This Top Safety Pick SUV Is A Great Buy For Retirees
A compact SUV can be one of the most practical vehicles to buy, and among these small SUVs, a few names lead the group. Most notably, the Honda CR-V has had a long, successful history. That said, the 2025 model year of this car could be an especially good fit for retirees. Apart from the economic appeal of the 2025 CR-V, with its 30 miles per gallon (mpg) combined or up to 40 mpg for the hybrid version, another thing that stands out is how well it performed in safety tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) lists the 2025 Honda CR-V as a Top Safety Pick.
The CR-V also earned a 5-star overall safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and comes with a suite of standard driver-assistance features including a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a lane departure warning. For retirees, these extra layers of dependable safety can be vital as driving becomes more difficult or anxiety-inducing with age.
What makes the Honda CR-V a great buy for retirees?
While not the cheapest car out there — 2025 Honda CR-V prices starts at around $31,00 in 2026 – the space, safety tech, and resale strength of the CR-V can make it a worthwhile purchase. So, while there are several SUVs that are cheaper than the Honda CR-V, it's worth noting that Kelley Blue Book believes the CR-V is one of the best cars you can buy, even naming the 2025 Honda CR-V its Compact SUV Best Buy of 2024 — praising its overall package, reliability reputation, resale value, as well as the hybrid option.
Fixed-income retirees might also appreciate the 2025 CR-V for its relatively low ownership costs. For instance, insurance for a Honda CR-V averages about $1,959 a year, according to CarEdge, though actual premiums can vary depending on many factors. Mercury Insurance has named it one of the most affordable cars to insure — a powerful advantage now that car insurance premiums continue to rise. CarEdge also estimates CR-V maintenance and repair costs at about $2,425 over five years, which helps the SUV make sense for retirees who want predictable costs rather than a vehicle with more expensive upkeep.