What matters most in a car for an older driver

The best car for you depends on what you can physically manage and what makes you feel safe. That is not the same for everyone. A sedan that works perfectly for one person might be impossible for another to get in and out of, or to see around, or to hear traffic in.

AARP publishes an annual list of vehicles rated for older drivers, but the list is a starting point, not a prescription. The cars on it tend to have high seats, good visibility, straightforward-to-use controls, and safety features that work without requiring quick reflexes. What you actually need depends on your height, your strength, your eyesight, your hearing, and how far you typically drive.

Before you look at any specific model, think about the physical tasks that matter to you: getting in and out, seeing over the hood and out the back, reaching the pedals and steering wheel comfortably, hearing alerts, and using the radio or navigation without taking your eyes off the road for long.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's annual car ratings focus on visibility, seat height, control placement, and safety features designed for older drivers, but the best car for you depends on your own physical needs.
  • High-set seats, wide door openings, and power-adjustable pedals make getting in and out easier and reduce strain on knees and hips.
  • Good visibility—large windows, thin pillars, and backup cameras—matters more than horsepower and can prevent accidents caused by blind spots.
  • Automatic transmission, power steering, and large, straightforward-to-grip controls reduce the strength and coordination required to drive safely.
  • Test-drive any car for at least 20 minutes on roads you know, adjusting the seat and mirrors before you decide.

Seat height and getting in and out

A seat that is too low forces you to use your knees and hips to push yourself up, which can be painful or impossible if you have arthritis or hip problems. Seats that are higher off the ground—typically in SUVs, crossovers, and some sedans—let you sit down and stand up with less strain.

The door opening also matters. A narrow opening or a door that swings out at an angle can make it hard to slide in sideways. Wider doors and doors that open at a wider angle give you more room to maneuver. Grab handles on the door frame or the seat itself help you pull yourself up without relying only on your legs.

Before you buy, sit in the driver's seat with the door open. Can you get your legs in without hitting the steering wheel? Can you stand up from the seat without using your arms? If the answer to either is no, keep looking.

Visibility and what you can see

Older drivers often lose some peripheral vision and take longer to adjust when moving between bright and dark areas. A car with large windows, thin roof pillars, and a short hood helps you see pedestrians, cyclists, and other cars without turning your head as far.

Backup cameras are now standard on most new cars and show you what is directly behind you on a screen in the dashboard. Blind-spot mirrors or blind-spot warning systems alert you when a car is in the area you cannot see in your side mirrors. Neither replaces turning your head, but both reduce the risk of backing into something or changing lanes into a car you did not see.

Headlights matter too. Older eyes need more light to see the road clearly at night. Cars with automatic high beams, LED headlights, or adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel help you see farther and see better in curves.

Controls you can reach and use

If the steering wheel does not adjust for reach and height, you may have to sit too close or too far away to be comfortable or safe. Power-adjustable pedals let you move the gas and brake pedals closer or farther without moving the seat, which matters if you are very short or very tall.

Large buttons and knobs are easier to use than small touch screens, especially if you have arthritis or tremors in your hands. Radio volume, temperature, and windshield wipers should be reachable without taking your eyes off the road or stretching your arm. If you have to lean forward or reach across your body to adjust something, that is a sign the layout is not designed for you.

Steering should not require a lot of force. Power steering is standard now, but some cars require more effort than others. Test the steering in a parking lot—it should feel light and responsive, not stiff or numb.

Automatic transmission and ease of driving

Manual transmissions are rare now, but if you are considering an older used car, an automatic is much easier to manage. You only have to think about the gas and brake, not coordinating your left foot with the clutch.

Automatic parking features—where the car steers itself into a parking space while you control the gas and brake—can be helpful if parallel parking has become difficult. Adaptive cruise control lets you set a speed and distance from the car ahead, and the car adjusts automatically. These features do not drive the car for you, but they reduce the number of decisions and adjustments you have to make.

Transmission shift quality matters too. The shift from Park to Drive or Reverse should be smooth and require only light pressure on the brake. If it is stiff or jerky, it can be tiring or uncomfortable to use repeatedly.

Safety features that do not require quick reflexes

Automatic emergency braking applies the brakes if the car detects an obstacle or another vehicle ahead and you do not respond in time. This feature works at any speed and can prevent or reduce the severity of a crash. It is not a replacement for paying attention, but it is a safety net if your reaction time has slowed.

Forward collision warning alerts you with a sound or light if you are approaching something too fast. Lane-keeping information gently steers you back into your lane if you drift. These systems are designed to give you extra time to react, not to take over driving.

Stability control prevents skidding in emergency maneuvers or on slippery roads. It is standard on all new cars and works automatically without any input from you.

What AARP looks for in its annual ratings

AARP publishes its annual list of vehicles rated for older drivers in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The list includes cars, SUVs, and crossovers across different price ranges. Each vehicle is evaluated on seat height and comfort, visibility, controls and displays, safety features, and crash test performance.

The list is updated each year as new models come out and as safety technology changes. You can find the current list on AARP's website by searching for "AARP car ratings" or "AARP best cars for older drivers." The list includes photos, detailed ratings for each category, and links to manufacturer websites where you can find local dealers.

The list is a good starting point, but it is not the only thing to consider. A car that scores well on AARP's ratings might still not be right for you if you cannot reach the pedals, or if the door is too narrow, or if the noise level inside makes it hard to hear traffic. Your own test drive matters more than any rating.

How to test-drive a car the right way

Before you go to a dealership, make a list of the physical things that matter to you: seat height, door width, steering effort, visibility, control placement, or anything else that has been hard in your current car. Bring that list with you.

Spend at least 20 minutes driving the car on roads you know—not just around the dealership lot. Adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel before you start. Drive in traffic if you can, and drive at night if the dealership allows it. Pay attention to how straightforward it is to see, how much effort the steering takes, whether you can hear traffic and alerts, and whether you feel in control.

Sit in the car with the engine off and the door open. Can you get in and out without pain or struggle? Can you reach the pedals with your heel on the floor? Can you see over the hood? Can you reach the radio and climate controls without leaning? If anything feels wrong, do not buy the car just because it is on a list or because the salesperson says you will get used to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy a new car or a used one?

New cars have the latest safety technology and a warranty, but used cars cost less. If you buy used, look for a model that is no more than five to seven years old so you still get backup cameras, automatic emergency braking, and other modern safety features. Have a mechanic inspect any used car before you buy.

Are SUVs and crossovers better than sedans for older drivers?

SUVs and crossovers typically have higher seats and better visibility, which many older drivers prefer. They also cost more and use more fuel. A sedan with good visibility and a high seat can work just as well if it fits your body and your budget. Test both and choose based on what feels right to you, not on category.

What if I cannot afford a new car with all the safety features?

Backup cameras and automatic emergency braking are now standard on most cars, even used ones from the last five years. Focus on the physical fit—seat height, visibility, control placement—because those things do not change with price. A used car that fits your body is safer than a new car you cannot reach the pedals in.

Can I modify my current car to make it easier to drive?

Yes. Seat cushions can raise you higher, grab handles can be added to the door frame, and steering wheel covers can make the wheel easier to grip. A professional driving rehabilitation specialist can recommend modifications based on your specific needs. Ask your doctor for a referral or search for "driving rehabilitation" in your area.

What if I am not sure I should still be driving?

A professional driving evaluation tests your vision, reaction time, flexibility, and ability to handle different road situations. The results can help you and your doctor decide whether you are safe to drive, and if so, what changes or restrictions might help. Ask your doctor for a referral to a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.