Like an estimated 80 percent of Americans, you’ve likely experienced lower back pain at some point. It’s an ailment that can cause your everyday life to be far less enjoyable. Even simple tasks, such as tying your shoes and getting out of the bed, can cause a great deal of agony.
In order to stay comfortable while driving, you need a vehicle that’s going to provide the necessary back support. This is especially true for the folks who spend a great of time on the road. So, let’s take a look at the top five vehicles for minimizing back pain.
1. 2019 Nissan Altima
A lot of people are excited by the redesigned 2019 Nissan Altima. It’s more stylish, more efficient, and loaded with new features. Most importantly, this midsize sedan promises to offer great comfort on the road.
When first stepping inside the all-new Altima, passengers immediately notice its spacious atmosphere. The extra room will definitely help you to maintain a relaxing driving position. Furthermore, Nissan’s space-age Zero Gravity seats come standard. These seats are specially engineered to keep your spine in a natural position. According to many back pain sufferers, they make daily commuting and long road trips far more satisfying.
For 2019, Nissan gives you two new engines to choose from. A direct-injected four-cylinder engine comes standard, which develops a competitive 188 horsepower. Fuel economy tops out at an efficient 39 mpg on the highway. Replacing the Altima’s previous V6 engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It pushes out an entertaining 248 horsepower.
Even the base Altima comes loaded with attractive features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and satellite radio. A standard forward collision warning system gives you another reason to love the new Altima. Available on the upper trims, Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist system makes driving in heavy traffic less unnerving.
2. 2019 Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental has long held a reputation for being a comfortable luxury car. This is why it has remained a favorite among senior citizens. However, jaw-dropping looks and superior performance make the new Continental a great choice for anyone.
To ensure passengers will experience a relaxing ride, Lincoln equips the new Continental with standard adaptive suspension dampers. Even when encountering rough pavement, the 2019 Lincoln Continental still manages to deliver a plush ride. If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, don’t miss out on Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position Seats. Aside from providing adjustable back bolsters, these luxurious seats can also softy massage your body as you drive.
While Lincoln gives you three different V6 engines to choose from, your best bet is the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. It pumps out a healthy 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque while returning up to 27 mpg.
You shouldn’t have any complaints about the 2019 Lincoln Continental’s list of standard equipment. Ford’s excellent SYNC 3 infotainment system promises to leave you impressed with its stunning graphics and easy operation. This year, an advanced safety package comes standard as well. This includes smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
3. 2019 Honda Civic
If you can’t afford the expense of a more luxurious automobile, consider the budget-minded 2019 Honda Civic. For good reason, the Civic is considered by many automotive critics to be the best compact car on the market. Despite the Civic’s affordability, it doesn’t cause buyers to sacrifice much comfort.
You’ll definitely appreciate the Honda Civic’s wide and supportive front seats. They’re engineered to comfortably accommodate a variety of different body types. To experience the most relief from back pain, step up to at least the EX trim. It comes standard with a power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way thigh support. Class-leading passenger room makes the Civic even more appealing. Meanwhile, a European-inspired suspension keeps the ride comfortable at all times.
The Civic’s superior balance of power and efficiency is another great attribute. Most trims come equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which develops an enjoyable 174 horsepower. A continuous variable transmission helps the Civic to easily surpass 40 mpg on the open road.
Some nice entertainment features are available on the new Civic, including smartphone integration and a 450-watt premium sound system. You’ll especially appreciate the standard Honda Sensing Safety package, which provides driver-assist technologies like forward collision intervention and road departure mitigation.
4. 2019 Buick Enclave
If you have a family to chauffeur around, the 2019 Buick Enclave may prove to be a perfect match. This three-row crossover has enough space to accommodate up to six adults. You’ll also find the new Enclave to be quite easy on your back.
Buick built the Enclave for the families who love to travel. Its plush, well-padded seats promise to keep you relaxed on an all-day drive. Heated seat cushions help keep your back muscles from stiffening up on cold days. Meanwhile, a five-link rear suspension effectively absorbs harsh vibrations from the road. An available adaptive suspension further softens the SUV’s ride. Drivers experiencing back problems will also appreciate the Enclave’s power-programmable tailgate, which allows you to easily adjust its height setting.
On the road, the 2019 Buick Enclave drives like a dream. A powerful V6 engine comes standard throughout the lineup. Buick tuned it to develop a muscular 302 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Although the Enclave may not deliver hybrid-like fuel economy, a highway rating of 26 mpg makes it ideal for road trippers. Designed with an active twin clutch, Buick’s optional AWD system delivers great grip in the snow.
Several luxury amenities are offered on the 2019 Buick Enclave. However, even the base model provides a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot and three-zone automatic climate control. Some great safety technologies are available as well. GM’s Rear Camera Mirror dramatically enhances your visibility by reducing the number of dangerous blind spots.
5. 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is destined to make your back feel better. It’s hands-down one of today’s most accommodating midsize luxury sedans. Serene ride comfort and top-notch seating make the new E-Class hard to beat.
While all versions of the new E-Class provide first-rate comfort, trims equipped with Active Multicontour front seats give you the feeling of being at an actual spa. Upon activating the rejuvenating “hot stone” massage function, expect your lower back to feel completely rejuvenated. To further unwind on the road, opt for the Airmatic suspension. A “comfort” setting ensures the softest possible ride.
Performance is never a question with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. While the turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels responsive enough, you’ll find the boosted V6 to be especially fun. It packs a formidable 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. In regard to fuel economy, anticipate getting up to 28 mpg.
Several world-class safety technologies are available for the new E-Class. Evasive Steering Assist makes emergency driving maneuvers more secure. Amazingly, Speed Adaptation technology enables the adaptive cruise control system to actually detect curves and traffic circles.
As you may know, back pain requires you to make some important lifestyle changes. Before buying a new vehicle for back pain, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research your options. Choosing the right model will enable you to ride pain-free.