Crossover SUVs have become extremely popular in recent years, especially among senior citizens. They are extremely easy to drive, relatively compact, and get excellent gas mileage. And they can be more comfortable for seniors to handle on the road.
Manufacturers have responded to the demand for crossover SUVs by expanding their offerings in this segment. There are so many crossover SUVs on the market today that it can be difficult to choose the right one. Seniors have specific driving needs too, which can make it even tougher to decide which crossover SUV is best.
The following are the best 2020 crossover SUV models for older adults in need of a new vehicle.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting MSRP: $24,400 for the base SE model.
Trims:
- SE
- SEL
- SEL 2.0T
- Limited
- Limited 2.0T
Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway
A quick look at the specifications of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe reveals just why this crossover SUV is a popular choice for older drivers. It offers a better vantage point of the road, along with enough power to tackle all kinds of driving. The standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine makes 185 horsepower, while the optional 2.0L turbo engine gets a sporty 235 horsepower.
The safety specifications are impressive, too. The available features include a rearview camera — which can make parking and backing up much easier for seniors — rear occupant alert, and parking distance warning.
2020 Mazda CX-3
Starting MSRP: $21,500 for the base model (estimated).
Trims:
- Sport
- Touring
- Grand Touring
Fuel Economy: 27 MPG city / 32 MPG highway
Mazda is known for making practical vehicles that have an emphasis on performance and this is exactly where the CX-3 shines. All trims of the new Mazda CX-3 utilize a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower. Even the base trim includes features that are sure to make seniors feel confident on the road, like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
As one of the most popular vehicles in the segment, the 2020 CX-3 offers several notable safety features that’ll help make the road a safer place for senior drivers. These include smart brake support with collision warning, radar cruise control, and lane departure warning.
2020 Kia Sportage
Starting MSRP: $23,990 for the base LX model.
Trims:
- LX
- S
- EX
- SX Turbo
Fuel Economy: 23 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
The standard engine in the 2020 Kia Sportage is a 2.4L four-cylinder unit that produces 181 horsepower. Seniors that still love the thrill of speed may want to try out the SX Turbo trim level, which features a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 237 horsepower with AWD and 240 horsepower with FWD. The FWD SX Turbo gets 21/26 mpg ratings, while the AWD version gets 20/23 mpg.
The 2020 Sportage is also well-equipped with numerous available safety features, including a rearview camera, hill start assist control, and downhill brake control. All of these additions will help seniors better stay safe when driving.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Starting MSRP: $23,800 for the base model.
Trims:
- L
- LS
- LT
- Premier
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
The standard engine in the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder unit that kicks out 170 horsepower. An optional 1.6L turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine makes 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. With seating for up to five and the towing capability of hauling 3,500 pounds, this is one capable crossover SUV.
Senior citizens looking to buy a car will be happy to hear that the new Chevrolet Equinox backs up its performance and fuel economy with several advanced safety features. These features include a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and traction control.
2020 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP: $24,495 for the base model.
Trims:
- Premium
- Sport
- Limited
- Touring
Fuel Economy: 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
The 2020 Subaru Forester is a good choice for seniors who like outdoor activities, such as camping or fishing. The newest Forester has a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine across all its trim levels. This engine produces 182 horsepower. And it’s the perfect off-road, outdoorsy crossover as this SUV can tackle all kinds of adventures.
Subaru has long been known for being one of the leaders in automotive safety — and the 2020 Forester’s long list of safety features shows why. The main safety features of the Forester are found in the EyeSight Driver Assist system. This system is comprised of lane departure alerts, sway warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking.
Choosing the Right Crossover
With all the quality vehicles in the crossover SUV segment, it can be quite difficult to choose the right one for your situation.
So, keep your own personal preferences and needs in mind when choosing a crossover. For instance, if retirement has given you the chance to have an “outdoorsy” lifestyle, the Subaru Forester might just be the right choice. On the other hand, if safety is the top priority for you, both the Forester and the CX-3 look to be good choices due to the multiple advanced safety features they have.
While you can certainly do a great deal of effective research online, there’s no substitute for firsthand experience. Even if a certain crossover looks good on paper, you may not like it quite as much when you go out for a test drive. Many prospective car buyers like to come up with two or three finalist vehicles and then pick the one they like the most after a test drive. Financially astute buyers will also hunt for the best offers and specials, which may differ from dealer to dealer.