Looking for a new vehicle? We hand picked a few of the best new cars for 2019 with a savvy senior in mind from the Consumer Reports and U.S. News and World Report list. From the compact city dweller Honda Fit to a SUV made to explore Hyundai Sante Fe.
As you age, your car buying needs change. Rather than wanting the fastest or “coolest” set of wheels or something large enough to haul the kids and their gear around, features such as comfort, driving ease and reliability become much more important. Turning to the experts at Consumer Reports and the AARP, these are the best 2019 cars for baby boomers in terms of features and value.
Subaru Forester – Starting at $24,295 MSRP
Subaru’s have the reputation of being one of the most reliable vehicles on the road so it is no surprise that both Consumer Reports and U.S. News and World Report named the Forester one of the best 2019 cars for older drivers. In addition to all-wheel drive capability for challenging weather conditions, great gas mileage (up to 33 MPG highway) and tons of cargo space, the Subaru Forester is loaded with the latest safety features. The EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology feature monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control and warns the driver when they are swaying outside their lane. The Forester’s DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System acts like a helpful passenger, giving the driver an alert if it appears that they are becoming distracted or drowsy. And Subaru’s new STARLINK® Safety and Security system features everything from emergency roadside assistance to a remote engine start with added climate control to a concierge service that provides assistance with navigation, restaurant reservations and scheduling service appointments.
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Hyundai Santa Fe – Starting at $25,500 MSRP
Hyundai has really stepped up their game in the SUV market to have the Santa Fe named as one of the best 2019 cars for seniors. Besides offering all-wheel drive, supportive front seats and easy to use controls, the new Santa Fe’s features three years of complimentary Blue Link® Connected Car Services. If you have ever had a “did I lock the car” moment, you’ll appreciate Blue Link®’s voice-activated remote access lock. Blue Link® also offers a stolen vehicle recovery system that uses the GPS in the vehicle to assist police in finding the car. And with their wireless device charging feature, no need to worry about have a cell phone car charger. And whether you are hauling groceries or skis for a winter getaway, the Santa Fe makes it easy with push-button-release, 60/40 second-row power fold-down rear seats and a hands-free Smart Liftgate that automatically opens the trunk when you stand behind with the key.
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Kia Sorrento – Starting at $25,990 MSRP
Another car that made both the Consumer Reports list is the Kia Sorrento. The Sorrento features supportive seats for those long rides to visit family as well as large trunk space for the golf clubs. Safety-minded seniors will appreciate such Sorrento features as a Forward Collison Avoidance system to better detect road hazards, Smart Cruise Control with a Stop and Go Radar system that helps maintain a healthy distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and a Surround View Monitor to give you a 360 degree view. If you don’t want to forgo passenger room for price, you’ll love the Sorrento’s 3-row, 7-passenger seating. Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay™ Support and wireless phone charging optimize the driving experience as well.
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Honda Fit – Starting at $16,190 MSRP
If you prefer a sedan or you are a more budget-conscious car buyer, take a look at the Honda Fit, voted one of the “16 Best Cars for Seniors” by U.S. News & World Report. Yes, as a compact, it has great gas mileage (36 MPG Highway) but it also offers roominess and storage and, unlike many compacts, is easy to get in and out of. Of course, the Fit has many of the safety features now popular with Honda including the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ which brings the car to a stop when it determines that a collision is unavoidable, Adaptive Cruise Control and Road Departure Mitigation which provides steering assistance to return your vehicle to your lane if you cross over a lane without signaling. Smart Entry, Remote Engine Start and a voice activated navigation system round out the list of preferred features.
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With the many new safety and other features available, now may the time to trade in your car for something that better fits your boomer lifestyle. To view the complete list of the best 2019 cars, visit the Consumer Reports and U.S. News.