Driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about independence.
As we get older, the act of driving changes. Our reaction times slow down a hair, our night vision isn’t what it used to be, and twisting around to check a blind spot can feel like a yoga session we didn’t sign up for.
That doesn’t mean it is time to hand over the keys. It just means the criteria for what makes a “good car” shifts. You stop caring as much about 0-to-60 times and start caring a lot more about blind-spot monitoring, seats that don’t hurt your back, and dashboards that don’t require a computer science degree to operate.
U.S. News & World Report recently released their list of the best cars for older drivers in 2026. They evaluated vehicles based on easy-to-use controls, excellent visibility, and standard safety features like automatic emergency braking.
These safety features are doubly important because car insurance rates tend to creep up after age 60, and a safer car can help keep those premiums in check.
If you’re in the market for a new ride that works with you, not against you, here are eight standouts from their list. Just make sure you review the 10 must-ask questions when buying a car before you head to the dealership.
1. 2026 Toyota Camry
If you want a car that just works, it is hard to bet against the Camry. It has been a best-seller for decades for a reason, consistently ranking as one of the most dependable cars you can buy. For older drivers, the selling point is the blend of reliability and usability. The controls are intuitive—you get actual buttons for the climate control, not buried menus in a touchscreen.
The Camry also comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes features that watch the road even when you might be distracted. Plus, if you’re looking to stretch your retirement income, the hybrid models offer incredible fuel economy.
2. 2025 Honda Accord
The Accord is often the Camry’s main rival, and it earns its spot here for its interior space. It is roomy, which makes getting in and out much easier than in a compact car. The visibility is excellent, with thin pillars that don’t block your view of intersections.
It also drives smoothly. It absorbs bumps and potholes better than most cars in its class, which your back will thank you for on longer trips.
3. 2025 Mazda CX-5
You might think you need a sedan, but many older drivers actually prefer a compact SUV like the CX-5. The reason is the “hip point”—the height of the seat. In a sedan, you drop down into the seat. In a big truck, you climb up. In the CX-5, you just slide in.
Beyond the easy entry, the CX-5 feels more premium than its price tag suggests. It handles well, making it easy to maneuver in tight parking lots, and it has consistently high safety scores.
4. 2026 Subaru Outback
If you live somewhere with snow or rain, the Subaru Outback is practically a requirement. Standard all-wheel drive is the headline here, giving you extra confidence when the weather turns.
But for seniors, the real winner is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It’s like having a co-pilot that helps with braking and lane-keeping.
The Outback technically rides like a wagon, meaning it has the storage space of an SUV but feels more grounded and stable on the highway.
5. 2025 Kia Soul
I know, it looks a bit funky. But that boxy shape is exactly why it is perfect for older drivers. The high roofline and large door openings make entry and exit incredibly effortless. There is no ducking your head to get in.
Once you are inside, that boxy design translates to massive windows and great visibility. You can see everything around you. It is also compact on the outside, so parking is a breeze. If you can get past the styling, it is one of the most practical cars on the market.
6. 2026 Buick Encore GX
Buick has quietly become a favorite brand for older demographics, and the Encore GX shows why. It is a small SUV that prioritizes a quiet, comfortable cabin over sporty performance.
It’s small enough to be easily manageable but tall enough to give you a commanding view of the road. It also offers an available perpendicular parking assist, which can actually help steer the vehicle into a parking space for you.
7. 2026 Ford Maverick
This is a unique entry. The Maverick is a compact pickup truck. If you are downsizing from a large truck or SUV but still want a bed for gardening supplies or DIY projects, this is the answer.
It drives like a car (it is built on a similar frame to the Ford Escape) but gives you the utility of a truck without the massive bulk. The low bed height means you don’t have to lift heavy items as high to load them up.
8. 2026 Genesis GV70
If you have saved up and want to treat yourself to luxury, the Genesis GV70 is the way to go. It competes with the big German luxury brands but often offers more value for the money.
The safety tech here is top-tier, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor that shows a camera feed of your blind spot right in the dashboard when you use your turn signal. It is a brilliant feature that takes the guesswork out of changing lanes.
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