Grandparent-approved cars: where comfort meets practicality

Finding the right car as a grandparent isn’t always easy. You need something comfortable enough to suit your mobility and accessibility, yet practical enough to handle school runs, weekend adventures, and the occasional pile of football kit or musical instruments from the grandkids.

Imagine juggling a backpack, a pushchair, and a bag of groceries while trying to squeeze into a tiny hatchback – you quickly realise the right car can make life so much easier.

So, what makes a true “grandparent all-rounder”? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features to look for and share our top picks for cars that are practical, comfy, and perfect for keeping both you and your grandkids happy.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What to look for in a grandparent-friendly car

Choosing the right car as a grandparent isn’t just about style – it’s about comfort, safety, and practicality. Here are 9 things that help make a car truly grandparent-friendly:

1. Ease of entry and exit

Cars with wide-opening doors, low step-ins, and handy grab handles make getting in and out effortless, even if you’re carrying a bag or helping a little one climb in.

2. Comfortable seating and ergonomics

Look for a car with supportive seats with good lumbar support, adjustable steering, and plenty of head and legroom. A well-designed and spacious cabin reduces fatigue and makes every journey more enjoyable.

3. Visibility

Large windows, big mirrors, and a well-positioned driving seat help you see the road and your surroundings clearly, making driving safer and more confident.

4. Smooth ride and quiet cabin

A car with comfortable suspension and good road insulation ensures that even long drives or school runs are calm and relaxing for everyone on board.

5. Plenty of safety features

Modern safety tech is a must. Look for driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, and parking sensors or cameras to help you navigate the road better. For little passengers, features such as ISOFIX mounts, rear-door child locks, and reinforced rear crash structures are so important.

6. Practical space and versatility

Grandparent-friendly cars need room for prams, toys, sports gear, and luggage, along with flexible seating options – fold-down or sliding seats make life easier when transporting your grandkids and cargo together.

7. Driving ease and control

An automatic or easy-to-operate transmission, responsive steering, clear dashboard layout with proper buttons, and good visibility reduces stress behind the wheel.

8. Reliability, running costs and fuel efficiency

A dependable car with low maintenance, a long warranty, and good fuel economy keeps you on the road without breaking the bank.

9. Accessibility features

Extras such as adjustable air suspension, power tailgate, remote key access, and parking assist can make everyday driving simpler and more enjoyable, helping you focus on the fun parts of grandparenting.

Top 10 recommended cars for grandparents

1. Honda Jazz – low running costs

Solid, sensible, and dependable, the Honda Jazz is ideal for grandparents wanting something economical and easy to run. Its clever ‘Magic seat’ function makes it simpler to load bulky items such as pushchairs, and its compact size is a dream for city driving. The only drawback is that the engine gets a bit loud under hard acceleration – so try not to impress your easily-amused grandkids too much.

2. Volkswagen T-Cross – a good all-rounder

This may be a small SUV, but the Volkswagen T-Cross is like a Tardis on the inside with a properly spacious cabin. You’ll appreciate the raised driving position and solid build quality, while the VW badge adds a bit of image appeal. And while the boot is smaller than some alternatives in the same class, such as the Ford Puma, you get an adjustable boot floor that can either minimise the load lip or maximise the load space. This makes it easier to pop your grandkids’ school gear and your weekly shop in the boot.

3. Mercedes CLE Cabriolet – for the glam grandparents

For grandparents who love a touch of luxury, the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet brings style and comfort in spades. It’s an elegant cruiser that’s great for trips away, and older grandchildren will be comfortable in the back seats for the school run. Baby seats, however, might be a squeeze and the boot shrinks with the roof down. What’s more is that the price is firmly in the premium bracket. But if you can stretch your budget, want something a bit more flash and don’t have grandparents that are still young, then you’re on for a winner here.

4. Volvo XC90 – great safety record

The Volvo XC90 is a superb choice if you prioritise safety. It comes with an outstanding safety record (five-star rating from car safety experts at Euro NCAP) and enough room for seven, including three ISOFIX anchor points. Although you will enjoy its looks and features, it doesn’t drive as well as other SUVs and comes with a steep price tag.

5. Toyota Yaris Cross – excellent warranty

This small SUV offers peace of mind with its excellent warranty and easy-to-use hybrid technology. It’s economical, dependable, and compact enough for everyday errands, while still being versatile for family use. That being said, it may be a bit of a faff fitting a child seat thanks to the car’s narrow door openings. Also, the interior feels a little less plush compared to the Volkswagen T-Cross – the interior certainly won’t set you, and your grandkids’, pulses racing.

6. Hyundai Inster – massive rear seat space

If you’re thinking of making the switch to electric, the Hyundai Inster is a hidden gem. Despite its small footprint, the rear seats are surprisingly spacious as you can slide them back and forth, which is ideal for growing grandchildren. You’ll also be happy to know that this still has proper physical buttons for the air conditioning and buttons to control the screens on the steering wheel. So even if you’re an ageing grandparents that can be overwhelmed with a flurry of touchscreens, then you need not worry too much.

7. MG HS – five star safety

The MG HS is a strong contender if you want something that’s good value for money. And if space is a priority, this would be a good pick. Happen to have a grandkid that’s had a growth spurt? There’s space in the back for a six-foot adult to stretch out, plus a 507-litre boot that’ll accommodate the whole family’s kit and clobber. It also has a five-star safety rating, which gives you and your grandkids a bit more reassurance regarding safety. That being said, it’s not very pleasant to drive quickly, so try not to give in to your grandkids telling you to speed up.

8. Citroen C3 Aircross – affordable seven seater

The Citroen C3 Aircross fits up to seven seats at a very reasonable price, and could be ideal if you often ferry around larger families. It’s cheerful to look at and its hatchback-sized package makes it ideal for city living. The seats in the third row would fit your smaller grandkids perfectly. However, don’t expect to store a suitcase in the boot with all seats up, as it’s practically non-existent. So, this might be a good pick if you’re looking for something more affordable, but also don’t frequently go on holiday with your grandkids.

9. Audi Q7 – six ISOFIX points

From one seven-seater to another, if space and practicality are at the top of your list, the Audi Q7 is a luxurious powerhouse. With a staggering six ISOFIX points and a cavernous interior, it’s great for grandparents who have lots of grandkids. It’s hugely comfortable over bumps, so you don’t throw smaller grandkids around the cabin, but it’s quite pricey and has high running costs.

10. Skoda Superb – the comfortable cruiser

This is an outstanding all-rounder, especially if you prioritise comfort and practicality. It has loads of rear space, a cavernous boot for pushchairs and luggage, and it’s excellent value compared to premium alternatives. The only drawback is its understated design, which lacks the flashy appeal of German luxury badges. So, don’t expect any sort of wow-factor coming from your grandkids.

Tips for grandparents when choosing and using a car

Here are some smart tips to keep in mind when choosing (and using) your next car:

• Bring the grandkids, pram, and even a few bags of shopping to see how the car handles real-life family loads when you go for a test drive
• Before hitting the road, take time to set up the driver’s seat, pedals, and mirrors for maximum comfort and visibility.
• Consider features such as lower door sills, wider openings, or optional handrails that will make access easier as your mobility needs change.
• Make sure the car has ISOFIX points or top-tether systems, and always follow correct installation guidelines for children’s seats.
• Opt for brands with strong service and maintenance networks and reasonably priced parts – it’ll save you stress and money down the line.
• Compare premiums and look for cars with (or upgrade to) parking sensors, reversing cameras, or advanced driver-assist systems to help you navigate the road easier.
• Add comfort accessories such as lumbar supports, cushioned pads, or sun shades – these make a big difference on longer drives.

Ultimately, the best car for grandparents is all about finding the right balance between comfort, practicality. Whether you’re doing school pick-ups, weekend outings, or simply running errands, your car should make life easier while keeping both you and your grandchildren safe and happy.

When choosing a car, prioritise the features that matter most to you: from easy access and supportive seating for mobility needs, to space for prams and car seats, or even tech that takes the stress out of parking and long drive. Every grandparent’s situation is unique, so the right choice really depends on your lifestyle, family size, and personal comfort.

So, with the right car, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for everything life throws at you, even if that’s the joys and chaos of being a grandparent.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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