You can't enjoy the open road without the right set of wheels.
Before you navigate the road ahead, we'll help you navigate shopping for the right car. The best cars for seniors are easy to get in and out of, offer a number of safety options, and come at a budget-friendly price point.
Whether you're driving to your full or part-time job, local community club, or just need a reliable vehicle to run errands, we're here to help you find a suitable option. Keep reading for our top picks for the best cars for seniors, including budget-friendly options, advanced safety features, and extra comfort in the driver’s seat.
Please note: Always research your state's motor vehicle laws before hitting the road. Many states require vision and/or driving tests for seniors — be sure you comply with all regulations before shopping for a new car.
7 of the Best Cars for Seniors
When purchasing a car, you'll want one that checks off the budget, comfort, and safety concerns on your list. Here, read about seven cars that meet many seniors’ needs.
1. 2021 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP: $24,795
For older drivers, the Subaru Forester offers a number of attractive features (and no, we're not talking about the leather interior). But we listed this as one of the best cars for seniors due to its safety features.
Not only does the Subaru Forester offer 33 miles to the gallon and more than 111 cubic feet of space — but it comes armed with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. With adaptive cruise control, lane assistance (to keep you from swerving), and pre-collision braking, EyeSight boasts that it has helped reduce collisions by up to 85%.
2. 2021 Kia Soul
Starting MSRP: $17,490
With a starting MSRP under $20,000, you'd think the most appealing feature of the Kia Soul would be the price tag.
However, Kia really impresses us with their commitment to safety and comfort. A 2020 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, the Kia Soul comes armed with auto-emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot, and forward-collision warnings, and rear cross-traffic alert. In other words, Kia uses radars and monitors to watch for and prevent collisions from all sides of your vehicle.
Plus, the Kia Soul comes with lumbar support on all seats and a high seating position. We're sure you'll find this vehicle is easier to get in and out of compared to a lower-sitting vehicle.
3. 2020 Honda Odyssey
Starting MSRP $31,790
The best cars for seniors offer a combination of safety and comfort, and the Honda Odyssey does just that.
Voted on Kelly's Blue Book as the "minivan best buy," the Honda Odyssey offers an incredible amount of space and a third row of rear seats. Not only does this provide extra legroom, but the added space is perfect for hauling your grandkids and friends or storing a walker or a wheelchair.
The Honda Odyssey comes packed with technology, including a touchscreen monitor (complete with a multi-angle rearview camera), and "snow mode" engineering to help you drive in icy conditions. In addition, Honda's safety features include collision mitigation braking, blind spot radars, lane-keeping assistance, and even traffic sign recognition.
4. 2021 Hyundai Sonata
Starting MSRP $23,600
If you're hoping to purchase a sedan, but need a little extra space, you may enjoy the Hyundai Sonata. With 40 cubic feet of headroom, it offers the most headroom in its class.
Plus, Hyundai's advanced safety technology is sure to keep you safe on the road. With a blind-spot view monitor, the Sonata offers great visibility. In addition, Hyundai's warning system offers collision avoidance, rear occupant alerts (which warn you if an object is behind you when you reverse), and highway drive assistance (which keeps you centered in your lane and trailing the next car from a safe distance). Best yet, it offers remote smart parking assistance, which enables your Hyundai to park itself.
5. 2020 Toyota Camry
Starting MSRP $24,425
For years, various consumer reports praised the Toyota Camry for its impeccable gas mileage. The 2020 Camry gets up to 41 MPH on the highway, thereby protecting your wallet while on the road.
The Toyota Camry also has a number of advanced and standard safety features, ideal for senior citizens. The Camry comes with a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, detecting oncoming vehicles from all sides, and 10 airbags. In addition, a new Camry comes with "ToyotaCare," which includes two years of scheduled service and 24-hour roadside assistance, both free of charge.
6. 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting MSRP $26,275
Not only does the Hyundai Santa Fe have plenty of cargo space and legroom, but it includes advanced safety features.
In fact, the Santa Fe helps protect you on — and off — the road. With Hyundai's safe exit assistance, the Sante Fe alerts you of oncoming traffic when your car is parked so you can safely exit the car. In addition, its blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings (preventing you from swerving), and driver attention warning (tracking drowsy or inattentive driving) protect you from all sides of your vehicle.
7. 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting MSRP $34,600
For an SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an incredible fuel economy, getting up to 35 MPG on the highway. In addition, we think you'll enjoy the higher seating position, allowing you to enter and exit the Highlander with ease.
For a larger vehicle, the Toyota Highlander offers impeccably good visibility. Its pre-collision system is complete with pedestrian detection, so your vehicle senses when cars and people are too close for comfort. In addition, the Highlander steering wheel can park itself, even detecting pedestrians or objects while parking.
8. 2020 Subaru Legacy
Starting MSRP $22,745
For a mid-sized sedan, the Subaru Legacy is incredibly spacious, offering 105.5 cubic feet of space. We also think you'll enjoy the all-wheel drive and the incredible gas mileage (getting up to 35 MPH).
The Subaru Legacy offers senior drivers excellent awareness and visibility. The DriverFocus system remembers your climate control, seat position, outdoor mirror position, and other simple controls, preventing you from fidgeting with these settings while driving. Plus, the car’s radars and devices detect oncoming traffic, swerving, vehicles in your blind spots. The Legacy also offers automatic emergency reverse braking, causing the vehicle to stop if there's an object behind you as you reverse.
The Best Car for Seniors Help Fuel Your Independence
Owning a vehicle can help you maintain your independence. A vehicle can help transport you to and from work, doctor's appointments, and even social outings. However, the best cars for seniors put safety first.
Above, we listed a number of sedans, SUVs, and even minivans that offer safety features, comfort, and mileage. From automated brakes, collision detection, and even self-parking vehicles, these options will help keep you safe on the road.
Now that you’ll be safe on the road, let’s ensure you’re safe at home. Snug is a safety feature designed for independent seniors who live alone. Simply download the Snug app to your smartphone, then perform a daily check-in with friends or family peace of mind. If you ever miss a check-in, we’ll notify your emergency contact to check on you.
