Best Cars for Elderly Drivers

Best Cars for Elderly Drivers

Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Find the right car for your elderly driver.

“Which car is right for my parents or grandparents?” It’s a question more and more car shoppers are asking themselves these days. If you’re helping an elderly person shop for a car, here’s what to look for, and some models that exemplify the best car features for elderly ones.

What Do Older Drivers Need?

Generally there are three aspects you should look for: driver comfort, safety, and ease of use. Older drivers need:

  • to be able to easily grasp and use the technology in their cars
  • to be comfortable behind the wheel
  • to have advanced safety features, particularly “passive” features like lane assist and automatic braking

Keep in mind that as drivers age, their odds of being involved in an accident go up; there’s no statistical difference between a teenager and an 80-year-old when it comes to wrecks. Also remember that the elderly won’t need a lot of hauling space or passenger space, as a rule. Aim more toward crossovers and sedans when shopping. So with that in mind, these five vehicles should be some of your first choices.

Lexus RX

A popular luxury brand in the first place, the Lexus RX has a lot to love for those shopping for elderly drivers. It has an excellent crash rating, top of the line safety features, and one of the most comfortable cabins on the market. It’s also remarkably easy to drive, making it a popular choice well beyond just the elderly. If you need to buy a car the whole family, including grandparents, can use, it’ll be well worth the premium to get everybody behind the wheel of a Lexus.

Toyota Camry

Alternately, you might go with the car many elderly people may have been driving for years. The Camry has been one of America’s most popular and reliable sedans for more than thirty years, and while the styling and the technology has changed, the Camry itself is still the sturdy sedan it’s always been. If your elderly driver wants to stick with the car they know, the Camry will be perfect for them.


What’s the best car for older drivers?

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has distinguished itself in the last few years as one of the best cars on the road, and the Sonata has steadily improved to the point where it’s nearly the rival of the Camry in terms of popularity and quality. If you’re looking for a mid-size sedan that drives a bit like a smaller car, this might be the right car for your grandparents’ driveway.

Chevy Impala

Chevy’s been working hard to improve its reputation, and the Impala has shown itself to be a case in point. Especially if your grandparents are real Chevy fans, the Impala has a lot to offer.

Chrysler 300

Finally, if you want the classic “big car” that elderly drivers tend to love, the Chrysler 300 has all the size with a big dose of modernity as well. Chrysler has been turning itself around in recent years, and American car fans in particular will find a lot to love.

Remember, you should work closely with the older driver when you are helping them buy a car, so ask them what they’re looking for and go from there. Get started today with research from CarFoundMe.