AARP’s Recommendations on Best Cars for Seniors
Choosing a car in retirement is less about horsepower and more about everyday confidence. Think great visibility, easy entry and exit, intuitive tech, a quiet ride, and advanced safety that simply works. That is why the vehicles most often highlighted for older drivers share a common thread of comfort, ergonomics, and driver-assistance features that reduce fatigue, whether you’re running errands around Delray Beach or on longer drives up the Treasure Coast. Below are senior-friendly picks paired with practical tips for residents of Abbey Delray South in Delray Beach, FL. Use this guide to narrow your short list, then test the trim that matches your needs.
Notes on pricing and scores: MSRPs are for base trims and can change with destination fees and incentives. “U.S. News Overall Score” reflects that publication’s composite rating of performance, interior, safety, and reliability at the time of review. Always confirm current pricing and features with a local dealer in Palm Beach County.
2025 Mazda CX-5
$28,570 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
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Why seniors like it: The CX-5 feels upscale and planted without being stiff. The driving position is natural, sightlines are good for a compact SUV, and the cabin uses large physical knobs for climate and volume, so you are not poking through screens while driving on Atlantic Avenue. Standard driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are especially helpful in tight Publix or Costco parking lots.
Delray Beach fit: You will appreciate the CX-5’s tidy size on Federal Highway and A1A, yet it handles I-95 merges with confidence. If you frequently carry golf clubs to public courses, the cargo hold swallows a pull cart and soft bag with room to spare.
Smart picks for comfort: The Preferred or Carbon Edition adds power driver’s seat memory and heated seats that make early morning errands more pleasant. A power liftgate keeps shoulder strain to a minimum.
2025 Honda Accord
$28,295 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
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Why seniors like it: A sedan can be easier to enter than taller SUVs, and the Accord’s door openings and hip-point make slide-in access simple. Visibility is excellent, ride quality is quiet, and controls are logical. Hybrid trims add outstanding fuel economy for frequent trips between Delray Marketplace and Downtown Delray.
Delray Beach fit: If you regularly drive guests to Palm Beach International Airport, the Accord’s highway stability and driver-assist suite reduce fatigue. Parking at busy beach lots is straightforward thanks to its turning radius and clear camera views.
What to test: Check seat height relative to your knees and verify the steering wheel telescopes far enough to keep your shoulders relaxed. Make sure the touchscreen icons are large enough to read at a glance.
2025 Buick Encore GX
$25,940 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
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Why seniors like it: The Encore GX is compact on the outside, roomy inside, and tuned for comfort with a quiet cabin. Door openings are generous for a subcompact, and the seats are easy to reach without “climbing up.”
Delray Beach fit: Perfect for narrow condo garages or crowded Atlantic Avenue Street parking. Higher-trim visibility features and an available 360-degree camera can be a confidence booster when backing out near beach crowds.
Helpful add-ons: Look for front and rear parking sensors, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a hands-free liftgate.
2024 Ford Maverick
$23,920 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
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Why seniors like it: The Maverick is the rare small pickup that is easy to drive and park, with seating that feels like a comfortable chair rather than a low couch. The bed handles garden supplies, beach chairs, or a couple of bikes without needing a roof rack.
Delray Beach fit: If you split time between Abbey Delray South and a place on the west cost or upstate, the Maverick’s hybrid option saves fuel on Turnpike runs while still giving you utility. The rear bed height is friendly for loading without heavy lifting.
Shopper tip: Confirm tailgate weight and bed step solutions and try the hybrid version if most of your driving is in town.
2025 Genesis GV70
$45,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
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Why seniors like it: Luxury without intimidation. The GV70 pairs supportive seats with excellent noise isolation, clear digital gauges, and gentle ride quality. It also offers one of the better highway-assist suites in this segment.
Delray Beach fit: If you enjoy weekend shows at the Arts Garage or drives to museums, the GV70’s intuitive tech reduces fatigue. Concierge-style service from nearby dealers can help if you prefer drop-off convenience.
Worth considering: Specify a trim with a head-up display and surround-view camera. These help with lane awareness and curbside parking on narrow streets.
2025 Toyota Camry
$28,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.5/10
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Why seniors like it: The redesigned Camry is hybrid only for 2025, bringing quiet operation, smooth power, and excellent fuel economy. Controls are simple, and Toyota Safety Sense brings a robust suite of driver assists standard.
Delray Beach fit: Effortless around town or for day trips to the Kravis Center. The trunk comfortably holds walkers or folding beach chairs. Low door sills help with easy step-in and step-out.
Trim advice: Try the LE for riding comfort on smaller wheels, or XLE for extra seat adjustments and a quieter cabin. Upgrading to larger wheels can offer a firmer ride over Delray speed humps.
2025 Kia Soul
$20,290 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.2/10
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Why seniors like it: The Soul’s boxy shape yields upright seating and big windows that make lane checks and parking less stressful. The low cargo floor simplifies lifting groceries. Controls are simple, and the driving experience is light and friendly.
Delray Beach fit: Easy to see out of, easy to park on Atlantic Avenue, and a breeze to maneuver into tight spaces at Bethesda Hospital East. If you don’t need all-wheel drive, the Soul is an affordable, cheerful city runabout.
Add-on ideas: A power driver’s seat with lumbar support and a blind-spot camera can make a big difference.
2025 Lexus RX Hybrid
$52,475 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
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Why seniors like it: The RX Hybrid is a comfort-first midsize SUV with plush seating, a hushed cabin, and outstanding real-world mileage. Entry and exit are graceful thanks to chair-height seats, and the ride smooths out uneven pavement.
Delray Beach fit: If you often shuttle friends to the beach or dinner on the Avenue, the RX Hybrid keeps the cabin serene. It is also a strong choice for longer weekend getaways to Naples or St. Augustine.
Good options: Ventilated seats, panoramic camera, and a hands-free liftgate. These reduce effort in heat and during parking maneuvers.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
$26,650 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
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Why seniors like it: The Sonata’s refresh brought a calmer cabin and clear infotainment. Door openings are wide, the trunk is generous, and the ride is comfortable. The controls are straightforward, with physical buttons for core functions.
Delray Beach fit: If most of your driving is along Linton Boulevard and Jog Road, a midsize sedan like the Sonata keeps fuel and insurance costs reasonable while giving you space for visiting family and friends. The hybrid version is very efficient for running local errands.
Comfort callouts: Power lumbar, memory settings, and a heated steering wheel for early mornings all add up to easier daily driving.
2025 Honda Civic
$24,250 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.2/10
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Why seniors like it: The Civic is small on the outside yet spacious inside, with supportive seats and excellent outward visibility. It offers strong crash-test performance, and driver-assist features are standard on most trims. The cabin design is clean and low-glare, which helps in the Florida sun.
Delray Beach fit: As an everyday car for short hops to The Boys Farmers Market or the library, the Civic’s light controls and compact footprint make it stress-free. Taller drivers will appreciate the tilt-and-telescoping wheel for better posture.
What to check: Make sure the door sill height works for your hips and knees and confirm forward-collision alerts can be tailored to your preference.
2025 Subaru Outback
$28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
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Why seniors like it: The Outback is famous for its easy step-in height, supportive seats, and standard all-wheel drive. Big windows and a low cowl provide commanding visibility, while the Eyesight driver-assist suite is standard.
Delray Beach fit: If you love weekend nature walks at Wakodahatchee Wetlands or Green Cay, the Outback’s cargo area holds folding chairs, a cooler, and trekking poles with room to spare. All-wheel drive is useful in heavy downpours.
Practice run: Try loading and unloading your real gear during the test drive. Check that the power tailgate height is adjustable for low ceilings.
2024 Toyota RAV4
$28,850 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
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Why seniors like it: The RAV4 blends a manageable size with dependable comfort and strong safety credentials. The front seats are chair height, visibility is good, and Toyota’s driver-assist suite is standard. The hybrid is worth a second test if you value fuel savings around town.
Delray Beach fit: Easy to live with, easy to park at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, and a reliable choice for seasonal visitors who want predictable costs and strong resale value.
Trim tip: LE and XLE trims ride softer on smaller wheels. XLE Premium and Limited add more comfort features if you want a quieter, plusher cabin.
8 Tips to Pick the Right Senior-Friendly Car in Delray Beach
- Try before you buy — and bring your normal gear. Show up to test drives with your usual tote, reusable grocery bags, or mobility aids. Practice entering and exiting on both sides. Confirm you can close the door and buckle up without twisting. Load the trunk with your real items and check the liftover height.
- Set the seat for long-term comfort. Your ideal position lets your hips and knees align, elbows rest lightly bent, and your wrists touch the top of the wheel without leaning forward. If you have shoulder issues, prioritize power height adjustment plus a tilt-and-telescoping wheel with long reach. Memory seating helps if you share the car.
- Demand clear visibility. Large mirrors, a low dashboard, and big windows reduce head-swiveling. Ask for blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera where available. Try the camera in bright midday sun to ensure glare is not a problem.
- Keep tech simple. Physical knobs for volume and climate are friendlier than touchscreen-only controls. Try voice commands for navigation. Make sure screen fonts are large enough and the menu layout makes sense to you.
- Balance hybrid value vs. your driving. Hybrids shine for stop-and-go traffic around Delray Beach but cost more up front. If you mostly take longer highway trips, the payback may be slower. For plug-in hybrids, confirm charging access in your garage or carport.
- Mind total cost, not just MSRP. Insurance, maintenance, tires, and fuel also factor into your ownership costs. Ask your insurer for quotes on your shortlist before you sign. If you plan to keep the car a long time, consider the warranty length and the availability of mobile service or pickup-and-drop-off from local dealers.
- Ask for a longer test drive loop. A 20- to 30-minute drive that includes neighborhood streets and a quick cruise on I-95 will tell you more about ride quality, road noise, seat comfort, and how the driver assists behave at speed.
- Bring a second set of eyes. A friend or family member can watch how you enter, exit, and load items, then call out anything that looks worrisome. Ask them to ride in the back seat to check comfort.
Where Abbey Delray South Residents Can Test-Drive Nearby
You will find Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Ford, Buick, and Genesis dealers within a 15- to 30-minute radius along Federal Highway, Glades Road, and Northlake Boulevard. Call ahead to confirm accessibility features like extended test drives, at-home test options, or valet service. If mornings are easier on joints, book the earliest slot, when lots are less crowded and the Florida heat is cooler.
Quick Comparison: Choosing Among Favorites
● Prefer a small, quiet SUV with an upscale feel? Mazda CX-5, Genesis GV70, Lexus RX Hybrid
● Want an easy sedan with excellent mileage? Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
● Need ultra-easy parking and value pricing? Kia Soul, Buick Encore GX
● Want open-bed versatility without a big truck? Ford Maverick
● Like wagon-style cargo with SUV comfort? Subaru Outback
● Prefer Toyota reliability in a compact SUV? Toyota RAV4
Each of these vehicles earns strong marks for comfort, visibility, safety tech, and ease of use. Start with the models whose seating position and entry height feel natural, then refine based on tech simplicity, cargo practicality, and budget.
Find Your Fit
The best car for a senior driver is the one that keeps everyday life easy — getting in and out without a struggle, seeing clearly at intersections, loading groceries without a lift, and arriving relaxed. Start with the models above, bring your normal daily gear to the dealership, and drive the exact trim you plan to buy. For a Delray Beach lifestyle built around sunshine, errands, and visiting family, these cars make the routine safer and more comfortable, so every trip from Abbey Delray South feels like a small pleasure, not a chore.
Featured Image: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock