19 best cars that are easy to get in and out of + their safety features

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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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The first car was on the road way back in the late 1800s, but safety features like the rearview mirror (first used in 1911), padded dashboards (1940s) and seatbelt (1950s) weren’t exactly a fast follow. These days, with more than 286 million drivers on the road in the U.S., technology improvements on car safety features have had to make some big leaps. Nowadays, most newly released car models come equipped with rear-view cameras, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitors and even self-driving capabilities.

As safety technology has evolved over the years, so too have accessibility and adaptation features. However, drivers with disabilities can still have a hard time finding a car that feels safe or accessible even if the car is equipped with an array of safety features and drivers have the best car insurance.

To help your car shopping journey, we’ve gathered an extensive list of 2022’s best cars that are easy to get in and out of and how they can be adapted for accessibility. We also highlight the available safety features that are a priority for any driver.

  1. Subaru Forester
  2. Honda Odyssey
  3. Hyundai Sonata
  4. Jeep Renegade
  5. Kia Soul
  6. Volkswagen Golf GTI
  7. Ford Escape
  8. Nissan Versa
  9. Acura RDX
  10. Nissan Rogue
  11. Honda Civic
  12. Chevrolet Silverado
  13. Toyota Scion xB
  14. Chrysler Pacifica
  15. Toyota Sienna
  16. Jeep Grand Cherokee
  17. Ford Mustang
  18. Honda Pilot
  19. Dodge Grand Caravan

Common features of cars that are easy to get in and out of

When finding the best car for drivers with disabilities, there are important features to keep in mind when test driving and purchasing it. Here are some common features of accessible cars:

  • Hand controls
  • Manual or power-assisted seats
  • Lifts
  • Ramps
  • Low height
  • Cargo space
  • High ceiling height
  • Dashboard or keyless ignition
  • Automatic transmission
  • Buttonless shifter
  • Automatic locks and windows
  • Large seat size
  • Cruise control
  • Adjustable pedals

You’ll find many of these features in the cars that made our list, so keep an eye out for anything that is a priority for you.

1. Subaru Forester

Voted best compact SUV over the years, the Subaru Forester is ideal both for off-roaders and for people who want a vehicle with enough space but that isn’t too big or too high. It comes equipped with a rear-view camera, lane keeping assist, pre-collision braking and blind spot detection.

 Subaru-forester.jpg

 

All Subaru models can also be modified to combine features, such as pedal extensions and steering devices, as part of the Subaru Mobility Assist Program. The program provides reimbursement up to $1,000 for necessary vehicle modifications.

 

2022 Subaru Forester

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $25,195

Liftback trunk

Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder

Pedal extensions

Horsepower: 182 hp

Steering devices

Towing capacity: 1,500-3,000 lbs

Hand and foot controls

Dimensions: 183” L x 72” W x 68-69” H

Left-hand gear shifter

Seating capacity: 5

Servo-assisted controls

Miles per gallon: 26 city / 33 highway

Turn signal modifications

2. Honda Odyssey

Minivans provide more room and low floors, which is why the Honda Odyssey is a great option for people in wheelchairs. This minivan is equipped with tech features to assist driving, such as a blind spot information system and a multi-angle rear-view camera.

 Honda-odyssey.jpg

 

Honda also offers a mobility assistance program that allows you to replace the driver seat with a step and roll seat as well as add in-floor ramps. They will also provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for eligible modifications.

 

2022 Honda Odyssey

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $32,290

In-floor ramps

Engine: 3.5 L V6

Extended cabin

Horsepower: 280 hp

Interchangeable front seats

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Interior floor lighting

Dimensions: 205” L x 79” W x 68-70” H

Parking sensor

Seating capacity: 7-8

Electronic controls

Miles per gallon: 19 city / 28 highway

Lowering suspensions

 

3. Hyundai Sonata

Although minivans tend to be the most popular accessible cars, the Hyundai Sonata sedan is a more compact option that still offers accessibility and safety features. This mid-size low-ride vehicle has plenty of room to get in and out with ease and is equipped with supportive seats and a smart system that can make emergency calls.

 Hyundai-sonata.jpg

 

If you need to make your car more accessible, Hyundai also has a mobility program that gives you up to $1,000 toward adaptive equipment, such as pedal extensions and dashboard ignition.

 

2022 Hyundai Sonata

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $24,150

Emergency call system

Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L 4-cylinder

Swivel seats

Horsepower: 180-290 hp

Pedal extensions

Towing capacity: 1,234 lbs

Running boards

Dimensions: 193” L x 73” W x 57” H

Alert hearing devices

Seating capacity: 5

Support handles

Miles per gallon: 28 city / 38 highway

Dashboard ignition

 

4. Jeep Renegade

If a sports utility vehicle is more to your liking, the Jeep Renegade is an affordable option that also offers accessibility features for drivers with disabilities. With heated steering, seats with lumbar support and a backup camera, drivers can feel comfortable and safe when driving this sporty car.

 Jeep-renegade.jpg

 

In addition to that, Jeep often offers a reimbursement of $1,000 for conversions for drivers with disabilities, such as ramps and driving controls.

 

2022 Jeep Renegade

NHTSA rating: 4/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $22,495

Removable front seats

Engine: 1.3 L 4-cylinder

Lowered floors and ramps

Horsepower: 177 hp

Lifts

Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs

Carriers

Dimensions: 167” L x 74” W x 67” H

Driving controls

Seating capacity: 5

Running boards

Miles per gallon: 24 city / 32 highway

Transfer seats

 

5. Kia Soul

If you're looking for a compact car with a sportier look, the Kia Soul provides drivers with lower ground clearance, large doors and 52 inches of interior height. Although it's a compact vehicle, the Kia Soul offers plenty of space, making it easy to get in and out of and store wheelchairs and other equipment.

 Kia-soul.jpg

 

Although the KiaMobility reimbursement program is not yet available to the United States, third-party companies can still install adaptive equipment to the Kia Soul.

 

2022 Kia Soul

NHTSA rating: 4/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $19,190

Ramps

Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder

Power transfer seats

Horsepower: 147-201 hp

Hand controls

Towing capacity: 1,200 lbs

Commercial-grade flooring

Dimensions: 165” L x 71” W x 63” H

 

Seating capacity: 5

 

Miles per gallon: 28 city / 33 highway

 

 

6. Volkswagen Golf GTI

A popular vehicle amongst sports car enthusiasts is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which surprisingly is also one of the best cars that are easy to get in and out of. This compact car not only provides comfortable seats, but the hatchback makes it easy to load and unload assistive devices. The newer models are also equipped with blind spot monitors and park and rear traffic assist.

 Volkswagen-golf-GTI.jpg

 

Golfs are included in Volkswagen’s Inclusive Mobility program, providing a refund up to $1,000 for modifications, such as hand controls and pedal extensions.

 

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $29,545

Wheelchair securement system

Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder

Lift equipment

Horsepower: 241 hp

Carriers

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Hand controls

Dimensions: 169” L x 70” W x 58” H

Pedal extensions

Seating capacity: 5

 

Miles per gallon: 25 city / 34 highway

 

 

7. Ford Escape

The reliable Ford Escape combines quality with comfort and makes getting in and out of the car a breeze. This small SUV with low step-in height is equipped with intelligent adaptive cruise control and second-row sliding seats for extra space.

 Ford-Escape.jpg

 

The Ford Escape is easily customizable to include features such as ramps and hand controls. They are also part of an accessible vehicle program that offers up to $1,000 in adaptive equipment reimbursement.

 

2022 Ford Escape

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $25,555

Lifts and Carriers

Engine: 1.5 L 3-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L 4-cylinder

Hand controls

Horsepower: 181-250 hp

Power assist seats

Towing capacity: 1,500-3,500 lbs

Parking brakes

Dimensions: 181” L x 74” W x 66” H

Door openers

Seating capacity: 5

Steering devices

Miles per gallon: 44 city / 37 highway

Wheelchair restraints

 

8. Nissan Versa

If affordability is a top priority for you, the Nissan Versa combines good visibility and driveability for a price that won't break the bank. This subcompact car comes equipped with a backup camera and parking sensors and has a decent height that makes loading and unloading easy.

 Nissan-versa

 

Adapting your vehicle is also made easy with the Nissan Mobility Assist Program that offers up to $1,000 in reimbursement for accessibility modifications.

 

2021 Nissan Versa

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $14,980

Ramps

Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder

Hand controls

Horsepower: 122 hp

Lifts

Towing capacity: 992 lbs

Left foot accelerator

Dimensions: 177” L x 69” W x 57-58” H

Turning automotive seating

Seating capacity: 5

 

Miles per gallon: 32 city / 40 highway

 

 

9. Acura RDX

Combining adjustable passenger and driver seats with lots of legroom, the Acura RDX is a compact SUV that's easy to get in and out of. This premium sports crossover might come at a hefty price, but features such as collision mitigation braking systems, pedestrian and traffic sign detection and a surround-view camera make it a good car for people with disabilities.

 Acura-RDX.jpg

 

As part of the Acura Mobility Program, you can get a rebate of up to $1,000 on modifications approved by the NHTSA, such as adjustable foot pedals and large interior door handles.

 

2021 Acura RDX

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $38,400

Lifts

Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder

Ramps

Horsepower: 272 hp

Adjustable foot pedals

Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs

Support handles

Dimensions: 187” L x 75” W x 66” H

Seat adjusters

Seating capacity: 5

Dashboard ignition

Miles per gallon: 22 city / 28 highway

 

 

10. Nissan Rogue

With an affordable price and a sporty look, the Nissan Rogue combines features such as heated seats, parking sensors and four cameras with ProPilot Assist. This support system includes highway mapping and speed limit detections to help drivers feel safe on the road.

 Nissan-rogue.jpg

 

This spacious and tech-forward SUV can also be modified with accessible features and is part of the Nissan Mobility Assist Program that offers up to $1,000 reimbursement for accessibility modifications.

 

2021 Nissan Rogue

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $26,050

Ramps

Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder

Hand controls

Horsepower: 181 hp

Lifts

Towing capacity: 1,350 lbs

Left foot accelerator

Dimensions: 183” L x 72” W x 67” H

Turning automotive seating

Seating capacity: 5

 

Miles per gallon: 27 city / 35 highway

 

 

 

11. Honda Civic

The well-known and reliable Honda Civic is also one of the best accessible cars for drivers with disabilities. With a lower ground clearance, this car is still comfortable, has enough leg room and is equipped with electric adjustable seats, multi-angle rear-view cameras and blind spot sensors.

 Honda-civic.jpg

 

The Honda Civic can also be modified with some adaptive equipment and is part of the Honda mobility assistance program that offers reimbursement for up to $1,000.

 

2022 Honda Civic

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $21,900

Lifts

Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder

Ramps

Horsepower: 158-180 hp

Adjustable foot pedals

Towing capacity: 1100 lbs

Support handles

Dimensions: 179-184” L x 71” W x 56” H

Seat adjusters

Seating capacity: 5

Dashboard ignition

Miles per gallon: 36 city / 42 highway

 

 

12. Chevrolet Silverado

If you're a fan of pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado delivers comfort inside a sturdy body. This truck is equipped with 15 camera views and lane keeping assist, but can also be modified to add ramps, scooter lifts, swivel seats and hand controls.

 Chevrolet-silverado.jpg

 

Chevrolet also doesn't skimp out on the benefits. As part of the General Motors Accessibility Program, they offer up to $1,000 on eligible adaptive systems, $1,000 reimbursement on adaptations and a two-year security plan.

 

2022 Chevrolet Silverado

NHTSA rating: 4/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $30,400

Adaptive steering system

Engine: 2.7 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel

Swivel seat

Horsepower: 277-420 hp

Assistive handles

Towing capacity: 8,900-9,700 lbs

Ramps

Dimensions: 230-241” L x 81” W x 75-78” H

Lifts

Seating capacity: 5-6

Driving consolers

Miles per gallon: 23 city / 31 highway

Brake and accelerator modifications

 

13. Toyota Scion xB

If you're looking for a pre-owned vehicle, the Toyota Scion xB can be a good option, since its last model came out in 2015. This compact car is still a great accessible car, as it offers a lot of space for both the driver and the passenger. The rear seats can be folded to create more space and allow assistive equipment to be stored.

 Toyota-scion-xB.jpg

 

The Toyota Scion xB can also be modified to include wheelchair lifts, swivel seats, wheel restraints and hand controls. 

 

2015 Toyota Scion xB

NHTSA rating: 4/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $18,000

Hand controls

Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder

Lifts

Horsepower: 158 hp

Lift-up seats

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Swivel seats

Dimensions: 168” L x 69” W x 63” H

 

Seating capacity: 5

 

Miles per gallon: 22 city / 37 highway

 

14. Chrysler Pacifica

As a three-row minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica makes things simple with easy-to-fold seats and hands-free sliding doors, with an added bonus of being comfortable. This family minivan is also equipped with safety features such as active braking assist and adaptive cruise control.

 Chrysler-pacifica.jpg

 

Chrysler is also part of the FCA DriveAbility Program which provides reimbursement up to $1,000 for necessary vehicle modification.

 

2022 Chrysler Pacifica

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $37,095

Removable front seats

Engine: 3.6 L V6

Lowered floors and ramps

Horsepower: 287 hp

Lifts

Towing capacity: 3,600 lbs

Carriers

Dimensions: 204” L x 80” W x 70-71” H

Driving controls

Seating capacity: 7

Running boards

Miles per gallon: 19 city / 28 highway

Transfer seats

 

15. Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is also one of the best cars for people with disabilities. Apart from being spacious — accommodating wheelchairs and equipment of all sizes — this minivan can be converted to be wheelchair-accessible. The Toyota Sienna is also equipped with blind spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert.

 Toyota-sienna.jpg

 

The Toyota Sienna is also part of the Toyota Mobility Program that offers reimbursement up to $1,000 on adaptive equipment, such as hand controls and hitch-mounted lifts.

 

2022 Toyota Sienna

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $34,560

Hand controls

Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder

Lifts

Horsepower: 245 hp

Lift-up seats

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Swivel seats

Dimensions: 204” L x 79” W x 69-70” H

Ramps

Seating capacity: 7-8

Wheelchair restraints

Miles per gallon: 36 city / 36 highway

 

 

16. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Another one on the list for off-roading lovers is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is packed with safety features like active lane management and blind spot monitoring. This mid-size SUV is still very spacious on top of allowing various modifications, including power seats, wheelchair tie-downs, lifts and running boards.

 Jeep-grand-cherokee.jpg

 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also part of the FCA DriveAbility Program which offers a reimbursement of $1,000 for conversions for drivers with disabilities.

 

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $38,890

Removable front seats

Engine: 3.6 L V6, 5.7 L V8

Lowered floors and ramps

Horsepower: 290-357 hp

Lifts

Towing capacity: 6,200 hp

Carriers

Dimensions: 205” L x 78” W x 72” H

Driving controls

Seating capacity: 6

Running boards

Miles per gallon: 19 city / 26 highway

Transfer seats

 

17. Ford Mustang Mach-E

If you're a muscle car fan, you might be surprised to find out that the Ford Mustang is also one of the best cars that are easy to get in and out of. Known for its sports reputation, the newest model is also electric, making it a great car for commuting. The Mustang can also be equipped with hand controls, power-assisted seats and steering gadgets.

 Ford-mustang.jpg

 

To make it more accessible, the Ford Mustang can be fitted with wheelchair restraints, power assist brakes and carriers. Ford also has an accessibility program that reimburses up to $1,000 for this equipment.

 

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $42,895

Carriers and lifts

Engine: Electric

Hand controls

Horsepower: 266-459 hp

Parking brakes

Towing capacity: 3,500

Door openers

Dimensions: 186” L x 74” W x 63” H 

Steering devices

Seating capacity: 5

Wheelchair restraints

Miles per gallon: 108 city / 94 highway

Power assist seats

 

18. Honda Pilot

When searching for a mid-size SUV that's accessible, the Honda Pilot is another great option. This spacious car satisfies the needs of drivers with disabilities, especially those using wheelchairs. With multiple seating configurations, this car can fit up to eight people and is equipped with a blind spot system and multi-angle rear-view cameras.

 Honda-pilot.jpg

 

The Honda Pilot can easily be converted for accessibility by adding ramps, support handles and adjustable foot pedals. They will also provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for eligible modifications as part of the mobility assistance program.

 

2022 Honda Pilot

NHTSA rating: 5/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $36,830

Lifts

Engine: 3.5 L V6

Ramps

Horsepower: 280 hp

Adjustable foot pedals

Towing capacity: 500-5,000 lbs

Support handles

Dimensions: 197” L x 79” W x 71” H

Seat adjusters

Seating capacity: 7-8

Dashboard ignition

Miles per gallon: 20 city / 27 highway

 

 

19. Dodge Grand Caravan

The spacious Dodge Grand Caravan is a seven-seater minivan that can be considered one of the best cars for people with disabilities. This minivan is not only comfortable to drive and able to fit wheelchairs and walkers, but it also includes a rear-view camera and a stability control system.

 Dodge-grand-caravan.jpg

 

Eligible buyers can also use the FCA DriveAbility Program which provides reimbursement up to $1,000 for necessary vehicle modifications, such as adding a ramp, lifts and hand controls.

 

2020 Dodge Grand Caravan

NHTSA rating: 4/5

Specifications:

Possible adaptations:

MSRP: $27,530

Removable front seats

Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder, 3.6 L V6

Lowered floors and ramps

Horsepower: 283 hp

Lifts and carriers

Towing capacity: 3,600 lbs

Driving controls

Dimensions: 203″ L x 79″ W x 68″ H

Running boards

Seating capacity: 7

Transfer seats

Miles per gallon: 17 city / 25 highway

 

 

Feeling safe when driving is especially important for drivers with disabilities. The list of the best cars that are easy to get in and out of can help you find your dream car that will make you feel safe and includes important features to look for when test-driving. However, even if the car is equipped with the best safety technology, it won’t lower your insurance, so finding the best car insurance for your needs can also help you give peace of mind when getting from point A to point B.

Sources: Subaru | Dodge | Honda | Hyundai | Jeep | Kia | Volkswagen | Ford | Nissan | Acura | Chevrolet | Toyota | Chrysler | NHTSA |