The Best Cars for Seniors

For this article, a “senior” is classified as aged 65 or over. Around 29 percent of drivers on US roads are classified as senior, meaning that car manufacturers who do not cater to this growing sector are missing out.

Many senior drivers are capable drivers but may suffer from neck or leg pain, vision issues, and other factors that make driving more challenging than for the average person. Car manufacturers know that many seniors have a high disposable income after a lifetime of work, so it’s no surprise that they’re increasingly adding safety and comfort features that address the concerns of drivers over 65.

The available technology means that many of the traditional drawbacks to driving as a senior can be alleviated — and the smartest models out there have already adopted many of these features as “standard”.

The main car types are SUVs, sedans, coupe, hatchbacks and sportscars. Generally speaking, the more space available in the driver/passenger area and trunks mean that SUVs and sedans are better suited to seniors than the smaller vehicle types. 

Sedans are smaller than SUVs but are easier to maneuver and park. They may also be more affordable both in terms of the initial price tag and the running costs. However, they are lower to the ground, visibility may be poorer and there is generally less interior and cargo space.

SUVs sit higher than sedans so are easier to get in and out of. They offer excellent visibility and are spacious. They are also designed for easy driving outside of the city in more rugged terrain and all-weather condition and can usually carry large amounts of luggage. However, they may be more expensive to buy, own and run. 

A third option for seniors is a “crossover” or compact SUV. These are more agile and fuel-efficient than full-size SUVs but still provide excellent roominess and visibility.

Features that a senior driver looks for can generally be put into these four categories:

1. Safety
2. Visibility
3. Comfort/convenience
4. Affordability

But we need to get into the nitty-gritty details when choosing a car. So, what are the specific features that senior drivers should be on the lookout for when comparing and contrasting different makes and models?

1. Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 67 percent of all senior drivers are involved in an accident. Furthermore, almost 7,500 senior drivers were killed on the roads in 2020 alone. It’s no wonder, then, that safety is a primary concern when considering cars to buy, rent or lease.

Safety features and driver-assist technology are major components of new technology in cars. Some of the features to be on the lookout for include:

• Lane keep assist with lane departure warning - Uses a forward-looking camera mounted behind the vehicle's windshield, in front of the inside rearview mirror, keeping you in lane when moving forward.

• Automatic emergency braking system - Identifies when a possible collision is about to occur, automatically activating the brakes to slow a vehicle before impact or bring it to a stop to avoid a collision.

• Lane change alert with side blind zone alert - Uses hidden radar sensors in the rear corners of your vehicle to detect moving vehicles located behind the side mirror in the next lane over.

• Forward collision alert - Uses a forward-looking camera/radar sensors to look directly ahead when the vehicle is moving forward. If a vehicle ahead is detected, an icon will be displayed to alert you.

• A smart rearview mirror - A mirror that accesses a rear camera to aid driving at night or in bad weather (a very useful safety accessory for seniors).

• Blind spot warning system - This detects vehicles in the blind spot while driving and notifies the driver. That’s great for all drivers, not just seniors.

2. Visibility

Visibility is a major element of safety and comfort. If you improve the visibility in a car, you will likely also improve the safety and comfort levels. Features that can do this include:

• Large windscreen and windows - To minimize the blind spots, which can be a great help for seniors who have difficulty with glancing over their shoulders or in mirrors.

• Head-up display - This keeps everything in view without having to strain to see.

• Adjustable seats - Seats that allow full visibility out of the windscreen and comfort while driving are a must. This usually means adjustable seat height, distance from the steering wheel, and seat-back recline.

3. Comfort and convenience

Comfort for senior drivers is partly about addressing the difficulties when getting into and out of the vehicle but also the in-car driving experience. Many smart features address both concerns in the best cars for elderly people:

• Low step-in - A running board or low step-in can ease the process of getting in and out of the vehicle for elderly drivers.

• Grab handles - Handles inside the top of the door opening can also assist seniors with entry to and exit from the vehicle.

• Vehicle lowering - Some high-tech cars have automatic air suspensions that automatically lower or raise the car for access.

• Leather seats - If you need to back up to a vehicle, sit down sideways and then slide in. Leather seats may work better than fabric.

• Leg space - Adequate leg space is essential for seniors and is a basic requirement of any recommended senior car.

• Trunk space - Having adequate space in the trunk for walking aids, trips to see the grandchildren or vacations is another important consideration for seniors.

• Automatic transmission - An extra convenience that will suit most seniors.

• Power liftgate/trunk lid - Pressing a button makes it much easier and more convenient to open the trunk.

• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel - Seniors can adjust the steering wheel according to their specific height and reach. 

• Steering wheel-mounted controls - Audio, smartphone, AC, wipers, and cruise-control systems can be mounted on the steering wheel, meaning fewer uncomfortable (and dangerous) stretches to reach the controls.

• Automated wipers and headlights - Rain-sensing wipers and automatic on/off headlights mean fewer controls for elderly drivers to reach for.

4. Affordability

Some seniors may be well-off enough from a lifetime of work to consider the luxury car brands with the most modern features designed for older drivers. Others may have to watch the dollars as they no longer have a regular income. 

For this latter group, it becomes even more important to calculate not only the initial costs of the down payment or loan/lease repayments but the total cost of buying a car and also the ongoing running costs (fuel, maintenance/repairs, taxes, insurance).

Because of the high volume of accidents involving seniors, insurance can be especially expensive. The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy for a 55-year-old is $1,514 per year. A 75-year-old driver will pay an average of $1,886 — about 20 percent more.