What is the best car for a bad back?
Back pain can be a nightmare to live with – take a look at the best cars for a bad back to make things easier
)
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as an ongoing back issue that impacts your daily life, and the wrong car can only make things worse.
Getting in and out of a car can cause discomfort and long journeys can be painful.
Choosing the best car for a bad back with features that can make driving more comfortable is one thing that can make managing the pain easier.
Take a look at some of our favourites:
Best cars for a bad back
What makes a used car good for back pain sufferers?
The best car for back pain sufferers is the one that's the most comfortable, and what makes a car comfortable will vary from person to person.
High-riding SUVs are often better for those with a bad back as they’re easier to climb into. Door sills to give you a leg up are a helpful feature, as is air suspension for lowering or raising the car.
You should also consider features like heated seats to help soothe back pain as you drive. Electric lumbar adjustments will help you get comfortable, and the option to adjust all driving positions will likely be important.
We’d also recommend that you read reviews on how the car drives. A jolty model that really throws you around is likely to be uncomfortable for back pain sufferers, so something smooth and easy to drive is your best bet.
BMW X5
)
The BMW X5 is one of the best cars for bad back sufferers and one of the best SUVs on the market, so you’re not sacrificing anything to keep comfortable.
The seating in the X5 is fully adjustable, so you can adjust the driver's seat to be as comfortable as possible for your back. This includes adjustable lumbar support and heated front seats for soothing any knots or pain.
There’s also the option to upgrade your BMW X5 with the Comfort Plus Pack to add front massage seats and seat ventilation.
It's also a sleek SUV to drive, smoothing out the road so you can avoid being knocked around on bumps and potholes.
Volvo XC60
 "Volvo-xc60-mega-menu-16-3-23")
The Volvo XC60 is a great option for drivers with back pain as it puts comfort and safety at the top of its priorities.
It was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2017, with an impressive 98% for adult occupants, and its slick automatic gearbox makes it a soothing drive.
The impressive ride height makes it easy to get in and out of the car, and heated seats are standard in all XC60 models.
With the XC60 Plus trim, you’ll also get power four-way lumbar support and Comfort front seats that prioritise an ergonomic design.
The Ultra models also get front seat ventilation and the option for built-in front seat massage features.
Ford Puma
)
If you want a smaller SUV that’s still suitable for driving with a bad back, the Ford Puma is a great pick.
It feels a lot like the Ford Fiesta that it’s based on, but it’s easier to get in and out with the added height.
You’ll get manual four-way adjustable driver seats with lumbar support, as well as the option for heated seats. Titanium models also get a three-way adjustable massage function.
The Puma is also a comfortable and easy car to drive. Steering is light and so are the gear changes, but you’ll likely want to stay away from sportier models like the firm ST-Line if you want a softer suspension that takes on bumps a bit easier.
Volkswagen Golf
)
Not all drivers want an SUV – some would prefer a smaller option that’s still easy on the back. The Volkswagen Golf is a classic little hatchback that can be very useful for someone with back pain.
The front seats in the Golf get lumbar support and height adjustment features so you can set your driving position up perfectly, as well as the option to add heated seats.
It’s a smooth car to drive as well, especially if you opt for the seven-speed automatic. You won’t feel knocked about on bumps and can even find models with adjustable dampers to improve drive comfort even more.
Nissan Qashqai
)
The Nissan Qashqai is one of the most popular cars in the UK and is one of the best cars for back pain and improving comfort.
Like other SUVs on this list, the height makes it easy to slip in and out of the car, and there’s a 504-litre boot at the rear that’s ideal if you need to travel with mobility aids.
You’ll also get heated seats in the Tekna trim, and the seats in all models are comfortable and easy to adjust. There’s also lumbar support on offer for back comfort.
It’s very comfortable to drive as well, with plenty of control. If you need to be stable and feel minimal feedback from the road around you, the Qashqai is a safe bet.
Kia Sportage
)
The Kia Sportage is one of the best cars for a bad back if you want to opt for electric power. There are also mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines on offer to cut back on fuel costs.
The ride height makes for easy access and there’s the option for heated front seats in the GT-Line, 3 and GT-Line S models. The latter also gets ventilated front seats for when you want to stay cool.
Some models also get 10-way adjustable seating to make sure your driving position is spot on, as well as lumbar support and massaging seats in the highest trim levels.
Mercedes A-Class
)
Another option for something that’s not an SUV, the Mercedes A-Class is a great pick if you struggle with back pain. It’s a comfortable model with plenty of adjustment to suit your needs.
There’s the option of a few trims, but even the entry-level sport option gets four-way lumbar support. The Sport Executive adds heated front seats, and higher trims add an electrically adjustable driver's seat with a memory function, so it always puts you back in the perfect spot.
Soft suspension makes the A-Class comfortable to drive, with a quiet cabin and light handling. Opting for the automatic gearbox means you can give one of your legs a rest, too.
Volkswagen T-Roc
)
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a small SUV that’s ideal if you struggle with back pain. It’s comfortable to drive, has plenty of adjustment options, and is a great alternative to the Ford Puma.
The T-Roc offers ‘ergoActive seats’ for electric lumbar support with a massage function, heated seats, and adjustable leg support so you can get really comfortable.
There’s also ‘Park Assist’ with sensors to scan for appropriate parking spaces, guiding you into the space so you don’t have to twist around at all angles to get a good view.
If opening the boot is a stress on your back, you’ll be able to use your foot to activate the sensor under the rear of the car and have the boot open or close automatically.