Best cars for seniors

Changing life stages usually translate to changing car needs, from babies to bounding teens and so on.

In your senior years, the low-slung two-seater sportscar may not be as appealing (or manageable) as it once was.

You may no longer be doing the daily commute, but you’re busy, nonetheless.

Perhaps you’ve got grandchildren to ferry around and the fitment of child seats to tackle? Maybe you have a bad back or an aversion to touch-screens?

Our point is, let’s not assume that one car fits all – particularly as we get older. Sometimes simpler requirements such as comfort and ease of use will rise to the top of your must-have list when shopping for a new car.

To make it on this list, we’ve chosen vehicles that at a minimum have autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a rear-view camera, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, ease of entry and egress, great ride comfort and user-friendly technology.

As far as style, badge and budget are concerned, there’s something for everyone.

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona has cemented its place as one of the most popular small SUVs in Australia. It’s available in four models priced from $24,300 to $40,200 (plus on-road costs, and not including the $60K-plus EV versions).

All 2020 Hyundai Kona variants come with six airbags, stability and traction control systems and anti-lock brakes. In addition, driver assist systems on all models include a camera-based forward collision warning and avoidance assist system, cruise control, rear-view camera, rollover sensors, hill start assist, downhill brake assist, driver attention warning and lane keep assist.

Combined with supportive seats, very good levels of comfort and a quiet, well-insulated ride, the Kona ticks a lot of boxes.

Smartphone-toting folk will enjoy all the benefits that Apple CarPlay and Android auto compatibility brings.

The Hyundai Kona brings a thoroughly modern personality within a functional and very user-friendly envelope. Zero fuss.

Buy this car: if you like a modern aesthetic built on simplicity and practicality.

Subaru Forester

Versatile, reliable, user-friendly tech and safe as houses. There are few boxes the trusty Subaru Forester doesn’t tick.

This Japanese-built SUV combines car-like handling with a slightly increased ride height, delivering easy access, exceptional comfort and ease of use.

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system and advanced safety technologies are key selling points. The Subaru Forester does a lot of things very well, so much so it’s Subaru’s best-selling vehicle in Australia.

Indeed, the Subaru’s safety technology suite is extensive, but we love it more because of its ease of use. There are lots of old-school buttons and a distinct lack of gimmicky screens and temperamental touch-pads.

The Forester is offered with a 2.5-litre (136kW/239Nm) four-cylinder petrol engine or new 2.0-litre hybrid (110kW/196Nm). All variants are paired to a continuously variable transmission.

Priced from $34,690 to $45,990 (plus on-road costs), it’s hard to look away.

Buy this wagon: if you want all the technology, with a simple user-friendly interface.

Range Rover Velar

Growing older does not mean losing your sense of style. The Range Rover Velar is beautiful and badge envy ensues. If you know, you know.

The Velar S is priced from $81,647 (plus on-road costs), but if you’re chasing the creature comforts we tease below, you’ll be looking at the Velar HSE priced from $121,808 (plus ORCs).

At HSE level you’ll experience some of the most comfortable seats in the business. Electric-adjust heated and ventilated seats with adjustable bolsters, electric lumbar support and massaging function. Need I go on?

We talk a lot about ease of entry and exit – if a car seat-base nicely aligns with your hip height it makes getting in and out much easier. The Velar’s electronic air suspension (standard on all V6 models; a cost option otherwise) allows you to lower the ride height by 40mm for easy entry and exit – just slide those (recently replaced?) dancers’ hips on in.

The Velar’s tech interface is a modern, touch-screen system but it’s easy to learn if you take the time.

Buy this car: when comfort is king and your need for prestige has not waivered.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is not too big, not too small and packs plenty of prestige punch. The combination is the not-so-secret recipe for Mercedes-Benz’s top-selling SUV.

Available in regular (SUV) or coupe body style and a variety of model variants – four-cylinder, V6 or V8 – the Mercedes-Benz GLC ticks many boxes. Priced from $70,300 to $174,000 (plus on-road costs), it calls on a spread of budgets, too.

A 10.25-inch touch-screen combines with a 12.3-inch customisable instrument cluster for a thoroughly modern feel inside.

But an unexpected headline for Benz’s glamour SUV (Mercedes-AMG versions aside) is a compliant ride that sees the vehicle glide over life’s daily suburban bumps regardless of your chosen drive mode. The ride comfort is excellent.

It’s another win for good suspension, which you’ll pay for as you climb the ranks. But if a seriously supple (adjustable) ride is important, it’ll be worth the extra dollars.

Buy this car: if you’re a sucker for German engineering and if the budget permits.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is relatively new to the market but the Korean car-maker’s first compact SUV is taking the fight to veteran top-selling models like the Hyundai Kona, Toyota C-HR and Mitsubishi ASX.

The Seltos’ five-variant petrol-only range includes two- or all-wheel drive power, a 2.0-litre or 1.6-litre turbo engine and a continuously variable transmission or dual-clutch auto depending on variant.

The price spread from $25,990 to $41,400 (plus on-road costs) is indicative of equipment and powertrain upgrades. At any level, however, the value equation is strong.

The 10.2-inch touch-screen offers a great balance for the tech-savvy and the, well, not-so. It’s very simple to navigate and the shortcut buttons are clearly labelled.

The Seltos feels larger on the inside than your typical small SUV, with room for five passengers and a generous 498-litre boot provided.

A local suspension tune means the Seltos is fit for Australian roads, too. The ride and handling is commendable. Comfort and overall refinement is excellent.

An exceptional seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped-price service plan are a win for peace of mind and cost of ownership.

Buy this car: if value for money, a long warranty and cost of ownership rates high.