The 10 Best SUVs for Seniors

The best SUV for seniors will vary depending on the needs, preferences, body size, and even eyesight of the person who will be driving it. 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 physical knobs and buttons instead of harder-to-use touch-sensitive ones.

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 driver assist 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 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 driver assist 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 is the most affordable SUV on the list. 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 include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. This generous package also includes driver attention warning and intersection collision mitigation. Upgrading to the top Limited trim brings additional assist features that include a 360-degree camera system, a blind-spot camera, and an automated parking system. Those features are not typically found in subcompact SUVs. The Limited also features parking sensors, as well as low-speed automatic braking. If that's not enough, Highway Driving Assist is also included.

Starting price: $26,045
EPA fuel economy: 26-31 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 8.5 (out of 10)

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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, adaptive cruise control, and emergency assist. The package also includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning and blind-spot intervention, three features that usually aren't standard on many SUVs. The top SEL trim adds 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 reach of the driver. VW refreshed the 2025 Taos with new exterior styling, more horsepower, and an updated interior that includes a larger standard touchscreen. 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.

Starting price: $26,920
EPA fuel economy: 28-31 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: Not yet rated (2024 model has an 8.1 out of 10)

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Honda HR-V

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, adaptive cruise control, and a traffic sign reader. The Sport trim adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, 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. 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. Outward visibility is good in all directions.

Starting price: $27,650
EPA fuel economy: 27-28 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)

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Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a smaller alternative to the larger Subaru Forester SUV. All Crosstrek models come standard with the EyeSight driver assist package, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering, 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 warning, and it's standard on the Limited and rugged Wilderness trims. Rear automatic braking, which isn't common in the subcompact segment, comes equipped on the Limited and Wilderness.

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 inside 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, which isn't common in the subcompact SUV segment. It's not only more efficient (up to 36 mpg combined), but it's also the most powerful Crosstrek model.

Starting price: $28,415
EPA fuel economy: 27-29 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 7.6 (out of 10)

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The best compact SUVs for seniors

Kia Sportage

All Sportage models come equipped with the Drive Wise package that consists of automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering, parking sensors, intersection collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. The EX trim adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning 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 instead of touch-sensitive ones that can be harder to use. 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. Big windows provide great visibility, and 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. Look for a 2026 Sportage over previous years because Kia updated it with refreshed styling, dual standard 12.3-inch displays and more standard driver aids.

Starting price: $30,135
EPA fuel economy: 25-28 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 7.9 (out of 10)

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Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is another excellent choice for seniors. Its sizable windows provide good outward visibility, and the interior control layout is intuitive and easy to use. However, the touchscreen and tuning knob are a little far from the driver. Getting in and out is easy for the driver, but front passengers might find it challenging because the seat is positioned high and doesn't adjust much on most trims. As for the infotainment system, it looks dated but is easy to use. It's worth noting that the next-generation RAV4 will be released for the 2026 model year, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on whether you like the latest technology.

All RAV4s get a suite of driver assist features called Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering, adaptive cruise control, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE trim adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking are part of an optional package on the XLE Premium trim and standard on the Limited trim. A 360-degree camera system is part of an optional package on the Limited trim. The RAV4 is also available as a hybrid and as a plug-in hybrid.

Starting price: $31,000
EPA fuel economy: 28-30 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 7.7 (out of 10)

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Subaru Forester

The Forester is easily one of the top SUV choices for seniors. It 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 new hybrid model is now available.

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

Starting price: $31,415
EPA fuel economy: 26-29 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 7.1 (out of 10)

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Mazda CX-50

Mazda currently sells both the CX-50 and CX-5, and both are similar in size and price, but the CX-50 is a newer model until the redesigned 2026 CX-5 rolls into dealerships. 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, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive headlights are standard on the Turbo Meridian trim. However, if you want parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system and reverse automatic braking, you have to get the top Turbo Premium Plus trim level that's pricey.

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. It's easy to see out of the CX-50, and it's easy to slide in and out of the seats. The infotainment system is straightforward and requires the console-mounted rotary dial to operate. 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 now available for the 2025 model year.

Starting price: $31,995
EPA fuel economy: 25-28 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)

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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, a traffic sign reader, driver attention warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning 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, and we found the seat height to be good for 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 model, but it's not a separate model as with most automakers. Instead, four of the seven trim levels are hybrid-only.

Starting price: $32,370
EPA fuel economy: 28-30 mpg combined; 37-40 mpg combined (hybrid)
Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)

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The best compact luxury SUV for seniors

Audi Q5

The second-generation 2025 Audi Q5 has been available since early in 2025, but a redesigned third-generation Q5 went on sale in the middle of the year. The outgoing second-generation Q5 is recommended for seniors, but we have yet to test the new third-generation Q5. Its interior and driver assist features are different, so stay tuned to find out if it makes this list once our test team reviews it.

Unlike most luxury SUVs, all second-generation 2025 Q5 models come equipped with a large package of driver assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and centering, 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 warning and Traffic Jam Assist. The Premium Plus trim adds a 360-degree camera system, and the top Prestige trim includes an automated parking system.

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.

Starting price: $46,495
EPA fuel economy: 24-26 mpg combined
Edmunds Rating: 7.6 (out of 10)

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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 assist 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 and braking.

• Adaptive headlights: the headlights swivel 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 warning: alerts you 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 during a left turn and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.

• Lane keeping: steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.

• Lane centering: 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 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.