If you’re a retiree in the market for a new SUV before Christmas, there are several factors to consider. Affordability is a factor, as transitioning to retirement and moving to fixed sources of income can make sticking to a budget trickier. Safety features and reliability are also of importance.
As Steve Sexton, CEO of Sexton Advisory Group , noted, as a retiree you’ll likely want an SUV that is easy to get in and out of — meaning one should identify a model that is the right height and has doors that are large enough to get in and out comfortably.
What’s more, he noted that retirees should look at certain upgrades such as blind spot detection, rearview cameras, parking sensors, lane departure warning and electronic stability control, which can make for a safer driving experience overall.
Finally, fuel efficiency can be a critical factor, especially if you’re watching your budget in retirement.
“Minimize your gas bill by picking an SUV that is fuel efficient, hybrid, or electric,” added Sexton.
Also, buying an SUV before Christmas can be a wise financial move. As Kelley Blue Book explained, car dealerships have annual quotas to meet, which will determine how much inventory they will get for the following year. Further, dealerships are also “looking for bragging rights of having the best selling car, truck or SUV in America,” and, in turn, they have to offer deals to get to that “magic number.”
Finally, another reason includes the so-called “inventory tax,” which dealers in many states must pay on leftover inventory on Jan. 1, Kelley Blue Book added.
Keeping all this in mind, here are the best SUVs for seniors to consider buying before Christmas.
According to Kelley Blue Book , this car is a good fit not only because of its Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rating, but also because of its off-road potential.
In addition, KBB noted that the best value for seniors is the Laredo model, which comes with features such as LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated outboard mirrors.
Subaru Crosstrek
Base price: $26,540
Per Edmunds , this SUV is a great fit for seniors for many reasons. First, it has an “easy-to-use interior control layout.”
In addition, “outward visibility is good, and its elevated seat height and wide door openings make getting in and out no problem.”
2024 Honda CR-V
Base price: $30,850
This one is great for seniors, too. It is Kelley Blue Book’s Compact SUV Best Buy for 2024, and the IIHS deemed it a Top Safety Pick.
In terms of safety features, this SUV boasts forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, as well as lane-departure warning with steering assist. For seniors, KBB said that the EX grade ($33, 360) is worth it, as it includes features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Nissan Pathfinder
Base price: $36,535
The Nissan Pathfinder is also a good option for retirees, as it has a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, according to Insurify .
“Senior drivers looking for a smooth and quiet ride will find a lot to love about the Nissan Pathfinder, an SUV engineered to provide sound deadening in the cabin and a smooth ride on less-than-smooth surfaces.”
In addition, Insurify noted that “driver-assistance technology comes standard and includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.”
Kia Telluride
Base price: $37,255
The IIHS also gave this SUV a “Top Safety Pick” rating, according to Insurify.
The Telluride SUV is not only comfortable and roomy, but also boast features such as precise steering and braking, as well as driver-assistance technology, including “standard blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking.”
Honda HR-V
Base price: $27,500
As Sexton noted, this one is a comfortable sub-compact SUV that comes with a range of helpful driver assist features, has great outward visibility and is a generally comfortable ride. In addition, fuel efficiency is 27-28 mpg.
Edmunds also noted that this is Honda’s smallest SUV and is known “to pack a ton of utility and clever features into a compact package.”
Mazda CX-50
Base price: $30,300
According to Sexton, this SUV also comes with an extensive suite of driver assist features, comfortable seats and is pretty fuel efficient at 25-27 mpg.
Meanwhile, Edmunds noted this SUV is a bit pricey, “if you’re looking for a small utility vehicle, it doesn’t get much better than this.”
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