What Are the 10 Best SUVs for Seniors?

The best car for seniors could be an SUV. And the best choice of SUV for older drivers will vary depending on the needs, preferences, body size, and even eyesight of the person who will be doing the driving. That means it's a good idea to test-drive at least a few SUVs to know which is best suited to you. In general, though, we recommend an SUV that provides good outward visibility, is easy to get in and out of, and has a user-friendly interior with some physical knobs and buttons instead of harder-to-use touchscreen menus.

Driver assist features are also important to consider because they can help prevent accidents and are now available on all new SUVs. If you're unfamiliar with what these features do, click here to skip to our overview of these terms, then scroll back above to see the list of vehicles.

The following SUVs have the above qualities and come standard with several desirable driver assist features. They are ordered by their starting price, including the destination fee, beginning with the most affordable model. It's important to note that driver assist features found in the base and midlevel trims are also included in higher trim levels. We recommend learning how to use all of your SUV's advanced features during delivery at the dealership.

Best subcompact SUVs for seniors
Best compact SUVs for seniors
Best compact luxury SUV for seniors

The best subcompact SUVs for seniors

Hyundai Kona

The Kona is one of our favorite subcompact SUVs, and it makes a good vehicle for seniors. We like that it comes with lots of driver assistance technologies, provides good value, and has a roomy interior with plenty of cargo space compared to rival crossovers. It's also a good pick for seniors because the interior controls are easy to use, the infotainment system is straightforward, and outward visibility is good for a little SUV. Getting in and out is easy, and there is plenty of room for adults in both rows thanks to its sizable cabin. The Kona's seats are comfortable, and its ride is soft — so soft that it can sometimes get a little bouncy.

All Konas come standard with Hyundai's SmartSense package of advanced driver assist features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. This generous package also includes driver attention warning and intersection collision mitigation. Higher trim levels bring additional assist features that include a 360-degree camera system, a blind-spot camera, and an automated parking system, features not typically found in subcompact SUVs.

Edmunds Rating: 7.9 (out of 10)
Starting price: $26,950
EPA fuel economy: 26-31 mpg combined

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Read our 2026 Hyundai Kona review

Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V packs plenty of features and utility into the brand's smallest SUV. As with all new Hondas, the HR-V comes standard with Honda Sensing, a package of driver assist features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a traffic-sign reader. The Sport trim adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and the top EX-L trim comes equipped with parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking.

Ride comfort in the HR-V is great, but the front seats, even in the top trim level, might not be comfortable for some. The seat cushions are shockingly stiff, and there is also no lumbar support adjustment. However, everything else about the interior is good for seniors, including the large door openings that allow easy in-and-out and an easy-to-use infotainment system. In addition, outward visibility is good in all directions.

Edmunds Rating: 6.3 (out of 10)
Starting price: $27,650
EPA fuel economy: 27-28 mpg combined

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Read our 2026 Honda HR-V review

Volkswagen Taos

The Taos is one of our favorite subcompact SUVs and is easily one of the best options in its class for seniors. All models come standard with a generous suite of driver assist features called IQ.Drive. Notable features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control and emergency assist. The package also includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot intervention, three features that usually aren't standard on many small SUVs. Higher trims add rear parking sensors and adaptive headlights.

The little Taos has one of the roomiest interiors in its class and large door openings that make it easy to get in and out of. Its large windows provide excellent outward visibility, and its controls are well laid out and within easy reach of the driver. Last year, VW refreshed the Taos with new exterior styling, more horsepower, and an updated interior that includes a larger standard touchscreen, all of which carry over to 2026. However, part of the interior updates include touch-sensitive climate controls that can be more difficult to use than the physical ones they replaced. Fortunately, the infotainment system is still easy to use.

Edmunds Rating (2025 model): 7.1 (out of 10)
Starting price: $27,975
EPA fuel economy: 28-31 mpg combined

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Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a smaller alternative to the larger Subaru Forester SUV. All Crosstrek models come standard with all-wheel drive, as well as the EyeSight driver assist package that includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assistance. The Premium and Sport trims offer an optional package that has blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, which is standard on the Limited and rugged Wilderness trims. Rear automatic braking, which isn't common in the subcompact segment, comes with the Limited and Wilderness trim levels.

The Crosstrek has a simple and easy-to-use interior control layout and infotainment system. Although it looks small from the outside, the Subaru's interior feels large thanks to a high roofline and a long cabin. Outward visibility is good, and the elevated seat height and wide door openings make getting in and out no problem. As for ride comfort, the Crosstrek's is excellent, but the same can't be said for the seats, which lack support. The Crosstrek gains a hybrid model for the 2026 model year. It's not only more efficient (up to 36 mpg combined), but it's also the most powerful Crosstrek model.

Edmunds Rating: 6.2 (out of 10)
Starting price: $28,415
EPA fuel economy: 26-29 mpg combined; 36 mpg combined (hybrid)

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The best compact SUVs for seniors

Kia Sportage

All Sportage models come equipped with the DriveWise package that consists of automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, parking sensors, intersection collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. The EX trim adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and rear automatic braking, and the Highway Driving Assist system is standard on the SX trim. The SX Prestige trim adds several more driver assist features, including a blind-spot camera, side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and an upgraded version of rear automatic braking that can detect pedestrians.

The Sportage's interior is user-friendly and has many physical buttons, which are generally easier to use than touch-sensitive ones. A straightforward infotainment system is another plus. All-wheel-drive models sit slightly higher off the ground than front-wheel-drive models, but it's still easy to slide in and out of the SUV thanks to wide door openings. The big windows provide great visibility, and the body dimensions are easy to gauge. Passengers will also enjoy the Sportage's comfortable ride quality and seats. The Sportage is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. For 2026, Kia has updated the Sportage with refreshed styling, dual standard 12.3-inch displays and more standard driver aids.

Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)
Starting price: $30,135
EPA fuel economy: 24-28 mpg combined; 35-42 mpg combined (hybrid models)

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Read our 2026 Kia Sportage review

Mazda CX-50

Mazda currently sells both the CX-50 and the slightly smaller CX-5, but the CX-50's versatile and roomier interior gives it a leg up on the competition. All CX-50 models come equipped with a generous package of driver assist features called i-Activsense, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive headlights are standard on higher trim levels, and parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and reverse automatic braking are available.

The CX-50 boasts comfortable seats and a comfortable ride, but the ride is a little on the firm side because of its sporty handling. There's good outward visibility in the CX-50, and it's easy to slide in and out of the seats. The infotainment system is straightforward and is operated by a console-mounted rotary dial. The exception is when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is in use, and you are given the option to use the touchscreen. But this might not be easy for some people because it's a stretch from the driver's seat. A hybrid model is available for increased fuel economy.

Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)
Starting price: $31,395
EPA fuel economy: 25-28 mpg combined; 38 mpg combined (hybrid)

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Read our 2026 Mazda CX-50 review

Honda CR-V

The CR-V is one of the longest-running and best-selling SUVs on the list and a great choice for seniors. All models come standard with a driver assist package called Honda Sensing, which includes emergency automatic braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, a traffic-sign reader, driver attention warning and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert comes equipped on the EX trim, which is one level above the base LX. To get parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, you need to get the EX-L trim or higher, although the new TrailSport Hybrid doesn't offer them.

The CR-V's cabin is roomy and comfortable, and its large windows are great for outward visibility. Its wide-angle rearview camera is good, but a 360-degree camera isn't offered. The CR-V has big door openings for easy in-and-out. In fact, the AARP named the CR-V its best small SUV for entry and exit. And we found the seat height to be good for most sizes of adults. Although its touchscreens aren't as impressive-looking as those in other SUVs, the operating system is easy to use. The CR-V offers a hybrid powertrain, but it's not a separate model as with most automakers. Instead, four of the seven trim levels are hybrid-only.

Edmunds Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)
Starting price: $32,370
EPA fuel economy: 29-30 mpg combined; 35-40 mpg combined (hybrid models)

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Read our 2026 Honda CR-V review

Subaru Forester

The Forester is easily one of the top SUV choices for older drivers. We think so, and so does Consumer Reports, which named the Forester its best new car for seniors. The Forester boasts excellent outward visibility thanks to some of the largest windows of any compact SUV, and its interior is clearly laid out and easy to use, just like its center-screen operating system. The Forester's large door openings make it easy to get in and out, and the seat height is just right for adults. The SUV also provides a comfortable ride and a roomy cabin. A hybrid model is available for excellent fuel economy.

All Forester models come standard with all-wheel drive, as well as a package of driver assist features called EyeSight, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assistance. The Premium Hybrid and Sport trims add blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. But to get parking sensors and rear automatic braking, you need to step up to the Sport Hybrid or Wilderness trims. Both are also optional on the Sport and Limited trims. The top Touring trim has all the driver assist features including a 360-degree camera system and driver attention warning.

Edmunds Rating: 5.8 (out of 10)
Starting price: $31,445
EPA fuel economy: 26-29 mpg combined; 35 mpg combined (est.; hybrid)

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Read our 2026 Subaru Forester review

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is another excellent choice for seniors. Its all-hybrid powertrain lineup provides excellent fuel economy, its sizable windows ensure good outward visibility, and the interior control layout is intuitive and easy to use. Inside, the RAV4 gets a new digital instrument cluster and a new center touchscreen display that's better integrated into the design of the dashboard and can be as large as 12.9 inches. Basically, the RAV4 is just as practical and sensible as it's always been, but Toyota has updated it with the latest tech and given it a fresh infusion of personality.

RAV4s get a comprehensive suite of driver assist features that include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, adaptive cruise control and a traffic sign reader. Other features include blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking.

Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)
Starting price: $33,350
EPA fuel economy: 41-44 mpg combined

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Read our 2026 Toyota RAV4 review

The best compact luxury SUV for seniors

Audi Q5

The third-generation Audi Q5 went on sale in the middle of 2025 with updated styling and new technology features. Somewhat confusingly for shoppers, the older second-generation Q5 remained on sale in 2025 but has since been dropped as we progress into 2026.

All 2026 Q5 models come equipped with a large package of driver assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering assistance, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. The package also includes three additional features that typically cost extra in luxury SUVs: blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The third-generation model mostly adds infotainment and connectivity upgrades.

The Q5 boasts a spacious cabin that's easy to get in and out of and excellent outward visibility. The digital instrument cluster and center touchscreen are crisp-looking and easy to read, but drivers might have to reach for the touchscreen that's mounted a bit far away. Fortunately, the software is straightforward. As for comfort, the Q5 provides a smooth ride and very comfortable seats.

Edmunds Rating: 7.1 (out of 10)
Starting price: $46,695
EPA fuel economy: 25-26 mpg combined

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What are driver assist features?

Driver assist features, also referred to as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), are safety features that use sensors, radars and sometimes cameras to help the driver in various ways. New vehicles offer many different types. To help you understand what each one does, we listed all of the driver assist features we discuss in this article with their definition:

• Adaptive cruise control: maintains a driver-set distance between your vehicle and the car in front by automatically accelerating, slowing and braking.
• Adaptive headlights: the headlight beam adjusts as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves and turns.
• Automated parking system: steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention.
• Automatic emergency braking: warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
• Blind-spot camera: displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate a turn signal.
• Blind-spot intervention: automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot.
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert: lets you know if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.
• Driver attention warning: issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued.
• Emergency assist: can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if sensors determine the driver is unresponsive.
• Evasive steering assistance: enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance.
• Highway Driving Assist/Traffic Jam Assist: an upgraded system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
• Intersection collision mitigation: warns you of an impending collision at an intersection and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.
• Lane keeping assistance: steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.
• Lane centering assistance: makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane when adaptive cruise control is activated.
• Low-speed automatic braking: applies the brakes automatically to avoid a collision at low speeds, such as while parking.
• Rear automatic braking: applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle.
• Parking sensors: alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking.
• Traffic sign reader: detects certain traffic signs and displays them in the instrument panel.
• 360-degree camera system: gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings in tight parking situations.