Best Cars for Seniors

Consumer Reports recently named the best cars for seniors. The study conducted at their automotive test track has been reported on by major news outlets, automotive news, and the AARP. Kia is thrilled to have four of its vehicles designated as the “best” for seniors. They are the Forte, Soul, Sportage , and Sorento.

The physical consequences of aging may negatively impact driving and may require additional support and comfort. Diminished vision, mobility and reflexes and even cognitive impairments are experienced by some drivers. Older drivers appreciate easily accessible driver and passenger seating, comfortable seats with lumbar support, good visibility, bright headlights and user-friendly controls.

In addition to creature comforts, Kia’s safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning (FWS), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEW) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) have proven effective.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted an accident prevention study which demonstrated that collision avoidance technologies reduce accidents by as much as 21%. Front crash protection and automatic emergency braking reduced accidents by an astounding 50%.

One of the most important things you can look for in any vehicle is an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation which must pass these rigorous standards. The 2018 Kia Forte, Soul and Optima have all been designated with the Top Safety Pick+ award and the 2018 Sportage, Sorento and Cadenza have received the Top Safety Pick Designation.

To qualify for 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also must earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating.

To qualify for 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also must earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating.[i]

In addition to improved safety technologies, airbags have both improved and multiplied. In addition to front airbags, the safest vehicles also have side airbags and possibly knee and rollover protection as well.

The Soul and the Sportage made the Top 5 recommended cars for seniors. These are some of the reasons that Consumer Reports touted Kia vehicles as being great options for older drivers[ii]

Kia Forte

• Spacious cabin
• Better fuel economy
• Android Auto/Apple Car Play
• Lane Keeping Assistance
• Forward Collision Warning (FWS)
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEW)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Kia Soul

• Good interior space
• Chair like seats
• Safety gear
• Exceptional visibility

Kia Sportage

•  Safety technologies
• Chair like seats
• Raised seat height
• Compact SUV size

 Kia Sorento

• Simple controls
• Safety features
• Crash test results
• Midsize (neither too small or too big)

 [i] IIHS, www.iihs.org

[ii] Consumer Reports, “Top 25 Cars for Senior Drivers”