There was a time with having a disability generally forced you into a situation where you had to be chauffeured around by others. Given how much technology has changed over the years, it was imperative for aftermarket companies to tap into the segment where the disabled don't become a pressure on the people around them and can actually drive themselves. By making modification to the cars and adding adaptive equipment, people with disabilities can now drive safely on the roads. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers suggestions and tips on how to make a car as driver-friendly as possible to accommodate disabled driving needs.
The things people with disabilities look for include an automatic transmission, spacious and comfortable from the inside, vehicle with strong reliability that is less prone to breakdowns, and adjustable seats and steering wheels, to name a few. Adaptive vehicles could feature something as small as adding a special seatback cushion for less than 100 bucks or even add complex equipment that could cost up to $80,000. However, these modifications are only possible if the vehicle at hand can accommodate them. So, here's a list of 10 best cars for handicapped drivers.
Hyundai Sonata
Although sedans might be the last choice given the criteria of the article, the Sonata is one of the very few exceptions. It comes with a smart system inside that can be customized to call for help in case of emergencies. Not to mention, it can be modified with adaptive equipment fairly easily. The current Hyundai Sonata is offered with a starting sticker price of $19,750.
Hyundai Sonata drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.4-liter, four-cylinder |
---|---|
Horsepower |
185 horses |
Torque |
178 pound-feet |
Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0 - 60 mph |
6.9 seconds |
Top Speed |
130 mph |
Read our full review on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
This hatch is widely loved by everyone. It comes with adjustable seats that make it easy to find a perfect driving position. The boot is quite spacious and the loading lip is at the right height as well, so loading and unloading cargo and wheelchairs will not be that much of a pain. And, I need not mention how reliable this car is. The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes with a starting price of $28,490.
Volkswagen Golf GTI drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.0-liter, four-cylinder |
---|---|
Horsepower |
228 horses |
Torque |
258 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
6.5 seconds |
Top Speed |
152 mph |
Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Dodge Caravan
Not a popular choice amongst enthusiasts, but the Dodge Caravan is one of the best vehicles for handicapped persons. The van is highly utilitarian and comfortable to drive as well. You can load walkers and wheel chairs, with utmost ease. If you are eligible, Dodge even offers reimbursements up to $1,000 to get the adaptive equipment installed. The Caravan is also compatable with aftermarket wheel-chair ramps and hand controls which can allow someone, even without the use of their legs, to drive themselves. The Dodge Caravan of offered with a starting price of $26,800.
Dodge Caravan drivetrain specifications
Engine |
3.6-liter, V-6 mill |
---|---|
Horsepower |
283 horses |
Torque |
260 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
9.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
120 mph |
Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Caravan.
Nissan Versa
This is one of the most affordable cars in the market today and is highly rated by handicapped drivers as well. Have a rear camera installed and parking will become a breeze as well. The Versa starts at $12,500.
Nissan Versa drivetrain specifications
Engine |
1.6-liter, four-cylinder mill |
---|---|
Horsepower |
109 horses |
Torque |
107 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
9.2 seconds |
Top Speed |
113 mph |
Read our full review on the 2018 Nissan Versa.
Acura RDX
If you are ready to shell a little extra moolah on your car, you should consider the Acura RDX. The seats are also heated to keep the disabled drivers comfortable during winter. Not to mention, it delivers fairly decent fuel economy figures as well. The Acura RDX can be purchased from a starting price of $37,400.
Acura RDX drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged mill |
---|---|
Horsepower |
272 horses |
Torque |
280 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
6.4 seconds |
Top Speed |
130 mph |
Read our full review on the 2019 Acura RDX.
Jeep Renegade
Who said that a handicapped person's car should be a boring drive? The Renegade's biggest selling point is the adjustable lumbar support and the rear camera. It also comes with heated steering wheel and is high off the ground that makes getting in and out of the truck quite easy. The Jeep Renegade comes with a starting price of $22,000.
Jeep Renegade drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.4-liter, four-cylinder mill |
---|---|
Horsepower |
180 horses |
Torque |
175 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
8.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
120 mph |
Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Renegade.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is one of the very few cars in the market today that barely has any haters. It is a popular choice with handicapped drivers as well, primarily for its ride height and the boot space. The Forester is easy on the pocket and can be modified as per your needs without altering the car all that much. Subaru sells the Forester from $24,300.
Subaru Forester drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.5-liter, four-cylinder |
---|---|
Horsepower |
182 horses |
Torque |
176 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
All-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
8.5 seconds |
Top Speed |
130 mph |
Read our full review on the 2019 Subaru Forester.
Ford Escape
The Escape's stance makes getting in and out of the car a breeze without troubling the disable driver. It is known for its long-term reliability and fuss-free ownership. The fact that it is used by taxi operators is a testament to its reliability. It comes with all the basic creature comforts even in the lowest trim and is an absolute value-for-money proposition. The Escape is also a project various aftermarket companies like Braun Mobility can alter to include a wheelchair ramp and hand controls. The Ford Escapes comes with a starting sticker price of $24,000.
Ford Escape drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.5-liter, four-cylinder |
---|---|
Horsepower |
168 horses |
Torque |
170 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
8.1 seconds |
Top Speed |
115 mph |
Read our full review on the 2020 Ford Escape.
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is a pseudo-SUV that fits the bill for handicapped people. It is one of the best cars for handicapped people as it features stuff like heated seats, cameras and sensors that aid in parking, and a small footprint that makes it a perfect city commuter. The Nissan Rogue comes with a staring price of $25,000.
Nissan Rogue drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.5-cylinder, four-cylinder mill |
---|---|
Horsepower |
170 horses |
Torque |
175 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
9.1 seconds |
Top Speed |
125 mph |
Read our full review on the Nissan Rogue
Honda Civic
There's a reason why this car is an icon. The Civic rides rather low, but once inside, it is one of the most comfortable cars available in the market. The ride quality is impressive as well. It can also be modified with some adaptive equipment without tampering the ergonomics of the car. Honda sells the Civic from $20,250.
Honda Civic drivetrain specifications
Engine |
2.0-liter, four-cylinder |
---|---|
Horsepower |
158 horses |
Torque |
138 pound-feet |
Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD) |
Front-Wheel Drive |
0-60 mph |
8.2 seconds |
Top Speed |
125 mph |
Read our full review on the 2018 Honda Civic