What should I buy that has a higher driving position than my VW golf?

My wife has driven a VW Golf since she was in her 20’s and is now 63 with arthritis in her knee and back so getting in and out of a Golf is becoming more difficult. She has always liked the feeling of safety in a VW. We have a budget of between £20k to £25k for a used vehicle. We have tried a Skoda Kamiq but didn’t feel the driving position was high enough and although we tested the SEL model, the manual handbrake was a put off. I drive a Karoq SEL and expected the spec to be the same. My wife drives about 5000 miles a year. What would you recommend we test drive? It has to have a high NCAP rating. And high spec with heated seats, adaptive cruise control, high level of safety features. It is highly likely she would keep it for 10 years or more. We are totally open minded on manufacturer.

Asked on 23 April 2026 by Gareth Edwards

Answered by David Ross
There are a number of SUVs that will meet these criteria, but you may need to try them for size to ensure they provide a driving position that is high enough for your requirements. If the Kamiq is too low we'd suggest looking at a Volkswagen T-Roc (which is like your Skoda Karoq but a touch smaller). The T-Roc's seat base is roughly 5–10cm higher than a standard Golf. Most people with knee or back issues find the T-Roc easier than a Golf because you don’t have to drop into the seat. However, it is still slightly lower than your Karoq. If her back is very sensitive to bumps, look for the Style or Life trims. These have smaller wheels and more sidewall on the tyres, which acts as extra cushioning for her spine. The T-Roc Style (1.5 TSI Automatic) is the most logical step.

We'd also suggest the Volvo XC40 (Momentum or Inscription). If she values feeling safe above all else, Volvo is the benchmark. The XC40 is widely regarded as having the most comfortable seats in the industry, specifically designed with orthopedic input. The door openings are wide and the seat height is almost perfectly level with most adults’ hip height, minimising the twist and bend that aggravates knee and back pain. Even mid-level trims include Volvo’s Pilot Assist (advanced adaptive cruise), excellent heated seats, and a very intuitive electronic parking brake. It is also consistently rated one of the highest-rated cars ever tested by Euro NCAP.

Lastly, consider a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Design or Excel Trim). Since she only does 5000 miles a year, a hybrid is perfect. It’s incredibly easy to drive — very smooth, quiet, and reliable. Toyota offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty (Relax Warranty) as long as you service it within their network. For someone keeping a car for a decade, this is the ultimate peace of mind. It has a very high driving position, much higher than the Kamiq. The Excel trim will give her the heated seats and a 360-degree camera which helps if turning her neck is difficult.
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