Fuel-Efficient Vehicles That Have Seniors Smiling
While there is no ‘right’ vehicle for seniors, it’s always a good idea to invest in something economical and fuel-efficient to make driving easier in later life. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 35 of the best cars for seniors who want to save on fuel, and you can find them below.
Honda Fit
If there’s one car that epitomizes the ‘senior vehicle’, it’s the Honda Fit! This comfortable, spacious ride is easy to drive and has very low running costs on top of its excellent $17,600 base price. It also has very decent fuel efficiency.
Dacia Sandero
It might look technical, but the Dacia Sandero is actually very straightforward and compliant, so it’s the perfect upgrade for a senior. And if fuel costs are a problem, the Sandero swerves them with its new, more economical engine that runs cheaper per liter of gas.
Mazda CX-3
Big, spacious cars are ideal for seniors, and despite its good looks, the Mazda CX-3 is actually very well-priced. For $20,000 or less, you can get a 2021 model and enjoy its economical 1.8-liter engine, which drives smoothly and makes it easy to get around.
Chevrolet Spark
Sometimes, you can’t beat a plain and simple car, especially if you want good value for money, and that’s precisely what the Chevrolet Spark is. But what it lacks in looks it makes up for in efficiency, with decent gas mileage and durable, low-maintenance mechanics.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a top vehicle for seniors who don’t want to fuel up as often because it’s super efficient, with a petrol MPG of 54.3, and 67.3mpg with a hybrid engine. We’re sure that seniors will also appreciate the Clio’s smooth driving style and practical price.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Don’t let SUVs scare you! They’re actually great cars for seniors, particularly the well-priced Toyota Yaris Cross, with its elevated driving position and comfortable seats. The fuel economy is a huge plus, too, making long journeys and tackling new routes with ease.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra has an impressive MPG rating, but the hybrid model is the best choice if you want to save some serious cash on gas. We’d definitely recommend it for seniors because it’s innovative but user-friendly, and has top-notch safety systems.
Ford Fiesta
Though it has a reputation as a starter car, the Ford Fiesta is actually the ideal car for seniors. It’s an affordable option, with an easily-adjustable interior, breezy manoeuvrability, and helpful safety features. Even better, its fuel-efficient engine is great for city driving.
Volkswagen Golf
Hatchbacks can be tricky for seniors, but the Volkswagen Golf is an accessible, comfortable option. It also has quite a mild diesel engine, and the plug-in versions are particularly efficient, so it doesn’t waste fuel and drives well on both long and short journeys.
Peugeot 208
Speaking of efficient diesel engines, the Peugeot 208 is another great car if you want to avoid visiting the gas station too often. Some can reach over 70mpg, which is far above average, and they’re also quite cheap to buy and comfortable to drive.
Nissan Qashqai
Everything about the Nissan Qashqai screams “good value”, but especially its fuel-efficient engine. It reliably manages up to 62mpg, allowing seniors to drive in comfort no matter where they need to go, with an excellent driving position, top-tier safety features, and a sumptuous interior.
Citroen Ami
Some seniors don’t want to drive at high speeds, but still need a car they can rely on. In this case, we’d recommend the Citroen Ami, which looks quite unusual, but drives surprisingly well! Its small engine means it is incredibly economical, with a highly efficient electric battery.
Lexus CT
The Lexus CT may lack cargo space, but that likely isn’t an issue for most seniors. What it does offer them is a cost-effective ride, with a quiet engine that doesn’t overconsume gas on the road. The hybrid model is particularly efficient and smooth to drive.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is an icon, but did you know it’s also a great, affordable day-to-day vehicle? Newer hybrid models can reliably achieve 50 or even 60mpg, so refueling won’t be an issue, and they’re also comfortable, safe, and have those timeless good looks.
Audi Q2
While the average Audi isn’t exactly senior-friendly, the Q2 is a fantastic option for those who need some additional height, support, and manoeuvrability. But the best thing about the Q2 is its fuel efficiency, which is close to the 50mpg mark, courtesy of its innovative engine tech.
Skoda Fabia GreenLine
The whole point of the modified Skoda Fabia GreenLine is to be cheap and efficient, so this car is perfect for cost-cutting seniors! Its MPG is phenomenally high, and its low-rolling tires also prevent wasted fuel. It’s a comfortable, spacious vehicle that seniors can depend on.
Renault 5
EVs can be pricey, but the Renault 5 is an excellent money-saving option, especially for a cost-conscious pensioner. It doesn’t technically use “fuel”; however, it’s very cheap to charge, so you can save on fuel entirely and enjoy affordable electricity over gas instead.
Volkswagen Up!
If the exclamation mark in its name doesn’t excite you, then learning that this small city car is also a fuel-efficient machine certainly will. The petrol-powered Up! engine reaches over 54mpg, with cheap running costs and low emissions. It looks simple, but practicality isn’t a bad thing.
Toyota Sienna
Not every senior wants a minivan, but those who do need something high-value and suited to their needs. That’s exactly what the Toyota Sienna is, with its accessible doors and supportive seating, and we can’t dismiss its excellent fuel economy either.
MG MG3
What’s not to love about the MG MG3? It’s relatively low-cost, has high-tech safety assistance features, and has a cosy interior. It’s becoming popular with seniors for all those reasons, plus its extensive use of one tank of fuel. Any waste (either gas or cash) is minimal.
Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra’s appearance may have changed over the years, but it’s still the same affordable, practical vehicle at heart that still appeals to seniors. Its fuel efficiency has also improved, with economical petrol and diesel engines available to save money during transit.
SEAT Arona
Like many other SUVs on our list for seniors, the SEAT Arona makes the cut because it elevates the driver, offers interior comforts, and doesn’t cost an exorbitant amount of money. It’s also the perfect choice to save on fuel because its MPG regularly exceeds 50.
Citroen C4 Cactus
Don’t let its prickly name put you off; the Citroen C4 Cactus is a top choice for seniors seeking fuel-efficient vehicles. Some configurations can achieve 80-90mpg, so refueling isn’t a problem, and you can enjoy riding in comfort and style as you drive.
Ford Escape
Some seniors may dislike too much technology in a car, but the Ford Escape is designed to make driving, parking, and manoeuvring as simple as possible. It also saves gas like a champ, and is particularly good for commuting or running errands in the city.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is another large car that we’d seriously recommend for pensioners who want to save cash on the road. Its fuel economy is high, with amazing real-world results, and you’ll save plenty upfront, too, since the Niro typically retails for around $28,000.
Honda Insight
It might look a tad modern, but don’t let that fool you! The Honda Insight is a solid choice for older drivers because it’s so smooth and reliable (and that sleek exterior doesn’t hurt either!). But its best feature is its fuel-efficient engine, which can achieve 60mpg like it’s nothing.
Toyota Aygo X
Everything about the Toyota Aygo X is cost-effective, from its good base price to its low running costs to its minimal fuel consumption. Seniors should have no issues driving it because, despite its rugged exterior, it’s actually quite a simple, easy drive.
Nissan Juke
It’s a long-term classic everyday car for a reason, and there’s no reason for seniors to stop choosing it! You’ll save plenty of cash by investing in a low-cost Juke because its engine isn’t hungry for gas, and it’s not too complicated or powerful for a senior to drive.
Subaru Forester
It’s known for its off-road capabilities, but the Subaru Forester is also great for lower-impact driving. People of all ages can get to grips with it because even the more technical models still prioritize practicality. Their fuel-saving engines are just an added bonus.
Skoda Kamiq
Speaking of practical vehicles, the Skoda Kamiq should definitely be more popular among pensioners. It’s easy to drive, has plenty of space, and doesn’t chug fuel like it’s water! That 1-liter engine and manual gearbox are far more efficient and cost-saving than you might think.
Fiat Panda
Both the original and Grande versions of the Fiat Panda are super senior-friendly, and they don’t cost much, either. Newer Fiat Pandas are fitted with mild-hybrid technology, and this makes them infinitely more fuel-efficient than other cars in their class, with generally low running costs all around.
Ford Puma
Some people describe the Ford Puma as a “big Fiesta”, and it’s just as dependable and efficient. However, the Puma’s modern tech is user-friendly, and seniors may find it helpful for driving, parking, and general safety. Its MPG also easily exceeds 50, so fuel isn’t a problem.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is designed to make the driver feel secure and confident, and that’s exactly what seniors need on the road. It also maintains good gas mileage, so if it seems to be particularly fuel-hungry, it probably needs a trip to the repair shop.
Hyundai I40 Tourer
It’s no longer in production, but there are plenty of highly efficient Hyundai i40 Tourers on the market. They’re ideal for seniors because they’re roomy and provide a butter-smooth driving experience. What’s more, its fuel economy is a dream, especially the 1.7-liter diesel model.
Toyota RAV4
We all know that the Toyota RAV4 drives well, but it’s also very efficient, which is likely due to its off-road design. This includes either an FWD or AWD system, both of which reduce power loss, and a build that puts the driver first and guarantees a smooth, comfortable ride.
