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There’s a lot to like about SUVs. They are spacious, give you a great vantage point on the road and make for a comfortable drive. But SUVs aren’t always the best choice for retirees, because they can be expensive to maintain, have lower fuel economy than smaller vehicles and are more expensive to buy or lease.
Retirees who drive SUVs can save money while enjoying a quality, comfortable ride with these more affordable cars.
1. Toyota Camry (2026)
The 2026 Toyota Camry is a versatile midsize sedan that offers space while still outperforming SUVs in gas mileage. With its combined 53 mpg rating, the Camry can save retirees money on fuel, especially if they plan on taking it on trips.
Its high fuel economy and spacious interior. The 15.1-cubic-foot trunk is spacious enough for storing groceries or a suitcase. An all-wheel-drive trim is available for those looking for added safety on smooth roads, and retirees transitioning from SUVs may appreciate that extra control on the road.
2. Honda Accord (2026)
2026 Honda Accord scores 10 out of 10 Rating from Car and Driverand is consistently included in the publication’s 10 best lists. This mid-size sedan has plenty of interior space as well as in-cabin storage.
It’s available as a hybrid, which is ideal for retirees who want to maximize fuel economy and prioritize the environment, but the base LX trim costs less than $30,000, making it an affordable option. Fuel economy information is not yet available for the 2026 Accord, but the 2025 non-hybrid model has a combined rating of 32 mpg, making it a solid and affordable choice for retirees.
3. Honda Civic (2026)
With an MSRP starting at $24,695, the 2026 Honda Civic is the most affordable vehicle on this list, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality at all for that low price.
edmonds The Civic was given a rating of 7.9 out of 10, highlighting its sharp handling, spacious seating space, spacious cargo area and easy-to-use technology. This small sedan is available in four trims, including a Sport Hybrid, which gets 49 mpg combined, making it an efficient and money-saving option compared to most SUVs.
4. Hyundai Sonata (2026)
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata is a spacious sedan, offering a spacious interior and plenty of storage. edmonds Evaluation It received a score of 7.8 out of 10 and noted that it offers “plenty of passenger space”, ideal for retirees who want to travel or take their grandchildren on outings.
The Sonata Hybrid delivers an impressive 51 mpg combined fuel economy to save money at the pump, while the base trim model sells for $27,450, making it ideal for retirees looking for a vehicle at a more affordable price point. The Sonata has 16 cubic feet of cargo room, plus the rear seat folds down and space to store small items in the interior. This sedan is a versatile option for retirees who want to move up from an SUV.
5. Kia Soul (2025)
Retirees who really want the spaciousness of an SUV but who still want to downsize a bit can consider the 2025 Kia Soul.
according to kelly blue bookThis subcompact SUV has 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space, plus its folding rear seat is ideal for retirees who love to travel and need extra space for luggage. The vehicle seats five and has strong overall reviews. Plus, its 30 mpg combined rating makes it more fuel-efficient than some larger SUVs, while its low MSRP makes it an affordable option.
Kia stopped producing the Soul in 2025, so retirees should now be looking at a new 2025 model, or be prepared to buy a used one.
Editor’s Note: Photos are for representational purposes only and may not reflect the exact vehicles listed in this article.