AARP’s Recommendations on Best Cars for Seniors
For seniors, choosing the right vehicle means considering features that enhance safety, comfort and convenience. There are myriad lists of “best cars for seniors” from a variety of sources that highlights makes and models of automobiles in a wide range of prices. These lists prioritize things like ease of entry and exit, driver-assist features, and clearly labeled and visible controls – which are important for all drivers but especially so for seniors behind the wheel.
At Longhorn Village, we’re always looking for ways to provide seniors with the resources and amenities they need as they navigate the world around them. With dedicated resident parking spaces available on campus, as well as new Blink Charging stations for EV drivers, we’re looking out for drivers.
Here, we share just some of the picks for 2024 and 2025, including current pricing (which is subject to change from date of publication, September 2025), as well as U.S. News & World Report scores and why each model stands out for mature drivers.
2025 Mazda CX-5
$28,570 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
More on the 2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 blends agile handling with upscale cabin materials and simple infotainment controls. Its low-step SUV design makes entry and exit effortless for seniors, whether they’re attending medical appointments or visiting family downtown. Advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, provide extra confidence on Austin’s busy roads.
2025 Honda Accord
$28,295 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
More on the 2025 Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord’s spacious interior and smooth ride have made it a perennial AARP favorite. Seniors appreciate its wide doors, comfortable seating and intuitive touchscreen. Standard driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking, helps older drivers navigate traffic — whether traveling to events at the Texas Capitol or local theaters.
2025 Buick Encore GX
$25,940 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
More on the 2025 Buick Encore GX
Compact yet tall enough for easy access, the Buick Encore GX offers excellent visibility and a forgiving ride. Its seating height suits residents who prefer minimal bending. A quiet cabin and straightforward controls make radio tuning and climate adjustments simple when cruising to Barton Springs or the LBJ Presidential Library.
2024 Ford Maverick
$23,920 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
More on the 2024 Ford Maverick
This unibody pickup delivers sedan-like handling with the utility of a truck. The bed height is low enough for seniors to load packages into the back. Its standard automatic emergency braking and rearview camera assist with tight parking at the mall or downtown outings.
2025 Genesis GV70
$45,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
More on the 2025 Genesis GV70
Luxury meets accessibility in the Genesis GV70. Its heated seats, power-adjustable steering column and frameless doors create a premium yet practical driving experience. Blind-spot intervention and safe exit warnings help drivers feel secure on highway trips to Fredericksburg or throughout the Hill Country.
2025 Toyota Camry
$28,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.5/10
More on the 2025 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry combines reliability with senior-friendly ergonomics. Ample headroom and wide, well-positioned seats reduce strain. Toyota Safety Sense suite includes pedestrian detection and lane-departure alert, ideal for residents heading to weekly farmers markets or family gatherings.
2025 Kia Soul
$20,290 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.2/10
More on the 2025 Kia Soul
The boxy Kia Soul offers a high roofline and large doors, making it easy for seniors to step in and out. Its compact footprint eases parking in Austin’s urban areas near shopping or medical centers. Touchscreen audio plus smartphone integration ensures hands-free calls during transit.
2025 Lexus RX Hybrid
$52,475 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
More on the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid
For seniors seeking luxury with fuel efficiency, the RX Hybrid delivers quiet hybrid power and a smooth ride. Adjustable ride height and doors that open wide are especially helpful for those with mobility concerns. Standard adaptive cruise control and cross-traffic alert add peace of mind on highway drives to Round Rock.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
$26,650 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
More on the 2025 Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata offers a low step-in height, large controls and a crystal-clear gauge cluster that aids visibility. Heated front seats offer comfort in winter and its ventilated cooling options keep seniors comfortable in the Texas heat.
2025 Honda Civic
$24,250 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.2/10
More on the 2025 Honda Civic
Compact and economical, the Civic features supportive seating and a user-friendly infotainment system. Collision mitigation braking and lane-departure warning come standard, giving seniors added security traveling between Longhorn Village and downtown landmarks.
2025 Subaru Outback
$28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
More on the 2025 Subaru Outback
All-wheel drive offers added confidence for seniors driving country roads to winery tours or outdoor excursions. The Outback’s raised ride height and wide doors simplify entry and exit.
2024 Toyota RAV4
$28,850 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
More on the 2024 Toyota RAV4
SUV fans appreciate the RAV4’s comfortable seats and straightforward dashboard layout. The cargo area suits storage for golf clubs or picnic supplies. Toyota’s blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert enhance safety while backing out of parking spots.
When evaluating cars for seniors, it’s important to prioritize features that support independence, confidence, and safety. Longhorn Village offers that same assurance, where amenities, services, and the Hill Country lifestyle combine to keep you moving forward with confidence. Contact us today to learn more and discover how life at Longhorn Village puts you in the driver’s seat of retirement living.
Featured Image: Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock