Seniors may not drive to work five days a week but need a car to continue their daily activities. This can include visiting friends and family, attending a doctor’s appointment, running daily errands, etc. That said, buying cars for seniors isn’t simple. While there are many options, one can go for reputed brands such as Volvo. Keep reading about factors to consider and small Volvo cars that can be the best options for seniors.

Factors to consider when choosing a car for seniors
In addition to fuel economy and price, one must consider numerous other factors while purchasing a senior-friendly car. This is because most seniors can have additional considerations to suit their needs.

Visibility
Generally, as one grows older, one can face certain vision problems. Although this is incredibly common, some people may not be comfortable sitting in the driver’s seat. When driving, one must be able to get an all-around view – front, side, and back. In such cases, it can prove helpful to look out for cars that have large-sized windows and rear cameras. This can give the driver a clear picture of what lies behind the car, thus preventing accidents.

Safety
Another key concern for seniors is safety. While some of them may opt for best in-class safety features to guarantee their safety, others choose safe cars to prioritize their grandchildren and other family members. Either way, it’s imperative that one look out for options that have safety on top of their priority list. Some of the safety features to keep in mind are blindspot monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, backup camera, and collision avoidance system.

Accessibility
Some older adults may have mobility issues and find it uncomfortable to squat or move sideways in a seat. In such circumstances, one must choose a vehicle with a low step-in height, wide doors, and, if possible, a tall roof line. One of the best ways to test the accessibility of a car is to practice entering and exiting it at the dealership. This way, one can ascertain their comfort level and make a purchasing decision accordingly.

Top 3 compact Volvo cars for seniors
Before finalizing a purchase, one must understand the different car types in the market – SUVs ( Sports Utility vehicles), Sedans, and Crossovers.

Sedans have increased fuel efficiency, smoother riding experience, and lower prices. But on the other hand, SUVs provide better visibility, traction control, and more storage space. Finally, crossovers, as the name suggests, can be considered a blend of the two. This gives the driver benefits such as agility and fuel efficiency. Plus, they are lighter.

Now, here are some of the best Volvo cars for seniors.

Volvo XC90
A mid-size SUV, the Volvo XC90 is the perfect blend of modern amenities and luxury. The vehicle possesses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, it does not skimp on necessary features such as safety, accessibility, and visibility. It has a generous suite of features encompassing lane-keeping assistance, blindspot monitoring, automatic rear braking, and more.

When it comes to fuel economy, the automobile provides its users with a combined reading of 25 miles per gallon.

Volvo XC60
This automobile is an SUV, but it’s smaller when compared to the XC90. However, that does not mean it cuts back on any of the features or luxury. The Volvo XC60 can be considered one of the best for seniors due to its good fuel economy – the B5 provides 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Additionally, the vehicle has other powertrain options – B6, and T8 connected thoroughly to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Plus, its manufacturers are extremely committed to safety. This comes through in the form of the car’s safety and driver assistance features like automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous driving feature.

Volvo XC40
Considerably one of the smallest cars in the lineup, the Volvo XC40 is an SUV that perfectly brings together practicality and luxury. This vehicle hosts a plethora of safety and driver-assist features to ensure that the driver and passengers remain safe at all times. If one is looking to save money in the long run, one can pick the electric version. Or else the hybrid proves to be the perfect choice. Besides this, the automobile puts functionality above everything else. This paves the way for roominess not just in the front but also in the back. In addition to the above, it also boasts a myriad of safety features, some of which are standard across models. This includes lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, semi-autonomous driving, and adaptive cruise control.

While the above-mentioned Volvo cars can be excellent choices for seniors, one can conduct thorough research to find more suitable options. But before the purchase, check the vehicle to ascertain one’s needs and wants.