Top 5 Best 2021 Cars for Seniors
When looking for the best 2021 cars for a senior, know that not all vehicles are suitable to a mature lifestyle. Knowing how to narrow down the field can save you a lot of time and effort. The good news is that there are plenty of incoming 2021 automobile models great for drivers ages 55 and up. Deciding which one is best for you or an elderly loved one takes research and understanding the needs of the driver.
Reliability is a feature any driver requires in a new car. For drivers ages 55 and up, reliability is an even larger requirement. More and more people are getting back on the road after the COVID-19 pandemic initially shut life down in early 2020. Further, drivers in the past year are admitting to reacting more aggressively on the road due to increased stress over the past year. Having a reliable vehicle helps ensure safe travels on increasingly busy, American roadways.
Affordable and Smooth Maneuvering
Affordability, size, and smooth maneuvering are also important factors when considering safe driving options for seniors. The NPR Morning Edition recently reported 94% of fatal car crashes are caused by human error. Larger cars are harder to handle while also guzzling more gas.
Seniors need vehicles large enough to transport the groceries, pets and grandchildren. They also need to do so without breaking the budget of a potentially fixed or retirement income. Read on to learn about the top 5 best 2021 cars for seniors, including pricing, features and safety ratings.
Top 5 Best Cars for Seniors in 2021
- 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback
- 2021 Nissan Maxima
- 2021 Subaru Outback
- 2021 Chevy Bolt
- 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
1. 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback has a low staring MSRP of $22,000 and a fantastic MPG range of 29 (city) to 40 (highway) depending on trim. Honda cars have a history of reliability and high resale value. The actual hatchback on the 2021 Civic Hatchback has a busy, sportier look than perhaps expected for a car on top of a list for seniors. This is less apparent in the gorgeous Platinum White Pearl color scheme, however, and generally belies the overall maturity of this great automobile.
Honda implements four strong safety features into this incoming model. The Lane Keeping Assistance System (LKAS) helps the Civic stay centered in a lane, preventing dangerous drift. The Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) is designed to do the opposite, helping bring the car back to its lane when accidentally crossing over. A Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) automatically applies brakes when imminent collisions are detected, while the Honda Sensing Suite provides a variety of other important safety features.
The 2021 Civic Hatchback provides a smooth, safe and comfortable ride. Its four doors allow for comfortable passenger transport, even for those six feet tall or more. There also is a surprising amount of cargo space inside, making the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback perfect for loading groceries or carrying luggage, cakes, pets and more.
2. 2021 Nissan Maxima
Nissan is bringing a brand new design and pricing to its 2021 Maxima. At the time of this writing, Nissan itself was still displaying its 2020 Maxima on its website, but we managed to get proper information on the incoming model for you. Two things Nissan is keeping the same are the astounding quality and fuel economy for which this sedan has become known.
The 2021 Maxima offers 21/30 MPG city and highway respectively. It contains a powerful V-6 engine reported as responding more strongly the more it is pushed up hills. Safety is once again top-rated. The interior boasts of luxury, beauty, comfort and control. The steering, handling and power of the redesigned Maxima make it a sportier drive than the Altima models. Nissan has yet to release new prices at the time of this writing. The 2020 Maxima has a starting MSRP of $34,450, however, making the Maxima a great car for seniors looking for a sedan with a touch of power under the hood and a lot of luxury inside.
3. 2021 Subaru Outback
Subaru has built a name for itself based on reliability, space and controlled maneuverability. The 2021 Subaru Outback looks to continue its already strong reputation. The trusted Kelley Blue Book only lists one con for this incoming model, which is how the automatic stopping and starting feature is not as smooth as it could be. The rest of its features, whether continued or new, are all highly rated positives.
Subaru has mastered the combination of wagon and crossover SUV. Cargo space behind the rear seat rates at 32.5 cubic feet. When the rear seat is folded, 75.7 cubic feet of space becomes available. Safety is always a top feature of the Outback models due to its all-wheel drive control. X-Mode helps maintain a safe speed when going downhill or driving on less-than-perfect road conditions. With a starting MSRP of $26,795 and a 33/26 MPG (city and highway respectively) the 2021 Subaru Outback is a safe, roomy and affordable option for senior drivers.
4. 2021 Chevy Bolt
Electric vehicles offer fuel-conserving options for drivers conscious of both budget and the environment. The 2021 Chevy Bolt is the only EV in production by Chevrolet at the moment, but it still competes in the top three EVs available on the market. Pricing for the 2021 trims not listed on the Chevy website as of 10/3/20, but the 2020 Bolt EV has a starting MSRP of $36,620. Prices for the incoming model are expected to range from 36,000-$40,000.
The Bolt EV is a smaller car, perfect for budget-conscious seniors who are single or married. Cargo space is still more plentiful than perhaps expected and the Bolt boasts a magnificent 259 miles of total range. Those looking for an EV tax credit will be disappointed, as this model no longer qualifies. The 2021 Bolt EV is expected to continue is quiet, speedy driving and is packaged with a variety of safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and more.
5. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
Estimated starting price for the incoming 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to be approximately $28,000. The 2020 model as still shown on the Hyundai website is listed starting at $26,275 and a slight increase is anticipated for 2021. This car is not as small as a compact and not as large as a midsize SUV, making it maneuverable by seniors while still boasting cargo space for passengers, groceries and luggage.
The 2020 version was a featured safety choice of the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). 2021 Santa Fe trims are expected to maintain a similar or improved level of safety features. Transmission is moving to selector buttons as opposed to a gear shifter. The fuel tank will hold 18.8 gallons and fuel economy is expected to be 24/28 MPG city/highway. However, in addition to an overhauled interior design, Hyundai is teasing a 2021 Hybrid powertrain with the potential of achieving 30 MPG in the city.
