There is a car suiting any need. The only catch is to find it. This time I bring you twelve best cars for elderly passengers. It is a tough pick as elderly, disabled, or handicapped passengers all have unique needs and while some, for example, may find a car with a high riding position suitable, others may not. Thus, I give you a list of twelve vehicles for elderly passengers that suit any need.
How Did I Pick Best Car for Disabled Passengers?
All cars are different, but the elderly, disabled, or handicapped do have some similar needs when it comes to convenience with, and in a vehicle.
In short, I compiled a short list of characteristics you need to check before choosing the best car for a handicapped or elderly passenger. It is not rocket science. The best car for disabled passenger needs to have:
-* large door openings
-* wide-opening rear doors
-* leather or vinyl seat
-* large cargo area
-* Low trunk lift-over height
-* Flat trunk floor
-* Front seat with height adjustment
-* tall roof
-* Low door sills
-* Power adjustable, comfortable seats
-* Great visibility
-* Good headlights
After all, the only way to assure yourself that a particular vehicle is the best car for a disabled passenger is to bring that passenger with you and let her/him try it.
Nevertheless, this is the compiled list of best cars for elderly passengers.
Subaru Forester
Researching about best cars for disabled passengers, I've stumbled more than once on people sharing positive experiences with the Subaru Forester. Especially the 2012 Subaru Forester. Apparently, the most important thing to consider when buying a car for elderly passengers or a disabled passenger is to consider the seat height. Seats positioned at the "butt height" is the most convenient way to support the weight of the elderly person when he/she enters the car. I think that pseudo offroaders based on wagons like the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro, Volvo XC70, Subaru Outback, or the Mercedes-Benz E-class AllTerrain can achieve something similar. Not unlike the Forester, they have a fifth door and rather large trunk capacity, perfect for a wheelchair or any other accessories elderly passengers or handicapped have to use.
With a standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and fuel efficiency of 33/26 (highway/city), the price for the 2019 Subaru Forester of $24,295 seems perfectly reasonable. Although a crossover, the trunk lift-over height for the 2019 Subaru Forester stands at 28.4 inches.
2019 Subaru Forester drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
2.5-liter, Four cylinders, Boxer |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
182 |
Torque: |
176 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
AWD (standard) |
0-60 mph: |
9.6 seconds |
Top Speed: |
130 mph |
Read our full review on the 2019 Subaru Forester
BMW 5 Series GT
I am sure you did not expect this one on the list. Heck, you may have even forgotten about the existence of the BMW 5 Series GT. Well, I submit to you that this one is a rather sweet option and one of the best cars for elderly passengers. First of all, the 5 GT rides on top of the 5 Series (already a big sedan) architecture. It is quite an ingenious system that increases practicality and convenience. More important than that is the fact that 5 Series GT has massive doors - front and back - and it does have all the imaginable equipment including smart powered seats with some of the best leather in the business. Plus, if you go for a full-fledged model, you can get a completely adjustable rear seat. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo isn't in production anymore, but you can still get a decent 3-year-old 5 Series GT with a six-cylinder engine and fuel efficiency of 19 City / 28 Highway for less than $30k. Trunk lift-over height for the BMW 5 Series GT is 27.8 inches.
2019 BMW 5 Series GT drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
3.0-liter, I-6, TwinPower Turbo |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
302 |
Torque: |
295 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
RWD (AWD Optional) |
0-60 mph: |
6.3 seconds |
Top Speed: |
155 mph |
Read our full review on the BMW 5 Series GT
Dodge Grand Caravan
We can't have a list of best cars for disabled passengers without the all-time star - the Dodge Grand Caravan. This minivan offers plenty of space inside the cabin. Its construction perfectly suits the transformation into a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), but it will also provide a perfect balance between convenience, practicality, and performance. While the entry-level 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan starts at $26,790, it also lacks many amenities. However, the top-notch version - 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - starts at $32,290. This one features powered rear sliding doors, Stow'n Place roof rack system, and a powered liftgate. Its Pentastar V-6 will return 17/25 mpg (city/highway) and lift-over trunk height for the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan is 24.4 inches.
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
3.6-liter, V-6, Pentastar |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
283 |
Torque: |
260 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
FWD |
0-60 mph: |
7.2 seconds |
Top Speed: |
140 mph |
Read our full review on the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey
The other minivan I really could grow fond of is the chintzy 2019 Honda Odyssey. It is the "fun family minivan" that hides several essential details like the sliding side doors, a lot of room inside, and a Magic Slide 2nd row seat that can move forward, backward, and side to side. It's quite an innovative system undoubtedly capable of supporting my claim that this is one of the best cars for disabled passengers.
However, if equipped with all the necessities you may imagine, it will raise the price. Quite considerably too. The entry-level 2019 Honda Odyssey starts at $30,190, but if you want leather seats, height-adjustable tailgate, memory seats and that, you have to move to the 2019 Honda Odyssey EX-L that starts from $37,710. EPA estimates that the V-6 in the Odyssey will return 28/19 (highway/city). The lift-over trunk height in the 2019 Honda Odyssey is 22.5 inches.
2019 Honda Odyssey drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
3.6-liter, V-6, Pentastar |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
280 |
Torque: |
262 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
FWD |
0-60 mph: |
6.7 seconds |
Top Speed: |
130 mph (est) |
Read our full review on the 2019 Honda Odyssey
Chrysler 300
It may sound like an incredible pick considering that you are more likely to think about the Chrysler 300 as a car for someone who is breaking bad, but it is an excellent pick for the elderly passenger. Plus, it is quite large with a decent trunk. The trunk, however, may be one of the problems. The Lift-over height of 30.1 inches is taller compared to some other vehicles on this list. Plus, with a starting price of $29,220, it is decently priced. You would have to step up to 2019 Chrysler 300S to get the leather upholstery and powered seats. In that case, however, the 300S comes equipped with a multitude of other gear (passenger assist handles, and illuminated cup holders, for example) that make the transportation of elderly passengers more pleasant. The 2019 Chrysler 300S is priced at $36,695. Estimated fuel efficiency is 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway.
2019 Chrysler 300 drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
3.6-liter, V-6, Pentastar |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
292 |
Torque: |
260 |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
RWD (AWD available for $2,500 more) |
0-60 mph: |
6.9 seconds |
Top Speed: |
155 mph |
Read our full review on the 2019 Chrysler 300
Toyota Camry
Thanks to its classic sedan style and functional design, the Toyota Camry has always been an excellent car for elderly passengers.The style did not crumple its important characteristics. According to some elderly passengers who experienced a drive in the Camry, this Japanese hit is easy to get in and out of - basically, that is a whole point about the best car for elderly passengers. Plus, there are tons of Camrys out there on the used car market and even the new ones start out fairly reasonable at$23,945. However, with all the amenities - including the leather seats, you will be closer to $30k. The EPA promises 29/41 mpg city/highway for the 2019 Toyota Camry. The lift-over trunk height in the 2019 Toyota Camry is 26.8 inches.
2019 Toyota Camry drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
2.5-liter, I-4, Pentastar |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
203 |
Torque: |
184 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
FWD |
0-60 mph: |
7.9 seconds |
Top Speed: |
133 mph |
Read our full review on the 2019 Toyota Camry
Honda CR-V
See, in its standard form, cars like CR-V, RAV4, Tiguan, or the Escape offer a high riding position but easy ingress. Plus, all of them feature luxurious amenities - including some taken from MPV's - like smart seat folding systems, sliding seats, and such. This makes the Honda CR-V (and the like), a rather exciting proposition on the list of best cars for elderly passengers.
The Honda CR-V sells for $24,350, and it can return 32/26 mpg (highway/city).
The lift-over trunk height in the 2019 Honda CR-V is 26 inches.
2019 Honda CR-V drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
2.4-liter, I-4 |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
184 |
Torque: |
180 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
FWD |
0-60 mph: |
7.5 seconds |
Top Speed: |
120 mph (est) |
Read our full review on the 2019 Honda CR-V
Nissan Versa Note
At the lower price end, the best car for the elderly passengers may well be the Nissan Versa Note. The doors are relatively large, and the seating position inside is upright with somewhat simple, but practical shape. Although seriously cheap, the Versa Note offers a Divide-n-Hide Adjustable Floor, full safety suite, and the intelligent mobility solution. The 2019 Nissan Note price starts at $15,650, but it comes with a lackluster 109 horsepower four-cylinder engine. It can return 31/39 mpg city/highway tough. The lift-over trunk height in the 2019 Nissan Versa Note is 25.5 inches.
2019 Nissan Versa Note drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
1.6-liter, I-4 |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
109 |
Torque: |
107 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
FWD |
0-60 mph: |
10.4 seconds |
Top Speed: |
113 mph (est) |
Read our full review on the 2019 Nissan Versa Note
GMC Acadia
GMC Acadia is a rather large SUV. However, it is not cheap. It does start at less than $30,000, but the one you want is closer to $40,000. The most impressive feature in the Acadia is the "versatile seating, and storage configurations with fold-flat second- and third-row seats." Regardless of its size, the GMC Acadia comes with a small 2.5-liter, gasoline engine. It will return 21/26 mpg highway/city. It is a big car, however, and you need a larger V-6 for it. The lift-over trunk height in the 2019 GMC Acadia is 32 inches.
Read our full review on the 2019 GMC Acadia
Cadillac XTS
This is one of the more exotic solutions among the best cars for elderly passengers. However, due to its size and comfort, it may be a sound one. Well, it is a sound one if you can handle the maintenance costs and price of it. More than you ever need for an elderly passenger. I reason that this car gives that additional X factor and a sense of prestige. Not only practicality which has in spades thanks to its size. The XTS is available on the used car market in decent shape for $20,000. Yes, it is a car with a V-6 and FWD, but it is massive cruiser capable of performing flawless luxury voyages. I feel that someone elderly would feel nicer in it than in, say, the Honda Odyssey. The XTS returns 18/28 mpg city/highway. The lift-over trunk height in the 2019 Cadillac XTS is 30 inches.
2019 GMC Acadia drivetrain specifications
Engine: |
3.6-liter, V-6 |
---|---|
Horsepower: |
310 |
Torque: |
271 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD): |
FWD |
0-60 mph: |
6.7 seconds |
Top Speed: |
130 mph (est) |
Read our full review on the 2019 Cadillac XTS
Conclusion
While any larger vehicle with enough space in the cabin and "butt height" seat position can be a fantastic car for elderly passengers, almost every single car manufacturer offers an additional unique mobility program. Mobility program includes specially engineered accessories for elderly passengers or disabled passengers increasing comfort and providing excellent solutions including lift equipment, carriers, hand controls, extensions, or other assistance equipment. Just ask at a dealership. Also, you can do something to help elderly passengers by installing accessories like seat cushions, grab handles, handlebars, and the like.