4 Reasons Why Two Subaru Models Are The Best Car For Seniors - It’s Not About Safety

In Subaru Forester and Outback tv ads, the Camden, N.J. automaker shows a younger demographic who lead active lifestyles driving the cars. But there are even better reasons for seniors to buy the two models. Cars.com came out with The Best Cars for Senior Drivers, and the 2020 Subaru Forester and Outback are number two and number three best on the list.

Cars.com lists safety as the number one reason because seniors are keeping their driver's licenses longer. Are they inferring seniors are not safe drivers? The opposite is true because studies show seniors are driving longer and safer. Seniors are looking for the best safety technology, and don't have to buy a luxury model to get it. You can find the latest technology in most mainstream brands today.

It's true Subaru has the top Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety scores of any automaker. But many automakers are now on the IIHS Safety Pick+ list. Subaru is a leader in safety, but they aren't the only automaker with top scores.

The other top cars best for senior drivers from the Cars list are the Kia Soul (#1), Hyundai Santa Fe (#4), Hyundai Tucson (#5), Honda CR-V (#6), and Kia Sportage (#7).

Why are Subaru models good cars for seniors?

You can find many cars with the features Cars.com lists as best for senior drivers. They listed an automatic transmission, safety tech, a quiet cabin, comfortable ride, power seats, and user-friendly multimedia. Just about all new cars offer these things. We've found four often overlooked reasons why Subaru Forester, Outback, and Ascent SUVs are best for senior drivers in our tests.

Do Subaru cars offer good outward visibility?

Cars.com does list good visibility as being important, but Subaru is the best in this crucial area. The Forester compact SUV rates number one in outward visibility from the driver's seat.

In a study by Consumer Reports, the 2020 Subaru Forester is the best for outward visibility. Forester is rated tops because of its exterior design with the driver's view "unobstructed by roof pillars, head restraints, or small windows," says CR. Visibility is a core value for the brand, and Subaru has kept Forester's conservative exterior design for this reason.

Easy entry and exit

Forester, Outback, and Ascent all offer easy access because the models sit 8.7-inches off the ground, higher than any mainstream brand SUV. Older drivers can slide in and out without climbing up into a tall vehicle or having to bend down while getting into a car that sits low to the ground. It could save your back from serious problems.

Subaru balance and stability

The 2020 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Ascent bring a unique quality called balance that sets the SUVs apart from all others. Scientifically, balance is the body's ability to maintain its center of gravity above its support base. In an SUV that sits higher off the ground, it helps maintain stability in all driving situations.

All Subaru models use a flat-four Boxer engine, and the unique design is unique to the brand. The horizontally-opposed design allows the engine to sit low in the chassis, lowering the center of gravity, giving the Forester optimal balance and improved driving dynamics. It's what sets the brand apart from all other automakers.

Are Subaru vehicles best for winter driving?

Subaru is committed to building cars that have its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. You can find many SUVs with an all-wheel-drive system, but Subaru offers another system called X-Mode on Forester, Outback, and Ascent models. X-Mode offers optimal traction in deep snow, icy conditions, or mud. It provides another layer of all-weather capability.

Are the 2021 Subaru Forester and Outback the best cars for seniors? Cars says the Subaru Forester and 2020 Outback rank number two and three. We would add the all-new Ascent 3-Row family hauler to the list because it offers the same features as its two stablemates.

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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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