For seniors who are buying a new car, there are many factors to take into account. Older drivers need vehicles that are reliable and manageable, but also often require plenty of passenger space for grandchildren and other younger family members. Cargo space is also a frequent concern, as many retirees like to use their leisure time to take long road trips. Finally, seniors need vehicles that are comfortable and easy to get in and out of as they age.

One of the best ways to meet all the above criteria if you are a senior buying a new vehicle is to purchase an SUV. Because of their larger size, SUVs offer more seating, cargo space and driver room than any standard sedan. SUVs are also built with reliability in mind, making them ideal for older drivers. Being higher off the ground than compact cars, SUVs are also typically easier for seniors to get in and out of.

1. 2019 Acura RDX

With a starting MSRP of $37,300, the 2019 Acura RDX luxury crossover SUV is fairly high point on the SUV price spectrum. This vehicle, however, is well worth it for the premium quality and features that it offers.

The 2019 RDX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 272 horsepower, making it manageable but still reasonably powerful and responsive. This engine is also fairly fuel efficient, getting 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

True to form, Acura has equipped the new 2019 RDX with a strong array of both entertainment and safety features. Older drivers may take a little while to get fully used to the technological features of the RDX, but Acura’s design has made them intuitive enough that you will be able to use them with ease after a brief period driving the SUV.

Although not all older drivers will want to use all of them, the RDX comes with an impressive set of entertainment features. For seniors with grandchildren, these features can be extremely useful in keeping young passengers occupied while driving. Some of the entertainment features of the 2019 Acura RDX include:

1. 16-speaker premium sound system
2. Mobile hotspot capability
3. USB device connectivity
4. Two-inch touchpad interface
5. Apple CarPlay connectivity
6. Bluetooth streaming

Of course, safety is also a key concern for many older drivers. The 2019 Acura RDX features ABS brakes, electronic stability control, a lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring, and a rear camera for backing up. All of these features can passively help keep you safe while driving. If you’re upgrading from a considerably older car that you’ve had for many years, you’ll be amazed at how convenient these modern safety features can be and how much easier they can make your driving experience.

2. 2019 Subaru Forester

With its starting MSRP of just $24,295, the 2019 Subaru Forester contrasts strongly with the Acura RDX in terms of price.

The Forester’s single engine option is a 2.5-liter engine that puts out 182 horsepower, making it a good option for senior drivers who prefer a less aggressive vehicle. The 2019 Subaru Forester’s fuel efficiency is also a major plus if you’re a senior on a limited budget, as this SUV gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

The Forester is also a great SUV for seniors because of its somewhat more simplistic approach to entertainment technology. While the Forester still features Wi-Fi capability, mobile and USB connectivity, and satellite radio, it does not have as many complex features as some of its higher-end counterparts in the SUV market. In this sense, the Subaru Forester strikes a balance between technological capabilities and simplicity that many older buyers will appreciate.

Though it is a bit more stripped down in the entertainment department, the Forester is designed with ample safety features. Major safety features of the 2019 Subaru Forester include:

1. Automatic braking
2. Lane departure warnings
3. Adaptive cruise control
4. Automatic driver focus system to detect potential driver fatigue

3. 2019 Kia Niro

For senior drivers looking to save money on gasoline, the 2019 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is an excellent SUV option. The Niro’s starting MSRP of $28,200 may be higher than the Subaru Forester’s, but it’s an excellent value when you consider that this SUV can get up to 46 mpg combined city and highway mileage. The Niro can also travel up to 26 miles on an electric charge alone, meaning that you can do most of your day-to-day driving without having to purchase gasoline at all. At 139 horsepower, the Niro’s 1.6-liter engine is at the lower end of the SUV power spectrum, though many older drivers find that lower-powered vehicles are more manageable.

Like the Subaru Forester, the 2019 Kia Niro has enough in the line of entertainment features to be useful while keeping its entertainment system relatively simple at the same time. The features that are included in this system are fairly basic but will give you plenty of functionality. Some of these features include:

1. Six-speaker audio system
2. Mobile app connectivity
3. Voice control for ease of use while driving
4. USB inputs

With adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, the Kia Niro has a reasonably good suite of safety features that will keep you and your passengers secure on the road. Adaptive cruise control can sometimes seem odd to older drivers who haven’t owned a vehicle with it before, but you will quickly get used to the feature and begin to enjoy the added sense of security it gives you, especially when you have younger family members in the vehicle.

4. 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe

Although many older drivers prefer the smaller size of crossover SUVs, it’s worth noting that full-size SUVs can also be great for seniors who need more cargo and passenger capacity. For this reason, the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe rounds out this list.

Starting at $47,900, the Tahoe is more expensive than most small SUVs, but is reasonably priced for a full-size model. With a standard 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower, the 2019 Tahoe gets 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.

The Tahoe is another vehicle that offers a reasonable entertainment package without going overboard, making it ideal for senior drivers. With both USB and auxiliary connectivity, satellite radio, and a high-quality sound system, the 2019 Tahoe has everything you really need in a car entertainment system without too many unnecessary peripherals.

On the safety side, the Chevy Tahoe offers emergency braking assistance, stability control, lane departure warnings, ABS brakes, and blind spot monitoring, as well as a convenient rear-view camera. Together, these features allow you to drive securely, especially if you’re using the Tahoe for a long trip or frequent travel.