As one ages, their needs from a vehicle change as well. Some people opt for convertibles and sports cars to enjoy the sunny retirement areas they come from. Others look for luxury and comfort. It’s this second group of people that tend to flock to SUVs.
The SUV class of vehicles has never been better. Long gone are the days when an SUV felt like driving an unruly truck on the highway. The level of refinement matches most sedans and the extra space and higher driving position are often of great value to drivers. Many SUVs have an array of features that can appeal to seniors. This article will focus on several of these SUVs. It’s worth noting that while these are all excellent SUVs for seniors, there are plenty of other great options. A little research can provide a great option that better fits personal preference.
1 - Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
This SUV has recently been redesigned and the modern take on SUV comfort and luxury is readily apparent. Drivers and passengers can melt into the massaging front seats. The ambient lighting provides good visibility with minimal eye strain. The safety features in the GLE-Class are incredible with plenty of electronic safety features and cameras to avoid potential collisions. While you can get a third row, the two row version means a huge trunk, so you can carry everything you need, or transfer some large dogs in comfort.
2 - Kia Soul
On a list full of luxury and big SUVs, the Soul is a bit of a surprise. Despite the small size, the seating is quite upright and heat, allowing for good visibility. Speaking of visibility, the windows are large and there’s very little in the way of blind spots. Safety features are also excellent. Emergency braking and lane departure warnings ensure there’s no accidental mistakes while driving. Even a really well equipped optioned out Soul can still cost less than $30,000, making it a bargain too.
3 - Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator offers one thing that has to appeal to most seniors. That's absolute luxury. The interior of the Navigator is about as well appointed as a luxury SUV can be, full of plush textures and high end materials. The Navigator is also immense. The added size allows many seniors to feel extra safe and comfortable. It also means it’s easy to load up the whole family including the various grandkids involved. One of the best features for seniors (or anyone who likes comfort really) is the incredibly front seats. Each features 30 way movement and heated massage to ensure that you’re in heaven as you drive.
4 - Cadillac Escalade
Much of what was said for the Lincoln Navigator earlier in this article can be said also for the Escalade. It’s huge, loaded with luxury and incredibly comfortable. It’s not just a rolling behemoth anymore, as it has gained a solid degree of finesse to go with it. One important factor for many seniors is fuel economy. The Escalade certainly isn’t going to win any awards in this category, but it has caught up to be a reasonable option.
5 - Honda CR-V
For a compact SUV, the CR-V is still deceptively roomy, with lots of cargo space. It has strong features for a less expensive SUV and excellent handling and solid gas mileage. The CR-V also features Honda quality, so you know it’s going to be reliable in the long run. The CR-V has won numerous awards over the years and the most recent model is no different.