Senior-Friendly Features to Consider
- Check out the accessibility - Many older adults find it difficult to squat and move sideways to get into a seat. Thanks to their height, SUVs are easy to get in and out of rather than a sedan, which tend to be lower and a little less accessible.
- Visibility – A higher driving position will help you to be able to see from the front, side, and back. Big windows and backup cameras are very helpful in improving driving visibility.
- Control panel - Large, easy-to-read dashboard controls are easier to see. It is a good idea to make sure the infotainment system is user-friendly, some of the high-tech touchscreens can be confusing, so make sure you test them out. Voice controls are becoming more widespread and can be very useful for seniors.
5 SUV’s Popular Seniors SUV’s
Acura RDX
A great SUV for seniors is the Acura RDX which has many features ideal for older drivers, including wider doors, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, brake assist, and pedestrian detection. Benefits of the interior features include the wide and comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, which makes it easy to get in and out of.
Subaru Forester
The Forester SUV has a great reputation for its reliability and safety features. The chair-like seating position and wide windshields, compared to other SUVs, give the Forester a great level of visibility for seniors. Other top features include blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, lane keep assist, and brake assist. The tech system has easy-to-use controls for entertainment and climate control.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee continues to be one of the most popular SUVs on the road. Popular with drivers of all ages, it has a wide variety of features that are ideal for senior drivers. With a rear-view camera, roadside and stolen vehicle assistance, and a variety of collision and impact warnings, the benefits are endless. The driving position will give you great driving vision making this roomy and comfortable SUV worth looking at.
Ford Edge
A great option for seniors, the ord Edge is a midsize SUV that continues to be popular due to its affordability, safety features, and reputation for reliability. Many features are making it a great option for seniors including the Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeps assist, automatic high beams, a rear-view camera, and blind-spot monitoring. The car is spacious in both rows, with wide doors making it easy to get in and out. If you lose your key or forget to lock your car, the MyKey is an added feature.
Toyota Highlander
A popular midsize crossover SUV which has many great features for senior drivers. The assisted front row access, a spacious second row for passengers, and great visibility make this car a great choice. The latest models offer the senior higher trim levels, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera, lane keep assist, pedestrian and crash warning systems, and a variety of other features that can help to improve any driver’s reaction time. The touchscreen system is user-friendly.
Safety features to look out for:
- A camera that gives you a view of the area behind your vehicle.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Blindspot warning.
- Lane departure warning that sounds when you drift from your lane.
- The adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Driver attention warning monitors your driving patterns and sounds an alert if it detects signs of drowsiness or fatigue.