5 Best Car Picks for Elderly Drivers

1. Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is one of the most popular superminis on British roads and it’s easy to see why. It’s zippy, reliable and offers excellent fuel economy. This has earned it a special place in the hearts of elderly drivers. The model is compact and easy to manoeuvre around the city yet spacious enough to accommodate grandkids, pets and bulky items like walkers and wheelchairs.

While the Honda Jazz has a relatively low profile, the driver’s seat is raised which ensures excellent visibility. Unlike some superminis which can feel a little jerky, the Honda Jazz accelerates smoothly and has decent suspension, which makes for a relaxing ride. Steering is responsive which means no extra stress on joints in the fingers and wrists – another plus for elderly drivers.

Now let’s talk safety. The newest version of the Honda Jazz is packed with clever safety features, including rear parking sensors, emergency braking, overspeed warnings and more. Just one more reason it’s one of the best cars for elderly motorists. 

2. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta isn’t just one of the top-selling cars in the UK. It’s also one of our best car for elderly drivers picks. The company has created trim levels to suit every driver, from the sleek and sporty ST to the adventure-ready Active. It’s loaded with clever features designed to make driving as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Hate scraping ice off your windscreen on winter mornings? A heated windscreen means you’ll never need to struggle with an ice scraper again. Have a bad habit of leaving your fuel cap on the roof? The Fiesta features an easy-to-use cap that automatically opens and closes as needed.

Lane-keep assist is a nice feature for all drivers, not just elderly motorists. As are upgrades like an auto-dimming rearview mirror to keep you from being blinded by bright headlights when driving in the dark.

Most elderly drivers are retired and living off personal savings or pensions, which means cost is often a top priority. The Ford Fiesta delivers with an affordable price tag starting at just over £19,000. It’s also cheap to run and service – yet another reason why it’s one of the best cars for elderly drivers.  

3. Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 promises a luxury driving experience without the sky-high price. It’s a great compromise for elderly Brits who want to dip their toes into the premium sector, without a six-figure investment. Even entry-level models treat you to butter-soft leather seats, a bright 9-inch centre display and integrated Google Assistant functionality.

A raised driving position offers outstanding visibility and allows you to see what’s ahead and around you. Yes, the XC60 is larger than the much-loved superminis in this roundup. But responsive steering and driver-assist features make manoeuvring a breeze.

4. Vauxhall Meriva

If you’re browsing the best cars for elderly drivers on the used market, the Vauxhall Meriva is a top pick. The supermini was popular in the UK for years and has since been discontinued, though you’ll find some fantastic deals on the second-hand market.

Innovative FlexDoors features are what sets this model apart from other cars in our roundup. Instead of a standard hinge layout, the back doors feature a hinge on the rear end of the car. This means the front and back doors open like a clamshell. What’s the benefit? The layout makes it much easier to load items into the rear seats. Whether it’s stacking shopping bags or strapping grandchildren into booster seats, the FlexDoors reinvent backseat functionality.

The flex doesn’t stop here. The FlexRail system features interior storage cubbies that can be easily moved backwards or forwards, depending on your needs. Use them to stash everything from Fry’s Peppermint Cream bars to stray coins. Finally, FlexSpace functionality allows you to easily switch between seat configurations.

5. Skoda Octavia Hatch SE

Travel with style in the Skoda Octavia Hatch SE, the latest instalment from the Czech motoring company. As well as being packed with safety features like lane assist and rear parking sensors, the model incorporates clever ideas like a slide-out umbrella in the passenger door, pull-down glasses storage in the cabin and an ice scraper in the fuel cap.

Unlike SUVs which are popular in the UK but have a high profile, the Skoda Octavia Hatch SE features a low-lying silhouette. This makes it one of the best cars for elderly drivers.

Excellent fuel efficiency of 51.9 mpg will save you money at the forecourt while a £25,965 price tag makes the Skoda Octavia Hatch SE a realistic option for drivers looking to purchase new. Of course, there are also great deals to be had on the used market.

Drive in comfort with finance from My Car Credit

Ready to upgrade to a new car and want to know more about your options? Use our car finance eligibility checker guide to learn more about the process. At My Car Credit we specialise in helping our customers check their eligibility for auto finance before submitting a formal application that affects their credit score. This is known as a ‘soft search’ and is the best way to kickstart your car finance journey. Get in touch with a friendly team member to find out more and get behind the wheel of one of the best cars for elderly drivers.