An SUV can be a great choice for any seniors looking forward to spending their retirement fishing, taking camping trips, or just carting around the grandchildren. With modern safety features, driver aids, and improved fuel economy, the latest SUVs are very different from even a decade ago. Understand how buying a new SUV can open up a whole world of fun and exploration for recent retirees.
What Is An SUV?
A sport utility vehicle (SUV) is designed to be a jack of all trades. They typically have comfortable interiors and can hold between five and eight passengers. Their body-on-frame construction and powerful engines let them tow large trailers or carry heavy loads. Four-wheel-drive capability and an increased ride height allows for off-road driving. Compared to a sedan, they give off a feeling of safety under more mundane conditions.
These days, SUVs are popular with a wide demographic. Everyone from young professionals to soccer moms seem to drive one. However, they have a particular appeal for active seniors enjoying an empty nest. They are perfect for anyone who wants to get out and see the best of what the countryside has to offer.
What Seniors Should Look For In An SUV
Seniors may have to take into account their personal health and mobility when buying a new vehicle. Make sure you consider the following important factors when shopping for a new SUV.
- Controls: Is the dashboard easy to read? Can you change the size of key pieces of information or choose what’s on display to reduce distractions?
- Accessibility: Does the trunk open electronically? Or is it lightweight enough to operate manually?
- Comfort: Can you easily get in and out of the SUV? Is the seat or steering wheel adjustable so you can see properly, reach the pedals, and safely control the vehicle?
In general, SUVs are much bigger than standard sedans. Make sure you take a couple test drives of your desired model, to make sure you can control them comfortably.
Why Choose a New SUV?
Historically, the rapid depreciation of brand-new vehicles meant the most economical option for motorists was a slightly used car. You could normally buy something with mostly modern features, but avoid the higher cost of buying brand new. You also don’t have to bear the brunt of the significant drop in value that most new vehicles see in the first years of ownership.
The pandemic and recent chip shortages has seen used car prices increase significantly. If you have a good credit history, financing a new SUV could still make sense. You’ll get access to a brand-new vehicle with all the latest safety features, but might not have to pay much more than you would for a relatively used model.
The Best New SUVs for Seniors
Depending on the size of SUV you’re looking for and the features you want, you’ll find a lot of options to choose from. Crossovers such as the Toyota RAV4 offer ample carrying capacity but are slightly smaller than full-size SUVs. Meanwhile, the Land Rover Range Rover is a dominant example of what to look for in a full-sized SUV, designed with off-roading in mind.
The Nissan Rogue is a good all-rounder that features wide-opening doors and a clear touch-screen display. That makes it a good option for any older adults who struggle with mobility or find modern infotainment systems difficult to use.
1. Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover is a high-end SUV. There are several versions available, including standard and long wheelbase options. The diesel and plug-in hybrid versions have been discontinued as of 2022, but Land Rover launched a new hybrid version. The new hybrid offers a good mix of economical electric driving, with the back-up of the 3.0 liter, six-cylinder gas engine.
The Range Rover is a large, powerful, luxurious vehicle with a comfortable interior. That interior features power-assisted doors and massage seats for maximum comfort. Active noise cancellation technology makes even the longest drives quiet and less fatiguing. Cabin air purification filters reduce the presence of odors, allergens, and other bacteria.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is an affordable and reliable option. The 2022 version offers some interior tweaks and improved LED lighting on all but the most basic versions. It starts with the LE version, while the sportier hybrid trims cost more.
Toyota’s generous warranty terms and reputation for long-lasting engines make the RAV4 a popular choice with people who want a low-hassle SUV. A comfortable, modern interior, an impressive set of driver safety aids and good handling in a variety of conditions combine to make the RAV4 a fun vehicle for retirees who want a daily driver they feel confident taking anywhere.
3. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a midsize SUV with AWD capability. The 2022 version isn’t on the market yet, but the 2021 version is still available at an appealing price. When the 2022 version is released, drivers will be able to take advantage of a new engine and transmission.
The Rogue has impressive fuel economy, with its 181 hp engine providing up to 35 mpg on highways and 27 mpg in cities. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is offered as standard on all versions. The generous cargo space makes the Rogue a practical option for shopping or family holidays, and the high-tech displays provide easy access to entertainment, navigation assistance and other important information at a glance.
4. Subaru Forester
Subaru’s Forester is a symmetrical all-wheel-drive SUV with an impressive list of safety features. The Forester is a good all-rounder. The 2022 model offers an improved camera for the EyeSight driver assist technology, and a distraction mitigation system helps seniors stay safe on the roads. Automatic emergency steering is also on the list of new features.
The Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds and has a passenger volume of over 111 cubic feet. Seniors who want something they can use to take the grandkids on camping trips will find the Forester a more than capable vehicle.
5. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has something for everyone. The XRT trim, new for 2022, will appeal to those looking for a little extra luxury. The attractive exterior houses a 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine with a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg. Cruise control, lane assist and collision detection systems help drivers feel safe and confident on the roads.
Even the basic trims have a comfortable, luxurious-feeling interior, and the engine is powerful enough to tackle light off-road use while still being agile and fun for city driving.
6. Ford Edge
The 2022 Ford Edge is an SUV that provides the classic reliability and performance of Ford in a bold, eye-catching package. The 2022 refresh adds AWD as standard for all models. Ford CoPilot360 technology is also offered as standard, and the 2021 Edge was listed as an IIHS Top Safety Pick thanks to its LED headlamps and other safety features.
A five-seater, the Ford Edge may be smaller than some of the other SUVs on this list, but the seats are spacious and comfortable. Seniors traveling solo or those with a smaller family should find the refined, roomy interior ideal for their needs.
Trading in Your Current Car
If you have a car to trade in, you can use that to offset the cost of your new SUV. Any vehicle that’s in good condition will be in demand at the moment due to the manufacturing delays affecting the delivery of new models. If your car is relatively modern, you may be surprised at its trade-in value.
Be sure to negotiate the price of your new SUV before you start discussing trade-in values. Keep the two issues separate, and consider selling your vehicle privately or to a different dealership if you’re not happy with the price offered at the first dealer.
Manufacturing Delays and SUVs
The global chip shortage and other supply chain issues mean you may have to wait several months for your new SUV to be delivered. There’s no need to be without a car while you wait for the SUV to arrive. The dealership should offer to lend you another vehicle if you’re faced with a long wait for the SUV you ordered. Remember, the delays are caused by the manufacturer, not the dealership.
You may be able to negotiate some extra benefits for an extended delay if you’re polite and patient. But supply chain issues are affecting the majority of the auto industry, so dealers may be limited in how much they can give customers in compensation for the slower-than-normal delivery times.
