Introduction


Seniors make up a fast-growing demographic in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030 all baby boomers will be older than age 65, growing the senior population to over 70 million. With age comes shifting transportation needs and priorities. Many seniors are looking to purchase new or used SUVs that are affordable, comfortable, and convenient. 


SUVs provide seniors with a commanding view of the road, spacious seating, and flexibility to transport family or gear for their active lifestyles. They also offer increased safety and accident protection. This guide will highlight the most budget-friendly SUV models available for 2024 that are packed with senior-friendly features. We'll look at new and used SUV options, must-have amenities, ways to save on insurance and maintenance, and more. Read on to find the perfect SUV match for your needs and lifestyle as a senior driver.


What Makes a Good Senior SUV


When shopping for an SUV that's senior-friendly, there are some key features to look for that make getting in and out easier and optimize visibility and safety. 


  • Ease of entry/exit. Look for a vehicle with doors that open wide without too high of a lift-over height. The seat height should make it easy to slide in and out of the vehicle. Some SUVs have extendable side steps that automatically deploy when the doors open.
  • Good visibility. SUVs with tall ride heights naturally provide good visibility of the road. Features like large windows, blind spot monitoring, surround view cameras and parking sensors also help. A heated steering wheel and wipers are useful for maintaining visibility in cold weather.
  • Safety features. Look for advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alerts and more. Other useful safety features include rain sensing wipers, auto high beams, tire pressure monitoring and all wheel drive. Also prioritize SUVs with high safety ratings.


Most Affordable New SUVs


When looking for an affordable new SUV for seniors, there are several good options for under $30,000 MSRP. Here are some of the top picks:


  • Hyundai Tucson - The Tucson starts at around $25,000 and offers great value. It has a smooth ride, easy-to-use tech features, and gets good gas mileage up to 26 mpg combined. The Tucson provides good cargo space and comfortable seats.
  • Subaru Forester - With a starting MSRP around $27,000, the Forester is one of the most affordable small SUVs. It offers standard all-wheel drive, ample space for passengers and cargo, and gets decent fuel economy. The Forester also has good visibility and a user-friendly infotainment system.
  • Mazda CX-5 - For under $30,000, the CX-5 provides an upscale interior and enjoyable driving dynamics. It delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The CX-5 has supportive front seats and an easy to use control layout.
  • Toyota RAV4 - The popular RAV4 starts at about $28,000 and gives you Toyota's reputation for reliability. The RAV4 offers ample passenger and cargo room. It also comes equipped with standard driver assistance features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
  • Honda CR-V - With high safety scores, roomy interior, and starting MSRP around $27,000, the CR-V is a practical choice. Drivers appreciate the CR-V's comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and fuel efficiency up to 30 mpg combined. The CR-V also provides valuable standard driver aids.


Used SUVs for Seniors


When shopping for a used SUV on a budget, seniors should look for models that are known for reliability, ease of access, and comfort. Here are some of the best used SUV options for older drivers:


Toyota RAV4


The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Going back several model years, it has proven itself to be extremely reliable and low maintenance. The RAV4 has easy step-in height, large doors, and excellent outward visibility for seniors. Power seats and a power liftgate also make it very convenient.


Honda CR-V 


Similar to the RAV4, the Honda CR-V is a top choice used SUV for seniors seeking reliability along with comfort and accessibility. The CR-V maintains its value very well, so a 3-5 year old used model can represent good value. The ride height and seat positioning make getting in and out simple.


Subaru Forester


Known for its safety and durability, the Subaru Forester is a smart used SUV pick for seniors. Large windows and narrow pillars provide great all-around visibility. The command seating position and wide opening doors also make it very accessible. Higher trim Foresters have plenty of helpful tech features as well.


Kia Sorento


For a used midsize SUV, the previous generation Kia Sorento offers seniors a lot of space and features for the money. The V6 engine provides strong acceleration for merging and passing. The Sorento's ride quality soaks up bumps and road imperfections nicely. The user-friendly infotainment system is straightforward to operate.


Ford Escape


The Ford Escape is another dependable compact SUV that makes a lot of sense for seniors buying used. Tall door openings coupled with low step-in height allow for easy entry and exit. Large windows aid outward visibility, while the optional power liftgate is very convenient. The intuitive SYNC infotainment system minimizes distractions.


By focusing on proven models with senior-friendly ergonomics and accessibility, buyers can find reliable used SUVs that fit within a fixed budget. Test driving and inspecting maintenance records are advised when buying used.


Adaptive Features


New in-car technology is making SUVs more senior-friendly than ever before. Advanced driver-assistance systems provide an added layer of safety and awareness for older drivers. Here are some of the most useful adaptive features available on new SUV models:


  • 360-degree cameras - Surround view camera systems give a top-down view around the vehicle. This helps visualize the car's proximity to curbs, other vehicles, and objects when parking or maneuvering at low speeds.
  • Automatic emergency braking - Sensors detect when a frontal collision is imminent and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate an accident if the driver doesn't respond in time. This is especially useful for seniors' slower reaction times.
  • Blind spot monitoring - Sensors detect vehicles in blind spots and provide a visual warning if you try to change lanes when it's unsafe. Helpful for drivers with reduced peripheral vision or mobility to check over their shoulder.
  • Rear cross traffic alerts - Warns drivers backing up of oncoming traffic they might not see. Prevent backing up collisions, which are a common problem for elderly drivers.
  • Lane keeping assistance - Detects when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and nudges the steering wheel to correct back into the lane. Helps compensate for reduced steadiness of senior drivers.
  • Voice control - Allows drivers to control infotainment, navigation, climate and make calls hands-free using voice commands. Helps reduce distraction and the need to reach/twist.