You want a vehicle that helps keep you safe on the road without sacrificing comfort or convenience. This article walks through crash-tested results and modern safety tech to help you spot models that suit an older driver’s needs and driving style. It highlights which vehicles combine strong crash protection with driver-assist features and easy entry/exit so you can choose with confidence.
As you scan familiar names like Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, and Tesla, expect clear comparisons of crash data, practical safety tech, and features that matter for aging drivers. The goal is to make the decision straightforward so you can focus on what feels right behind the wheel.
Subaru Outback
The Outback scores well in crash tests and comes with driver aids that help older drivers stay aware, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assists.
Its higher seating position and large doors make entry and exit easier, which many seniors prefer.
All trims include a rearview camera and EyeSight driver-assist on most models, improving visibility and reducing collision risk.
Compare specific model years and trims for the latest safety ratings before deciding.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 pairs a comfortable ride with strong crash-test performance and user-friendly controls. It now offers hybrid powertrains across the lineup, improving fuel economy for drivers who want fewer fill-ups.
Toyota includes many active safety systems as standard, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping aids, which help reduce common crash risks. Read more about its safety features and ratings at U.S. News on the best cars for older drivers.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V scores highly in crash tests and earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, which reassures many older drivers. It also won a Top Safety Pick from IIHS for recent model years, showing strong crash protection and crash-avoidance tech.
The cabin offers easy entry and exit and upright seating that improves visibility. Standard driver assists like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping help reduce stress on longer drives.
Learn more about its crash results on the IIHS page for the 2026 Honda CR-V.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers strong crash-test performance and modern driver aids that help older drivers avoid collisions. It earned top marks in NHTSA testing and shows good small-overlap results on IIHS evaluations.
Standard features include automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assists, which reduce workload on longer drives. Buyers can check detailed ratings and feature lists on the NHTSA page for the Escape and the IIHS evaluation for 2025 models.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 scores highly in crash tests and repeatedly earns IIHS recognition for its protection. It offers advanced driver assists like adaptive cruise, blind‑spot intervention, and lane‑keep systems that help reduce collision risk.
Its roomy cabin and elevated seating improve visibility for older drivers. Built-in safety tech pairs with a solid crash-structure to lower injury likelihood in common crash scenarios.
Manufacturers continue updating the XC90’s suites, so prospective buyers should verify current features and ratings before deciding.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 earns strong crash-test marks and updated driver aids that help older drivers avoid common collisions.
IIHS praised recent CX-5 models after Mazda improved structure and safety systems; see the IIHS 2025 listings for details (https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2025/all/mazda).
It offers comfortable seating height and intuitive controls, which reduce strain and distraction on longer drives.
Adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist come on many trims, aiding reaction time and lowering risk.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a strong safety package that appeals to older drivers. It earned top crash ratings and advanced driver aids like lane-keep and forward collision systems.
Its driver monitoring and break reminder features help reduce distraction and fatigue during long drives. The IIHS awarded recent Santa Fe models high marks for crashworthiness, reinforcing its safety credentials (see IIHS results).
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers a comfortable ride and user-friendly controls that older drivers appreciate. It includes available driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist to reduce everyday stress.
Recent IIHS testing shows strong results, and Kia announced the Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation for late-2025-built models, reflecting improved crashworthiness. Read more about the IIHS rating and details on the 2025 Kia Sorento IIHS page.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox offers a compact-SUV size that many older drivers find easy to maneuver and park. It bundles key driver-assistance features like forward collision warning and lane-departure alerts on many trims.
Crash-test performance has been favorable in recent model years, though ratings vary by year and trim, so buyers should check the specific model. For official federal ratings and detailed crash results, consult the NHTSA’s car safety ratings.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y offers high crash protection and advanced driver assists that help older drivers avoid common collisions. It earned top recognition from IIHS for 2025, reflecting strong structural performance and pedestrian safety (see the IIHS rating).
Its suite of active safety features, like automatic emergency braking and lane-centering, reduces driver workload. The cabin’s visibility and simple controls also suit drivers who prefer minimal distraction.