The Best New Cars For Seniors - There’s 3 Subaru Models You Want, One You Don’t

Some new cars and SUVs are better for seniors than others. The best models are easier to get in and out, have better visibility, are more comfortable, have an adjustable steering wheel, have more convenience features, and offer a quiet cabin. In addition, they have the lowest maintenance costs and the best safety record.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) offers good advice and compiled the best new and used cars and SUVs for seniors and said two Subaru models are among the best. But there’s one you should avoid.

First, the 2023 Subaru Legacy sedan is one of the best new car picks for seniors. Check out the entire KBB list here.

KBB says the best trim level is the Premium trim because it offers the most value. The Legacy gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Legacy gets a 30 mpg combined city/highway.

What does KBB say about the Legacy?

“The Subaru Legacy is another great choice, especially if you live in the snow-belt. All-wheel drive is standard, yet it still manages 30 mpg in combined driving. In addition, it is library-quiet, spacious, and has a reputation for solid resale values.”

“Stepping up a notch to Premium adds an advanced infotainment system with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wiper de-icer, heated outboard mirrors, and dual-zone automatic climate control. In addition, it offers the proximity key, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist as options,” says KBB.

What is the price of the 2023 Legacy?

The 2023 Legacy sedan now comes in five trim levels. The 2023 midsize sedan starts at $25,415 for the base trim, Premium ($27,715), Limited ($32,465), Sport with a new 2.4-liter turbo engine ($34,915), and top-of-the-line Touring XT ($38,715). Destination and delivery fees are included in the pricing above ($1,020).

The 2019-2022 Subaru Forester is the number one used car pick for seniors.

KBB picks the Subaru Forester compact SUV because of its used car price ($23,000-$35,000), gets the highest Top Safety PIck+ score from the IIHS, and gets 29 mpg combined city/highway fuel mileage.

What does KBB say about the Forester?

“Subaru did a total Forester redesign for 2019. As with nearly every Subaru, AWD is standard. The Forester is larger on the inside than you might expect. We like its space, calm ride, standard AWD, and excellent mileage.”

What is the best trim level?

KBB says, “We’d look for the Limited trim level. It comes with steering-responsive (adaptive) auto on-off LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity key, power rear lift-gate, heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, and LED fog lights. Among the standard driver aids are forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruised control, and high-beam assist.”

One Subaru model seniors should avoid

There is one Subaru model you should avoid. You may be tempted to buy a sports car, and the 2023 Subaru WRX is a fun-to-drive sports sedan, but it’s nothing like the Legacy sedan. It does offer standard all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance, but the WRX sits lower to the ground, so it’s hard to get in and out, it has poor outward visibility, it’s loud inside the cabin, and it has a stiff suspension and uncomfortable ride. It's one Subaru model not fit for seniors of any age.

Our take - Add the Outback to your shopping list

We suggest seniors look at the 2023 Subaru Outback. It has a comfortable car-like ride yet has the utility of an SUV. It comes with all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance, has the newest safety technology, and has convenience features to make life easy.

Outback is easy to get in and out of because of its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, good visibility, more comfort, an adjustable steering wheel, convenience features, and noise control. In addition, the 2023 Subaru Outback has low maintenance costs and the best safety record.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: main image Patrick Subaru