Compact crossovers and SUVs have ascended the ranks to become the quintessential American family vehicle, ousting midsize sedans from the throne. Their elevated popularity hinges on their larger interior and cargo space, wrapped in a more compact structure. Furthermore, these petite models are more fuel-efficient and car-like to drive compared to their midsize and full-size brethren.
Riding in Style: The Top Crossover SUVs of 2024 Tailored to Seniors’ Needs
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Compact SUVs and crossovers are a perfect match for senior drivers, providing easy access, superior road visibility, and elevated comfort levels when compared to traditional sedans. In most crossovers, the transition into the driver’s seat feels as effortless as sitting at your dining table. This is a key advantage over the more rugged SUVs that feature higher ground clearance and an off-road design, demanding a greater step-up into the vehicle as well as a less smooth ride.
Another attractive feature for seniors is the array of high-tech safety systems that come standard in most models. Manufacturers’ choices to equip these vehicles with active safety features is a win for drivers of all ages, as these technologies, like automatic emergency braking, cross traffic alerts, blind spot monitoring and following distance indicators, can assist in prompt and effective responses.
Let’s delve into the finest 2024 crossover SUV models designed with seniors in mind.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V holds the title of Honda’s top-selling model and the runner-up in its class. This beloved vehicle has undergone a revamp, sporting a more unique and appealing look. The new CR-V is also slightly larger, promising as much rear-seat space as its recently upgraded Korean competitors. The cargo space has also seen a marginal increase, boasting up to 39.3 cubic-feet behind the back seat and 76.1 when folded, still topping its class.
The interior has received a major style uplift, mimicking the previous year’s Civic and amplifying its luxurious feel. The CR-V’s reputation for quality and reliability, combined with these enhancements, make it an excellent choice.
Kia Sportage
This crowd-pleaser from Kia offers excellent value for money. The 2023-25 model is the revamped fifth-generation Kia Sportage. The exterior design flaunts futuristic, flowing contours reminiscent of the Jaguar, rather than traditional angles. The interior echoes this style, with Kia’s new screen-dense dashboard mirroring those seen in contemporary BMW models.
The spacious cabin isn’t just appealing to the eye but also offers leading back seat room and comfort. The cargo space exceeds several midsize SUVs, providing 39.6 cubic-feet of room behind the second row. A major selling point is Kia’s leading warranty coverage in this class, including five years and 60,000 miles of comprehensive and 10 years / 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Mazda CX-50
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is a fresh addition to Mazda’s lineup, bearing similarities to the older CX-5 model. Despite identical exterior dimensions, the CX-50 provides more interior space, better fuel efficiency, and superior off-road capabilities compared to the CX-5. Known for creating vehicles that are a joy to drive, Mazda has ventured into off-roading with the CX-50, offering a smoother ride on rough terrains and an advanced AWD system.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5, despite being an older model, continues to impress. Known for being practical, exciting to drive, and aesthetically pleasing, the second-generation model retains these attributes, even after six years. The base-model CX-5 is a feast for the eyes and delivers satisfactory performance, while the 256-horsepower turbo variant offers one of the most exhilarating drives in its category. The interior is spacious, although the back seat is slightly smaller for a compact crossover SUV. Nonetheless, it boasts a considerable cargo volume.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape, a longstanding American crossover model, has proven to be a spacious and functional vehicle. The 2025 model sees enhancements to both its exterior and interior. The older model’s bug-eyed appearance has given way to sharp new headlights that would not look out of place on a BMW X2. An appealing new ST-Line trim has been introduced that’s only marginally more expensive than the base model. The ST-Line houses a powerful 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, giving the Escape a performance equivalent to the pricier Mazda CX-5 Turbo. The base model engine is satisfactory, but it is noisy and less effective, making the ST-Line model a worthwhile consideration despite the slightly elevated price.
