As technology progresses, new cars just keep getting safer and safer. This is great news for senior citizens, who are looking for those additional safety features, as well as comfort and reliability. Vehicle safety is especially important for older people, who often experience slower reaction times and worsening hearing and vision. People over the age of 70 are also more likely to be seriously injured or even die if they are involved in a car crash, mainly because they are more physically vulnerable (1). This can make driving more dangerous the older you get. However, more and more seniors are still choosing to continue to get behind the wheel. After all, you may need to drive for work, medical care, grocery shopping, or to see friends and family members. So, if you’re going to drive as a senior citizen, you may as well drive the safest car you can!
Here’s our lineup of the safest new cars for seniors as of 2024.
SUVs
Senior drivers, especially those who live in snowy climates, often prefer SUVs. Since they typically feature all-wheel drive (AWD), SUVs do well on wet, icy, or snowy roads. SUVs also tend to be higher off the road, making them easier to get in and out of. These larger cars have been shown to be safer in a crash than smaller sedans or coupes, which may actually raise the risk of crash fatalities (2). Check out the top 10 2023-2024 SUVs for seniors.
Note: For this article, we’ve reviewed the 2023 and 2024 models of each vehicle. However, most of them have had minimal upgrades since around 2020. You may get the same features and save a significant amount of money by going with a 2020-2023 model rather than a brand-new 2024 model.
- 2023 BMW X1. This sporty little SUV is considered a “crossover,” but it still offers everything you want out of a sport utility vehicle. It has quick acceleration and sporty handling, which means you’ll be able to avoid accidents or get out of sticky situations more quickly. The interior is tall and spacious, making it easy for seniors to get in and out. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with a high safety rating in all areas and superior crash prevention features.
- 2024 Subaru Forester. Subarus have long been loved as great all-wheel drive vehicles, especially for snowy and icy conditions. The 2024 Forester is no exception, and it also features great visibility when driving, as well as a comfortable ride and tons of cargo space. It has lots of standard safety features and a 5-star safety rating according to the NHTSA, and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Finally, it’s one of our lowest-priced SUV picks, which is great for budget-conscious seniors.
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Santa Fe is a great SUV contender. It has a relaxed, stable-feeling ride with great legroom that is comfortable for many seniors. As an added bonus, it comes in hybrid models for seniors seeking electric vehicle options. Both the NHTSA and IIHS give it top safety marks.
- 2024 or 2023 Honda CR-V. Considered a “small SUV”, the CR-V might be a great choice for seniors who don’t want to feel like they’re driving a huge vehicle, but still want the safety and legroom options of a larger car. It has a low cargo floor for easier loading, which is a bonus for seniors who like to travel. There are many safety features, and it is an IIHS top safety pick.
- 2024 or 2023 Toyota Highlander. This is a great choice for seniors who sometimes drive grandkids around, because it has a third row of seats. It’s comfortable, quiet, easy to see out of, reliable, and gets good gas mileage. Of course, it also has top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.
- 2023 or 2024 Kia Telluride. The Telluride is considered a best-in-class SUV by Edmunds.com, and it’s easy to see why. Despite having 3 rows of seats (great for grandkids or transporting your book club), it has plenty of cargo space yet still feels comfortable and roomy. It is well-priced for its size and features. And yes, it’s a 5-star NHTSA and IIHS top safety pick, too.
Sedans
For seniors who don’t want to drive a larger SUV, there are many 2023-2024 sedans that still offer plenty of safety features.
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata. The 2024 Sonata offers all-wheel drive as an option, which is a great choice for a small car that still performs well on snow, rain, and ice. It’s less expensive than an SUV, but still offers a ton of helpful technology features. And, its safety ratings are nothing to sneeze at, either.
- 2023-2024 Toyota Camry. The Camry has been a safe and reliable choice for decades, and that’s still true for the newest models. It gets great gas mileage, and it’s a good budget-friendly option. The IIHS rates it a top safety pick, too. If you’re looking for a Hybrid model, the Camry also gives you an electric option!
- 2023 Nissan Maxima. Seniors looking for a sportier ride might consider the new Maxima. It feels more like a sports car than any other midsize sedan on the market, and it still has a top safety rating. However, the sporty feel means it’s not as easy to see out of or get in and out of than our SUV options.
- Audi A4 Allroad. Another all-wheel drive option, the Allroad is like a new version of a station wagon that looks and acts like a sedan. The higher ride means it’s easy to see and get in and out of, and of course, being an Audi, it looks (and costs) like a luxury car. It’s super comfortable and manages tight turns with great handling. The safety ratings are top as well.
The top 10 safest new cars for seniors are sure to include your newest favorite ride. You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride, great handling, and best-in-class safety features no matter which one you choose. Stellar Living wishes you luck in choosing a safe car for yourself or your senior loved ones! Tired of driving? Senior Living communities offer transportation built-in to your rent price, so you don’t need to deal with the stressors of the road.
