Top 10 Best Used Cars & SUVs for Seniors (with Prices)
The best used cars and SUVs for older drivers carry several senior-friendly traits, such as ease of driving, solid reliability, and affordable pricing, among others.
While the sedan segment has a few famous, ever-dependable nameplates that retirees can rely on for safe daily commutes, the SUV classes have suitable models that elderly drivers can more easily get in and drive.
The following good used cars for seniors – cheap mainstream models and luxury ones – come with indicative price ranges to give you an idea of how much they cost, and you can use the links at the bottom of this page to get the latest prices.
Best Used Small SUVs for Seniors
#1 Honda CR-V
5-Year Old Models : $21,000 – $25,000
10-Year Old Models : $12,000 – $16,500
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
Few compact crossovers have made an impact in the auto industry like the Honda CR-V, the Japanese carmaker’s best-selling SUV for decades.
Still going strong after six generations of production, the CR-V has consistently set the benchmark for the best-in-class in build quality, practicality, and ease of use.
Alongside the third model on this list, the Honda CR-V is arguably the best used small SUV for seniors.
Among the Honda CR-V’s pluses that work in favor of older drivers are:
- Generous door openings – easy to slide in and out of the vehicle.
- Spacious cabin – loads of space to stretch the legs and get comfortable despite the CR-V being a compact SUV.
- Excellent visibility – besides the elevated ride height, the large windows make it easy to see where you’re going.
- Strong fuel economy – retirees after more fuel savings can opt for the newer CR-V Hybrid.
- Excellent ride comfort – smooth and quiet contribute to a less tiring drive.
Honda CR-Vs have been earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s Top Safety Pick awards, so senior drivers can have peace of mind knowing that they are driving one of the safest vehicles.
#2 Subaru Forester
5-Year Old Models : $17,000 – $23,000
10-Year Old Models : $11,000 – $14,000
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
As drivers age, reflexes may not be as quick, and safety becomes a relatively bigger factor when operating a vehicle.
While affordable pricing is essential in car selection, an older model that still affords traction enhancement in inclement weather through an all-wheel-drive system is invaluable to the elderly.
As Subaru is synonymous with standard all-wheel-drive offerings, the Forester small SUV is the best used car for seniors on a budget due to its AWD and better-than-average ground clearance.
Used SUVs are mostly front-wheel drives, but Forester’s all-wheel propulsion at a comparably lower price than an equivalent Honda or Toyota should appeal to budget-minded senior citizens.
Besides the added wet-weather grip, the Subaru Forester rides comfortably and the dashboard controls have clear labels and are easy to operate.
#3 Toyota RAV4
5-Year Old Models : $21,500 – $26,000
10-Year Old Models : $13,000 – $19,000
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
The Japanese automaker is among the most reliable, consistently producing vehicles that drivers can depend on for generations.
As Toyota’s best-selling crossover, the compact RAV4 is also the best used SUV for elderly drivers, sporting many qualities that make owning and driving one a worthwhile investment.
After multiple generations, the Toyota RAV4, regardless of age, remains a top pick with many winning qualities:
- Interior roominess – loads of space in both rows.
- Ease of entry and exit – big door openings.
- Great visibility – thanks to large all-around windows.
- Straightforward-to-use tech features – the easy-to-read labels help.
- Smooth-riding – like most Toyotas.
- Rock-solid reliability – so seniors don’t need to worry about regular visits to the repair shop.
RAV4 has one of the best fuel economy in the small SUV class, but seniors after greater efficiency can opt for a RAV4 Hybrid (available since 2016) or a RAV Prime plug-in hybrid (available since 2021).
Best Used Midsize SUVs for Seniors
#4 Hyundai Santa Fe
5-Year Old Models : $17,000 – $23,000
10-Year Old Models : $11,000 – $17,000
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
Hyundai is renowned for its industry-leading warranty coverage and loads of standard features for the money.
As far as value purchases go in the midsize two-row SUV class, the Hyundai Santa Fe is hard to beat.
Ever since the model debuted in 2001, Santa Fe has provided senior drivers a super-affordable midsize SUV with ample interior room.
If a compact SUV is a little small in size, the Santa Fe is a great fit without breaking the bank.
Depending on the model year, you get reasonable performance, a logically laid out cabin, and an SUV with good outward visibility, thanks to the generous amount of glass areas.
#5 Ford Edge
5-Year Old Models : $18,000 – $25,000
10-Year Old Models : $8,500 – $17,000
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
For retirees desiring an American brand to power their daily commute, the midsize Ford Edge is a sensible pick that does nearly everything relatively well.
Ford Edge’s strong suits include:
- Sophisticated ride quality – composed and quiet.
- Crisp steering – more exciting to drive than the average SUV.
- Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive – the available options are handy to suit various budgets.
- Sizable cabin – spacious seats in both rows.
- Carlike road manners with an SUV’s raised ride height.
While the company’s Ford Escape is popular for its compactness, the Edge offers a nice middle ground: it’s more spacious and refined than a small crossover but not as bulky to maneuver as a full-size SUV.
#6 Kia Telluride
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
Seniors after a newer and larger quality SUV without costing a fortune should consider the midsize three-row Kia Telluride.
With unbeatable value for money, an impressive-looking design, and a luxuriously comfortable ride, the Kia Telluride is a strong pick for the best midsize used SUV for seniors.
Although older and cheaper midsize alternatives are widely available, the new-for-2020 Telluride makes an excellent ride for retirees who appreciate a quality ride for less than SUVs of comparable age and offering.
The cabin has three spacious rows and carries an upscale feel that few can rival at the price point.
Despite its size, the abundance of large windows lends a degree of openness and excellent outward visibility for the driver.
Best Used Luxury SUVs for Seniors
#7 BMW X3
5-Year Old Models : $23,000 – $30,000
10-Year Old Models : $11,500 – $16,000
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
For retirees on a bigger budget, premium cars are an excellent way to indulge themselves while on the road.
While larger is better to accommodate more occupants, older couples may appreciate the compactness of a small crossover that makes driving and parking more effortless.
Many premium compact crossovers are comparatively more recent, making them more expensive, while the relatively older BMW X3 offers those with smaller budgets to own a senior-friendly luxury SUV.
Age aside, the BMW X3 has several qualities that make it a winner among used luxury SUVs for seniors.
The BMW X3 has a roomy and comfortable cabin regardless of the model year, and its traditionally boxy design benefits older drivers, offering a tall roof and large windows, and excellent visibility of the road.
Plus, the large doors mean big openings and ease of getting in and out.
#8 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
5-Year Old Models : $28,000 – $37,000
7-Year Old Models : $20,000 – $26,500
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
If you need a larger vehicle for comfort and higher cargo-carrying capacity, the midsize Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the best used luxury SUV for seniors.
Like the smaller BMW listed before it, this Mercedes SUV offers a commanding view of the road, thanks to tall windows and plenty of seat adjustability.
The quiet, upscale interior and comfortable seats make travels of any distance a pleasant affair.
The GLE-Class also comes in multiple powertrains, so elderly drivers can choose one that suits their driving preferences and budget.
Best Used Sedans for Seniors
#9 Toyota Corolla
5-Year Old Models : $15,000 – $19,500
10-Year Old Models : $9,500 – $15,500
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
Now in its double-digit generation, the Toyota Corolla is the undisputed best used car for older drivers and senior citizens alike in the small sedan segment.
Regardless of the model year, every Toyota Corolla is a dependable daily vehicle, exhibiting impeccable reliability through the decades, and remains an affordable and efficient commuter for drivers of any age.
Smooth ride quality, easy-to-use controls, and high fuel economy are unmistakable Corolla hallmarks that only a few in the class can match.
Those with a sub-$10k budget will face no problem finding a used Corolla that continues to run reliably and efficiently, as long as the driver keeps up with the maintenance.
#10 Honda Accord
5-Year Old Models : $21,500 – $27,000
10-Year Old Models : $11,000 – $18,500
Check Latest Prices : (see bottom-of-page links)
A midsize sedan is ideal for larger or taller drivers, and few can claim to be the best used car for elderly drivers than a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord – both are solid picks.
The Honda Accord is now in its eleventh generation, but the older models have always been near or at the top of the midsize sedan class, offering practicality and reliability in equal measure.
Seeing out of the Accord is unhampered with large windows and slim windshield pillars.
The roomy cabin offers plenty of head and legroom in both rows, and the big door openings make entering and exiting the cabin easy – although elderly drivers will find an SUV easier to slide in and out of.
While the Toyota Camry exhibits similar positive traits, the Honda Accord is preferable for its sporty handling and greater cornering ability.
Although senior citizens aren’t likely to engage in spirited driving, the confidence-inspiring handling and braking can only benefit a safer drive.
References:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale
