The transition to an SUV can be a game-changing decision for mature drivers seeking more comfort and confidence on the road. With features like higher seating positions, improved visibility, and easier entry and exit, modern SUVs address many of the common challenges that seniors face with traditional sedans. Recent safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, combined with comprehensive road tests from automotive experts like Consumer Reports and Car & Driver, show just how far these vehicles have come in terms of senior-friendly features and technology.
Finding the right SUV means balancing comfort, safety, and practicality without sacrificing the joy of driving. Drawing from the latest 2024 data, expert evaluations, and real-world testing, we’ve analyzed everything from fuel economy to accessibility features across the current market. Whether you’re looking for a compact crossover perfect for city living or a spacious model ideal for family visits and road trips, these thoroughly vetted options excel in the features that matter most to senior drivers.
10. Honda CR-V – Exterior
The Honda CR-V is a reliable option for seniors, offering a low step-in height for easier entry and exit. It features advanced safety technologies including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and offers a spacious interior with comfortable seating.
Honda CR-V – Interior
It also includes convenient features such as heated front seats, ample legroom, and an intuitive layout that is easy for seniors to navigate. Its overall design promotes visibility and reduces driving strain, enhancing the overall driving experience for elderly drivers.
9. Kia Soul – Exterior
The Kia Soul features chair-height seating that facilitates easy access for seniors, along with a high roofline and wide-opening doors to enhance entry and exit. Its spacious interior provides comfort with lumbar support and optional heated seats, catering to those with arthritis. Additionally, its large windows and elevated seating position offer great visibility, minimizing blind spots. The Soul includes advanced safety technologies like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning, which enhance the safety of older drivers.
Kia Soul – Interior
The vehicle also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen for seamless navigation and connectivity, making it suitable for senior drivers.
8. Toyota Corolla Cross – Exterior
The Toyota Corolla Cross is designed with several features that benefit seniors. It has a spacious interior providing ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for longer drives. The climate control system allows passengers to customize their own temperature settings, enhancing comfort. Safety is a priority, with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, offering advanced driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, and collision prevention systems, ensuring a secure driving experience.
Toyota Corolla Cross – Interior
Accessibility features include wide-opening rear doors for easy entry and exit, as well as available power-adjustable seats to accommodate different needs. Connectivity options like Bluetooth for hands-free calling and spacious storage compartments enhance usability for seniors, making everyday trips more enjoyable and manageable.
7. Subaru Forester – Exterior
The Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for senior drivers who want a comfortable, safe, reliable SUV. It boasts a spacious interior, excellent visibility, and standard all-wheel drive. The Forester also has an available EyeSight driver assistance system with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Subaru Forester – Interior
Additionally, the vehicle provides comfort through power-adjustable seats, a low design for easy entry and exit, and a user-friendly touch screen interface. All these features enhance both comfort and accessibility for older adults.
6. Toyota RAV4 – Exterior
The RAV4 combines practicality with senior-friendly features, offering a higher seating position for excellent visibility and easy entry/exit. Its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense package includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, and collision prevention systems.
Toyota RAV4 – Interior
The spacious cargo area is perfect for groceries, mobility aids, or travel gear, while the available heated and ventilated seats enhance comfort in any weather. The intuitive controls and user-friendly design make it especially appealing for seniors who prefer straightforward operation.
5. Mazda CX-5 – Exterior
The CX-5 stands out with its premium interior featuring redesigned seats optimized for proper posture and comfort on long drives. The two-stage reclining mechanism and heated front seats address common comfort needs for seniors.
Mazda CX-5 – Interior
Its height provides easy entry and exit, while the i-Activsense safety suite includes essential features like blind spot monitoring and smart city brake support. The quiet cabin and smooth ride quality make it particularly appealing for seniors who value refinement and comfort.
4. Hyundai Tucson – Exterior
The Tucson prioritizes senior comfort with its dual-zone climate control and spacious interior featuring adjustable seating positions. Advanced safety technologies include lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, providing peace of mind for older drivers.
Hyundai Tucson – Interior
The vehicle’s modern design incorporates user-friendly controls and a comprehensive warranty package, making it an excellent choice for seniors seeking reliability and value.
3. Subaru Crosstrek – Exterior
The completely redesigned 2024 Crosstrek combines comfort and capability with 182 horsepower from its available 2.5-liter engine. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive make it ideal for seniors who want sure-footed handling in all conditions.
Subaru Crosstrek – Interior
The interior features an impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for enhanced safety. With comfortable seating, reduced cabin noise, and 564L of cargo space, this compact SUV offers seniors an excellent balance of practicality and comfort at a reasonable price point
2. Kia Telluride – Exterior
The Telluride offers exceptional accessibility with its wide door openings and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. Seniors will appreciate the heated and ventilated seats, adjustable steering wheel, and high seating position that facilitates easier entry and exit. The surround-view camera system aids in parking, while the user-friendly infotainment system features large controls specifically designed for easier operation.
Kia Telluride – Interior
The comprehensive safety package includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, making it ideal for senior drivers who frequently travel with family.
1. Ford Maverick – Exterior
While technically a pickup, the Maverick offers SUV-like features that benefit seniors, including a low step-in height and large doors for easy access. Its comprehensive safety package includes Pre-Collision Assist and Blind Spot Information System, while the adaptive cruise control makes highway driving less strenuous.
Ford Maverick – Interior
The 8-inch touchscreen provides clear visibility and simple connectivity options, and the hybrid powertrain offers excellent fuel economy, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious seniors.
