Kelley Blue Book Says This Expensive Vehicle Is One Of The Best Cars For A Retiree

Expensive doesn't always mean poor value, and being able to recognize this distinction is a hallmark of a savvy shopper. When it comes to retirement, understanding where it's worth spending a little extra can be especially important, as cutting costs in the wrong places can mean compromising comfort and accessibility in your golden years.

That's why Kelley Blue Book (KBB) doesn't just look at sticker price when it ranks the best cars for seniors. Instead, it leans heavily on things like comfort, ease of entry, fuel economy, and the potential stress of ownership. By those metrics, the 2025 Toyota Crown isn't exactly a budget sedan. Still, KBB gives it a 4.4 out of five for its expert rating, and the vehicle offers several features that could justify shelling out that extra bit of cash.

With an MSRP of well over $40,000, the Crown's price tag might feel steep compared to many other models you might want to consider. However, KBB's experts aren't out to get you to spend more than you need to: The website highlights the base model — the Crown XLE — as a perfectly viable trim for older drivers. While the 2025 Crown's MSRP sits at around $42,535, KBB places its Fair Purchase Price at around $39,800. While that does make it more expensive than most top-selling cars that are perfect for retirees, Kelley Blue Book's reasoning is that the Crown capably solves a lot of the small, everyday problems that matter more to retired drivers than younger vehicle owners.

There are a number of elements to the Toyota Crown's design that make it appealing to older drivers. Its elevated chassis makes it easier to get into than a lower sedan, and it offers a more comfortable and quieter driving experience than many mainstream cars with fuel efficiency that surpasses that of many SUVs. Toyota reports that the raised design places the seat at about 25 inches from the ground, minimizing the need to crouch while improving visibility. This allows drivers to sit higher than they would in a Camry without requiring them to climb into a taller SUV. Meanwhile, the vehicle's suspension is also tuned to help reduce vibration and ensure a smoother ride.

Similar accessibility factors inform why a family vehicle like the Acura MDX is one of the best cars for a retiree, but the Crown's MSRP comes in at roughly $10,000 less than that luxury SUV. That said, KBB actually compares the experience of driving a Crown to that of a model from a luxury brand like Lexus. Meanwhile, other reviewers praise its comfortable seats and relaxed demeanor.

When it comes to ownership costs, the Crown's starting price may make up the brunt of your expenditures: Its hybrid engine yields 41 miles to the gallon for combined city and highway driving. In addition to saving its driver money on gas, the model also appears on Consumer Reports' list of the most reliable Toyota models, suggesting the need to spring for major repairs will also be minimal.