Best cars for senior citizens in the Philippines

While most younger generations have a broader preference in choosing the right vehicle, with looks, performance, handling, and many other enthusiast factors being important, seniors, on the other hand, might need something that’s practical, easy to drive, and most importantly, comfortable. Either they get chauffeured around with a personal driver or perhaps, continue driving themselves to their destination.  That in mind, we’ve listed some of the best cars for senior citizens in the Philippines, which we mainly based on the four criterias mentioned above, revolving around a vehicle’s practicality, drivability, and most importantly, comfort, shall we begin?

The Tiggo 8 is Chery’s only 7-seat option in its lineup. Apart from having a spacious cabin, its unibody structure has good ride quality. Moreover, elders will surely be enticed by the amount of standard safety equipment, the following include ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist and hill-descent control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX tethers. Plus, the range-topping then replaces the regular reverse camera with a 360-degree camera. 

Other convenience features include a push-start button along with keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and leather seats. As for its heart, this midsize crossover is run by a small yet capable 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque. The said motor is then paired with a 6-speed Dual-clutch Transmission (DCT).

The Ford Expedition is indeed a land yacht. All thanks to its gigantic dimensions, this full-size SUV has a colossal cabin that can either be configured with a bench-type second-row seating or two individual captain chairs for that business class feel. Now, unlike the Explorer, which sits on a unibody platform, this one, however, utilized a body-on-frame setup, yet it still delivers superb ride comfort.

Apart from its array of convenience features such as the power-deployable stepboards for easy ingress and egress, seniors will surely be delighted by its advanced safety equipment which composes of Forward Sensing System, Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage and rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera with grid lines for better assistance, and many more.

Here’s another midsize crossover that’s suitable for seniors. Sitting on a unibody platform, the Expedition’s smaller sibling is one comfortable cruiser, whether you drive it yourself or prefer being chauffeured around instead. Apart from the Ford Explorer’s ride comfort, passengers will also be pleased by its standard equipment such as power-adjustable seats that are wrapped in leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding third-row seats, power tailgate, and many more. Buyers can opt between two variants that have distinct powerplants, specifically a 2.3-liter four-cylinder on the FWD model and a larger 3.5-liter V6 for the AWD Sport.

In the crowd of minivans, the Kia Grand Carnival happens to be one of the few economical choices in the country to feature a diesel powerplant. Specifically, this model is run by a powerful yet efficient 2.2-liter diesel engine that puts out a healthy 197 hp and 441 Nm of torque. This vehicle can either be had in a 7-seat and or 11-seat layout. It’s indeed built with a sole purpose of transporting passengers in superior comfort. Notably EX variants get the power sliding doors, therefore giving respectable seniors easy access to the second or third-row seats. 

The RX5 is MG’s entry to the compact crossover segment. Despite its affordable price range, this vehicle comes with a generous amount of features such as the 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and is then paired with a 6-speaker audio system. More importantly, the cabin provides sufficient room for five passengers. plus, the high ground clearance does give seniors easier ingress and egress. It is run by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that’s capable of producing 167 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Notably, buyers can still choose between a more traditional 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission.

In between the compact CX-5 and midsize CX-9 sits a medium option in the Mazda lineup. Namely, the Mazda CX-8 carries the same fundamentals found on its other stablemates such as the renowned SkyActiv technology and the ‘Jinba Ittai’ philosophy which entails the unity of the horse and its rider. Apart from the premium appointments, generous amount of features, and its spacious 7-seat or 6-seat layout, the Mazda CX-8 is indeed a breeze to drive, which we think is suitable for most seniors. This is all thanks to the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, direct-injected engine that produces 187 hp and 252 Nm of torque. For that engaging driving experience, the said mill is then paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Buyers are given a choice of FWD or AWD.

While the CX-8 may be good to drive, the Mazda CX-9 offers something that the CX-8 doesn’t, and that’s a punchier 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. The said motor is able to produce a healthier 228 hp and 430 Nm of torque. By that, performance on the CX-9 is heightened over its sibling. However, unlike the CX-8 which lets you opt between two seating configurations, the CX-9, however, can only be had as a 7-seater. 

The Mitsubishi Xpander is currently one of the most popular MPVs in the country. It does offer a generous amount of space, plus, ride quality is good and the nicely weighted steering will surely be a good trait for older drivers. Most important of all, it’s fuel efficient too, during our test, the Xpander was able to return 9 to 10 km/L in the city and 16 to 17 km/L on the highway which are indeed respectable numbers for its size.

The Nissan Terra is known for its ride comfort as complemented by the rear multi-link coil spring suspension. This midsize SUV also boasts in terms of cabin space that could seat up to seven passengers. Standard on all variants is the one-touch tumble seats for the second-row, this gives passengers easy access to the third-row when needed. Most importantly, seniors will surely be delighted with its suite of Intelligent Mobility features that are exclusive on VL variants, including the intelligent rearview mirror, the around view monitor, blind spot monitoring system, and rear cross traffic alert.

The Suzuki Ertiga does not only stand for great cabin space, but it also gives impressive fuel economy despite its improved engine performance and handling. In our review, we mentioned that the MPV is easy to drive, making it a suitable car for older people. All trims of the Ertiga are powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that puts out 103 hp and 138 Nm of torque. The said mill is then paired with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed manual transmission, but we do recommend an automatic for added convenience. 

The Toyota Alphard serves the ultimate VIP treatment for its passengers. This isn’t your average people hauler, as it does prioritize luxury and fine ambiance inside the cabin. The materials used are indeed a bliss to the touch. Seniors will also be happy to know that this van comes standard with captain seats that are fitted with some electric functions for that business class feel. Plus, the front occupants get heated and cooled seats. The ride is indeed refined and even its noise insulation is well-executed. Overall, this van just screams refinement at its finest. Lastly, under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine that produces 292 hp and 361 Nm of torque.

If you’re a bit hesitant with the Alphard given its gasoline motor, then look no further than the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia. Like its sibling, this van also aims to deliver that premium experience in a more affordable package. Plus, the Super Grandia can carry even more people than the Alphard, with it having a 10-seat capacity. Now, the greatest difference of both would have to be this van’s 2.8-liter diesel engine that produces 174 hp and 450 Nm of torque.