Best Cars for Senior Drivers in 2025: Safety, Comfort, and Ease of Use Take the Wheel

If you or a loved one is over 60, the right car can make all the difference. From easier entry to advanced safety features, today's vehicles are better equipped than ever to support older drivers who want to stay independent—and stay safe behind the wheel.

Whether you're replacing a vehicle or shopping for your first new car in years, knowing what to look for helps avoid future frustration or regret. Here's what matters most when choosing a car for senior drivers—and which vehicles experts say are the best fits.

What to Look for in a Senior-Friendly Vehicle

A car that suits a senior driver isn't about bells and whistles—it's about comfort, accessibility, and staying alert on the road.

Comfort and ergonomics play a crucial role. Adjustable, supportive seating with good lumbar support can reduce back strain and make long drives pleasant. Heated seats offer much-needed joint relief during chilly days, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable on the road.

Additionally, easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system make every trip more relaxed and worry-free. These ergonomic features create a driving environment where comfort meets convenience, helping seniors drive confidently and easily.

Here's what to prioritize:

1. Easy Entry and Exit

• Look for high seating positions like those in SUVs and crossovers.
• Wide door openings and low sills reduce strain on knees and backs.
• Power-adjustable seats make getting in and out smoother.

"After my hip surgery, climbing into a sedan became a real challenge," said 68-year-old John from Phoenix.

Switching to the right SUV made daily errands manageable again.

2. Supportive Seating and Comfort

• Heated, adjustable seats relieve joint stiffness on cold mornings.
• Lumbar support can prevent back pain during longer drives.
• Simple dashboard layouts reduce distractions.

3. Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance

As we age, having up-to-date safety and driver assistance features becomes essential.

• Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist in reducing human error.
• Rearview cameras and 360-degree views aid parking and reversing.
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB) can prevent a crash before it happens.

4. Clear Visibility

• Large windows and thin roof pillars give better sightlines.
• Bright LED or automatic headlights improve night driving.
• Fog lights increase visibility in poor weather.

5. Smooth Handling and Ride

• Lightweight steering reduces physical effort.
• The vehicle’s suspension system absorbs bumps for a smoother experience.

6. Fuel Efficiency and Reliability

• Hybrids and efficient models mean fewer trips to the gas station.
• Reliable brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru reduce the risk of breakdowns and high repair costs.

Consider Vehicle Size When a Spouse Has Mobility Needs

If you're buying a car with a spouse or partner who has limited mobility, vehicle size matters even more. What works for a solo driver may not be practical when you're also loading mobility aids or assisting a passenger.

Here's what to consider:

• Interior Space – Look for vehicles with wide-opening rear doors and flat floors. These features make it easier to help someone in and out of the car, especially if they use a cane or walker.
• Cargo Capacity – Choose a car with ample trunk or rear cargo space for folding wheelchairs, walkers, or portable ramps. SUVs, minivans, and some crossovers offer flat, low cargo areas for easier loading.
• Low Step-In Height – A vehicle that sits too high or too low can make transfers difficult. Models like the Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica offer low floors and sliding doors—making them excellent for those who need extra room and access.
• Sliding or Power Doors – Automatic doors are a game-changer when you're helping someone into the vehicle or navigating tight parking spots.
• Swivel or Power Seats – Some vehicles offer rotating or power-lift front seats, or these can be installed aftermarket. These features can significantly reduce strain when transferring into the vehicle.

"We went with a minivan because my wife uses a walker, and I needed something easy for her to step into," said Michael Anders, 72, of Des Moines.

The sliding doors and low floor height make a huge difference every day.

Top Cars for Senior Drivers in 2025

From dependable sedans to user-friendly SUVs, here are some of the most recommended cars for older adults:

Compact & Midsize SUVs

Great for visibility, easy entry, and a high driving position.

• Toyota RAV4 – Renowned for its reliability and efficiency, the RAV4’s SUV design gives drivers a higher vantage point, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle without bending too much. Its spacious and practical interiors, advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision system, and fuel efficiency make it a comfortable choice for seniors.
• Honda CR-V – The CR-V offers a roomy interior with supportive seating, ensuring comfort for seniors to get in and get out of. It has advanced safety features, like lane keeping assist and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The CR-V is fuel-efficient, reducing the need for frequent stops at the gas station, which can be convenient for seniors.
• Subaru Forester – An all-wheel drive with excellent visibility is well-suited for various driving conditions, including nighttime driving. It has easy-to-understand controls and features comfortable seating, making driving stress-free. Subaru vehicles, including the Forester, are known for longevity and low maintenance costs. An excellent choice for seniors who want reliable cars that will last for years.
• Mazda CX-5 – The CX-5’s elevated seating position makes it easier for seniors to get in and out of the vehicle without straining or bending too much. The car offers excellent visibility, reducing blind spots and making it easy for seniors to see what is happening around them. The CX-5 has a reputation for being durable, requiring fewer repairs over time.

Comfortable Sedans

Smooth rides, great gas mileage, and often easier to park.

• Toyota Camry – Supportive seating and outstanding safety scores.
• Honda Accord – Spacious interior and responsive handling.
• Hyundai Sonata – Good tech, safety features, and value.
• Buick LaCrosse – Cushioned ride, wide-opening doors, and comfort extras.

Minivans & Crossovers

Perfect for those who want space without a large SUV footprint.

• Toyota Sienna – Hybrid engine, easy access, and high-tech safety.
• Chrysler Pacifica – Comfortable and easy to get in and out of.
• Kia Soul – Compact but roomy, ideal for city driving.

Luxury SUVs for Premium Comfort

Ideal for older adults seeking luxury with practicality.

• Lexus RX Hybrid – Quiet, smooth, and fuel-efficient.
• Genesis GV70 – Easy entry, great safety tech, and sleek design.
• Mercedes-Benz GLC – Top-tier features, excellent visibility, and crash prevention systems.

Practical Tips When Buying a Car for a Senior Driver

Don't just rely on looks or brand names. Here's how to make sure the car fits your daily life:

• Test Drive for Comfort – Try different seat heights, steering sensitivity, and visibility.
• Check Safety Ratings – Use NHTSA and IIHS for the latest crash-test data.
• Consider Future Modifications – Adaptive aids like grab bars or pedal extenders can make a big difference.
• Research Long-Term Reliability – Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru have proven track records.

Assisted Living and Vehicles - Yes!

Many assisted living facilities offer on-site parking to accommodate residents who are still healthy, active, and independent. While assisted living is often associated with seniors who need help with daily tasks, many communities welcome couples where one partner may need care and the other does not.

In these cases, the independent spouse can maintain their lifestyle—including driving—without disruption. In addition, if they wish to bring their spouse, they can easily do so without waiting on the facility's transportation.

Parking options vary by facility, but most offer dedicated spaces for residents who own vehicles. Some even provide covered parking or garages, ensuring vehicles are protected from the elements.

This setup allows independent residents to come and go as they please, run errands, visit family, or engage in community activities beyond the facility grounds.

If you are looking for assisted living for a loved one, use the LTC News Caregiver Directory. You will be able to search for all types of long-term care services, including assisted living, which offers parking for personal vehicles.

Maintaining a car offers a strong sense of freedom and control, which is especially important during life transitions. Assisted living communities that support this independence help ease the move for couples, allowing one partner to receive care while the other continues to live an active, autonomous life.

Anna, 73, from Little Rock, AR, says when she moved to assisted living with her husband, who had mobility issues, she was able to maintain her independence without worrying about his care.

Being able to keep my car made all the difference—it meant I could still run errands, visit friends, and live my life on my own terms, even while my spouse received the care they needed just steps away.

Facilities also recognize that driving can be a key factor in a senior’s decision to move. By offering convenient parking and easy access, they help residents stay mobile longer, supporting both safety and peace of mind. Some communities even offer valet services or shuttle transportation for residents who prefer not to drive all the time, adding further flexibility.

• Find Quality Long-Term Care Services Near You.

If you're a care provider, you can claim your free listing or upgrade to enhance visibility through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

Ultimately, having vehicle access on-site allows independent spouses to remain connected to the world outside the assisted living community, making the transition feel less like a loss of freedom and more like a practical step in shared aging.

If your loved one has LTC Insurance, be sure to use the benefits to pay for the care. LTC News, with our partnership with Amada Senior Care, will process the LTC Insurance claim at no cost or obligation - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Final Thought: The Right Car Keeps You Moving - Safely and Confidently

A car isn't just a vehicle—it's freedom, independence, and peace of mind. Choosing the right one ensures you're not only comfortable but also safe. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a parent, think beyond horsepower and look at the whole picture.