2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

When we all retire, choosing what vehicle will carry us around for the rest of our lives is essential. Many want something safe, reliable, comfortable, and good value for money.

Thankfully, many options exist for those of us on a budget. Within this list, we will detail 24 of the best cars that retirees can buy if they are on a budget.

Our criteria will select each of these cars based on the value for money they offer. Figures such as the fuel economy of the vehicles will also play a role in them making it onto this list, and there will also be a mix of used and new cars.

2024 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Image Credit: Chevrolet.

Electric cars are essential to today’s automotive landscape, making the 2024 Chevy Bolt EUV a sensible choice for retirees.

The Electric Utility Vehicle starts at $27,800, but there is also the $7,500 Clean Vehicle Federal Tax Credit, which you can apply toward the vehicle’s price. It is America’s most affordable EV, with an EPA range of 247 miles and 56.9 Cu Ft of cargo space.

2024 Toyota Camry

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Image Credit: Toyota.

If an electric car isn’t for you, the 2024 Toyota Camry might be your retirement vehicle. It starts at just over $27,500 and is one of the best midsize cars in the North American market.

Under the hood, you have a four-cylinder and V6 engine as options and a hybrid that provides up to 52 MPG combined. All-wheel drive is available on the four-cylinder models, and there are many safety features within Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard.

2024 Honda Accord

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid
Image Credit: Honda.

Honda is a byword for reliability, and the 2024 Accord is one of the best cars for retirees looking for a dependable machine. The two most affordable models are the EX and LX, starting at $31,005.

Both have a four-cylinder engine under the hood, but the rest of the range includes a hybrid powertrain that provides 51 MPG in the city. Each trim level has ten airbags, making it super safe, and infotainment comes from a very intuitive seven-inch touchscreen.

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2023 Trailblazer
Image Credit: Chevrolet.

SUVs and Crossovers can sometimes be expensive, but the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is an exception to that rule. The 2023 model starts at around $32,000, but the new 2024 Trailblazer has a starting MSRP of just $23,100.

For the money, you get an SUV with 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, all-wheel drive, and a few other extras, such as the functional skid plate.

2018-2020 Honda Fit

2018 Honda Fit
Image Credit: Honda.

Our first used car entry on this list, the 2018-2020 Honda Fit, is an excellent choice for those who don’t need the latest and most outstanding features.

A combined fuel economy of 33 MPG still holds up very well, and the Fit is available within the $15,000-$22,000 price bracket. They are hard to find, but luckily, prices have not skyrocketed. The four-cylinder engine under the hood is economical and punchy, and the EX-L trim even comes with heated front seats and outboard mirrors.

2018-2019 Kia Soul

2020 Kia Soul
Image Credit: Johannes Maximilian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Kia is a manufacturer that has grown rapidly over the last few years, and the Soul is a fantastic example of this. While aimed at a younger demographic, buyers over 60 gravitate towards the Soul.

It is roomy, practical, and inexpensive. Its combined fuel economy of 28 MPG also makes it economical. The greenhouse design provides incredible visibility, and at between $11,000 and $13,000, the Soul is an excellent option for retirees.

2018-2020 Nissan Rogue

2018 Nissan Rogue Sport
Image Credit: 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport/Flickr.

While it isn’t the most exciting car on the second-hand market, the 2018-2020 Nissan Rogue is still a well-equipped, rugged, and roomy SUV. It is also comfortable and perfect for retirees, and the car is just a solid, dependable choice.

Depending on the trim level, they can sell for around $23,000, but finding one for $10,000 below that is common. Examples of the Premium Option Package include a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and Nissan’s ProPilot driver-assist system.

2023 Hyundai Sonata

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:
Image Credit: Sonata.

Like Kia, Hyundai has really upset the establishment over the last few years. The Sonata is another brilliant option for retirees, the midsize sedan starting at $27,500 for the 2024 model, while the hybrid version is only a touch higher at $30,800.

While only a midsize sedan, the Sonata’s cabin is so spacious that the EPA classifies it as “large,” it provides a quiet, smooth, and relaxing driving experience. The hybrid version, in particular, has impressive fuel figures, with up to 51 MPG on the highway and 47 MPG combined.

2020-2021 Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai Kona Electric
Image Credit: Hyundai.

Options for EVs on the used market are quite limited, and there is the worry over battery degradation. Thankfully, at least one option exists: the 2020-2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is available for $18,000-$30,000.

This sleek electric crossover provides excellent bang for your buck. Its electric front-wheel drive motor produces up to 201 hp and has an estimated electric range of 258 miles and 120 MPGe. The base SEL trim offers safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring systems.

2019-2021 Kia Forte

2020 Kia Forte
Image Credit: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Used Kias presents some of the best-used car options on the market. Kia redesigned the Forte in 2019, and this 2019-2021 model offers superb value for money at between $14,000-$18,000.

The EX trim has excellent standard features, such as an eight-inch touchscreen display, fog lamps, and LED taillights. Some of the most impressive options include the 10-way power driver’s seat, the heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Two engine options are available: a .0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp.

2023 Ford Maverick

Ford Maverick Hybrid
Image Credit: Ford.

Some retirees might want something with more luggage space. Maybe we have a few projects or hobbies and must transport some things around.

The 2023 Ford Maverick pickup truck is one of the best budget pickup options for current retirees. It is easier to park and get into as a compact truck, and people can choose from enough trim levels. You can pick up a used 2023 Maverick for less than $25,000, but the new 2024 XL trim is still cheap at $23,815.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Image Credit: Stellantis.

If you are a senior willing to spend more, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee could be your vehicle.

The Grand Cherokee is a serious off-roader. While it is a standard rear-wheel drive SUV, four-wheel drive is an option. The 293 hp V6 under the hood provides plenty of power, and the Laredo trim with the Luxury Tech Group I package will cost you $43,625. For those who don’t want the extra goodies, the base price is $38,290.

2024 Ford Explorer

2024 Ford Explorer
Image Credit: Ford.

The Explorer is one of Ford’s best-selling and most popular vehicles. It has an above-average fuel economy and strong towing capacity, and its base price is just over $38,000.

The 2024 Explorer can tow up to 5,300 lbs, and its combined fuel economy is 24 MPG. That is not going to break any records, but it is undoubtedly a good starting point. The Explorer was Ford’s first four-door SUV when introduced in 1990, and in 2020, CNBC said it was the best-selling SUV of all time in the United States.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai IONIQ 5
Image Credit: Hyundai Media Kit.

Electric vehicle prices are still considerably higher than those of gasoline-powered counterparts. However, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 has moved the game on, with the current 2024 version priced at $41,800 and the $7,500 federal offer.

The styling of the Ioniq 5 is second to none. It is easily one of the most impressive-looking EVs on the market, and with up to 303 miles of EPA range, it is also one of the most efficient EVs. The stunning interior has superb, comfortable seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

2024 Honda CR-V

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Image Credit: Honda.

SUVs will likely remain popular for some time, and the 2024 Honda CR-V is an excellent option for retirees looking for such a vehicle.

The 2024 CR-V has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, and all-wheel drive is an option. Hybrid power is also available, with 204 hp and a 40 MPG rating in the city. The base 2024 CR-V LX with the 190 hp four-cylinder has an MSRP of just $29,500, and the hybrid will start at $34,050.

2016-2018 Toyota RAV4

TOYOTA RAV4
Image Credit: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Another great used option for those on a budget is the 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4. This sensible and handsome SUV will cost you around $15,000-$23,000, and it’s still a standout model despite the opposition it now faces.

Hybrid and four-cylinder engines are available across these model years, and the combined fuel economy figure is a respectable 25 MPG. Toyota includes a lot of standard driver aids such as forward collision alerts and blind-spot monitoring. At the same time, the SE trim with the Advanced Technology package adds a surround-view camera and front and rear park assist.

2018-2022 Honda Odyssey

2022 Honda Odyssey
Image Credit: Honda.

The Honda Odyssey went through a redesign in 2018 and an update in 2021, so the 2018-2022 model years are great options on the second-hand market.

The Odyssey comes with a built-in vacuum, which is a real feature. Other standard features include the eight-inch touchscreen and eight-way power-adjustable driver seat. With prices starting as low as $20,000, there are few options out there better than the Odyssey. And as it is a Honda, it will last a lifetime.

2019-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Image Credit: Hyundai.

It isn’t the most exciting vehicle on this list by any means. But the 2019-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a fantastic used option for retirees, significantly as it can cost as little as $17,000.

The fuel economy figure of 25 MPG combined could be better in class. But it is good enough for most people, and the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has plenty of punch with 185 hp. But if you want more power, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the SEL has 230 hp to offer.

2019-2023 Subaru Forester

2024 Subaru Forester
Image Credit: Subaru.

Subaru is another company where reliability is a byword. For the 2019-2023 model years, Forester is an excellent second-hand choice, notably since Subaru redesigned the SUV in 2019.

Depending on the trim level, you could pay as little as $17,000, making it one of the most affordable vehicles on the used car market. Its fuel economy figure of 29 MPG will also satisfy most retirees, making it one of the most economical SUVs money can buy. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine might not be an exciting V8, but the 148 hp it provides is all you will need for daily driving.

2024 Volvo XC60

2024 Volvo XC60
Image Credit: Volvo.

If you want a safe and dependable car, look no further than the Volvo XC60. At $46,900, it might cost more than others, but you will get one of the best SUVs currently available in North America.

The combined fuel economy figure is 25 MPG, thanks to the 247 hp four-cylinder B5 all-wheel drive powertrain. But the XC60 has an ace up its sleeve thanks to the mild-hybrid T8 with 455 hp. The combined MPG is the same for the ICE part of the powertrain, but it goes up to 57 MPGe with the hybrid power.

Volkswagen up!

Volkswagen up!
Image Credit: Volkswagen.

Compact cars have struggled to make it onto this list, but if you want a small car that can get you from A to B with minimal fuss, look no further than with the up!

The caveat here is that the up! isn’t available in the USA, which makes little sense given how good a small car is. Volkswagen ended car production in October 2023, leaving a big European gap regarding compact and affordable vehicles.

Mitsubishi Mirage

2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
Image Credit: Mitsubishi.

The Mitsubishi Mirage’s time on the market is coming to an end. But while it is still around, it is the perfect small, cheap car for retirees on the smallest budget.

The 2024 Mirage starts at just $16,695, making it one of the few cars in North America available below $20,000 from new. Combined MPG stands at 39, and yet, despite its small size, the little hatchback still provides plenty of cabin space. The 78 hp engine won’t beat any supercars, but it is all many of us need for daily driving.

Nissan Versa S

2016 Nissan Versa
Image Credit: Nissan.

Coming in hot on the heels of the Mitsubishi Mirage is the Nissan Versa S. You can pick up the Versa S for $18,745, and the fuel economy is impressive at 35 MPG thanks to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 hp.

The Versa S has the advantage over the Mirage in that it has more features and technology as standard. Cruise control, automatic headlights, reverse automatic braking, and Bluetooth are all available on the Versa S. You even get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a car that costs less than $20,000.

2023 Kia Rio LX

2023 Kia Rio LX
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

The 2023 Kia Rio LX is another very affordable car for retirees and shows just how good Kia is in 2024. It starts at $17,875 and has a fantastic combined fuel economy of 36 MPG. Like the Versa S, it offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in a vehicle that costs less than $20,000.

Under the hood, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 120 hp and a CVT transmission are standard. There are fewer options than on the Versa, but you still get an eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a rear camera.

Author: Henry Kelsall

Henry is a freelance writer, with a love for all things motoring whether it be classic sports cars, or Formula 1 racing. He has freelanced for over eight years now, mostly in automotive matters, but he has also dabbled in other forms of writing too. He has a lot of love for Japanese classics and American muscle cars, in particular the Honda NSX and first-generation Ford Mustang. When not writing, Henry is often found at classic car events or watching motorsports at home, but he also has a curious passion for steam trains and aviation.

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