As you begin to get older, the thought of driving a sleek sports car becomes less appealing. You need a safer vehicle that is more comfortable to drive on an everyday basis. For many people, a crossover SUV is the perfect option. Let’s take a look at four of the top crossovers for older drivers.
2017 Subaru Forester
For good reason, the 2017 Subaru Forester remains a popular choice for older drivers. Among the Forester’s best attributes is its comfortable interior. Getting in and out of the Forester is a breeze. The crossover’s relaxing seats make it perfect for everyday commuting and weekend road trips. There is also more than enough room for your family and friends. Furthermore, all the available features are extremely user-friendly.
Not only is the new Subaru Forester easy on gas, but it is also tough enough to handle a rugged trail. When encountering bad weather, the Forester’s standard AWD system ensures excellent traction. Gas mileage tops out at an impressive 32 mpg on the highway with the base four-cylinder engine. However, the optional turbocharged engine dramatically enhances acceleration. In terms of performance, the Forester’s only drawback is its inability to tow a heavy load.
Based on its exceptional crash-test scores, the Forester proves to be one of the safest vehicles on the road. You will love this crossover’s excellent outward visibility. A useful backup camera and large windows enable drivers to clearly see their surroundings. You can also choose from a long list of advanced safety technologies. In the event that you fail to notice a stopped vehicle, the pre-collision braking system will help prevent disaster.
2017 Toyota Highlander
Known for its bulletproof reliability, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is a vehicle that won’t leave you stranded in the dark. It is also very affordable to maintain. Although the three-row crossover comes equipped with a small four-cylinder engine, a lot of drivers will prefer the new V-6 engine. It’s able to build a healthy 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The extra muscle will come in handy when pulling a load. A 5,000-pound towing capacity enables you to confidently haul small campers and fishing boats. Keep in mind that the additional performance lowers the Highlander’s fuel economy to a combined 22 mpg. Automotive critics rave about the Highlander’s controlled driving dynamics. It handles the road more like a family sedan opposed to a big SUV.
While behind the wheel of the Highlander, you will grow to appreciate its high seating position. Drivers will be able to obtain a complete view of the road ahead. To experience extra comfort throughout the year, opt for the heated and ventilated leather seats. Featuring a wide-screen display and wireless headphones, the rear-seat entertainment system promises to keep a handful of grandchildren happy. By amplifying the sound of your voice, Toyota’s Easy Speak system enables you to be easily heard by everyone.
The 2017 Toyota Highlander was able to secure a perfect, five-star safety rating. During an accident, you will remain protected from every angle. A backup camera makes parking the Highlander less of a chore. Toyota’s Safety Sense package comes standard on every trim. It includes helpful driving aids such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure intervention.
2017 Buick Encore
The compact Buick Encore is ideal for the older drivers who are intimidated by a large SUV’s size. It is remarkably relaxing and easy to drive. An athletic chassis enables the Encore to maneuver around city traffic like a ballerina. Luckily, the crossover’s sportiness doesn’t ruin its smooth ride. When outfitted with the optional AWD system, the Encore becomes a surefooted winter vehicle. While the standard turbocharged engine develops 138 horsepower, the upgraded version produces an additional 15 horsepower. The Encore’s lightweight design makes it feel quite peppy in real-world driving conditions. In regard to fuel economy, you can look forward to getting up to 33 mpg. Above-average reliability is yet another major perk.
The Encore’s seats are especially plush. Even when traveling a long distance, you are unlikely to walk away with a stiff back. Although the Encore is not a large crossover, it does feature a usable backseat. This is great news for the drivers who need to accommodate their grandchildren. A number of convenient features come standard. If you happen to encounter a problem while on the road, the award-winning OnStar system will immediately connect you to emergency personnel. Some of the other goodies include a rear-view camera, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and smartphone integration. From a styling standpoint, the new Encore is a far cry from the Buicks of yesteryear. It has a sporty appearance that drivers of all ages will adore.
Don’t underestimate the Encore’s ability to provide great crash protection. It was chosen as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. An optional blind-spot monitor allows you to make worry-free lane changes. However, the Premium trim’s forward collision warning technology gives drivers an even greater sense of awareness.
2017 Kia Soul
Available in vibrant paint colors such as Alien 2 and Inferno Red, the 2017 Kia Soul has a vivid and youthful character. However, there are several attributes that make it a popular choice among older drivers. For starters, everyone can take advantage of the Soul’s 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Great long-term reliability is also a quality that older drivers will like. Because of the Soul’s large doors and low floor, even older drivers can easily climb aboard. On the inside, the Kia Soul easily provides enough room for a family of five. If you plan to haul extra cargo, you will find ample space in the rear hatch.
Kia allows you to choose from three different 4-cylinder engines. With the ability to deliver 31 mpg, the base engine is a practical choice. On the other hand, the turbocharged engine really cranks up the level of performance. It pours out an exciting 201 horsepower, which enables you to have fun without jeopardizing your safety. Unfortunately for the drivers who live in a snow-prone area, the Soul doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.
Luckily, you can use the Soul’s available high-tech features without struggling. The updated UVO infotainment screen’s easy-to-read menu and large virtual buttons help eliminate eyestrain. Drivers also enjoy the Soul’s uncomplicated temperature controls. Stamped with a five-star safety rating, the Kia Soul is engineered to keep you shielded from dangerous road hazards. Whether you are driving on the open road or darting around city traffic, you will love the Soul’s impressive visibility. Some of the key safety innovations include blind-spot detection, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.
Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com