10 Best SUVs for Seniors in 2026: Easy-to-Enter Models Ranked

Many seniors assume a sedan is the best choice, but SUVs offer real advantages for older drivers. The higher seating position makes getting in and out easier, and the extra space feels less cramped.

SUVs tend to work better for older drivers than cars do. They're heavier and larger, which helps in a crash. More importantly, they sit higher up, so seniors with mobility issues don't have to crouch or strain to get in and out.

The Subaru Forester is a solid small SUV for seniors. It has an easy-to-reach front seat and earns top safety ratings. It comes with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist as standard features.

When picking an SUV, think about how easy it is to get in and out, plus comfort on longer drives. The Honda CR-V is comfortable and easy to maneuver. The Subaru Forester has good cargo space: 76.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded, or 35.4 cubic feet with them up.

We've researched 10 SUVs that work well for seniors. This guide covers accessibility, safety, comfort, cargo space, and pricing so you can compare and decide.

• 2025 Subaru Forester

• Subaru Forester key features
• Subaru Forester safety for seniors
• Subaru Forester comfort & accessibility
• Subaru Forester cargo space
• Subaru Forester pricing
• Best use case for Subaru Forester

• 2025 Honda CR-V
  • Honda CR-V key features
  • Honda CR-V safety for seniors
  • Honda CR-V comfort & accessibility
  • Honda CR-V cargo space
  • Honda CR-V pricing
  • Best use case for Honda CR-V
• 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Hyundai Santa Fe key features
  • Hyundai Santa Fe safety for seniors
  • Hyundai Santa Fe comfort & accessibility
    
    The Hyundai Santa Fe has a spacious interior with plenty of legroom and headroom. The seats are supportive for long trips. Wide door openings and a comfortable seat height make getting in and out easy, which matters if you have mobility challenges. The controls are straightforward, and visibility is good. It's a practical choice for senior drivers.
  • Hyundai Santa Fe cargo space
  • Hyundai Santa Fe pricing
  • Best use case for Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2025 Kia Telluride

• Kia Telluride key features
• Kia Telluride safety for seniors
• Kia Telluride comfort & accessibility
• Kia Telluride cargo space
• Kia Telluride pricing
• Best use case for Kia Telluride

• 2025 Toyota Highlander
  • Toyota Highlander key features
  • Toyota Highlander safety for seniors
  • Toyota Highlander comfort & accessibility
    
    The Toyota Highlander has plenty of space and easy-to-reach seating. All three rows are accessible. It rides smoothly and quietly, which helps on longer drives. The controls are straightforward, and it has grab handles positioned well. It's a reliable and comfortable choice for seniors looking for a practical three-row SUV.
  • Toyota Highlander cargo space
  • Toyota Highlander pricing
  • Best use case for Toyota Highlander
• 2025 Subaru Outback

• Subaru Outback key features
• Subaru Outback safety for seniors
• Subaru Outback comfort & accessibility
• Subaru Outback cargo space
• Subaru Outback pricing
• Best use case for Subaru Outback

• 2025 Nissan Rogue

• Nissan Rogue key features
• Nissan Rogue safety for seniors
• Nissan Rogue comfort & accessibility
• Nissan Rogue cargo space
• Nissan Rogue pricing
• Best use case for Nissan Rogue

• 2025 Ford Escape

• Ford Escape key features
• Ford Escape safety for seniors
• Ford Escape comfort & accessibility
• Ford Escape cargo space
• Ford Escape pricing
• Best use case for Ford Escape

• 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

• Chevrolet Equinox key features
• Chevrolet Equinox safety for seniors
• Chevrolet Equinox comfort & accessibility
  
  The Chevrolet Equinox has a spacious interior with good headroom and legroom. Wide door openings and a reasonable ride height make getting in and out straightforward. The infotainment system has a large, readable display and physical buttons, making it easy to use. It balances comfort, convenience, and accessibility for seniors and families.
• Chevrolet Equinox cargo space
• Chevrolet Equinox pricing
• Best use case for Chevrolet Equinox

• 2025 Mazda CX-90

• Mazda CX-90 key features
• Mazda CX-90 safety for seniors
• Mazda CX-90 comfort & accessibility
• Mazda CX-90 cargo space
• Mazda CX-90 pricing
• Best use case for Mazda CX-90

• Comparison table
• Conclusion
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

2025 Subaru Forester

The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester is a strong choice for seniors. The completely revised sixth-generation model keeps what worked before and adds improvements that make it especially suitable for older drivers.

Subaru Forester key features

The 2025 Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It has a revised 2.5-liter BOXER engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission.

Notable features include:

• Upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with a wider field of view
• Available 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Foot-activated hands-free power rear gate (available)

The exterior is sleeker with compact LED headlights, a redesigned emblem, and flared wheel arches.

Subaru Forester safety for seniors

The Forester earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It received "Good" ratings in overall evaluation, structure, and all injury measures.

Every 2025 Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which monitors traffic and road conditions. It includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-collision Braking, and Lane Departure Warning.

The available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System alerts you if it detects drowsiness or inattention. It recognizes up to five drivers and automatically adjusts seat position, mirror angles, and climate settings for each one.

Subaru Forester comfort & accessibility

The Forester has excellent visibility and a roomy cabin. The redesign includes significantly improved sound insulation, making the interior noticeably quieter.

There's plenty of space, with 43.3 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches of rear legroom. The cabin provides up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. Getting in and out is easier thanks to the vehicle's height and door design—it's one of the easiest SUVs for seniors to access.

Subaru Forester cargo space

The 2025 Forester has 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The wide rear gate opening and flat load floor make loading and unloading large items straightforward.

Subaru Forester pricing

The 2025 Forester starts at $29,695 for the Base trim and goes up to $39,995 for the Touring trim. Middle trims are Premium ($31,995), Sport ($34,495), and Limited ($35,995). Subaru currently offers 3.9% APR financing for 48 months through July 31, 2025.

Best use case for Subaru Forester

The Forester works well for seniors who want excellent visibility, easy entry and exit, and strong safety features. It performs well in winter or light off-road situations thanks to standard all-wheel drive. It's useful for daily driving and weekend trips, especially if you prefer practical features over luxury amenities.

2025 Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V is a solid option for seniors. This sixth-generation compact SUV won Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy Award and offers good versatility for older drivers.

Honda CR-V key features

The 2025 CR-V comes in conventional and hybrid versions. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower, while the hybrid option delivers 204 horsepower. Optional real-time all-wheel drive adjusts traction automatically, and select models include a hands-free power tailgate.

The CR-V has a rugged yet accessible design, with a long wheelbase and wide stance that enhance stability. Hybrid models add gloss-black alloy wheels and dual chrome exhaust finishers.

Honda CR-V safety for seniors

The CR-V earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS. Every model comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite: Collision Mitigation Braking with pedestrian detection, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Traffic Jam Assist works with lane-keeping at speeds below 45 mph, adding steering corrections. Together, these systems give senior drivers enhanced protection.

Honda CR-V comfort & accessibility

The CR-V has features seniors will appreciate. Wide-opening doors and a low step-in height make entry and exit simple. Body Stabilizing Seats reduce fatigue on longer drives. Rear legroom is 41 inches, and available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel add comfort in cold weather.

Dual-zone automatic climate control lets driver and passenger set different temperatures. The controls are intuitive, and a textured dash insert hides the air vents.

Honda CR-V cargo space

The CR-V provides 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The low, wide cargo opening makes loading groceries and gear easy.

Honda CR-V pricing

The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $31,495 for the base LX trim. Higher trims include EX (around $34,500), EX-L (around $37,000), and hybrid versions starting at $36,045 for the Sport Hybrid. All-wheel drive adds approximately $1,500 to most trims.

Best use case for Honda CR-V

The CR-V suits seniors who value comfort, safety, and reliability in a daily driver. It handles smoothly and has clear visibility, making it good for city driving and longer trips. Hybrid models offer strong fuel economy (around 37 mpg combined), which helps seniors on fixed incomes manage fuel costs.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the easiest SUVs for seniors to get in and out of, thanks to its higher seating position and wide door openings.

Hyundai Santa Fe key features

The 2025 Santa Fe has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 277 horsepower. It comes in five trims (SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy), so there are options for different needs and budgets.

Standard features include:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• High-quality interior materials with soft-touch surfaces
• Optional dual-pane sunroof on higher trims
• Available all-wheel drive on all trims

The XRT trim offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance, compared to 7 inches on other trims, if you like occasional off-road driving.

Hyundai Santa Fe safety for seniors

The Santa Fe includes driver assistance technologies for safety and earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for its crash-avoidance systems and strong construction.

Key safety features are Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. Highway Driving Assist allows brief hands-free driving, which can ease long highway trips.

Hyundai Santa Fe comfort & accessibility

The Santa Fe offers comfort and ease for older drivers. Its high seat position and wide door openings make getting in and out straightforward. The front seats provide good support on long trips.

The cabin has easy-to-reach controls, dual-zone climate control, and available heated and ventilated seats. Second-row passengers have 42.3 inches of legroom.

Hyundai Santa Fe cargo space

The Santa Fe has 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row expands this to 40.5 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows gives 79.6 cubic feet. The wide rear gate and flat load floor simplify loading and unloading.

Hyundai Santa Fe pricing

The 2025 Santa Fe starts at $34,800 for the base SE trim. Other trims include SEL ($37,340), XRT ($41,790), Limited ($44,350), and Calligraphy ($47,350). All-wheel drive adds approximately $1,800 but comes standard on the XRT.

Best use case for Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe suits seniors who want comfort, easy access, and modern technology. It works well if you occasionally need seating for grandchildren or friends. It handles grocery runs, weekend trips, and daily driving with comfort and ease.

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride has an eye-catching look and an easy-to-access cabin, making it a great choice for seniors who value space and comfort. This three-row SUV feels premium without the premium price.

Kia Telluride key features

The Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims.

Standard features include:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Dual-zone climate control
• Remote start and proximity keyless entry
• Highway Driving Assist 1.5 with adaptive cruise control and lane centering

Higher trims add Nappa leather, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display.

Kia Telluride safety for seniors

The 2025 Telluride earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, their highest safety award. It received "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness categories.

Standard safety features for seniors include:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Rear parking sensors

The adaptive cruise control accelerates and slows smoothly, while the lane-keeping system maintains your position without constant corrections.

Kia Telluride comfort & accessibility

The Telluride has stadium seating, where each row sits slightly higher than the one in front, making it easy to see out and get around inside. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom in all three rows.

Second-row passengers have 42.4 inches of legroom and 40.2 inches of headroom. Even adults fit comfortably in the third row. Wide-opening doors and a reasonable step-in height make entry and exit straightforward for seniors.

Kia Telluride cargo space

Behind the third row, there are 21 cubic feet of cargo space. This expands to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The wide hatch opening and flat load floor make loading bulky items easy.

Kia Telluride pricing

The 2025 Telluride starts at $36,190 for the base LX trim. Other trim prices are:

• S: $39,090
• EX: $41,790
• SX: $45,890
• SX Prestige: $51,090 (includes standard all-wheel drive)

X-Line and X-Pro packages add rugged styling. The X-Pro increases towing capacity to 5,500 pounds from the standard 5,000 pounds.

Best use case for Kia Telluride

The Telluride works well for seniors who often transport family members, since it comfortably seats up to eight. It rides smoothly, handles stably, and has a quiet cabin—ideal for longer trips. It fits seniors who want interior space, comfort, and safety features at a reasonable price.

2025 Toyota Highlander

The spacious 2025 Toyota Highlander offers reliable performance and thoughtful design for seniors.

Toyota Highlander key features

The Highlander comes in gas and hybrid versions. The gas model has a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine making 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors for combined 243 horsepower.

Standard features across all models include:

• LED headlights and fog lights

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
• Power liftgate
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Higher trims add a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a panoramic moonroof.

Toyota Highlander safety for seniors

The 2025 Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on all models, with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracking Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Toyota Highlander comfort & accessibility

The Highlander has a spacious interior with good legroom and headroom throughout. Wide door openings and a lower step-in height make getting in and out easier for everyone, including those with mobility issues. The controls are laid out intuitively, and power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel add comfort. The visibility is good thanks to thin front roof pillars. The base model seats eight passengers, while higher trims offer captain's chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to seven. Front seats have 42 inches of legroom.

Toyota Highlander cargo space

Behind the third row, there are 16 cubic feet of storage. Folding the third row expands capacity to 48.4 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded, you get 84.3 cubic feet maximum.

Toyota Highlander pricing

The 2025 Highlander starts at $39,520 for the base LE trim. Higher trims include XLE ($42,670), XSE ($46,340), Limited ($46,775), and Platinum ($51,925). Hybrid models begin with the XLE Hybrid at $46,020.

Best use case for Toyota Highlander

The Highlander suits seniors looking for a comfortable, family-friendly vehicle with strong safety features. It rides smoothly, has a quiet interior, and works well for daily driving and longer trips. It's well-suited for seniors who often drive grandchildren but want a vehicle that's still easy to handle.

2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback combines rugged capability with senior-friendly accessibility. This wagon-inspired SUV works well for older drivers who want comfort and confidence on the road.

Subaru Outback key features

The Outback has two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter BOXER producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, or an available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. All models come with all-wheel drive and X-MODE with hill descent control for enhanced stability.

Key features include:

• 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches on Wilderness trim)
• Available 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Up to 3,500 pounds towing capacity on XT and Wilderness models

Subaru Outback safety for seniors

The Outback comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which monitors traffic like an extra set of eyes. It includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Pre-Collision Braking.

The available DriverFocus system detects drowsiness or inattention and recognizes up to five drivers, remembering each person's seat position and climate preferences. This is helpful if you share the vehicle with family members.

Subaru Outback comfort & accessibility

The Outback provides 109 cubic feet of passenger space (107.5 with moonroof). Front passengers have 42.8 inches of legroom, and rear passengers get 39.5 inches. The high seating position and wide door openings make getting in and out straightforward.

Subaru Outback cargo space

Behind the rear seats, the Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of storage. Fold the seats down and you get 75.6 cubic feet. The optional hands-free power rear gate makes loading easier when your hands are full.

Subaru Outback pricing

The 2025 Outback starts at approximately $29,000 for the base trim. Other trims include Premium ($33,060), Onyx Edition ($38,594), Limited ($40,293), and Touring XT ($49,000+). All-wheel drive is standard on all models.

Best use case for Subaru Outback

The Outback works well for seniors who want all-weather capability in a vehicle that's easy to enter and exit. Its ground clearance suits active older adults who enjoy outdoor activities while providing comfort for daily driving. Standard all-wheel drive gives you confidence in different weather conditions without thinking about when to engage it.

2025 Nissan Rogue

The 2025 Nissan Rogue offers good value for seniors who want comfortable, accessible transportation with strong fuel economy and safety features.

Nissan Rogue key features

The Rogue has a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine generating 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy reaches 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, helping seniors on fixed incomes manage costs. Optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive automatically adjusts power between front and rear wheels.

Drive modes include standard Auto, Eco, and Sport, plus Snow and Off-Road modes on AWD models. Available ProPILOT Assist 2.1 provides advanced driving assistance for highway travel.

Nissan Rogue safety for seniors

Every model comes standard with Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection that can stop the vehicle when it detects pedestrians or cyclists. Additional safety features include:

• Blind spot warning
• Lane departure warning
• Intelligent driver alertness
• Rear parking sensors

Nissan Rogue comfort & accessibility

The Rogue has 43.3 inches of front legroom and 38.5 inches of rear legroom. Wide-opening doors make getting in and out simple, which matters for seniors with mobility concerns. Optional heated front and rear seats and a dual-panel panoramic moonroof add comfort.

Nissan Rogue cargo space

Behind the second row, there are 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide cargo system offers six configurations for organizing groceries or gear.

Nissan Rogue pricing

The 2025 Rogue S FWD starts at $28,590. Key trim prices are:

• SV FWD: $29,590
• SL FWD: $35,090
• Platinum FWD: $38,590

All-wheel drive adds approximately $1,400 to each trim.

Best use case for Nissan Rogue

The Rogue suits seniors seeking good fuel economy and safety features at a reasonable price. Annual maintenance costs average around $467, making it a smart choice for seniors on fixed incomes who value reliability without needing luxury features.

2025 Ford Escape

The 2025 Ford Escape is a solid choice for seniors looking for accessibility and modern features. Its sliding rear seats and practical dimensions offer comfort and convenience.

Ford Escape key features

The Escape offers several powertrain options: a standard 180-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder with front-wheel drive, or an available 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with all-wheel drive. All models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard technology includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 13.2 inches.

Ford Escape safety for seniors

The Escape scored 85/100 in J.D. Power reliability, which can reassure older drivers concerned about dependability. Ford Co-Pilot360 technology is standard and includes features beneficial for seniors:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Lane-Keeping System

Ford Escape comfort & accessibility

Front passengers have 42.4 inches of legroom, and rear passengers have 40.7 inches. The sliding second row lets you adjust it for more passenger space or more cargo room as needed.

Ford Escape cargo space

Behind the second row, there are 37.5 cubic feet of storage. With rear seats folded, it expands to 65.4 cubic feet, providing room for luggage or groceries.

Ford Escape pricing

The 2025 Escape starts at $27,995 for the Active trim. Other configurations include ST-Line ($28,990), Platinum ($35,545), and ST-Line Elite ($36,540).

Best use case for Ford Escape

The Escape works well for seniors who value easy entry and exit, excellent visibility, and modern technology features. Its good reliability ratings make it ideal for older drivers seeking dependable transportation.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The redesigned 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a good choice for seniors who want modern features and accessibility at an affordable price. This compact SUV has a practical design and senior-friendly technology.

Chevrolet Equinox key features

The 2025 Equinox uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive models have a CVT transmission, while all-wheel drive versions get an 8-speed automatic. The interior has an 11-inch digital instrument panel and 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Chevrolet Equinox safety for seniors

Standard Chevy Safety Assist comes on every Equinox, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert. You can add optional features like HD Surround Vision with multi-camera view and adaptive cruise control.

Chevrolet Equinox comfort & accessibility

The interior offers 104.3 cubic feet of passenger volume in a compact exterior. Front passengers get 40.9 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. You can choose cloth, Evotex, or suede microfiber upholstery.

Chevrolet Equinox cargo space

Behind the rear seats, the Equinox provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The optional hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate makes loading easier.

Chevrolet Equinox pricing

The 2025 Equinox starts at $28,600 for the LT trim. Other trims include RS ($33,000) and Activ ($33,000), with all-wheel drive adding approximately $2,000 to each trim.

Best use case for Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox suits seniors looking for modern technology, good visibility, and affordable pricing. Its five-year cost to own ranks in the top 10% for affordability among compact SUVs.

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers premium features at a reasonable price, making it attractive for seniors who want upscale comfort without paying luxury prices.

Mazda CX-90 key features

The CX-90 has a 280-horsepower turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include:

• Rear-biased all-wheel drive for confident handling
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Three-zone automatic climate control

Mazda CX-90 safety for seniors

The CX-90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness categories. Standard safety features beneficial for seniors include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and prevention, and front crash prevention systems rated "Superior" for vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian detection.

Mazda CX-90 comfort & accessibility

Seating for up to eight passengers is standard. Front passengers have 41.7 inches of legroom, second-row passengers have 39.4 inches, and third-row passengers have 30.4 inches. Stadium-style seating improves visibility for all occupants.

Mazda CX-90 cargo space

Behind the third row, the CX-90 provides 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row expands capacity to 40 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows reaches 74.2 cubic feet maximum.

Mazda CX-90 pricing

The 2025 CX-90 starts at $38,045 for the base Inline 6 Turbo model. Special financing includes 1.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers.

Best use case for Mazda CX-90

For seniors who want premium features, three-row flexibility, and advanced safety technology, the CX-90 is a stylish option.

Comparison table

This table summarizes key specifications and features across all 10 SUVs to help you compare side by side.

Model

Starting price

Engine/power

Cargo space (2nd row)

Key safety features

Notable comfort features

2025 Subaru Forester

$29,695

2.5L BOXER, 180 hp

29.6 cu ft

EyeSight Driver Assist, IIHS Top Safety Pick

DriverFocus system, 43.3″ front legroom

2025 Honda CR-V

$31,495

1.5L turbo, 190 hp

39.3 cu ft

Honda Sensing suite, 5-Star NHTSA rating

Body Stabilizing Seats, wide-opening doors

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

$34,800

2.5L turbo, 277 hp

40.5 cu ft

IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Forward Collision Assist

High seat position, 42.3″ rear legroom

2025 Kia Telluride

$36,190

3.8L V6, 291 hp

46.0 cu ft

IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Highway Driving Assist

Stadium seating design, 42.4″ rear legroom

2025 Toyota Highlander

$39,520

2.4L turbo, 265 hp

48.4 cu ft

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, 5-star NHTSA rating

42″ front legroom, thin front pillars

2025 Subaru Outback

$29,000

2.5L BOXER, 182 hp

32.6 cu ft

EyeSight Driver Assist, DriverFocus system

42.8″ front legroom, high seating position

2025 Nissan Rogue

$28,590

1.5L VC-Turbo, 201 hp

36.5 cu ft

Safety Shield 360, ProPILOT Assist 2.1

43.3″ front legroom, wide-opening doors

2025 Ford Escape

$27,995

1.5L turbo, 180 hp

37.5 cu ft

Ford Co-Pilot360, BLIS

42.4″ front legroom, sliding rear seats

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

$28,600

1.5L turbo, 175 hp

29.8 cu ft

Chevy Safety Assist, HD Surround Vision

40.9″ front legroom, dual digital displays

2025 Mazda CX-90

$38,045

3.3L turbo I6, 280 hp

40.0 cu ft

IIHS Top Safety Pick+, blind spot monitoring

41.7″ front legroom, three-zone climate

Conclusion

Finding the right SUV as a senior driver means balancing accessibility, safety features, and comfort within your budget. We've examined 10 models that work well for older drivers.

Safety matters. Every SUV on our list includes standard driver assistance technology, from the Subaru Forester's EyeSight system to the Honda CR-V's Honda Sensing suite. These features provide extra help with daily driving.

Accessibility is equally important. Higher seating positions and wide door openings make vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Rogue much easier for seniors to enter and exit compared to traditional sedans.

Budget varies widely. Our list includes the Ford Escape (starting around $28,000) and the Mazda CX-90 (at $38,045), covering different financial situations.

Storage needs depend on your lifestyle. Active seniors who travel frequently might prefer the Kia Telluride's cargo capacity, while others may find more compact options adequate.

The Subaru Forester is our top choice for most seniors. It offers excellent accessibility, strong safety ratings, and reasonable pricing. But any vehicle on this list could work well for you, depending on what you need.

Test drive several options before deciding. Pay attention to how easily you get in and out, your visibility from the driver's seat, and whether the controls feel comfortable. The best SUV depends on your mobility needs, driving preferences, and budget.

Key takeaways

These tips will help you choose an SUV that is safe, accessible, and comfortable.

• SUVs offer better safety and accessibility for seniors. Higher seating positions and wider door openings make entry and exit easier than sedans, and extra weight provides better crash protection.

• Advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are now standard on most recommended SUVs.

• The Subaru Forester is the top choice for most seniors. Starting at $29,695, it combines excellent visibility, easy accessibility, strong safety features, and generous cargo space.

• Affordable options still have important features. The Ford Escape ($27,995) and Nissan Rogue ($28,590) offer good fuel economy and safety technology at their prices.

• When test driving, focus on ease of entry and exit, visibility from the driver's seat, and intuitive controls to find an SUV that matches your mobility needs and driving preferences.

FAQs

Q1. What makes SUVs a good choice for senior drivers?
SUVs have higher seating positions and wider door openings, making entry and exit easier than sedans. They also offer better visibility and increased crash protection due to their size and weight.

Q2. Which SUV is the best overall option for seniors?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a top choice. It offers excellent visibility, easy accessibility, good safety features, and generous cargo space, starting at $29,695.

Q3. Are there affordable SUV options that still provide essential features for seniors?
Yes. The 2025 Ford Escape ($27,995) and 2025 Nissan Rogue ($28,590) offer good fuel economy and advanced safety technology at accessible prices.

Q4. What key safety features should seniors look for in an SUV?
Look for automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Most recommended models include these as standard.

Test drive several models and pay attention to ease of entry and exit, visibility from the driver's seat, and how intuitive the controls are. The best SUV depends on your mobility needs, driving habits, and budget.