While younger consumers generally find themselves buying vehicles that offer all of the latest technology features, older drivers frequently have a different set of priorities. Usually, senior motorists prefer to concentrate on all aspects like safety, accessibility, and reliability. This report takes a look at cars for older drivers that are on the market today.
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5 Cars for Older Drivers
Though the younger generation will choose the vehicles which offer all of the latest gadgets and technology, elderly drivers frequently have a totally different set of priorities while auto shopping. Seniors usually search for vehicles that provide accessibility, security, comfort, and reliability.
Needless to say, this does not have to mean giving up on appreciating the most recent technology; it could just mean something as straightforward as preferring a button into a touch-screen interface. While most manufacturers do have an offering for the elderly driver, there are a few that simply do it better than the rest. Here are just five of them.
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2018 Hyundai Sonata
For many older drivers, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata checks about every box in their hunt for a superb mid-sized sedan. The suspension delivers a comfortable ride, while the Hyundai Sonata fuel economy and reliability are among the very best in its class. Needless to say, everyone will love Hyundai’s 10-year guarantee if anything were to go wrong on the way.
What’s New
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata was restyled inside and outside and receives updates on its own steering and suspension geared toward enhancing ride quality, feel and response.
All models now come standard with blind-spot detection, back cross-traffic alert, and lane change assistance; updated headlights are currently LED rather than HID/xenon; and also the optional panoramic sunroof was shrunk to normal size in the sake of weight reduction and enhanced fuel economy. On 2.0T versions, a fresh eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the prior six-speed.
What I Recommend
You can go many paths configuring the Hyundai Sonata according to your own preferences. One possible strategy is to splurge on the fully loaded Limited 2.0T version with all the fixings, providing you with creature amenities like ventilated and heated seats, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system plus a thorough package of innovative driver assists.
I feel that the value is the Eco version, which includes lots of standard equipment and is powered by Hyundai’s torquey and effective turbocharged 1.6-liter motor along with also a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated transmission.
See my build & price review: https://youtu.be/2jXSqiQ0gQ4
2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander comes standard with all the exceptional craftsmanship and reliability that customers have come to expect from a Toyota. The comfy, elevated seats provide excellent visibility for the driver and the handling is very smooth. For older drivers on the market for an SUV, the Toyota Highlander could be a wonderful option.
Should you need a crossover using a roomier third row, however, then you will probably be happier using a Honda Pilot or Volkswagen Atlas. Toyota’s also a little behind the times in smartphone connectivity — you can not get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. In general, however, this hot and well-rounded crossover is surely worth a test drive and still one of the best cars for older drivers on the market.
What’s New
The 2018 Highlander is unchanged.
What I Recommend
For the normal Highlander shopper, I now advocate the XLE trimming level. Priced right in the center of the Highlander selection, the XLE comes standard with the V6 and provides several decent extras into the Highlander’s already abundant collection of standard features, such as blind-spot tracking and back cross-traffic alarm systems, leather upholstery, heated front seats, along with keyless ignition and entrance.
There is also optional all-wheel drive should you want the excess control. You can get by with the LE Plus or cover more to delight in the more extravagant Restricted, but the XLE is your sweet spot in our view.
2018 Honda Odyssey
Older drivers with a family will love all of the cargo space and seating in the 2018 Honda Odyssey. Its big sliding doors and low floors provide excellent accessibility, and its durability evaluations are some of the finest in the minivan class.
Whats New
Honda has completely redesigned the 2018 Odyssey. Highlights include enhanced second-row chair performance, a more powerful V6, improved handling capacity and fresh convenience features.
What I Recommend
Selecting an Odyssey mainly comes down to understanding which characteristics you desire. But from my perspective, there are just two trim levels to concentrate on. The EX is your thing to do if you have a limited budget. Yes, there is the more affordable LX, but the EX has the characteristics you’re going to need on a minivan.
If you have more to invest, upgrade into the Touring. This Odyssey gets the characteristic equipment you make it about the intervening trims in addition to the desired 10-speed automatic and two cool features: the incorporated vacuum as well as the rear-cabin camera tracking system.
See my build & price review: https://youtu.be/gPYF6FVHN30
2018 Subaru Forester
Seniors who still love to get out into nature are certain to love the 2018 Subaru Forester. This subcompact SUV has big windows that offer excellent visibility. The Forester also features all-wheel drive so that you can be certain of not getting stuck in the snow or sand. For an additional layer of security, you may even opt for features like pre-collision braking and a lane-departure warning system.
What’s New
For 2018, the Forester offers a brand new Black Edition trimming package that provides black-finished brakes, body trim, and grille. The inside also receives black fabric upholstery and black gloss dash trim. Limited trim levels also receive a brand new cargo area cover, while Touring trims currently include Subaru’s EyeSight security systems as standard together with automatic high beams and inverse automatic braking.
What I Recommend
The conventional 2.5I will be nicely equipped for an extremely affordable price, but I think that it’s worth stepping up to the 2.5I Premium. It supplies a sunroof and enhanced chairs and a media port, among other amenities. It’s possible to acquire different luxuries, but I believe the Premium gives the ideal value.
2018 Kia Soul
Sometimes you just need a car to get you from A to B. there’s perhaps no car better suited to this task than the 2018 Kia Soul. This subcompact car offers a great deal of cargo space, great fuel economy, excellent reliability and among the best warranties on the market. The Soul combines accessibility and affordability to make one of the best cars for older drivers available today.
What’s New
The Soul new gets more standard features for 2018. The bottom trim-level convenience package now contains Kia’s Uvo infotainment program with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to automatic climate control. Uvo can be now standard on the Soul Plus trim. Buyers of this Plus may add new packages known as Primo and Primo Lit.
What I Recommend
I Enjoy the midgrade Spirit Plus. It comes well equipped with just about all of the features you will probably need or love, such as an automatic transmission as well as the 7-inch Uvo infotainment program with Apple CarPlay and Android automobile Smartphone integration. Its 2.0-liter engine is more powerful than the foundation Soul’s 1.6-liter engine.
Another wonderful element of the Plus is the options. As you could purchase a stock Plus to suit your budget, just about everything in Kia’s update arsenal is available if you need it, such as ventilated and heated power-adjustable front seats, a Harman Kardon audio system and the newest advanced driver safety assistance.
See my build & price review: https://youtu.be/Ah_6aJhvAEM
Conclusion
Not all cars for older drivers are created equally, of course, and there are no simple criteria for what the ideal cars for older drivers may be. If you frequently drive your grandchildren to school, the Honda Odyssey may be your best option, while the Kia Soul could be a fantastic alternative for getting you to the shop a few times each week.
In the end, the choice is up to the individual motorist. But with some understanding of your choices, you’ll be far better informed as you start your new vehicle search.