5 New Cars and Trucks Grandparents Will Love
One of them might be right for what you — and they — are looking for
If you are a grandparent and in the market for a new car, you may want to look for one that would be suitable for you, your grown kids and your grandkids. But with so many choices out there — sedans, trucks, crossovers, SUVs — how can you make an informed decision?
Before you head to the car dealership, think about the type of grandparent you want to be. Are you going to be known as the sophisticated grandfather with a great sense of taste? The fast-paced, mile-a-minute grandmother you’ve always wanted to be? Is hauling around a truckload of kids your idea of grandparenthood? Or is teaching your kids’ kids to be ecologically aware more important?
Below are five cars grandparents love and chosen by the respected automobile research site Edmunds.com, listed from lowest price to highest; one or more of them might match your style.
Chrysler Pacifica (price: starting at around $25,800)
For grandparents who know they’ll be called on for soccer practice pickups and dance recital drop-offs, the Chrysler Pacifica is worth considering. With loads of seating (up to eight passengers), this minivan can handle multiple grandkids and all of their gear.
Moreover, the safety features are top notch, with blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and rear park assist all standard.
For older, more discerning grandkids, the Pacifica comes equipped with the latest tech features, including SiriusXM Satellite Radio and not one, but two headrest screens, perfect for avoiding the dreaded “we want to watch different shows” conundrum.
Ford F-150 (price: starting at around $26,000)
The Ford F-150 pickup is built tough, which is perfect for the grandparent who understands how rough little kids can be on everything. With available all-weather floormats throughout the interior, the F-150 is designed for the thrills and spills your new little ones can throw at it.
In addition, if you’re keen on sharing with your grandkids the beauty of nature and the outdoors, this could be the truck for you. With roof-mounted bicycle carriers and hitch-mounted ski carriers available, you can take the kids everywhere from the lake to the cabin to the ski lodge.
Mercedes E-Class (price: starting at around $49,000)
Sometimes for a grandparent, nothing but the best will do. The Mercedes E-Class sedan is elegant and luxurious inside and out and sure to impress your grandkids and their parents. Refinement abounds, from the E300 turbo-charged engine and 9-speed transmission that deliver a smooth, quiet and economical ride to the sumptuous, fine-tuned interior with features for comfort and safety.
Navigation features ensure that you’ll be able to get your grandkids to their first ballet performance on time. And entertainment options will keep the grandkids will getting bored on the way.
Corvette Stingray (price: starting at around $55,000)
Not all vehicle choices for a grandparent have to be practical, do they?
Chevrolet’s Corvette Stingray, admittedly, is not the most obvious choice for the discerning grandparent. But think about how your grandchild will feel when he or she sees you pull up in this stylish convertible and ask: “Do you want to go for a ride?” You’ll be the cool, hip grandparent you always envisioned yourself being.
With a 6.2-liter V-8 and 460 horses under the hood, you’ll need to first make sure everyone’s seat belts are buckled nice and tight, though. Once you start driving your grandkids, you’re sure to make a lasting memory for them.
Moreover, with a state-of-the-art Brembo braking system and top safety features, you won’t have to worry that your precious, and slightly windblown, cargo will be safe and sound.
Tesla Model S (price: starting from around $75,700)
Finally, the Tesla Model S electric car is built for the grandparent who wants to show grandkids his or her eco-friendly side, but doesn’t want to compromise on taste and style. With a best-in-class charging system and an enormous driving range, this is one dependable vehicle. And what grandparent doesn’t want to be seen as dependable?
The exterior is sleek and aerodynamic, featuring automatically retractable door handles, perfect to impress tech-savvy grandkids. The interior is roomy and can fit up to two grandparents and a few grandkids, as well as all the car seats and toys that go along with your new role.
Of course, safety for a grandparent should be a top priority and the Tesla Model S does not disappoint. This is one of the safest cars ever tested, with collision protection all the way around the vehicle and one of the lowest collision occurrence rates in the industry. The Tesla Model S is style, environmental responsibility and safety all rolled into one.
