The Best SUVs for Seniors: Comfort, Safety, and Easy Accessibility

1. Subaru Outback – The Practical All-Rounder

The Subaru Outback is often praised for its versatility, safety features, and easy accessibility. Its higher ground clearance makes it easy to get in and out of, and its spacious interior provides ample room for both passengers and cargo. The Outback’s low cabin height, combined with its flat rear floor, makes it especially comfortable for seniors who may have mobility issues.

Key Features:

• Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced stability in all weather conditions.
• Excellent visibility due to its large windows and elevated seating.
• Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning.
• Spacious interior and easy-to-use infotainment system with large touchscreens.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• High ride height for easy entry and exit.
• Excellent safety features to prevent accidents.
• Strong reputation for reliability and longevity.

2. Honda CR-V – A Comfortable, Reliable Choice

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, known for its smooth ride, user-friendly technology, and spacious cabin. Its comfortable seats and wide doors make getting in and out a breeze, and it offers plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The CR-V also has a low step-in height, which is a big plus for seniors who have trouble bending down.

Key Features:

• A comfortable and smooth ride with well-cushioned seats.
• Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation.
• Easy-to-use infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Generous cargo space and rear seats that fold down for extra storage.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• Great visibility from the driver’s seat.
• Simple and intuitive infotainment system, making it easy to control functions like navigation and audio.
• Reliable and low maintenance.

3. Toyota Highlander – A Spacious Family SUV

The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that offers a high level of comfort, space, and top-tier safety features. It’s a great option for seniors who want more space for family trips or who need extra room for mobility aids, like walkers or wheelchairs. The Highlander’s easy-to-enter cabin and smooth ride make it a great choice for seniors looking for a vehicle with a little more room without compromising on ease of use.

Key Features:

• Spacious and well-equipped interior with an intuitive infotainment system.
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes features like pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.
• Available hybrid version for better fuel efficiency.
• Multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad for convenience.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• High seats and wide doors for easy access.
• Advanced safety technologies that enhance driving confidence.
• Comfortable ride with ample space for passengers and cargo.

4. Kia Soul – Compact and Easy to Maneuver

For seniors who want a smaller, more compact vehicle that is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, the Kia Soul is a fantastic option. While it might not offer the size or power of a traditional SUV, it provides a high seating position, easy access, and an excellent safety rating. The Soul is a great option for seniors who don’t need a lot of cargo space but want a comfortable, practical ride.

Key Features:

• High-tech features like a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
• Standard suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
• Compact yet spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom.
• Excellent fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• Low step-in height makes it easy to get in and out.
• High driving position for improved visibility on the road.
• Compact size and nimble handling, making it easier to park and navigate.

5. Ford Escape – A Blend of Comfort and Technology

The Ford Escape is a great compact SUV that offers a combination of comfort, technology, and strong safety features. It’s easy to drive, with a smooth and responsive ride that will make long trips more enjoyable. The Escape is also equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance features, and an intuitive infotainment system that’s senior-friendly.

Key Features:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
• Spacious cabin with easy access to both front and rear seats.
• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions available for better fuel efficiency.
• User-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system with a large touchscreen and voice-activated controls.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• Comfortable and smooth ride, with seats that provide good support.
• Easy entry and exit with a low step-in height.
• Simple-to-use technology, reducing frustration with complicated menus.

6. Chevrolet Equinox – Practical and Feature-Packed

The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a combination of affordability, comfort, and advanced safety features. It’s spacious and comfortable for both front and rear passengers, and it’s equipped with tech features designed to make driving easier, such as a large touchscreen and Apple CarPlay integration.

Key Features:

• Chevrolet Safety Assist suite, including forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
• Spacious cabin with generous rear-seat legroom.
• Smooth ride with good handling.
• Optional all-wheel drive for added stability in various weather conditions.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• Spacious, easy-to-enter cabin with wide doors.
• Smooth handling and a comfortable driving experience.
• Advanced safety features that make driving less stressful.

7. Hyundai Tucson – Stylish and Comfortable

The Hyundai Tucson is another fantastic option for seniors seeking a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style. With its modern design, smooth ride, and comprehensive set of safety features, the Tucson is ideal for older drivers who want both practicality and a touch of luxury. It’s also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for added fuel efficiency.

Key Features:

• Standard safety features such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
• Spacious interior with high-quality materials and a comfortable driving position.
• Easy-to-use infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
• Available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for better fuel economy.

Why It’s Great for Seniors:

• High seating position for great visibility.
• User-friendly technology and controls.
• Quiet, smooth ride and a comfortable cabin for long drives.

When choosing the best SUV for seniors, it’s important to prioritize comfort, accessibility, and safety. The vehicles on this list are all excellent options, offering ease of entry and exit, smooth rides, and advanced safety technologies that give seniors peace of mind on the road. Whether you’re looking for a compact SUV like the Kia Soul or a larger, family-friendly vehicle like the Toyota Highlander, there’s a perfect SUV out there to meet every senior’s needs. The key is to find a vehicle that combines practicality, reliability, and a pleasant driving experience to make everyday journeys more enjoyable.