SUVs that work well for older adults have high seats, straightforward-to-use controls, and good visibility

The best SUV for an older adult depends on your height, strength, and how far you typically drive. A vehicle that works well for someone else might be uncomfortable or unsafe for you. Rather than chasing a brand name, focus on how the seat height feels when you sit in it, whether you can reach the pedals and steering wheel without strain, and whether the door handles and buttons are within straightforward reach.

AARP does not publish a single "best SUV" list. Instead, AARP's research and articles focus on features that matter to older drivers: seats that are straightforward to get in and out of, controls that don't require twisting or reaching, mirrors and cameras that reduce blind spots, and infotainment systems that don't distract from the road. You can find these features across many brands and price points.

The real work is test-driving vehicles and paying attention to how your body feels in the seat, not which model a publication recommends. Bring someone with you who can watch how easily you move in and out, and spend at least 15 minutes on a real road to notice whether the steering feels heavy or light, and whether you can see clearly without leaning forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Seat height and ease of entry matter more than brand or size—test-drive multiple vehicles to find what feels natural for your body.
  • Look for power-adjustable seats, large mirrors or backup cameras, and controls within arm's reach without twisting or leaning.
  • Steering effort, pedal placement, and visibility from the driver's seat are safety features that vary widely even within the same model year.
  • Smaller SUVs are often easier to maneuver and park than full-size models, and they use less fuel on longer drives.
  • Many dealerships offer loaner programs or extended test drives—use them to drive the vehicle on your regular routes before deciding.

Seat height and getting in and out of the vehicle

The seat height is the first thing to check because it affects everything else: your ability to enter and exit safely, your reach to the pedals and steering wheel, and your comfort on a long drive. A seat that is too low forces you to use your legs and back to push yourself up, which can strain knees and hips. A seat that is too high can make it hard to reach the pedals or feel stable.

When you sit in the driver's seat, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees slightly bent. Your hands should reach the steering wheel without your shoulders hunching forward. If you need to slide the seat all the way forward to reach the pedals, or all the way back to fit your legs, the vehicle is probably not the right fit.

Power-adjustable seats let you fine-tune height, depth, and lumbar support. Manual seats are cheaper but give you fewer options. If you have arthritis in your hands or wrists, power adjustment is worth the extra cost because you won't have to crank a handle or pull a lever.

Visibility and mirrors

Blind spots—areas you cannot see in your mirrors or by turning your head—are a real safety risk. Larger SUVs have bigger blind spots than smaller ones, even though they sit higher. The best way to reduce blind spots is a combination of good mirror placement, a backup camera, and blind-spot warning lights.

A backup camera shows you what is directly behind the vehicle on a screen in the dashboard. Blind-spot warning lights flash or beep when a car is in your blind spot on either side. Neither replaces turning your head and checking, but both give you more information before you move.

When you test-drive, sit in the driver's seat and look around without moving your head. Can you see the corners of the vehicle? Can you see the road behind you in the mirrors? If you have to crane your neck or lean forward to see, that vehicle will be tiring to drive for long distances.

Steering, pedals, and brake effort

Steering that is too heavy makes your arms and shoulders work hard, especially in parking lots or during slow turns. Steering that is too light can feel unstable on the highway. There is no single "right" amount—it depends on your arm strength and what you are used to. Power steering is standard on all modern SUVs, but the amount of information varies.

Pedal placement matters if you have limited ankle mobility or arthritis in your feet. The gas and brake pedals should be close enough together that you can move your foot from one to the other without shifting your whole leg. If the pedals are far apart or angled strangely, you might find yourself tensing your hip or knee to reach them.

Brake effort—how hard you have to press the brake pedal to stop—varies by vehicle. Some SUVs have very responsive brakes that stop quickly with light pressure. Others require more force. Test this by driving in a safe area and making several normal stops to see how the brakes feel. If you have weak legs or arthritis in your knees, a brake that requires less force is safer because you are less likely to miss the pedal or brake too hard by accident.

Controls and dashboard layout

Buttons, knobs, and touchscreens should be within arm's reach and straightforward to operate without taking your eyes off the road for long. If the climate controls are on a touchscreen that requires multiple taps to adjust the temperature, or if the radio buttons are small and hard to press, you will spend more time looking at the dashboard than the road.

Physical buttons and knobs are easier to use while driving because you can find them by feel. Touchscreens are common now, but look for vehicles where the most-used functions—climate, volume, and phone—have dedicated buttons or large, responsive touch targets. Voice controls can help, but they work best when the system is familiar to you.

Steering wheel controls for volume, phone, and cruise control reduce the need to reach across the dashboard. If you have arthritis in your hands, make sure the buttons are large enough and don't require a tight grip to press.

Size and maneuverability

Smaller SUVs (sometimes called compact or subcompact SUVs) are easier to park, easier to see out of, and easier to maneuver in tight spaces than full-size models. They also use less fuel, which matters if you drive long distances. The trade-off is less cargo space and a smaller back seat.

If you rarely carry passengers or cargo, a smaller SUV is usually the better choice. If you regularly drive grandchildren or haul equipment, a mid-size SUV might be worth the extra size and weight. Full-size SUVs are the hardest to park and the most tiring to drive for long periods, and they are rarely necessary unless you tow a trailer regularly.

Before you decide on size, think about your actual driving: how far you go, how often you carry people or things, and whether you park in tight spaces. Many people buy larger vehicles than they need and then struggle with parking and fatigue.

Fuel economy and driving range

SUVs use more fuel than sedans, but fuel economy varies widely depending on size, engine type, and whether the vehicle is all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive improves traction in snow and rain but uses more fuel. If you live in a place with mild winters and don't drive in snow, front-wheel drive will save you money at the pump.

Driving range—how far you can go on a full tank—matters if you take long trips or live far from gas stations. Most modern SUVs can go 300 to 400 miles on a tank, but smaller models often go farther. Hybrid SUVs use less fuel but cost more upfront. Electric SUVs have no fuel cost but require charging infrastructure and may not work well if you take frequent long trips.

Check the EPA fuel economy ratings on the manufacturer's website or on fueleconomy.gov. These are standardized estimates, not what you will actually see, but they let you compare vehicles fairly. Real-world fuel economy is usually lower, especially if you drive in cities or mountains.

Where to find information and test-drive options

AARP's website has articles about vehicle safety features and what to look for when buying a car, but they do not rank specific models. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power publish reliability ratings and owner satisfaction scores that can help you narrow down choices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes crash test results and safety ratings on safercar.gov.

Dealerships often let you take a vehicle for an extended test drive—sometimes overnight or for a full day. Use this time to drive your regular routes: the roads you use most, the parking spaces you use, the distances you typically cover. This is much more useful than a short test drive around the dealership lot.

Bring a trusted friend or family member with you when you test-drive. They can watch how easily you move in and out of the vehicle, and they can give you honest feedback about whether the vehicle feels safe and comfortable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest SUV to get in and out of?

Smaller SUVs with higher seat heights and grab handles are generally easier to enter and exit. Compact models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are popular choices. The best approach is to test-drive several vehicles and pay attention to how your knees, hips, and back feel when you sit down and stand up.

Do I need all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive improves traction in snow and rain, but it uses more fuel and costs more upfront. If you live in a mild climate or rarely drive in bad weather, front-wheel drive is usually sufficient and will save you money. If you live in a snowy area or drive in winter regularly, all-wheel drive is worth considering.

What safety features should I prioritize?

Backup cameras, blind-spot warnings, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information all reduce the risk of accidents. Crash test ratings from NHTSA show how well a vehicle protects occupants in a collision. Check safercar.gov to compare ratings across models you are considering.

Should I buy new or used?

New vehicles come with the latest safety features and a warranty. Used vehicles cost less but may have higher maintenance costs. If you plan to keep the vehicle for many years, a new or nearly-new model with low mileage is often a better long-term choice because you will have fewer unexpected repairs.

How long should I test-drive before deciding?

Spend at least 15 to 20 minutes on real roads, not just around the dealership lot. Drive in traffic, on the highway, and in parking situations you encounter regularly. If possible, take an overnight or full-day loaner to see how the vehicle feels over a longer period and on your actual routes.