
That being said, the vast majority of 21st customers tend to shift towards SUVs and crossovers which means that buying a compact SUV might as well be the best course of action. Furthermore, senior drivers tend to benefit from features such as great accessibility, great all-around visibility, intuitive controls, comfort, and lots of safety features.
There are myriad different compact SUVs out there right now, but the best ones for senior drivers seem to point towards the Subaru Forester and the Kia Sorento. The Volvo XC40 is also a tremendous compact SUV for older people and the same story goes for the Honda CR-V.
However, you should also consider the Toyota RAV4 because it perfectly balances affordability, ease of use, safety, and accessibility both in ergonomics and pricing. Either way, be sure to buy the one you desire while also considering the features you will benefit from the most.
Subaru Forester – Great value
If you are value-oriented and you want to get the best compact SUV for your money, look no further than the Subaru Forester because this $20k compact SUV comes as standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, AWD, lane keep assist and lane departure warning.
Besides being both affordable and fairly well-equipped, the Forester also offers great all-around visibility without sacrificing accessibility which means that it’s both easy to get in and out of and easy to load. Fuel efficiency is also fairly decent and so is the intuitiveness of interior controls and general reliability.
Kia Sorento – Futuristic experience at a reasonable price
Newer Kia models have gotten a well-deserved redesign which makes them way more appealing than they were. However, senior drivers will mostly benefit from a myriad of safety features, superior all-around visibility, lots of adjustments in both the seating position and the steering wheel position, and a spacious cabin.
The reliability of the new Kia Sorento is also near the top of its segment and the hybrid version is also class-leading when it comes to fuel efficiency. All the interior controls are laid out perfectly which means that adapting to the Kia Sorento is likely going to be a breeze.
Volvo XC40 – Arguably the best compact SUV for senior drivers
Volvo cars are highly regarded when it comes to sophistication safety and ease of use and all three of these qualities are essential for most senior drivers. Both the exterior and interior design of the XC40 is excentric and subdued at the same time which means that the XC40 is easy on the eye while also looking the part.
Safety kit is not something any Volvo lacks and you’d be surprised as to how many safety features are included with the base trim model. The XC40 offers a relatively raised driving position which benefits great accessibility and visibility while the comfort levels are arguably better than in any other SUV on this list.
Honda CR-V – The US family benchmark
The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the US for quite a while now which means that the CR-V easily fulfills the wishes of all sorts of customers. The CR-V is both perfect for a family and an individual because it is comfortable, reliable, easily accessible for both kids and seniors while also being practical.
The interior layout is both intuitive and encompassing with all sorts of comfort features and senior-friendly amenities. Safety is also on a very high level and so is the resale value because the CR-V is such a popular car.
Toyota RAV4 – Can’t make a best-of list without including Toyota
The Toyota RAV4 is also one of the most popular compact SUVs in the US for many reasons. For once, it is affordable, very well-equipped, efficient, and reliable. It also offers a raised-up driving position which ensures great visibility and easy accessibility.
Toyota infotainment systems are known to be easy to understand and operate both for tech-savvy and uninitiated customers. Both the steering wheel and seats offer lots of adjustments and a plethora of safety features are also included with the base trim model.
FAQ Section
Are compact SUVs better than mid-size SUVs for senior drivers?
The differences between a mid-size SUV and a compact SUV are mostly associated with size, comfort, and price as mid-size SUVs tend to be more expensive while also offering more in the process. This means that you are likely going to be more comfortable in a mid-size SUV even though they are a bit more difficult to drive.
As such, it’s better to opt for a compact SUV, especially if you are not someone who tends to travel with lots of passengers.
Are sedans better than SUVs for senior drivers?
Sedans and SUVs are the best options to go for as far as senior drivers are concerned because they combine both comfort and safety the best. However, it’s better to opt for an SUV because an SUV offers a raised-up driving position which ensures better all-round visibility.
On the other hand, if you are someone who tends to spend a lot of time on the road traveling on the highway, it’s better to opt for a sedan as they tend to be more fuel-efficient and comfortable due to less wind and tire noise at higher speeds.
Which type of cars are the worst for senior drivers?
If you are a senior driver you need to avoid cars that are too cramped and compromised when it comes to comfort and ease of use. Low-slung supercars and sportscar which are head to get in and out of are not the preferred option to go for because they are hard on younger drivers as well.
You want a car that offers a comfortable suspension setup while not sacrificing visibility or safety. Be sure to find a car with the highest amount of senior-friendly features no matter the segment you prefer the most.
