AARP's approach to rating cars for older adults

AARP does not publish a single ranked list of "best cars for seniors." Instead, AARP's research focuses on which vehicle features matter most to older drivers — visibility, ease of entry and exit, control reach, and comfort on long drives — and how different models perform in those categories. AARP has partnered with the Hartford Center for Mature Consumer Research to test vehicles and publish findings about what makes a car safer and easier to drive as you age.

The Hartford's research identifies specific problems older drivers face: doors that are too heavy, seats positioned too low, controls placed too far away, and dashboards with small text or confusing layouts. Rather than naming winners, AARP and Hartford publish guides that explain what to look for when you shop, and they test individual models to show how well each one solves these problems.

This matters because the "best" car for you depends on your own body — your height, strength, flexibility, and vision. A car that works for one person may not work for another. The AARP approach is to teach you what to test and what questions to ask a dealer.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP and the Hartford Center for Mature Consumer Research test vehicles for features that matter to older drivers: seat height, door weight, visibility, and dashboard layout.
  • You can find detailed test results and feature comparisons on the Hartford's website, which rates specific models in categories like ease of entry and control reach.
  • The best car for you depends on your own body and needs, so AARP recommends test-driving multiple vehicles and checking specific features yourself rather than relying on a single ranking.
  • Common features to prioritize include power seats with lumbar support, large mirrors and backup cameras, straightforward-to-read dashboards, and doors that open wide without requiring excessive strength.

Features AARP research identifies as important

AARP's partnership with the Hartford has identified several vehicle features that make a real difference for older drivers. Seat height and adjustability rank near the top — a seat that is too low makes it hard to get in and out, and a seat that cannot adjust forward and backward forces you into an uncomfortable driving position. Power seats with lumbar support let you customize the position without manual effort.

Door design matters more than many people realize. Heavy doors require strength to open and close, and doors that do not open wide enough make it hard to slide in and out. AARP testing looks at how much force a door requires and how far it opens.

Visibility is critical for safety. This includes the size and position of mirrors, the presence of a backup camera, the thickness of the window pillars (the frame pieces between windows), and how much of the road you can see without turning your head. Blind spots are a major safety concern for older drivers, and vehicles with smaller blind spots and better camera systems score higher in AARP testing.

Dashboard and control layout affect how easily you can operate the vehicle. Text size on the instrument cluster, the position of buttons and switches, and whether controls are within arm's reach without leaning or stretching all matter. Touchscreen systems with large icons and voice controls can reduce the need to look away from the road.

Where to find AARP's vehicle information

The Hartford Center for Mature Consumer Research publishes detailed vehicle ratings and test results on its website at hartfordauto.org. This is the primary source for AARP-affiliated vehicle testing and information. The site includes ratings for specific models, feature comparisons, and explanations of what each feature means for your driving experience.

AARP's main website also publishes articles about vehicle safety and features for older drivers, though these are typically educational pieces rather than model-by-model ratings. You can search AARP.org for topics like "cars for older drivers" or "vehicle safety for seniors" to find these articles.

The Hartford's site lets you search by vehicle model and year, and it shows you how each model performed in categories like seat comfort, door operation, visibility, and dashboard usability. You can also compare two vehicles side by side to see which one has features that matter to you.

How to use AARP information when shopping for a car

Start by reading the Hartford's ratings for models you are considering. Note which features each vehicle handles well and which ones might be difficult for you. Then, when you visit a dealer, test those specific features yourself. Sit in the driver's seat and adjust it to your preferred position — does it go high enough? Can you reach the pedals comfortably? Open and close the door several times — does it feel heavy? Can you see clearly out all the windows without turning your head too far?

Bring a family member or friend to the test drive if possible. They can sit in the passenger seat and help you evaluate visibility, and they can also test the passenger door and seat. Ask the dealer about specific features: Can the seat be adjusted forward and backward? Does the vehicle have a backup camera? How large is the text on the dashboard? Can you adjust the steering wheel up and down as well as in and out?

Take the vehicle on a test drive in real conditions — on local roads, on a highway if possible, and in parking situations where you need to use the backup camera and mirrors. This is the only way to know whether the vehicle will work for you in daily driving.

Vehicle types that often score well in AARP testing

Crossovers and SUVs with a higher seating position tend to score well because they make entry and exit easier — you do not have to drop as far down or climb as high. However, some SUVs have heavy doors or poor visibility, so a high seating position alone is not enough. Sedans with power seats and good visibility can also work well, though they require more effort to enter and exit.

Vehicles with modern safety technology — backup cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warnings — often appeal to older drivers because they reduce the need to turn your head and neck to check blind spots. However, these features vary widely in how straightforward they are to use, so test them during your test drive.

Automatic transmissions are standard on most new vehicles, which is generally easier for older drivers than manual transmissions. Vehicles with power steering, power brakes, and other power-assisted controls require less physical effort than older vehicles with manual controls.

What AARP does not rate

AARP does not rate vehicles based on price, fuel economy, or overall reliability — those are separate decisions you will make based on your budget and needs. AARP's focus is specifically on how well a vehicle accommodates the physical needs of older drivers.

AARP also does not recommend specific models as "best" for all seniors. The Hartford's testing shows how individual models perform in specific categories, but the best choice for you depends on your own body, strength, flexibility, and driving habits. A vehicle that works well for a tall, strong driver may not work for a shorter driver with limited flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP have a list of recommended cars I can just buy?

No. AARP and the Hartford publish information about features that matter to older drivers and how specific models perform in those categories, but they do not rank vehicles as "best" overall. You use their information to understand what to look for, then test vehicles yourself to find the one that works for your body and driving needs.

Where do I find the actual Hartford vehicle ratings?

The Hartford Center for Mature Consumer Research publishes ratings and test results at hartfordauto.org. You can search by vehicle model and year, read detailed feature assessments, and compare two vehicles side by side. The site is free to use and does not require registration.

What if I cannot find my vehicle model on the Hartford website?

The Hartford tests a selection of popular models but not every vehicle on the market. If your model is not listed, use the feature categories the Hartford describes — seat height, door weight, visibility, dashboard layout — and test those features yourself during a test drive. You can also read reviews of your specific model from other sources to see if other drivers mention ease of entry or visibility.

Should I buy a vehicle just because it has a high seating position?

A high seating position makes entry and exit easier, but it is only one factor. Test the door weight, seat adjustability, visibility, and dashboard layout as well. Some high-riding vehicles have heavy doors or poor visibility, while some lower vehicles are easier to drive overall. Test multiple vehicles to compare.

Does AARP recommend new cars over used cars?

AARP's testing focuses on current models, but the features that matter — seat design, door operation, visibility — are present in older vehicles too. A used vehicle with good visibility and an straightforward-entry seat design may work better for you than a new vehicle with poor visibility. Focus on the features themselves rather than the model year.