Choosing a car in retirement is about more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about easy visibility, simple controls, low-step entry, and driver-assist tech that lowers stress on busy Chicagoland roads. For residents of Beacon Hill in Lombard, IL, that also means smooth parking in covered garages, comfortable trips to the Morton Arboretum, and worry-free service at nearby dealers on Roosevelt Road and along I-355. This guide highlights models that align with AARP’s best cars for seniors’ criteria so you can quickly narrow your list. When you compare cars for seniors, focus on fit and confidence first, features second.
What seniors tend to value most
- Easy ingress and egress: Chair-height seats, wide door openings, and grab handles that do not force you to twist or bend deeply.
- Visibility and lighting: Big windows, minimal blind spots, bright LED headlights, and available surround-view cameras for tight parking.
- Controls you can read and reach: Physical knobs for volume and temperature with clear fonts and straightforward menus.
- Ride comfort: Quiet cabins, supportive seats, and suspensions that move smoothly over the cracked Midwest pavement in winter.
- All-weather confidence: All-wheel drive or capable front-wheel drive paired with quality winter tires.
- Driver assistance that helps, not hassles: Adaptive cruise control for I-355, gentle lane centering, blind-spot warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
- Cost and ownership: Sensible pricing, strong reliability, easy dealer access near Beacon Hill.
With that framework, here is how the most asked-about models stack up for daily life in and around Lombard.
2025 Mazda CX-5
$28,570 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
Mazda’s compact SUV is a favorite for drivers who want a small footprint with a premium ride. Seat height is near chair level, which makes stepping in easy, and the doors open wide for smooth entry. The cabin is quiet and elegant with real knobs for climate and audio, so you are not forced into the screen for simple tasks. Advanced safety like adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring is widely available. All-wheel drive pairs well with winter tires for safe errands on Roosevelt Road when snow flies, which matters for cars for seniors in Chicagoland.
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Why older drivers like it: the CX-5 moves with calm precision. Steering is light at parking speeds yet stable on the highway to Downers Grove or Oak Brook. The front seats are supportive for longer trips to visit family and friends. The liftgate opens tall and the cargo floor is low, helpful for groceries or a folding walker. If you appreciate a car that simply feels right and checks many AARP best cars for seniors’ boxes, the CX-5 deserves a test drive.
2025 Honda Accord
$28,295 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
The Accord remains a benchmark midsize sedan. The roofline is sleek, yet the door openings are generous, and the seating position lets you sit and pivot rather than drop down. The cabin is airy with excellent visibility. Honda Sensing safety features are standard, and adaptive cruise control takes the edge off I-88 and I-355 traffic.
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Inside, the controls are simple. A volume knob and real climate dials sit where you expect them. The trunk is wide and deep, perfect for runs to O’Hare International Airport. On the road, the Accord is composed and quiet, which reduces fatigue. For Beacon Hill residents who want sedan efficiency with all-day comfort, the Accord remains one of the best cars for seniors who prefer a classic, stable ride.
2025 Buick Encore GX
$25,940 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
Encore GX gives you the taller seat height many retirees prefer in a tidy package that fits small parking spaces. Doors are light and easy to swing, and step-in height is gentle. Buick tunes the suspension for comfort, taking the sting out of patched Midwest pavement.
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The cabin looks calm and upscale with straightforward controls and supportive seats. QuietTuning measures help hush road noise, so conversation is easier. Rear cross-traffic alert is a nice touch when backing out in busy lots around Yorktown Center. If you want a small, senior-friendly SUV that still feels premium, the Encore GX fits AARP’s best cars for seniors’ priorities well.
2024 Ford Maverick
$23,920 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
A compact pickup that drives like a car, the Maverick solves real tasks without the size of a full pickup. The seat height is excellent for ease of entry. The bed can handle garden supplies, golf gear, or a scooter ramp, and its step-in is lower than traditional trucks.
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The cabin is simple and robust with big, readable controls. Visibility is excellent with a friendly driving position. If you enjoy DIY projects, trips to The Home Depot, or moving a few boxes, the Maverick provides unmatched utility in a senior-friendly footprint. It is proof that practical cars for seniors can include a pickup when the size and ergonomics are right.
2025 Genesis GV70
$45,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
GV70 brings luxury-SUV comfort with intuitive tech. Seats are plush yet supportive, and the ride filters rough pavement well. The cabin uses clear graphics and a sensible mix of knobs and buttons with a responsive screen. Safety systems are comprehensive, and the available surround-view monitor makes tight parking simple.
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Seniors who prioritize quiet, gentle ride motions, and a premium dealership experience will feel at home. The GV70’s taller stance eases entry while keeping handling tidy. If you prefer a car that soothes every mile, and you enjoy road trips, the GV70 is a standout that still aligns with AARP best cars for seniors’ guidance on comfort and confidence.
2025 Toyota Camry
$28,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.5/10
Camry is a stalwart for seniors thanks to reliability, strong resale, and a stable ride. Seating is straightforward with cushion height that avoids the deep drop of low sedans. Toyota Safety Sense brings advanced driver assists to every trim.
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The interior is logical, with large fonts and a physical climate interface. The cabin stays hushed on the Eisenhower, reducing fatigue. Choose the hybrid for fewer fuel stops. If you want predictable, low-stress ownership with broad dealer support in DuPage County, the Camry remains one of the easiest cars for seniors to live with day to day.
2025 Kia Soul
$20,290 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.2/10
Soul’s boxy shape is a benefit. Tall doors and high rooflines make entry and exit easy. The upright seating position gives commanding visibility, and the rear hatch makes loading simple. Tight turning helps with town errands and small spaces.
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Controls are big and friendly, and the low lift over makes it simple to slide in groceries or a folded wheelchair. For budget-minded drivers seeking a cheerful, practical runabout that feels bigger inside than it looks outside, the Soul is hard to beat. It is a reminder that cars for seniors don’t need to be expensive to be easy to use.
2025 Lexus RX Hybrid
$52,475 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
RX Hybrid blends plush ride quality, serene noise isolation, and strong efficiency. The seat height is spot on for ease of entry. Lexus service is known for low hassle, which matters when you prefer quick visits and courteous loaners.
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The RX prioritizes comfort. Steering is light for parking and stable at speed. Hybrid power is smooth and quiet, ideal for relaxed drives into the city or Sunday brunch in Elmhurst. If you want luxury that reduces every stress point of driving, the RX Hybrid offers a graceful solution that fits many AARP’s best cars for seniors’ preferences.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
$26,650 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
Sonata adds style without sacrificing function. Wide doors, supportive seats, and a calm highway ride make it a pleasant companion. Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assist suite is generous, even on value trims.
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Controls remain intuitive with real switches for common tasks. The trunk is broad for luggage or a walker. Dealers are plentiful across the area, which simplifies service. If you want sedan efficiency with a modern feel and a strong warranty, Sonata belongs on every Beacon Hill short list of cars for seniors that emphasize value.
2025 Honda Civic
$24,250 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Civic is compact outside yet comfortable inside. Visibility is better than average in this class thanks to slim pillars and a low cowl. The ride is composed, and the seats offer solid support for longer outings.
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The dashboard has large, legible controls and a clean layout. Honda Sensing safety features are standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. For seniors who want small-car ease with comfort, Civic feels right sized for Lombard streets and suburban errands. It’s an easy recommendation among cars for seniors who prefer something nimble.
2025 Subaru Outback
$28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
Part wagon, part SUV, the Outback sits at a comfortable height and offers superb outward visibility with big windows and low beltlines. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and generous ground clearance inspire confidence when snowbanks pile up.
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Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance is tuned to be helpful without feeling intrusive. The cargo area is long and low, great for garden tools, a folded bike, or a pet crate. If you enjoy nature walks at the Morton Arboretum or trips up to Lake Geneva, the Outback shines. Plus, it reflects AARP’s best cars for seniors focus on practicality and safety.
2024 Toyota RAV4
$28,850 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
RAV4 is a proven choice with a friendly seating position and broad dealer network. Doors open wide, the cabin sits at chair height, and controls are basic and readable. Many trims offer a power liftgate, and hybrid versions deliver excellent economy.
More on the 2024 Toyota RAV4
RAV4 balances size and usefulness well. It remains easy to park yet spacious inside. Safety features are robust, and reliability is a calling card. For seniors who want a set-and-forget small SUV, RAV4 delivers predictable comfort that aligns with AARP’s best cars for seniors’ guidance.
How to choose the right car for life at Beacon Hill
Measure the fit before you buy. The best cars for seniors share the same essentials, but your body and routines are unique.
- Seat height test: Sit, swivel, and stand without using your hands. If you need to push off the door or bolster, try a trim with power height adjustment.
- Door swing and sill test: Open fully in a standard space and step through without snagging feet or cane tips.
- Visibility test: Adjust mirrors and check the rear glass. Try the 360-degree camera, if equipped, in a tight spot.
- Control clarity: Change the cabin temperature and radio volume without taking eyes off the road for more than a glance.
- Steering and brake feel: Light at low speeds, steady on the highway, predictable pedal travel.
- Loading test: Bring a folded walker, suitcase, or golf bag. Load and unload twice. If it feels like work, keep shopping.
- Winter readiness: Ask about AWD and plan on quality winter tires. Good tires matter more than power.
Beacon Hill residents often appreciate heated seats and steering wheels for winter mornings, hands-free liftgates for groceries, and remote start to warm or cool the cabin. If you have assigned parking, check ceiling clearance for open liftgates. If you use community transportation most days, a fuel-sipping hybrid can stretch the time between fill ups.
Safety and driver-assist tech worth having
Modern safety helps reduce stress and can prevent low-speed fender benders.
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert: Excellent in shopping centers and angled street parking.
- Rear automatic braking: A safeguard if a cart or pedestrian pops up behind you.
- Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go: Takes the sting out of congestion on I-355 and I-88.
- Lane centering you can turn off easily: Helpful on long drives. Make sure the on-off button is clear.
- 360-degree camera or at least a rear camera with dynamic lines: Great for narrow garages.
- LED headlights with automatic high beams: Brighter light with less glare for night driving.
Total cost of ownership and service near Lombard
Think beyond the sticker price. Insurance, fuel, maintenance, and resale matter. Brands like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Buick, Lexus, and Genesis have strong dealer coverage across DuPage County and the western suburbs, making ownership a breeze. If you plan to keep the car five to 10 years, prioritize reliability and dealer proximity over flashy features you will rarely use. A certified pre-owned version of these models can also be a smart choice.
Test-drive loop we suggest from Beacon Hill
Start at nearby dealers, then take a real-world loop that includes:
- Neighborhood streets to feel ride compliance over patched pavement.
- A brief highway stretch to test wind noise, tracking, and lane-keep behavior.
- A parking drill in a tight lot to try cameras and turning circle.
- A home-arrival simulation by pulling into a space that mimics your Beacon Hill parking space.
Bring a friend or family member to watch blind spots from the passenger seat and to check rear seat access. Wear the shoes you normally drive in. Do not rush. AARP’s guidance for older drivers aligns with taking the time to make sure the car fits you rather than the other way around.
Quick picks by scenario
- Easiest step-in height, compact footprint: Kia Soul, Buick Encore GX
- Small SUV with upscale ride: Mazda CX-5, Lexus RX Hybrid, Genesis GV70
- Best all-weather confidence without a big SUV: Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4
- Classic sedan comfort: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
- Highest utility on a budget: Ford Maverick
- City-friendly sedan that still feels substantial: Honda Civic
FAQ for Beacon Hill drivers
What does AARP look for in the best cars for seniors?
AARP emphasizes easy entry, clear controls, strong visibility, and helpful driver assists. Those criteria shaped our shortlist of AARP’s best cars for seniors for life in Lombard.
Which cars for seniors handle snowy Chicagoland winters best?
Models with AWD and bright headlights help. Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are popular cars for seniors thanks to visibility and traction. Mazda CX-5 and Lexus RX Hybrid are strong options if you want a more upscale ride.
Are sedans still a good choice for older drivers?
Yes. Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Civic ride quietly, seat comfortably, and offer excellent safety tech. If step-in height is a concern, test entry in a normal parking space before you decide.
How many advanced safety features do I actually need?
Prioritize blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, and a high-quality rear camera. A 360-degree camera is a worthwhile bonus for tight garages at Beacon Hill.
Final thoughts for Beacon Hill residents
The AARP best cars for seniors’ conversation usually comes down to comfort, clarity, and confidence. For life in Lombard, this means a car that’s easy to get into, simple to operate, and steady when the weather turns. Start with the models mentioned above, then focus your test drives on the fit that matters most to you. If a car makes daily errands feel calmer and longer trips feel less tiring, you have likely found the right match.
When you’re ready, schedule back-to-back test drives at nearby dealerships and bring this checklist. If you would like a second set of eyes, invite a neighbor or family member. The right car should feel like an extension of your favorite chair and give you freedom to enjoy everything Beacon Hill and the western suburbs have to offer.
One-page checklist to bring along
- Seat height allows sit-and-pivot entry
- Doors and sills do not snag feet or cane
- Clear visibility forward and to the sides
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control and lane centering that feel natural
- Physical knobs for climate and audio
- Quiet cabin at 55–65 mph
- Easy parking with rear or 360-degree backup camera
- Cargo height accommodates a walker or groceries
- Local dealer and service department feel accessible
Use this guide as your road map. You have great options, and the right one will make every mile more enjoyable.
While you’re exploring retirement communities in and around Lombard, make a plan to visit Beacon Hill and discover what sets us apart.
Featured Images: Halfpoint, AS project, Artistic Operations, Jonathan Weiss, Aaron of L.A. Photography, quiggyt4 / Shutterstock
