Seniors who want a user-friendly car and a hassle-free vehicle ownership experience will likely find SUVs the best option. These vehicles offer a unique combination of comfort and versatility that is hard to match. For example, SUVs generally score well when it comes to certain senior-friendly features, such as ease of entry, safety, road presence, and visibility. Knowing the popular SUVs on the market and their costs can help seniors make an informed decision.

Costs of SUVs for seniors

The cost of an SUV, as with other vehicles, depends on multiple factors, such as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), market conditions, fees, taxes, and dealer incentives. Based on those, the average cost of SUVs for seniors and other buyers ranges from around €15,000 to €85,000. Prices can exceed these amounts if additional optional features and perks are included in the purchase.

Seniors who are looking to save money on SUV purchases can check if the dealer or manufacturer is offering any deals, discounts, or financing options.

Factors to consider when buying SUVs for seniors

• Safety
  Seniors should ideally look for an SUV that has some solid safety performance features. For example, seniors need to select SUVs that come equipped with a variety of active and reactive safety features. Active safety features pre-empt possible mishaps and take countermeasures to avoid them in real-time. Reactive safety features, on the other hand, ensure that the impact of a collision on a vehicle’s occupants is minimal in the case of an accident.
• Cost
  Most senior buyers tend to rely on their retirement savings to purchase vehicles. This is why they must seek vehicles that are priced reasonably and offer the most value for their hard-earned money. Buyers need to opt for the vehicles with the most convenience and safety features, even in the base model of the given SUV.
• Accessibility
  Seniors with mobility issues will benefit from vehicles that facilitate easy entry and exit. SUVs are among the vehicles with the highest points for getting in and out. Nevertheless, senior buyers must prioritize and opt for SUVs with wide doors, multiple grab handles for grip and support, and seats positioned just below the hip level to make getting in and out quick and easy.
• Comfort
  An SUV with plush interiors helps keep seniors comfortable and happy even when they spend long hours in the cabin. When buying an SUV, seniors must ensure that all rows of the vehicle’s seats have ample headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and knee room. A spacious cabin will prevent the vehicle from feeling cramped or uncomfortable for them.
• Visibility
  When looking for senior-friendly SUVs, ensuring they have a higher perch with plenty of glass area to maximize external visibility is essential. This design not only makes driving easier for seniors but also helps to prevent a feeling of stuffiness inside the cabin.
• Infotainment system
  Navigating the complex menus and sub-menus of a vehicle’s infotainment system can be a little difficult. In that case, buyers can prioritize ease of use when selecting an SUV. Infotainment systems control various features and functionalities of the vehicle, so a user-friendly system can make daily use much easier for seniors. A straightforward infotainment interface is likely to enhance their overall driving experience.

Popular SUVs that seniors can buy

Based on the factors above, there are certain SUVs that are good choices for seniors.

• Skoda Elroq
  This SUV, which has a starting price of €28,210, is among the best-selling vehicles across the country for multiple reasons. Some of these reasons include the vehicle’s efficient and clean battery that offers a driving range of 579 kilometers, a spacious 470-liter trunk, and several cameras and sensors for driver visibility. The Elroq is also particularly suitable for seniors, thanks to its range of safety features and ample cabin storage options.

• Hyundai IONIQ 5
  This SUV has a starting price of €34,345. The IONIQ 5’s unusual design helps the vehicle stand out when placed next to other vehicles in its segment. A few of its key attributes that cater to seniors include a sliding rear seat for optimal comfort and versatile storage, a range of 570 kilometers on a single charge, and a fast-charging capability for its battery.
• Volvo XC40
  The Volvo badge on this SUV signifies its top safety credentials. This SUV, which has a starting price of about €34,495, is regarded as a senior-friendly vehicle because of its ease of driving, feature-rich interior, and competitive pricing.
• Cupra Terramar
  This vehicle has a starting price of €36,567 and includes a 5-year warranty, making it one of the most convenient SUVs to own even years after the purchase. Other senior-friendly features include a sliding rear seat and a spacious luggage storage compartment.
• BMW X1
  Typically, the BMW X1, which has a starting price of €39,590, offers the most sporty and driver-focused credentials on this list of SUVs. The vehicle’s powerful 228 hp engine makes it an effortless mile-cruncher for seniors.