As a senior citizen, you have unique needs and preferences when it comes to selecting an appropriate car.
You might want one that’s smaller in size and more fuel-efficient, so you can get to where you’re going. On the other hand, you might want a vehicle with more size and horsepower — one that holds up against the elements.
Regardless of what you want, there’s a car for you. In today’s market, any senior should be able to find what they're looking for.
When it comes to the best cars for seniors, sedans or SUVs tend to be the preferred choices. This guide will outline the five best sedans and the five best SUVs. We’ll also discuss what features make a car ideal for seniors.
Ready? Let’s get into it.
NOTE: The prices listed for each vehicle in this guide are based on Canadian manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) from Driving.ca.
Important Senior-Friendly Features to Consider
When it comes to buying a car, or any vehicle really, you need to consider the features. How much does the car cost? Is it fuel efficient? How reliable is the engine? These are all critical features to consider.
However, as a senior, other factors must be considered. A person’s age can contribute to health challenges such as mobility and eyesight. Given this, you must consider several specific “senior-friendly” features.
Comfort
For many seniors, a comfortable car is especially important. With old age often comes stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints. A ride with comfortable seats that can be adjusted per the driver’s anatomy and health is of utmost importance.
Head and leg space must also be considered. The interior cabin of cars can vary dramatically, and a driver must be able to fit comfortably. Don’t forget about the steering wheel, which should be adjustable, as it affects how an individual drives a car.
Safety
Safety is a priority for all drivers, not just seniors. However, the elderly can be more susceptible to injuries, so it’s of even more importance. A suitable car for seniors should have a high-quality suite of safety features, including things like:
- Lane departure warning
- Airbags
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blindspot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parking assistance
Durability
Any car must be durable and not break down on its driver. Seniors need a car that has an engine that can be expected to run for hundreds of thousands of kilometres — one that will require minimal upkeep and few repairs over the years.
The overall build quality must be robust, ready to withstand any potential crashes and accidents. This is especially important for seniors.
Accessibility
Getting in and out of a car can prove more difficult for seniors, who are generally less mobile. A vehicle that has large doors that open wide is a big help. A lower step-in height and a higher roofline can also help.
If accessibility is a big issue for you, then an SUV is likely preferable over a sedan.
Visibility
As we age, our vision tends to decline in quality. It has been estimated that we lose twenty to thirty degrees of our peripheral vision by our seventies and eighties. Given this, the visibility of a car is really important for seniors.
As drivers, we need to be able to see from all angles. A rearview camera can help us view what’s behind us, and large windows can help us see peripherally. Seat height can also dramatically affect visibility. Generally, this is why you can see more in an SUV.
Controls
The controls of a car should be easy to use and easy to read. Seniors can have trouble using complicated touchscreens and understanding dashboard interfaces. A vehicle with a simple display with large, obvious fonts can make a huge difference.
Tech Features
When it comes to seniors, it’s important that a car has several various tech features. It needs to have all the safety features listed earlier. Depending on your needs or wants, automatic high beams can be valuable, as well as automatic crash systems and air conditioning.
Best SUVs for Seniors
Seeking something with more power, resilience, and space? It sounds like what you’re looking for is an SUV. Below, we’ve listed five of the most ideal SUVs for seniors.
Subaru Outback
Canada MSRP: $30,695–$43,795
The Subaru Outback is a medium-sized SUV that looks like a station wagon and performs like one too. It has a large cabin and front doors that open wide for accessibility. The seating is comfortable and easy to adjust, and the visibility is excellent.
It has all of the standard safety features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Seniors will find this car to be an excellent choice for those who want maximum comfort and easy access.
Kia Soul
Canada MSRP: $20,095–$30,095
The Kia Soul is a small-sized SUV that is rather boxy in shape, making it roomier than most. Its large windows and raised seats make for top-notch visibility. Combine this with easy-to-use controls, and it quickly becomes a fun car to drive.
It has all the standard safety features you’ll find on most newer model SUVs. It has adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
As a senior, visibility and comfort are essential, which is why the Kia Soul is a great choice of vehicle. Its roomy interior, high seats, and safety features ensure you’re in control.
Porsche Cayenne
Canada MSRP: $69,600–$182,600
The Porsche Cayenne is one of the most expensive SUVs on the market. It has two powerful V6 engines and a turbocharged V8, which runs like a powerful sports car. The interior and build quality is also outstanding.
Although the vehicle is unparalleled when it comes to power, it lacks visibility and cargo space. Despite this, it still has a great safety features package. It has driver and passenger airbags, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a lane departure warning system.
Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Although it’s not the most accessible vehicle, it’s durable, stacked with safety features, and performs excellently. If you want a luxury car that’s tons of fun, the Porsche Cayenne is for you.
Toyota Highlander
Canada MSRP: $39,900–$55,990
The Toyota Highlander is a medium-sized SUV with excellent visibility and accessibility due to its nearly 90-degree opening doors. It has third-row seating, which means it can seat up to eight people. However, the back row is a little bit shorter and is best for children.
It’s decked out with a complete safety features suite, including a lane departure warning system and automatic emergency braking. It also has adaptive cruise control and is very fuel-efficient.
For seniors, this is a great car if you’re going to need extra seating. For example, if you have grandchildren, the back three seats can come in handy. Aside from that, the amazing visibility and wide-opening doors make it very accessible.
Nissan Rogue
Canada MSRP: $26,898–$37,498
The Nissan Rogue is a smaller-sized SUV that has fantastic visibility and a lot of cabin and trunk space. It features an adjustable steering wheel that can be moved from side to side and back to front. The seats are also easily adjusted to the driver’s preference.
Safety features like rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning ensure you’re protected at all times. It also comes with a full suite of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control.
The Nissan Rogue is ideal for seniors who want an affordable, comfortable, feature-rich option but don’t mind a weaker engine.
Best Sedans for Seniors
Looking for something less bulky? A sedan might be your best option. Below we’ve listed five sedans that are well suited to seniors.
Kia Forte
Canada MSRP: $16,495–$28,065
The Kia Forte is one of the best smaller-sized cars on the market for seniors. It offers comfortable seating, a spacious interior, and large cargo space, thanks to foldable rear seats. With a four-cylinder engine and great fuel economy, it can zip around town effortlessly.
It also has a host of great safety features, like:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning system
- Blind-spot monitoring
Seniors who want a car that’s small and efficient may best prefer the Kia Forte. It’s a fuel-efficient vehicle that can safely take you where you need to go. This is definitely an option suited to those living in a city.
Chrysler 300
Canada MSRP: $44,040–$52,840
The Chrysler 300 is a rear-wheel-drive, large-sized sedan with a lot of head and leg space. It’s powered by either a V6 or V8 engine, depending on which model you purchase. Because of this, it’s not as fuel-efficient as other similar sedans.
It has a quiet cabin and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. It also has standard safety features, like a driver airbag, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning system.
This is a great vehicle for any senior as the roomy head, and leg space and quiet cabin ensure maximum comfort. However, it is one of the more expensive sedans on the market. It also lacks fuel efficiency, which may be too costly for some people.
Honda Fit
Canada MSRP: $15,590–$24,490
The Honda Fit is a smaller-sized, affordable sedan that is exceptionally versatile. The seats are able to be folded into multiple configurations, allowing for maximum cargo space. It’s powered by a four-cylinder engine and has great fuel efficiency.
Like most new Hondas, the Fit has a complete safety feature suite. It has front and side airbags, adaptive cruise control, and a lane departure warning system.
The Honda Fit is a suitable car for price-conscious seniors who want to get the best value for their money. It’s also ideal for taller drivers, if that’s a concern.
Toyota Camry
Canada MSRP: $27,250–$41,990
When you make comparisons, it should come as no surprise that the Toyota Camry is so popular. It’s a medium-sized sedan that has comfortable seating, solid visibility, and lots of cabin and cargo space. It also has a lower lift height, which makes it easy to load and unload the car.
The four-cylinder engine and easy controls create a smooth performance and fantastic fuel economy. The car comes with standard safety features, like a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking.
This is a great car for seniors who want a reliable vehicle and can safely get you from point A to point B. Its fantastic fuel economy, cargo space, and lift height make this a great option for daily life activities, like shopping.
Subaru Legacy
Canada MSRP: $26,395–$39,095
If you’re looking for a more capable sedan, the Subaru Legacy might be for you. It has an all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, so it’ll power you through harsher weather and rougher terrain. It also offers excellent visibility, comfortable seats, and quality safety features, including:
- Adaptive headlights
- Lane departure warning system
- Seat belt reminder
- Adaptive cruise control
As a senior, safety and comfort should be of the utmost priority, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little horsepower. This is a car that ticks all the boxes but can go the extra mile — even in tumultuous conditions.