In recent years, the SUV has competed against sedans and hatchbacks for the attention of seniors – and it’s no wonder why! From its frame and interior to its modern features, SUVs check a lot of boxes for drivers of a certain vintage. Let’s take a look at the top SUVs that are perfect for seniors.
Why Are SUVs a Top Choice Amongst Seniors?
The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) has undergone several identity shifts since it rose to prominence in North America. Initially, it was a vehicle for rugged, outdoorsy adventure and later a symbol of prestige. Nowadays, the popularity of the SUV has transcended all niche markets and is desirable among all demographics – including seniors.
So, how did a vehicle type that was once marketed to weekend-warrior executives wind up catching the eye of elderly drivers? The attraction lies in three simple attributes: safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort. Let’s take a moment to dive into each of these strengths.
The Top SUVs Are Incredibly Safe
Leading SUVs offer impressive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist, but so do most cars. What gives SUVs the edge over these other vehicle types is their size; SUVs are generally larger and heavier than sedans and hatchbacks. The added heft of an SUV can better protect drivers and occupants in the event of a crash.
Naysayers will be quick to point out that SUVs have a higher risk of rolling over, due to their higher center of gravity, but this criticism is largely outdated. While it’s true that SUVs had a reputation for rolling over in the 1990s and early 2000s, the development of electronic stability control systems has changed that narrative.
Each SUV manufacturer trademarks their stability control mechanisms under a different name, such as Ford’s AdvanceTrac or GM’s StabiliTrak, but this technology effectively does the same thing. In a nutshell, computer sensors can sense when the vehicle is out of control and use a variety of methods (such as automatic braking or even cutting the engine) to reduce the chance of a rollover. 1
Having said that, it’s important to assess each SUV’s merits individually. For example, the Honda CR-V consistently scores high on safety tests, whereas the Mazda CX-7 has a lot of room for improvement. 2
The Top SUVs Have Impressive Mileage
Another aging criticism against SUVs is that they offer poor fuel efficiency. This is in part due to the fact that they are larger and heavier vehicles. Granted, the average SUV won’t have the fuel economy prowess of the average sedan, but certain models (such as the Buick Encore GX and Hyundai Venue) compete with the best of them. 3
In addition, today’s assortment of SUVs offers no shortage of hybrid and all-electric models to choose from. Many hybrid SUVs boast solid fuel efficiency rates, averaging around 53 MPGe. 4 These options allow senior drivers to visit the pumps less often or not at all!
The Top SUVs Are Comfortable
From a senior perspective, the element of comfort is where SUVs really stand out. While all modern vehicles aim to achieve a certain level of luxury, SUVs have several advantages that sedans and hatchbacks cannot match. For example, the higher seating position appeals to senior drivers for several reasons. Not only does the elevated perch offer more visibility and confidence behind the wheel, but it prevents seniors from crouching and bending to get in and out of their seats.
SUV manufacturers have courted the elderly demographic even further by ensuring that interiors are spacious and versatile. Additionally, infotainment and navigation options are straightforward, which is important because elderly drivers are statistically more likely to get more distracted by technology on their dashboards. 5
Now that we’ve outlined why seniors love SUVs so much, let’s detail the top choices that cater to older drivers.
1. Toyota RAV4
In the early 2000s, as SUVs gained a larger share of the auto market, Toyota RAV4 led the charge. And two decades later, this model remains the top-selling SUV in the United States. 6 While other manufacturers and models come and go, the RAV4 has staying power.
The RAV4 is more fuel efficient than competitors like the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50. 7 Additionally, it comes with Toyota Safety Sense technology, which manages safety features such as automatic emergency braking, cruise control, and blind-spot warning.
2. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has been a prominent choice for just as long as the RAV4. In recent years, it has also evolved into a leading SUV for seniors, on account of its impeccable reputation for safety. Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the CR-V offers everything from forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and Traffic Jam Assist. 8
When you factor in its impressive gas mileage and roomy interior, it should come as no surprise that the CR-V is turning drivers’ heads well into their golden years.
3. Subaru Forester
Speaking of IIHS Top Safety Pick candidates, the Subaru Forester has been honored with this accolade 17 years in a row! 9 When you factor in its comfy seating and excellent visibility, one can imagine why this SUV has become such a reliably safe pick amongst senior drivers.
Of course, there are many additional factors to consider when shopping for an SUV, and one of them is affordability. The Forester comes out on top of this criteria, requiring the lowest cost-to-own payments over a five-year period. 10 For seniors who are on a fixed budget, the luxurious quality of a Forester may be too good of an offer to pass up.
The Best of the Best
These three top selections represent the top SUVs that are perfect for seniors, but by no means should that remove other SUVs from the conversation. If you explore the top auto websites, you’ll see many of the same SUV models mentioned, including the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and the Kia Telluride.
There is no shortage of SUVs to choose from, with each offering variations in performance, cargo space, and technology features. Therefore, it’s essential to research and test-drive as many models as you can. Only through experiencing an SUV firsthand can you truly judge if it’s a perfect choice for your retirement years.