Best Car Features for Senior Drivers

If you're in the market for a new vehicle in Canada, the data shows you're likely approaching the status of a senior driver. Or, like me, you are already there. According to AutoTrader's most recent Vehicle Purchase Intentions study, adults aged 55 years and over now comprise nearly half of all new car buyers, a share they have held since the second half of 2023. 

For senior car buyers, what we should prioritize when shopping for a new daily driver is different from when we were younger. Instead of style and performance, it's more about maximizing accessibility, comfort, ease of use, visibility, and staying alert on the road. 

The good news is, modern cars are better designed than ever to accommodate older drivers. Here’s what seniors should look for when shopping for a new car.

Accessibility

Whatever your age, you'll want to drive a vehicle that allows you to get in and out of and operate with ease. A car that sits too high or too low can make transfers difficult for those who may be less flexible than we were, say, three decades ago and before a hip replacement.

When looking for a new car, search for vehicles with wide door openings and low sills, typically found in boxier SUVs and trucks. This can reduce the strain on aging knees and backs. Keyless entry and ignition can simplify the process of entering and starting the vehicle. 

A vehicle with a high seating position and power-adjustable seats makes getting in and out smoother. In this regard, vans and minivans are particularly attractive. They combine higher seating with low floors and sliding doors, making them ideal for those who require extra room and accessibility. Sliding doors are a game-changer when parked in tighter parking situations. 

Check that the grab handles in the vehicle's cabin are abundant and consistently within reach. The partner of AutoTrader's Editor-in-Chief, Jodi Lai, remarked that it would be impossible for his 90-year-old mother to get in and out of a mid-size SUV they were driving because there was no grab handle.

These features make it easier to help older drivers get in and out of a car, especially if they use a cane or walker. Before picking a new vehicle, visit your dealer and get in and out of the car you may be interested in before you commit to buying it. During the test drive, pay attention to how easy it is for you to enter and exit the vehicle, the comfort of the seats, the visibility, and the ease of use of the controls.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Whether you're 16 or 76 years old, driving long distances can make you tired. Consequently, you want to be driving a vehicle that reduces fatigue. This is why a new vehicle's comfort and ergonomics are crucial for senior drivers. 

Adjustable, supportive seating with good lumbar support can reduce back strain and make long drives more pleasant. We also strongly recommend a power-adjustable driver's seat that can be adjusted fore and aft, up and down, and reclined. While you are at it, consider seats with power lumbar adjustments. For senior drivers, heated seats and a heated steering wheel make a lot of sense in Canada's colder winter months. The same applies to cooled or ventilated seats, which help keep you cool on a steamy summer day.

Next, check if the vehicle's driver's controls are within easy reach and the markings are legible. Many newer models use touch-sensitive controls, some of which have been downsized. These can be fiddly to use and hard to read for us older drivers. Large touchscreens with voice activation can reduce distractions. Call me old-fashioned, but hard buttons and dials remain easier to use in vehicles, no matter how old you are.

Visibility

Visibility in a car is crucial for senior drivers due to age-related vision changes that can impact our ability to react to hazards and navigate safely. A vehicle with higher seats, large windows, and thin roof pillars provides better sightlines.

For dawn, dusk, or night driving, pick a vehicle with LED headlights that throw their beam wider and farther than regular headlights. High-beam assist is another recommended feature for senior drivers. They automatically engage and disengage the high-beam lights as needed. In addition, fog lights can significantly improve visibility in poor weather conditions.

An auto-dimming rearview mirror that can detect approaching headlights from behind can also be helpful when driving at night. Other features that can help improve visibility include rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icers, heated exterior mirrors, headlight washers, and a rear-window wiper and defroster.

Safety Features

As the average age of drivers in Canada has increased, automakers have been implementing more safety features. Cars, trucks, and SUVs are safer today than ever before. Features like antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and rearview cameras are now standard on every new car. 

As we age, there are a host of up-to-date safety and driver assistance features that you may want to consider:

• Adaptive Cruise Control can be particularly beneficial for senior drivers, as it reduces the need for constant speed adjustments and helps prevent rear-end collisions. 

• Blind Spot Monitoring warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.

• Driver Attention Warning alerts the driver when they appear sleepy or inattentive. 

• Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking will help prevent or mitigate collisions. 

• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist can prevent unintentional lane drifting. 

• Rearview Cameras, Parking Sensors, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert systems warn of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking spot, especially helpful for those with limited neck mobility.

Compare Different Models Before You Buy

By prioritizing features that enhance accessibility, visibility, comfort, and safety, you can significantly improve your driving experience as a senior driver. 

Regarding the types of vehicles you should be searching for in your new vehicle hunt, SUVs and minivans often offer a better combination of comfort and safety features due to their higher ride height, spacious interiors, and advanced safety technology. The higher ride height makes them easier to get in and out of the vehicle, the spacious interiors provide more room for passengers and cargo, and the advanced safety technology can help prevent accidents. However, smaller SUVs, mid-size sedans and crossovers can also be a good choice, offering a balance of size and safety features.