Senior citizens are living longer than ever and enjoy the independence of owning and operating their own automobiles. Thankfully, the technology continues to improve for them to drive their cars with comfort. The key issues are maintaining visibility and safety. These sophisticated features are making it easier than ever to drive. Let's look at the best cars for our senior friends below.
The Subaru Legacy has a roomy interior that allows seniors to stretch out and relax those achy joints. It is easy to get in and out of because it is relatively low to the ground and designed for ease of access. It also features push-button start and keyless access. But what seniors really love about the Subaru Legacy is that it is easy to drive in all kinds of weather with its rack-and-pinion steering and standard all-wheel drive.
Subaru makes such great vehicles that seniors can compensate for diminished eyesight by relying on their EyeSight safety package. This package incorporates lane assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, high-beam assist, and pre-collision braking and throttling. Adaptive cruise control is only a step away from automated driving. This feature constantly adapts the rate of acceleration to maintain safe following distances from the traffic ahead.
This takes driving to a whole new level because seniors can rely on safety systems to take over if they miscalculate any maneuvers or find themselves unable to see clearly. The high-beam assist is one of the best features for seniors because it constantly changes the intensity of the headlights during nighttime driving to ensure optimal clarity.
The Kia Forte also offers an excellent automated safety package. Count on the lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, parking distance warning, and telescopic steering wheel to make driving as safe as possible. The best part is that most of these features come standard on the base model. This makes it perfect for a senior on a fixed retirement income.
The Buick LaCrosse also features a lot of safety technology, such as lane change alerts, adaptive cruise control, and a collision mitigation system that uses automated braking. It is also spacious with clearly marked interior controls to help seniors make full use of all the functions without straining their eyes or hands. The OnStar system also helps seniors to navigate with clear instructions and allows them to receive real-time accident reports.
The Chevy Impala ranks high for its large doors and excellent visibility characteristics. It, likewise, features a very logical and clear interior function layout that is easy for seniors to effectuate. Its high crash-test scores and sophisticated safety features also put seniors at ease behind the wheel. Like the Buick LaCrosse, it features OnStar navigation and the easy-to-turn dials that seniors prefer. This vehicle is also known for excellent head and legroom if you need it.
The Chrysler 200 is a friend of seniors because it has those easy-access doors and clearly marked interior buttons on an 8.4" infotainment display. It features similar safety technology as the other senior-friendly models and is surprisingly smooth and easy to handle. Perhaps, best of all, the vehicle has an attractive design that is smooth and subtle like a European vehicle.
The Nissan Altima seats are a concept design that is modeled after NASA zero-gravity seats. The idea is to reduce fatigue while providing total support to the hips and back. The optional heated seats and the heated steering wheel can also be comforting on a cold day for seniors who are suffering from arthritis. The controls and instrument cluster are, likewise, clearly marked and easy for seniors to use. This vehicle is also noted for its excellent visibility in all directions.
This vehicle has all those state-of-the-art safety features, such as lane-keeping assist, lane departure warnings, automated high beams, and a collision warning and automated mitigation system. Like its rivals, it is perfect for seniors because the interior dials are easy to read and handle. The cockpit is laid out in a logical design. Keyless entry and push-button start also make it easy to get into your vehicle and drive without fidgeting with keys.
The Toyota Camry is an overall excellent choice for any driver but especially suited for seniors. It has all of the latest technologically advanced driver-assist functions and an easy-to-navigate interior. The steering wheel is adjustable as well as the lumbar support. Best of all, the Camry is very easy to drive. A vehicle that handles this well practically drives itself.
The Volvo S60 features an ergonomic interior design that is super easy for elderly drivers to figure out without any discomfort. The total line of visibility and supportive and comfortable seats make it ideal for seniors with bad backs and diminished vision.
And many of those safety features that are now working their way into other brands were first unveiled by Volvo. This is no surprise because Volvo's safety reputation is among the best in the industry. Volvo originally sought to branch out and develop vehicles that were so safe that no fatalities would occur in vehicles designed by them. They did achieve this feat with several models.
The Volkswagen Passat is an acclaimed vehicle because it has the superior handling that seniors find easy to drive. The Passat was made to drive on the famous AutoBahn in Germany. This ensures that it handles well even at high speeds. Of course, the visibility is clear all the way around to ensure safety at those speeds.
It is also loaded with very refined intelligent safety suite functions. Automated braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alerts, and rain-sensing windshield wipers make the Passat one of the safest vehicles on the roads. It also has excellent crash scores. Furthermore, Volkswagen is known for its rich piano-paint finishes. The depth of color helps these vehicles to stand apart from the other mass-produced vehicles on the streets.
There are just our top picks for seniors. There are numerous other vehicles that have a broad mass appeal but are also loaded with all the bells and whistles that take the stress and danger out of driving. And that is what retired folks need to take it easy in their old age and relax. Feel free to test drive any of these models and see for yourself.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.