15 Best Cars for Retirees To Buy In 2024

Retirees have more time to spend on the road exploring new places or visiting friends and family.

The good news is there are plenty of options for a new vehicle that can help you get around and reach your retirement goals while also featuring options that are perfect for your needs.

Check out these options that can give you a great drive as you drive around for the day or try to save money on travel for longer trips. Prices are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

1. Ford Explorer

Courtesy of Ford

MSRP: $39,755

The Ford Explorer is a classic SUV with seating that can help you see above traffic while offering plenty of space for passengers or moving items in the back.

The Explorer also earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, making it an attractive option if safety is a priority for you.

2. Toyota Camry

Courtesy of Toyota

MSRP: $28,400

The stylish Toyota Camry was one of the bestselling vehicles last year. Its popularity means it could be easier to find a model with the features you want compared to other manufacturers.

The Camry’s hybrid engine can help you get around 50 miles per gallon, making it a good option if you’re trying to save money on gas.

3. Honda Pilot

Courtesy of Honda

MSRP: $40,200

The Honda Pilot is a good option if you’re looking for a larger SUV to help you explore the great outdoors when you’re retired and traveling more.

It also earned a Top Safety Pick Plus ranking from the IIHS, and the institute’s report noted the protection of the driver and front passenger in case of a crash.

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4. Honda Accord

Courtesy of Honda

MSRP: $27,895

The Honda Accord can be a good option if you’re looking to downsize your big SUV or minivan for a sedan now that you’re retired.

Car and Driver magazine named the Accord one of the 10 best cars for 2024, citing its roomy interior and fuel efficiency.

5. Volvo S90

Courtesy of Volvo

MSRP: $58,300

Volvo is well known for its safety features, and the Volvo S90 is no exception when it comes to different parts of the design that focus on safety.

The car’s features include lane assist, blind spot detection, and technology to help you avoid collisions. A previous year’s model also earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating by the IIHS for its features.

6. Chevrolet Blazer EV

Courtesy of Chevrolet

MSRP: $47,600

Chevy is now offering its Chevrolet Blazer EV to drivers who want to try an all-electric option that can plug into their garage.

The all-electric Blazer may qualify for the federal tax credit for EVs, which can help you save money when you buy it and cut your operating costs, as you won’t have to worry about the price of gas.

7. Nissan Murano

Courtesy of Nissan

MSRP: $38,740

The Nissan Murano offers you the space of an SUV with additional luxury features to make it more appealing if you’re using it to drive around more when you’re retired.

The crossover SUV also offers plenty of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warnings, to keep you safely on the road.

8. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Courtesy of Mazda

MSRP: $28,985

Check out the Mazda MX-5 Miata if you’re excited about spending some of your retirement years driving a sporty two-seater instead of the minivan you used to own.

The Miata has unique styling, blind spot monitoring, and smartphone integration for safe, hands-free driving.

9. Acura MDX

Courtesy of Acura

MSRP: $51,200

The Acura MDX combines a more luxurious ride with safety features that protect you on the road.

The SUV has three rows of seating, providing plenty of passenger space or storage if needed. It also has a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS, making it comfortable to drive.

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10. Kia Telluride

Courtesy of Kia

MSRP: $36,190

The Kia Telluride is also a great option if you’re looking for a roomier SUV with three rows of seats.

The space in the Telluride is perfect if you need to fill it up with items to drop your kids off at college or use the third row to drive around the grandkids.

11. Genesis G80

Courtesy of Genesis

MSRP: $57,100

Drive around in style with the Genesis G80 if you want to have a more enjoyable driving experience in retirement.

The G80’s 2025 model features a stylish redesign and safety technology like a heads-up display and surround-view cameras.

12. Ford Maverick

Courtesy of Ford

MSRP: $23,920

The Ford Maverick is a great pick-up truck if you don’t need the size of a large pick-up but still want some towing capacity for outdoor activities when you’re retired.

The Maverick's available towing package can tow up to 4,000 pounds, or you can use the 1,500-pound available payload capacity.

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13. Toyota Sienna

Courtesy of Toyota

MSRP: $37,685

You don’t have to be a parent to drive a minivan, and the Toyota Sienna could be a great retirement option.

The Sienna is easy for drivers and passengers to get in and out of, or you can check on available mobility options for wheelchair access.

14. Subaru Legacy

Courtesy of Subaru

MSRP: $24,895

The Subaru Legacy offers drivers an affordable sedan, as Consumer Reports recommends.

The Legacy also has all-wheel drive as a standard feature if you need additional performance while living in an area with winter weather.

15. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Courtesy of Hyundai

MSRP: $41,800

Try an all-electric SUV option if you want to skip the gas station with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which gets around 300 miles on a full charge.

The Ioniq 5 also earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS with high scores for crashworthiness if you get in an accident.

Bottom line

A new car can be a great option when you retire, but it's important to build an estimated budget before you start shopping.

Factor in the vehicle's cost, but remember to include costs like gas, maintenance, or potential repair issues. You’ll also want to shop around for the best car insurance to get a good deal that can save you money.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).