When it comes to buying a pickup truck, there are plenty of features that potential buyers look for. Some people want the highest towing capacity, while others want a truck durable enough to regularly drive off-road.
As we age, those preferences change. Seniors mostly look for features that cover areas of weakness behind the wheel. Therefore, the most vital points for many seniors in the market for a pickup truck are:
- Safety;
- Value;
- Comfort, and;
- Efficiency.
Using the above points, we have compiled the following list of pickup trucks for seniors.
9. 2019 Nissan Frontier
The first thing that seniors will likely notice about the 2019 Nissan Frontier is its low MSRP. The 2019 Frontier starts at just $19,090. This is an undeniably eye-catching price, especially considering no other trucks mentioned in this article come close.
The base engine of the 2019 Frontier is a four-cylinder unit that produces only 152 horsepower. However, there is an optional V6 engine that kicks out 261 horsepower. The V6 engine is probably best for seniors that need or simply desire a little extra power.
The Frontier gets excellent fuel efficiency. The maximum EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, that drops to 15/21 mpg respectively with the V6 engine.
The 2019 Frontier has several senior-friendly safety features, which include traction control and electronic stability control. In particular, the rearview camera and rear parking sensors make backing up and parking — which can be difficult for senior drivers — a breeze. The Frontier also has standard A/C, which is not the case for some pickup trucks.
The Nissan Frontier’s main advantage over the competition is its low starting price. It just may be the perfect choice for seniors who value affordability over all else. If you’re looking for technology or performance, there are better options out there.
8. 2019 GMC Canyon
With a $22,200 price point, the 2019 GMC Canyon is a bit more expensive than the Nissan Frontier. Despite being more expensive, the 2019 Canyon is considerably better equipped than the Frontier.
The GMC Canyon features several specifications that make it a good truck for seniors. First, it has an upscale, luxurious cabin, which satisfies many senior citizens need for comfort. Second, the Canyon offers an ergonomic infotainment system that is simple for even the most technically inclined senior to use.
The Canyon’s standard four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower. This is one of the most powerful standard engines in the midsize pickup truck segment, making the 2019 Canyon great for senior drivers that are still thrill-seekers. The optional 308-horsepower V6 engine is even more thrilling.
The new Canyon has some of the best fuel efficiency numbers in the class. In fact, the max EPA-estimated fuel efficiency is 20/30 mpg with the optional diesel engine and 20/26 mpg with the four-cylinder engine.
Considering safety is a high priority for senior drivers, the 2019 Canyon comes with a considerable suite of safety features. For instance, the Canyon comes loaded with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and a standard rearview camera.
The 2019 GMC Canyon is one of the leading midsize pickup trucks on the market today with its features and level of refinement setting it apart. If you’re leaning toward a midsize pickup truck, the GMC Canyon is an excellent choice.
7. 2019 Ford Ranger
The legendary Ford Ranger has made quite the splash with its recent comeback. This popular truck was discontinued for several years but has now hit the market again with an MSRP of $24,300. Although the price may be a little more than some of the other vehicles on this list, it is still quite affordable.
The 2019 Ranger include many senior-friendly tech options such as the Ford Co-Pilot 360 safety suite, voice controls, navigation system with real-time alerts. Senior drivers may want to opt for the extended cab since this model has full-size rear doors that make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle. Plus, seniors who live in chilly climates may want to opt for the available heated seats.
The 2019 Ford Ranger only has one engine option: a turbocharged four-cylinder unit that produces 270 horsepower. Turbocharged four-cylinder engines are known for producing V6 power with the fuel economy of four-cylinder engines. The 2019 Ranger is no exception, with an excellent rating of an EPA-estimated 21/26 mpg.
The 2019 Ford Ranger comes with a considerable suite of safety features. This suite includes a rearview camera, pre-collision system with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and trailer coverage.
The main advantage that the 2019 Ford Ranger has over its competitors is its engine. It makes plenty of power while still being fuel-efficient. Most competing trucks have to settle for power or efficiency — not both.
6. 2019 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is widely considered to be one of the finest midsize pickup trucks on the market today. With a starting MSRP of $21,300, the Colorado may just offer the best value of any truck on this list, as it blends a low starting price with plenty of features.
The 2019 Colorado has several senior-friendly features. First, it’s a smooth ride, which may be important to seniors that suffer from chronic back pain and other ailments. To further help aching backs, it has some of the comfiest and most supportive seats of any vehicle in the segment. Finally, the Colorado offers leather upholstery and heated front seats to senior drivers that want an extra bit of comfort.
The 2019 Colorado get good performance from its standard four-cylinder engine, which produces 181 horsepower. There are several more powerful engines available. The most powerful engine of which is the V6 that rips out 308 horsepower.
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has an excellent fuel economy. For the standard engine, it gets 20/26 mpg, while the V6 engine gets 18/25 mpg.
The Colorado comes with a sizable list of safety features This includes a rearview camera, traction control, electronic stability control, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning.
As previously mentioned, the Chevrolet Colorado is a great option for seniors who want a blend of value and features. On top of that, it is very capable. All things considered; the 2019 Colorado is an excellent midsize pickup truck.
5. 2019 Toyota Tacoma
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma may be the most capable and best-equipped midsize pickup truck. If you’re value-conscious, however, the relatively high base price may give you pause. The base MSRP is a pricy $25,850.
Toyota has long been a favorite brand for seniors and a quick look at the 2019 Tacoma shows why. It has excellent off-road capabilities, making it the choice for active and outdoorsy seniors. Plus, it features a very user-friendly infotainment system.
The standard engine in the Tacoma is a 159-horsepower four-cylinder. A 278 horsepower V6 engine is also available.
The max EPA-estimated fuel efficiency achieved by the 2019 Tacoma is 20/24 mpg when it is equipped with the four-cylinder engine. When equipped with the V6, it gets 17/20 mpg.
Known for the safety of their vehicles, Toyota has packed the 2019 Tacoma with high-quality features. These features include forward collision warning, stability control, blind spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection — a feature absent from most pickup trucks.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is known to be the best off-roading compact pickup truck. Seniors that plan on going off the beaten track would do well to choose the 2019 Tacoma. If this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, then you have better options.
4. 2019 Honda Ridgeline
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is considered by many automotive experts to be the finest midsize pickup truck on the market today. Coming in at $29,990, it is quite pricy. However, drivers get a higher level of refinement, especially when it comes to ride quality.
The Ridgeline has several senior-friendly features, which sure bolsters Honda’s reputation as a favorite automotive manufacturer among those in their golden years. For one, it has a very smooth ride. Also, the cabin is furnished and upholstered with the premium materials that many seniors desire.
The 2019 Ridgeline is the only midsize pickup truck that includes a standard V6 engine. This engine is rated at an impressive 280 horsepower. With an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 19/26 mpg, this engine gets fairly good fuel economy.
Honda is one of the leaders for automotive safety. With safety features like adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane keep assists, the 2019 Ridgeline is proof that this continues into 2019.
Seniors who are looking for a higher level of refinement might gravitate toward the 2019 Ridgeline, as it is the premium model in the class. However, senior drivers who place value above all else may want to look elsewhere.
3. 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverad0 1500 is the first of three full-size pickup trucks that make up the top three trucks on this. Full-size pickup trucks are usually more capable, better equipped, and safer than midsize pickup trucks. However, these trucks are more expensive, as illustrated by the 2019 Silverado’s $28,300 starting price.
The 2019 Silverado’s senior-friendly features include its CornerStep rear bumper, which makes it easier for seniors to climb up into the pickup truck’s bed. The Silverado also has large seats that allow seniors to settle into a comfortable position. Finally, the 2019 Silverado has an easy-to use, ergonomic infotainment system.
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado has several engine options, starting with the standard 285 horsepower V6 engine. A 355-horsepower V8 is available for adventurous seniors, while the boldest drivers will want to go for the optional 420 horsepower V8.
The 2019 Silverado has pretty good ratings for a full-size pickup truck. In fact, the standard engine comes in at 20/23 mpg. Even the most powerful V8 engine gets a solid 16/20 mpg rating.
As is standard with full-size pickups, the 2019 Silverado 1500 is filled to the brim with safety features. The most impressive safety features include blind spot monitoring, low-speed automatic braking, following distance indicator, and a safety alert driver seat.
If you’re looking for a full-size truck that strikes a nice balance between features and value, the 2019 Silverado might be the ticket. Although it isn’t the best at any one aspect, the Silverado is good at pretty much everything.
2. 2019 Ford F-150
As the best-selling vehicle on the road today, 2019 Ford F-150 offers practicality, style, and comfort. For seniors, the F-150’s interior is top-notch, thanks to the comfortable and spacious layout. Interested drivers can get it for a base MSRP of $28,155.
The 2019 F-150’s many engine options start with a 250 horsepower V6. If you want even more power, you’re set. The top engine is a 450-horsepower turbocharged V6.
Thanks to its aluminum structure, the F-150 is light. The truck’s light design helps its fuel efficiency ratings immensely. As such, the Ford F-150 can get 19/25 mpg —which are right near the top in its class.
Unlike many other trucks on this list, the Ford F-150 comes with a 360-degree camera, which gives you a clear view of your surroundings along with a bird’s eye view of the truck. Apart from the 360-degree camera, the truck has standard forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, trailer coverage and automatic emergency braking. All these features make the Ford F-150 one of the safest trucks on this list.
The Ford F-150 excels in pretty much every area. It is right on par with Dodge’s Ram 1500, which puts it at the top of the full-size pickup class.
1. 2019 Dodge Ram 1500
While it has stiff competition from the Ford F-150, the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 is generally considered to be the best truck in the class. It has an MSRP of $31,795, making it slightly more expensive than the F-150.
The Ram 1500 has several features that make it great for seniors. For one, it has the CornerStep rear bumper design seen in the Chevrolet Silverado. Plus, it also features excellent ride quality and comfortable seats.
Ram trucks have always been known for power and capability. The 2019 Ram 1500 is no exception. The standard engine is a 305-horsepower V6, while the most powerful engine is a muscular 395-horsepower V8.
Fuel economy is better than you might expect with the 2019 Ram 1500. It can get up to 20/25 mpg with the standard V6 engine. Sadly, the most powerful engine brings the mpg rating down to 15/21.
Boasting over 100 available safety features, the 2019 Ram 1500 is certainly one of the leaders in safety. In addition to a 360-degree camera similar to the one found in the F-150, the Ram 1500 has blind spot monitoring, guided parking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.
In comparison with the other pickup trucks on this list, the 2019 Ram 1500 is right at the top. As such, you can’t go wrong by choosing it.
