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2024 Lincoln Corsair - 8.9/10 (tie)
For serenity on the road, Empty Nesters can't do much better than the Lincoln Corsair, which is offered with BlueCruise, Lincoln's hands-free, eyes-up driving technology. The quiet two-row cabin of the Corsair can be had with the company's 24-way Perfect Position seats that include heating, massaging and a cooling function. Both rows are easy to enter and exit. All-wheel drive is available and engages automatically on slippery roads. The plug-in hybrid version can go 28 miles on battery power alone.
2024 Lexus RX - 8.9/10 (tie)
With more than a half-dozen trim levels, the comfortable, two-row Lexus RX is a favorite of luxury SUV buyers, especially the Empty Nester type that only occasionally needs to fill the back row. The RX offers several powertrain options including gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and can be optioned with all-wheel drive. All versions deliver smooth acceleration and shifting, along with a ride that softens the repercussions of bumpy roads.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica - 8.7/10
For the Empty Nester that travels with kids or grandkids, the minivan is still the best way to get people and cargo comfortably from one destination to another. Available in traditional and plug-in hybrid forms, and with front- or all-wheel drive, the Chrysler Pacifica has earned this award for its comfort and style, technology and clever engineering. It has Stow-and-Go seats and is noted for its safety by trusted organizations. It now has integrated Amazon Fire TV for long road trips and the FamCAM, a camera that points at the occupants in the back.
2024 Honda CR-V - 8.6/10
The compact Honda CR-V is both comfortable for long rides and efficient, allowing less stops at the gas station. It comes with an array of standard safety features and its size make it easy to get in and out. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display is standard along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The best CR-V is the hybrid version, which is available for nearly the same price as the gasoline-powered model but returns far better fuel economy and is more powerful.
2024 Volvo XC60 - 8.6/10
The safe Volvo XC60 offers the best of both worlds. It can travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone and run as a traditional hybrid all other times. XC60 comes with advanced driver assistance systems that can steer, accelerate and brake the car for Empty Nesters on the highway. A 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are standard and easy to see and use thanks to Google technology backing the system. Its plush, quiet interior is a nice space to spend time.
2024 Kia Sorento - 8.4/10
The updated Kia Sorento lineup has gotten better with age as it's been contiuously updated. It offers gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and comes with the buyer's choice of all- or front-wheel drive. It gets particularly high marks for its interior craftsmanship in its highest trim levels, which looks and feels far more expensive than the list price. Its technology is user-friendly with easy-to-control physical knobs and buttons for important features.
2024 Kia Carnival - 8.3/10
The refreshed 2024 Kia Carnival, a minivan that's disguised as an SUV, widened its options with a hybrid powertrain to better take on its competitors. The electrified model is tailor made for Empty Nesters with road trips on their minds. It has several economical driving modes as well as two power outlets for charging and using devices. Its exterior was just updated as well with a new grille and new amber-colored daytime running lamps. The cabin offers a curved panoramic dual-display with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display.
2024 Lexus NX - 8.2/10
The 2024 Lexus NX is a luxury compact SUV that appeals to Empty Nesters who value comfort, technology and style. The NX can be gotten as a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 36 miles on electric power alone, making it a great emissions-free daily driver. It also features a new touchscreen interface that is easy to use and can be paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A host of safety and driver assistance features come standard. Its size makes it easy to park and it gets high marks for the quality of its interior craftsmanship.
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class - 8.1/10
For Empty Nesters who want to enjoy the ultimate luxury and sophistication, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a prime choice. The S-Class offers a smooth and powerful ride, with several engine options ranging from a six-cylinder hybrid to a V12. Its front and rear seats are spacious and elegant. Ambient lighting and a dual screen digital dashboard that is easy to operate add to the sophistication. The S-Class also features advanced technology that tech-savvy buyers may appreciate, such as a 3D augmented reality head-up display, a fingerprint scanner and a voice assistant.
2024 Range Rover Sport - 8.0/10
The Range Rover Sport, slightly smaller and more affordable than the Range Rover, has a stylish and rugged exterior. It can be gotten with a selection of powertrains, some electrified, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Its air suspension will comfort Empty Nesters on long journeys north, south, east or west while a large cargo area will hold whatever is brought back. A host of drive modes inspire confidence behind the wheel.