Best Cars for Seniors to Buy Right Now [2023 Edition]
January 14, 2023
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact. I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
As we get older, we may no longer need to make a daily commute to work, but our car is still important to us for independence and transportation. It is often difficult for seniors to find a vehicle that meets all of their needs.
Older drivers face frustrations with modern cars due to their inaccessible designs or high-tech controls. A car is not something that you want to settle for, its something you want to feel safe and comfortable in while driving.
Also Read: Best Cars for Short People
However, there are many different vehicles that are well suited for older adults. In this guide, we will offer some of the top suggestions for cars for senior drivers. Read on to find out more about the best picks for seniors.
Table of Contents
Best Cars for Seniors
We did extensive market research to bring you the top choices out there. Our picks for the best cars for seniors are:

#1 Pick: 2023 Subaru Forester
MSRP: $26,395
Car Type: Small SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 29 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, High Beam Assist, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Rear-Vision Camera
#2 Pick: 2023 Honda CR-V
MSRP: $31,110
Car Type: Midsize SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 30 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Sign Recognition
#3 Pick: 2023 Toyota Highlander
MSRP: $36,420
Car Type: Midsize SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 25 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Downhill Assist Control, Electronically Controlled Braking, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control
#4 Pick: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
MSRP: $28,200
Car Type: Small SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 26 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear View Monitor with parking guidance
#5 Pick: 2023 Volvo XC40
MSRP: $36,350
Car Type: Small SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 26 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Blind Spot Information system, Cross traffic alert with autobrake, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Safety Assistance Technology
#6 Pick: 2023 Kia Sorento
MSRP: $29,990
Car Type: SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 26 mpg (FWD), 24 mpg (AWD)
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 4/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection Technology, Lane Keeping & Following Assist Technology, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
#7 Pick: 2023 Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $26,450
Car Type: SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 28 mpg (FWD), 25 mpg (AWD)
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist
#8 Pick: 2023 Toyota RAV4
MSRP: $27,575
Car Type: SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 30 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist
#9 Pick: 2023 Mazda CX-5
MSRP: $26,700
Car Type: SUV
EPA Combined Mileage: 27 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Driver Assistance Features: Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep Assist
What Seniors Should Look for in a Vehicle
Senior citizens should look for quality vehicles with core features that suit their unique needs. While cars are not created for people based on age, some cars are more suitable for older drivers to operate. As a senior driver, you may struggle with difficult controls, accessibility, and visibility. Many older adults prefer cars that are easy to get in and out of and offer prime visibility.
The top features to look for in a vehicle if you are a senior driver include:
- Visibility. Older drivers often struggle to see the road from every angle. Cars with large windows and backup cameras can help avoid blind spots and ensure good visibility.
- Safety features. Safety is a major concern for elderly drivers due to the risk of injury. It’s important to find a car that performs well in safety tests, has collision-avoidance systems, and offers strong headlights. Some top safety features include blind spot warnings, driver attention warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, and more.
- Accessibility. Getting in and out of your vehicle is something you will do thousands of times. As we age, it is more difficult to navigate in tight spaces, crouch down, and hoist ourselves up. Vehicles with low step-in heights, wide-opening doors, and a tall roof-line tend to be easiest to access for elderly people.
- Easy controls. Many newer vehicles tend to include finicky high-tech controls. For seniors, cars with voice controls and large, simple dashboards are helpful.
- Comfort. Choose a vehicle that is comfortable and adjustable so that you can limit fatigue and soreness while driving. Power seats with multiple adjustable settings, adjustable pedals, and a power lift-gate are all helpful features for senior drivers.
Other Considerations for Vehicles for Seniors
Age is not the only criteria you should base your new car purchase on. You need a car that fits your lifestyle and all of your needs. Every person is at a different stage in life and uses their vehicle differently. Before purchasing a car that is great for older adults, factor in these other important considerations:
- How do you use your vehicle? Do you typically drive alone or do you pick up the grandkids a lot? If you spend a lot of time with grandchildren or other family members, then consider a vehicle that is spacious enough to accommodate passengers, car seats, and luggage.
- What’s the weather like? If you live in a climate with cold, snowy winters you may want additional features like four-wheel drive and heated seats.
- Who else will drive the car? Consider if you will be sharing a car. If so, then you want a versatile vehicle well-suited for many types of drivers.
- What’s your budget? Always consider your budget for such a major investment. You want a car that meets your needs and your budget too.
While there are some special considerations for finding a car for a senior, there are many great vehicles available that suit the needs of older drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualities do cars for older people have?
The best cars for seniors make the driving experience enjoyable and reliable. You want a car with easy accessibility, easy-to-use controls, visibility, and flexibility for your lifestyle.
Why does age matter for buying a car?
While your age does not determine which car is best for you, many older adults can struggle to find the perfect vehicle. Purchasing a car that meets the needs of a senior driver ensures you a comfortable and safe driving experience.
What is different about a car for older people?
Cars for seniors tend to be easier to access, have more safety features, and provide better visibility.
Are there cars for people of all ages?
People that share cars or plan to pass on cars to family members may be concerned about finding a vehicle that works well for people of all ages. There are many versatile cars that suit a wide range of drivers.
What classifies a senior driver?
While there is no set age for a senior in America, if you feel that you are at a place in life where you struggle to find a car to meet your needs, then you should consider the cars above.
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