The best cars for senior drivers in 2017

Auto insurance clients are all looking for the vehicle that best fits their needs.

Aging drivers, in particular, may appreciate tips from their insurance agent on the right vehicle for their comfort, safety and budget. 

Senior-friendly features

Seniors need cars that will be safe, reliable and have senior-friendly features.

Related: 10 most dangerous states for senior drivers

Front-seat access is ideal for those with physical limitations because they offer low door sills, wider openings and step in heights that reduce the need for ducking or climbing. Also, cars equipped with powerful headlights can make driving at night easier for people with decreasing or compromised vision.  

25 ideal models

Consumer Reports found 25 new models that are ideal for seniors. All are recommended by Consumer Reports and earned an overall score of excellent or very good in their respective categories (representing road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction,
and safety).

Here are the latest car models ranked by features seniors should consider in 2017:

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Subaru

• Subaru Forester – front-seat access, visibility, control.
• Subaru Outback – visibility, control, headlights.
• Subaru Legacy – visibility, control.
• Subaru Crosstrek – visibility, control.

Related: Shift to fancy gear knobs in cars draws ire of Consumer Reports

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Kia 

• Kia Soul – front-seat access, control.
• Kia Sportage – front-seat access, control, headlights.
• Kia Forte - visibility, control, headlights.
• Kia Sorento - front-seat access, control.

Related: Best eco-friendly cars for Earth Day 2017

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Toyota

• Toyota Highlander - front-seat access.
• Toyota Prius V – front-seat access, headlights. 
• Toyota RAV4 - front-seat access, headlights.
• Toyota Camry (2017) - visibility, headlights.
• Toyota Sienna - front-seat access.
• Toyota Corolla - visibility, headlights.

Related: Woman hit by car after parking her vehicle was not 'using' her vehicle

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Honda

• Honda Odyssey (2017) - front-seat access.
• Honda Accord - visibility, headlights.
• Honda CR-V - front-seat access.
• Honda Pilot - front-seat access, visibility.

Related: 20 best cars for the money in 2017

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Nissan

• Nissan Rogue - front-seat access, control.

Related: Nissan debuts ProPilot as similar Tesla system scrutinized

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Ford

• Ford C-Max Hybrid - front-seat access, headlights.
• Ford Escape - front-seat access, control.
• Ford Flex - front-seat access, visibility.

Related: Is your vehicle a future collectible?

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Hyundai

• Hyundai Sonata - visibility, control, headlights.
• Hyundai Santa Fe - front-seat access, control.
• Hyundai Tucson – control, headlights.

Related: Auto premium increases put strain on insurers' customer satisfaction