The SUV segment has grown tremendously over the past few years, and it’s only getting bigger. But with so many great options to choose from, many seniors feel overwhelmed at the thought of picking out a reliable SUV to meet their needs.
That’s what we hope to remedy with this guide. Here, you will learn which SUVs seniors are buying and why. By the time you’re finished reading, you will have a good idea which SUV is right for you.
What Is an SUV?
The acronym “SUV” stands for “Sport Utility Vehicle.” While there are a few different definitions out there for what that means exactly, the most common definition of an SUV is that it’s a type of vehicle that has four-wheel drive and seats more people than conventional vehicles.
As such, SUVs are generally larger or taller than their sedan counterparts and have higher ground clearance. Some examples of SUVs include the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Jeep Wrangler.
While these SUVs are certainly commendable in their own right, they don’t quite fit the bill as being reliable vehicles for seniors (except for the CR-V, which did in fact make the list back in 2018).
But here in 2022, seniors are investing in completely different makes and models. Let’s take a look at the 5 SUVs seniors are buying and discuss why each one made the cut.
1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an SUV that can seat up to 8 passengers. For what you get here, it’s one of the most affordable SUVs seniors are interested in.
The Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. This is better than many other SUVs on the market today, including models like the Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Murano.
What’s more, the Highlander Hybrid has a reliable reputation because it’s a Toyota. But it’s also a popular choice thanks to its range of features and its ability to seat so many people (although the third row admittedly feels a tad cramped).
Another important point to note is the stunning beauty of the Highlander Hybrid. This is seriously one fine-looking vehicle. For an SUV that costs $10,000+ less than the luxurious Jaguar F-Pace, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid certainly holds its own.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
Speaking of the Jaguar F-Pace, the Hyundai Santa Fe shares a lot of similarities, cosmetically speaking. So much so that you’d be forgiven for confusing the two at first glance.
Hyundai’s Santa Fe costs nearly half the price of the F-Pace but borrows many of the luxury SUV’s design choices. Of course, looks only get you so far. How does the Santa Fe hold up in the areas that matter most, such as safety, performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency?
As it turns out, really well. Hyundai went all out to deliver a safe, high-quality SUV, and it shows in nearly every aspect of the Santa Fe. You can pick up this classy, budget-friendly ride at a starting price of just $27,700.
3. Chevrolet Tahoe
Another SUV that seniors seem to love is the Chevrolet Tahoe. This certainly makes sense, as the Tahoe is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, period. And it’s not hard to see why.
It’s got a few different features, such as great visibility, an incredible sound system, and superior reliability. Moreover, this SUV is perfect for those who need to tow something, like a boat or camper.
If there’s one notable aspect that immediately stands out, it’s the sheer size of the Tahoe. This SUV is massive in all departments. But with that comes a lower MPG standard. This is made worse when you’re taking full advantage of the staggering 355 horsepower engine.
If you can overlook the lower MPG (16 city and 20 highway), the Tahoe is a safe and reliable SUV that meets a variety of needs. The 2022 model starts at $48,900.
4. Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover has been around for a long time, and it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this SUV, as it offers a great blend of comfort and capability.
Interestingly, the Range Rover matches Chevy’s Tahoe in horsepower, providing drivers with 355 HP. As such, you can haul all sorts of things, like campers, for example. Fortunately, the fuel economy on this SUV tops the Tahoe with 18 city and 23 highway.
So, why did we rank Land Rover’s Range Rover below the Tahoe if it’s just as powerful and gets better gas mileage? Quite simply, the Range Rover is one expensive vehicle. With an MSRP ranging between $93k and $215k, it’s $43,000 higher than the lowest-priced Tahoe and $143,000 higher than the most expensive one. [1]
That’s a price gap we couldn’t ignore. But if money is no object and you’re willing to shell out the cost difference, the Range Rover is a safe investment that should serve you well.
5. Jaguar F-Pace
One of the most popular SUVs seniors are buying is the Jaguar F-Pace. This SUV is perfect for someone who wants to get in on the luxury segment. It’s a comfortable and stylish ride with a sharp exterior.
What’s more, every Jaguar F-Pace comes equipped with all-wheel drive, which serves as an excellent option for seniors who live in snowy or wet climates. And with 246 horsepower, there’s plenty of torque at the ready.
As one of the pricier entries on this list, the F-Pace is for drivers who want to sit in the lap of luxury—literally. The exterior of this SUV is in a class of its own. Seniors can also look forward to high safety marks and impressive fuel economy.
If there’s a downside, it’s the reliability factor. Jaguar’s F-Pace doesn’t quite hold up as well as, say, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. But then again, few vehicles do. In addition to that point, you might have a hard time getting parts for repairs if you ever cross that bridge.
These are secondary complaints, however, and they in no way detract from what is an absolutely stellar SUV. From the build quality and impeccable performance to the sheer brilliance of the design, Jaguar knocked it out of the park with the F-Pace. Just be ready to pay for all of these perks.
Honorable Mention: Toyota 4Runner
While it didn’t make the list, the Toyota 4Runner deserves mention. Thanks to an entry-level price point, the 4Runner is one of the more popular SUVs for seniors. As a Toyota, drivers know they’re investing in dependable quality.
Moreover, this SUV has a spacious interior, includes all-wheel drive, and comes with an excellent reliability rating. The 4Runner also has some nice quality-of-life features, such as a robust and user-friendly infotainment system. [2]
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner starts at $37,815, which is relatively reasonable for an SUV of this caliber. The only downside? It’s not the best on gas mileage.
Conclusion
Seniors have plenty of options when it comes to buying a safe and reliable SUV. And while some cost more than others, all of the entries among our rankings deliver a high standard of quality that few other SUVs touch.
References:
[1] https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/land-rover/range-rover
[2] https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/4runner