I Asked ChatGPT What SUV Retirees Should Buy on Social Security — Here’s What It Said
Written by
Gabriel Vito
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Many retirees choose SUVs for their higher seating position, better visibility and easier entry and exit than sedans. But they have also become more expensive to own. AAA estimated the average cost to own and operate a new vehicle is more than $11,500 per year once insurance, fuel, maintenance and depreciation are included. For retirees living primarily on Social Security, costs like that can strain a fixed budget.
“When you’re living primarily on Social Security, you have to be extremely careful about big purchases you make because every dollar matters,” said Melanie Musson, insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com.
Here are the SUVs retirees should buy on Social Security, according to ChatGPT.
Subaru Forester
- Starting price: $29,995
The Subaru Forester appeared on ChatGPT’s list for its durability and standard all-wheel drive. Consumer Reports data showed generally strong reliability across many model years, along with solid safety scores. According to CarEdge, Forester maintenance and repair costs average about $2,700 over the first five years, which is lower than the industry average for popular SUVs.
Edmunds estimated show the Subaru Forester earns about 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for most trims, offering solid fuel efficiency for a compact SUV.
Toyota RAV4
- Starting price: $31,900
Consumer Reports data placed many Toyota RAV4 model years above average for reliability. According to CarEdge, RAV4 maintenance and repair costs average about $1,900 over the first five years, more than $1,600 below the industry average for popular SUVs. Consumer Reports also noted that while the RAV4 remains a recommended vehicle, the current generation trails some rivals in interior quality, ride comfort and engine noise, and that an all-new RAV4 is arriving soon.
Edmunds estimated the RAV4 is generally about 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it competitive among compact SUVs; hybrid versions often return considerably higher combined numbers.
Honda CR-V
- Starting price: $30,920
ChatGPT identified the Honda CR-V as a low-risk option for retirees. Consumer Reports data supported that view, with many CR-V model years earning above-average reliability ratings.
RepairPal data gave the CR-V a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, and CarEdge estimated maintenance and repair costs of about $2,400 over the first five years, more than $1,100 below the industry average.
EPA estimates for the Honda CR-V place it around 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for non-hybrid versions, with hybrid variants capable of EPA ratings near the low-40s in combined mpg.
Mazda CX-5
- Starting price: $29,990
ChatGPT listed the Mazda CX-5 for its balance of comfort and reliability. Consumer Reports data showed generally average to above-average reliability across recent model years. According to CarEdge, CX-5 maintenance and repair costs average about $2,500 over the first five years, more than $1,000 below the industry average.
Fuel-economy data from Edmunds showed the Mazda CX-5 at roughly 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for gasoline versions, on par with many competitors in its class.
Hyundai Tucson
- Starting price: $40,325
ChatGPT included the Hyundai Tucson for its lower upfront cost and long warranty coverage. Consumer Reports data suggested reliability has improved in recent model years. According to CarEdge, Tucson maintenance and repair costs average about $2,700 over the first five years, roughly $900 below the industry average.
EPA estimates put the Hyundai Tucson’s fuel economy at about 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, or roughly 28 mpg combined for gasoline models.
Editor’s note: Vehicle starting prices were sourced from each car manufacturer’s website.
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