Finding the perfect SUV gets trickier as we age. Getting in and out comfortably, seeing clearly around the vehicle, and managing controls without strain become real concerns for many older drivers.
You’re not alone in wanting a vehicle that matches your needs without sacrificing independence.
Good news: Today’s SUVs offer features that make driving easier and safer for seniors.
We’ve carefully selected 15 SUVs that shine in areas that matter most – easy access, excellent visibility, simple controls, and reliable safety systems.
Each pick is tested and trusted, with detailed attention to seat height, door opening size, and control layout.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed reviews of SUVs that put comfort and safety first, along with what makes each one an excellent choice for older drivers.
What Seniors Should Look for in an SUV
1. Accessibility
Getting in and out of your SUV should be easy. Door openings matter a lot – they need to be wide enough for comfortable entry and exit. The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are great examples, with doors that open wide and stay put.
Seat height is just as important. Your ideal SUV should have seats that line up with your hips. This means no climbing up or sliding down to get in – just a simple sideways move into the seat. Look for grab handles above the doors too. They help steady you while getting in and out.
Pro tip: During your test drive, get in and out of the SUV several times. Try all doors, not just the driver’s side.
2. Senior-Focused Safety Features
Modern SUVs come with helpful safety tools that work like extra eyes on the road:
- Cameras that show what’s around your vehicle
- Warnings when cars are in your blind spots
- Alerts if you drift out of your lane
- Systems that help prevent front-end crashes
The Kia Telluride includes these features as standard equipment. They’re not just fancy add-ons – they help make every drive safer and less stressful.
3. Comfort and Convenience Features
Your SUV should feel good on both short and long trips. Look for:
- Power seats that adjust multiple ways
- Quiet cabins that keep road noise out
- Simple controls that are easy to reach
- Clear displays that are easy to read
- Temperature controls that keep everyone comfortable
Remember: If you can’t get comfortable during a test drive, you won’t be comfortable on long trips either.
4. Importance of Fuel Efficiency
Gas costs add up quickly. Many new SUVs now offer better fuel savings through:
- Standard gas engines with good mileage
- Hybrid options that use less fuel
- Plug-in models that can run on electricity
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, for example, offers excellent fuel savings without any change in how you drive.
Test drive tip: Take the SUV on roads you normally drive. This gives you the best feel for how it fits your life.
The 15 Best SUVs for Seniors
1. Honda CR-V
Price: Starting at $31,450
Combined Fuel Economy: 29-30 mpg (37-40 mpg for hybrid)
Key Features:
- Standard safety package includes cruise control with distance control, lane guidance, and automatic brakes
- Plenty of space in front and back seats
- Option for gas-electric power to save on fuel costs
- Two-zone temperature control lets driver and passenger set their own comfort levels
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- High seats and big doors make getting in and out simple
- Easy-to-use screens and controls
- Extra-wide backup camera view helps with parking
- Smooth, quiet ride reduces driver fatigue
2. Toyota RAV4
Price: Starting at $30,025
Combined Fuel Economy: 28-30 mpg (40+ mpg for hybrid)
Key Features:
- Full safety system with speed management, lane monitoring, and forward protection
- Gas or gas-electric power options available
- Big storage area fits walkers, luggage, or shopping bags
- Built to last with proven Toyota quality
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Not too big, not too small – just right for easy handling
- Warns you about cars in blind spots and crossing behind you
- Holds its value well over time
- Clear gauges and simple controls reduce confusion while driving
3. Subaru Forester
Price: Starting at $31,090
Combined Fuel Economy: 26-29 mpg
Key Features:
- All-wheel drive comes standard for better control
- Lots of head and leg space for comfort
- Safety system watches ahead and helps keep you in your lane
- Sits higher off the ground for better road view
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Outstanding visibility with large windows and thin pillars, reducing blind spots.
- Elevated seat height for effortless entry and exit.
- Simple and straightforward control layout, especially beneficial for those preferring physical buttons over touchscreens.
4. Volkswagen Taos
Price: Starting at $25,450
Combined Fuel Economy: 27-31 mpg
Key Features:
- Full safety package includes distance-keeping cruise control and automatic braking
- Big windows and raised seats give you a clear view all around
- Easy to get in and out thanks to wide-opening doors
- Simple controls with real buttons and knobs you can feel
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Small size makes it easy to park and drive in the city
- Fits walkers and shopping bags with room to spare
- Sensors help you know what’s around your car
- Steady, smooth ride on both city streets and highways
5. Honda HR-V
Price: Starting at $26,450
Combined Fuel Economy: 27-28 mpg
Key Features:
- Safety system reads road signs and helps prevent forward crashes
- Better models include parking help and heated seats
- Doors open wide with a low step-in height
- Handles bumps well for a comfortable ride
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Good value for your money
- Simple dashboard layout with clear controls
- Alerts you about cars you might not see
- Plenty of space despite its smaller size
6. Kia Sportage
Price: Starting at $28,565
Combined Fuel Economy: 25-28 mpg
Key Features:
- Safety package includes automatic braking and helps keep you in your lane
- Special cameras show you all around the car when parking
- Seats are firm yet soft for back support
- Choose between regular gas or money-saving gas-electric power
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Gentle ride helps you stay fresh on long drives
- Big doors and low step-in make entry simple
- Sensors and cameras take the worry out of parking
- Simple controls that are easy to reach and use
7. Mazda CX-50
Price: Starting at $31,720
Combined Fuel Economy: 25-27 mpg
Key Features:
- Comes with safety aids that watch the road with you
- High-quality materials make the interior feel special
- Strong engine options for confident highway driving
- Simple dial control for radio and settings
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Feels like a luxury car without the high price
- Sits up high for better road view
- Lots of room for passengers and storage
- Well-built with attention to quiet comfort
8. Toyota Highlander
Price: Starting at $36,620
Combined Fuel Economy: 24-36 mpg (hybrid option)
Key Features:
- Full set of safety tools to help prevent accidents
- Three rows of seats with plenty of storage space
- Quiet inside with separate temperature controls
- Gas-saving hybrid choice available
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Clear views through large windows all around
- Simple buttons and controls that make sense
- Power rear door opens with a button press
- Steady, stable ride on any road
9. Audi Q5
Price: Starting at $46,495
Combined Fuel Economy: 24-26 mpg
Key Features:
- Complete safety package comes standard with automatic braking and lane guidance
- Extra cameras give you a full view around the car
- High-end interior with firm, supportive seats
- Top model can park itself with driver supervision
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Very quiet inside – helps you stay alert while driving
- Clear digital screens with large, readable numbers
- High seating lets you see the road better
- Simple controls despite the luxury features
10. BMW X3
Price: Starting at $47,895
Combined Fuel Economy: 23-25 mpg
Key Features:
- Built-in safety aids watch the road with you
- Extra safety package adds more help for highway driving
- Use either the screen or a dial to control settings
- Big doors with low bottoms make entry easy
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Smooth, comfortable ride that won’t tire you out
- Big windows help you see clearly in all directions
- Controls are simple to learn and use
- Seats adjust many ways to fit your needs
11. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Price: Starting at $43,175
Combined Fuel Economy: 114 MPGe (Electric)
Key Features:
- Safety system watches ahead and beside you while driving
- Big, clear screen makes controls easy to read
- Seats stay warm and each side sets its own temperature
- Drives up to 220 miles before needing a charge (303 miles in better models)
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- No gas station stops – just plug in at home
- Very quiet with smooth starts and stops
- Back door opens by itself when your hands are full
- Wide doors and flat floor make getting in and out easy
12. Kia Telluride
Price: Starting at $37,585
Combined Fuel Economy: 22-23 mpg
Key Features:
- Safety aids help prevent accidents and keep you in your lane
- Three rows of seats fit the whole family
- High-quality seats stay comfortable on long trips
- Extra help on highways keeps you centered in your lane
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Great view of the road through big windows
- Keeps road noise out so you can focus
- Simple controls with clear labels
- Steady, smooth ride that won’t tire you out
13. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Price: Starting at $38,290
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Key Features:
- Safety system helps spot cars around you
- Strong V6 engine with four-wheel drive choice
- Two-zone temperature control and warm front seats
- Extra package adds heated steering wheel and auto wipers
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Sits up high for good views and easy entry
- Very quiet inside with a gentle ride
- Good for both city streets and country roads
- Simple controls that make sense right away
14. Subaru Ascent
Price: Starting at $35,740
Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Key Features:
- All-wheel drive comes standard for better grip
- Three separate climate zones for comfort
- Big screen with easy-to-read controls
- Safety package watches the road with you
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Fits lots of people or cargo with ease
- Strong safety record gives peace of mind
- Seats stay comfy on long trips
- Handles well in bad weather
15. Ford Explorer
- Price: Starting at $38,455
- Combined Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
Key Features:
- Safety package helps watch all around your vehicle
- Three climate zones and power-adjust driver’s seat
- Strong engine can pull trailers or boats
- Better models add heated seats and easy back-row access
Why It’s Great for Seniors:
- Smooth handling makes city and highway driving easy
- Room for family, friends, and all their stuff
- Clear views all around the vehicle
- Works well for both daily drives and long trips
How to Choose the Right SUV
Match the SUV to Your Life
Think about your daily needs first:
- City driving needs a smaller SUV like the Honda HR-V for easy parking and tight turns. Long trips call for more space – think Toyota Highlander or Kia Telluride.
- Your budget must cover more than just the price tag. Plan for gas, insurance, and regular maintenance. The Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Taos offer good value without breaking the bank.
- Weather in your area matters. Snowy regions need all-wheel drive like in the Subaru Forester. Hot climates benefit from good cooling and ventilated seats found in models like the Mazda CX-50.
Test Drive Tips
During your test drive, check these key points:
- Getting in and out should be easy. Test all doors, not just the driver’s side. The seats should line up with your hips for smooth entry.
- Drive on roads you know well. Try city streets and highways. This helps you feel how the SUV handles in real situations you’ll face daily.
- Test all the controls while parked first. Make sure you can reach everything easily. Buttons should be simple to find without taking your eyes off the road.
Final Checks:
- Park in a tight spot to test visibility and turning.
- Try the safety features like backup cameras and parking sensors.
- Make sure you can hear passengers talk at highway speeds.
Remember: The right SUV feels good from the start. Take time with your choice – this vehicle needs to serve you well for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SUV as a senior driver comes down to what works best for you.
Each model we’ve covered offers unique benefits, from the budget-friendly Honda HR-V to the luxurious BMW X3. The key is finding one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and comfort needs.
Take time to test drive several options. Pay attention to how easily you can get in and out, how well you can see around the vehicle, and how comfortable the controls feel.
Don’t rush your decision – this vehicle will be your daily companion for years to come.
Remember: The best SUV isn’t always the most expensive or feature-packed. It’s the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable every time you get behind the wheel.