8 Most Comfortable SUVs & Sedans for Seniors (2023 List)
Older drivers and passengers value ride comfort over engaging performance; plus, a quiet cabin and supportive seats make journeys of any length pleasurable.
The following models are the most comfortable cars and SUVs for seniors, of various sizes in the mainstream and luxury segments.
Most Comfortable SUVs for Seniors
#1 Kia Sportage
Older Sportage generations were somewhat average, a pleasing small crossover but with relatively poor engine performance and fuel economy.
New-for-2023 fifth-gen Sportage SUVs are among the latest Kia models that have transformed the Korean automaker from a purely affordable car brand to one with class-leading technology and compelling design.
The newest Kia Sportage is one of the most comfortable small SUVs for seniors, as it prioritizes comfort over powertrain grunt, with a composed ride that absorbs bumps well on rough roads, providing a good degree of cabin isolation to occupants.
Although the gasoline-only Sportage has a relatively quiet interior, the hybrid variant’s cabin is slightly quieter, partly thanks to its electric-only power mode at low speeds.
Seat cushioning and support are excellent for the class, compensating for the seats’ decent range of adjustments.
Both rows of seats offer good headroom, legroom, and knee room.
Besides, the Kia Sportage is an easy SUV for seniors to enter and exit due to its wide-opening doors and hip-height seats.
#2 Hyundai Tucson
Like its corporate-related brand, Kia, Hyundai has matured into a respectable mainstream car brand that produces value-for-money yet desirable vehicles.
The Hyundai Tucson compact crossover is a viable alternative to famous models, like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V – two of the best used cars for seniors – earning high marks for its roomy interior and smooth ride quality.
The Tucson is a surprisingly comfortable SUV for seniors in the small crossover segment, offering near-luxury-level comfort, thanks to supple suspension settings that do not compromise its composure around corners.
A relatively quiet and well-finished cabin further aid the SUV’s solid and substantial feel.
The front seats come with decent side bolstering and two-way lumbar support, providing a balance between firmness and support, while Tucson’s interior spaciousness is among the class frontrunners.
#3 Volkswagen Tiguan
A third row increases the seating capacity for the occasional friends or grandkids on short or long trips.
VW Tiguan is a large compact SUV, but with good handling and German-like ride comfort and quiet cruising, placing it firmly as one of the most comfortable cars for older drivers after the raised height of a sports utility.
Even at elevated highway speeds, the minimal amount of road and wind noise makes conversations easier when traveling long distances.
Seat support and comfort, plus a highly adjustable driving position, in a well-put-together cabin with excellent driver sightlines are Tiguan highlights that differentiate it from most rivals.
The handsome styling is an excellent trait in the SUV’s favor, which helps retirees look cool in their daily commute.
#4 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Now in its second generation, the compact Merc GLC has been a class benchmark in comfort, refinement, and practicality.
With exemplary ride comfort, roomy seating for a small crossover, and a luxuriously-appointed cabin, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is arguably the most comfortable SUV for senior citizens in the premium-car segment.
The front seats offer a broad range of adjustability, and all passengers get to enjoy the best-in-class, well-contoured seats that provide excellent support for the long haul.
GLC’s boxy form translates into plenty of headroom in both rows, although knee room in the back is just adequate given the SUV’s compact dimensions.
Another GLC plus is the German marque’s MBUX infotainment system which scores highly in functionality and ease of use, further contributing to the overall joy of a serene ride.
#5 Genesis GV80
GV80 is Genesis’ first and largest SUV, which firmly established the Korean automaker as a frontrunner in the premium-car space.
While German carmakers led their respective segments in opulence, GV80 offers luxury and value-for-money in equal measure, two attributes that aren’t typically complimentary.
As audacious as it looks, the Genesis GV80 rides with quiet composure, thanks to an electronically controlled suspension system and a hushed cabin regardless of the speed, making it one of the most comfortable SUVs for seniors at an attractive price that undercuts the competition.
Though it’s decently quick and the handling decidedly agile for its size, it is the GV80’s well-damped body motions contributing to a stable ride that will appeal to elderly drivers and passengers.
Cabin appointment is top-notch with high-quality materials and excellent attention to detail, plus the wide and supportive front seats, add to the GV80’s allure as a value-for-money premium ride.
Most Comfortable Sedans for Seniors
#6 Toyota Camry
Toyota has long held a reputation as an automaker that emphasizes comfort, besides efficiency and low ownership costs.
Although it now faces competition from more Asian rival models, the Toyota Camry has consistently been a comfortable sedan for seniors and a well-rounded vehicle for small families.
Roominess has never been an issue in the Toyota Camry, with both rows offering ample space and relatively comfortable seats.
Long touted as unexciting by critics, few elderly drivers would mind the Camry’s mediocre acceleration, although the handling has become more agile in the latest-gen model.
It is an easy car to drive, with excellent visibility for a sedan and a composed and relatively quiet ride.
#7 BMW 5 Series
For those with a bigger budget after a comfortable ride, the premium car segment is the ideal place to shop.
The race for the title of the most comfortable luxury car for seniors in the midsize category sees stiff competition, but few have met expectations as unfailingly as the BMW 5 Series.
Many generations have passed, but the 5 Series remains a supremely comfortable sedan, with an impressive ride quality that expertly balances performance and composure.
It absorbs road imperfections in a muted and controlled way, and body motions are well maintained.
The seats are more firm than plush, but they are thoroughly comfortable and supportive for long-distance drives.
#8 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Few sedans can beat Mercedes’ flagship model, which sits at the pinnacle of the large luxury sedan class – bettered only by the German marque’s S-Class Maybach.
If you omit the ultra-luxurious Bentley and Rolls Royce, the Mercedes S-Class is probably the most comfortable vehicle for affluent retirees on a substantial budget.
The opulent cruiser lives up to its enviable status with these qualities, including:
- A stunning interior design,
- Massive cabin with loads of head, leg, and shoulder room, and
- A serenely quiet ride even at elevated speeds.
The sedan is easy to access with its large doors and, once in the driver’s seat, the outward views are surprisingly good given its sizable dimensions.
The BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Porsche Panamera are credible alternatives to the Mercedes S-Class. Still, the S-Class’ overall refinement is second to none.
References:
https://www.kia.com/us/en/sportage
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson
https://www.vw.com/en/models/tiguan.html
https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/glc/suv
https://www.genesis.com/us/en/2023/genesis-gv80.html
https://www.toyota.com/camry/2023/
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5-series/sedan/overview.html