Best cars for senior citizens

Today’s cars are equipped with amazing technologies that make for safer and more comfortable driving, whether you are 18 or 66. Senior drivers benefit most from lots of interior space, great visibility, easy step-in access and enhanced safety features. 

Of course, a little style and an affordable price tag never hurt, either. However, whether you are 50, 60 or 70, you may start thinking about a car that conforms to your chassis, instead of the other way around. 

Older drivers shopping for cars have one trend going for them and one problem. 
In their favour, the increasing popularity of small or compact SUVs means far more cars have a seat that is at just the right height to get in and out, without being too big overall. 
Against older drivers, most of them are not keen on driving in the jungle that is Kampala traffic. They actually prefer a driver.

Why SUVs?

To get it right out of the way, a newer model compact SUV is probably the best car for most senior drivers. These almost always have the perfect balance in regards to affordability, well sorted dynamics, styling, high seating position, ground clearance, practicality and fuel efficiency.

The compact SUV setup works wonders when getting in and out of the car, especially for people who are not as nimble as they used to be. 

The higher ride height, taller doors and shorter sills mean drivers and passengers do not have to bend and stoop like they would in sedans and hatchbacks, which means less effort, less pain and more dignity. Below are some models one may consider buying for a loved one.

Toyota Rav4

For years, Toyota enjoyed a reputation for building cars that gave little or no trouble. This is the kind of car your old man/woman needs. 

As mentioned previously, there are a lot of small SUVs that would be a good fit (literally) for a senior driver, thanks to that higher driving position in an honestly manoeuvrable car. 

As well, the RAV-4 scores well on safety and offers a conventional Toyota reliability. Materials are quality, if not Lexus level. 

Fit and finish is Toyota grade, which means excellent. Prices on the used car market are high for good reason. This is a car that looks perfect across generations so is perfect for all in the family.

Subaru Forester

One of the earliest “crossovers” to bridge the gap between car and sport-utility, the Subaru Forester has been a favourite of older drivers since its introduction in 1997. 

Now in its fifth generation, the Forester’s roof pillars have grown as Subaru engineers strive to meet ever-more-demanding safety standards. The Forester is one of those cars that inspires higher owner loyalty than just about any car beyond emotionally and blindly driven loyalty. 

This is quite easy to understand as Forester delivers the typical SUV features its buyers want in a smaller package, including a relatively high seating position, reliability and a superb all-wheel-drive system with a relevant measure of off-road capability.

It is perfect for bumpy roads most of us encounter when we venture off the main roads once in a while or on a daily while heading home or to the farm. This car offers good fuel mileage and ride comfort that is more like a car, in a compact, controllable package. 

Mercedes Benz M-Class

While the language has changed with the newer models and carry the GL badging, the second generation is a good buy. Mercedes shall stroke the ego at any age and later years is no different. 

Virtually all suburbs in Uganda with relatively high concentrations of wealth have seen a huge spike of the Mercedes Benz ML-Class model years 2006 – 2011 on their roads. 

This is a popular buy for many who believe it is time to go German within the SUV segment. This car’s availability and improved reliability from the previous generation makes it a good buy for senior drivers. 

However, as with many German cars, maintenance is quite expensive and you would not want to blow away your pension in garage costs. 

Toyota Hilux

This is the type of car that shall obviously appeal to seniors whose careers were as practical at it can get and would like to retire with a car that represents those sentiments. In the world of pick-up trucks, the Toyota Hilux is more like a solid, reliable workhorse than a flashy piece of metal. 

Its utilitarian approach to practicality might not be quite as attention-grabbing, but it is one of the most practical and affordable pick-up you can buy. 

When all is said and done, every driver has different needs and preference. So, the best cars for seniors vary significantly across different categories.

For instance, some older adults want something small and good on fuel so that they can zip around town, whereas others want a more rugged car that can handle road extremes and carry more cargo. Compact SUVs fit the bill in most cases.

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