Best cars for disabled passenger access
Finding a suitable vehicle for less mobile people can be a real minefield but our guide is here to point you in the right direction
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 29 July 2025
Driving can be a lifeline, whether it's for independence, necessity or just the joy of the open road. With around 16 million people in the UK living with a disability, the car industry is catching on to the importance of an inclusive design.
By March 2024, England alone had 2.84 million blue badge holders, accounting for very nearly 5% of the population and marking a 10% rise from March 2023.
"As the demand for greater inclusivity and accessibility grows in the automotive industry, we expect to see more car manufacturers adapting well-loved models fit for all drivers," cinch motoring expert Sam Sheehan explained.
"Whatever your reason for driving, having a car that suits your needs is a must for a comfortable and safe journey.”
Below are eight of the best cars for disabled passenger access, each with its own accessibility highlights.
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What's the best car for disabled passenger access?
Ford Tourneo Connect
Volkswagen Caddy Life
Peugeot Rifter
Citroën Berlingo
Vauxhall Combo Life
Volkswagen Multivan
Honda Jazz
Dacia Jogger
The best cars for disabled passenger access
Ford Tourneo Connect
 "Ford Tourneo Connect")
The Transit family is already one of Britain's favourite vans, so when a Tourneo-branded people carrier version becomes available, you'll know it's built for durability and longevity.
We love the Ford Tourneo Connect's sliding rear doors, which makes it ideal for tight parking spaces, and that boot opening is huge so you'll have no trouble getting all manner of items in the back.
Inside, you get a tall roofline that helps hugely with headroom and a flat, low floor which is great for wheelchair access or just making it easy to step in and out.
Volkswagen Caddy Life
 "VW Caddy Life")
The Volkswagen Caddy Life is one of the most widely converted vans in the wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) category, which truly speaks volumes.
Like most of the other van-based models on this list, you get a high roof, a wide cabin and a low step-in height, making it incredibly versatile and usable.
The best part is that you get a choice of petrol and diesel engines from the VW Group, which are known for their reliability, refinement and fuel economy. Add to that the option of an outstanding DSG automatic gearbox and you've got a winning formula.
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Peugeot Rifter
 "Peugeot e-Rifter")
The Peugeot Rifter takes what's great about van-based MPVs and stretches it out, literally – we'd recommend the long-wheelbase (LWB) version for the extra room.
Besides how accessible it is, one of the best parts about owning a Peugeot is how easy it is to use the infotainment system – everything's just clear and simple.
Take your pick from petrol or diesel engines, but if you want to avoid the hassle of filling up at the pump, we suggest opting for the electric model with its range of around 200 miles.
Citroën Berlingo
 "Citroën ë-Berlingo")
Because it shares most of its mechanical parts with the Rifter above, the Citroën Berlingo/ë-Berlingo has most of the same traits, including a cavernous cabin, customisable seating and sliding rear doors.
It stands out for its comfortable driving position, with well-padded seats and a composed ride, so if you're spending a lot of time getting in and out or driving over poorly surfaced roads, this is the one for you.
Best opt for the XL model (with an extended wheelbase) if you want to maximise interior space, because this one gets three individual rear seats so there'll be no fighting over space.
Vauxhall Combo Life
 "Vauxhall Combo Life")
Another sibling to the Rifter and and Berlingo above, the Vauxhall Combo Life comes from a British family favourite – a brand that we know and love here in the UK.
Don't think that buying a British van means you'll have to make do with the basics, though, because you get a swanky interior filled with creature comforts including two screens – an infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster.
Pick from five- and seven-seat options, but for maximum versatility, we suggest going for the seven-seater because you can remove the rear seats to boost interior space.
Volkswagen Multivan
 "VW Multivan")
This is the car you'll be wanting if you like the latest and greatest – the Multivan follows on from the huge success of the Transporter, but with a much more familiar car-like design.
The premium feel extends inside, where you can get customisable seating options and a modular interior including swivel seats, but wherever you're sitting you're in for a comfortable ride.
If you're not quite ready for fully electric motoring but want to reduce your running costs, compare front- and all-wheel-drive eHybrid models. These plug-in hybrids will get around 50-60 miles of electric-only range, which is enough for pottering around town.
Honda Jazz
 "Honda Jazz")
The Honda Jazz is proof that you can get big-car tech in small packages – wide-opening doors, raised seating and excellent visibility are all traits of this excellent supermini-based MPV.
The best part? Honda's Magic Seats. You can lift the rear seat bases up, cinema-style, to transport equipment like wheelchairs in the back without impacting on the boot's load-lugging capacity.
Well, it's hard to choose a best part, because the hybrid powertrain is truly impressive too. You get one petrol engine and two electric motors for the most seamless hybrid experience and the best running costs.
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Dacia Jogger
 "Dacia Jogger")
In a world dominated by SUVs, the Dacia Jogger is a breath of fresh air – it stays true to form, as a budget-conscious people carrier with family friendly features.
We're talking about high roofline for lots of headroom, wide-opening rear doors for easy access and enough boot space to swallow small scooters or foldable wheelchairs.
You're not getting bargain-basement parts, though, because it shares its turbocharged petrol and self-charging engines with Renault, so you're guaranteed impressive reliability.
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Choosing a car with disability needs in mind
When buying a car with a disability in mind, the usual factors (like price, fuel economy and safety) still matter – but comfort, accessibility and practicality take centre stage.
Cars for disabled passengers: what to look for
Getting in and out
Wide-opening doors and low sills make access easier, as does having a low and flat floor and a tall cabin
Seat height matters, especially if you're thinking about transferring from a wheelchair to the car's seat
Test access in person with the passenger and any aids you may use by visiting a cinch store
Car doors
Sliding doors make it easier to get in when you're parked next to an obstacle
Wide doors are great because there's more space to climb in, but you'll need enough space either side of the car
Easy-to-use handles and lightweight doors reduce strain
Consider reach distance for pulling the door closed from inside – some sliding doors can even be operated electrically
Seats and interior space
Look for lots of adjustments in the seats, whether that's slide, tilt or height, including in the rear
Higher seats make sitting down and standing up easier
Modular seating can offer extra flexibility, so you can configure the car for different trips depending on your passengers
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Buy the best car for disabled passenger access
Not all disabilities are the same, and not all are visible, so only you know which features to look out for when buying the best car for disabled passenger access.
However, as you can see, many of the best options come in the form of MPVs, where you benefit from loads of interior space and a simple, uncluttered interior.
If you're ready to pick up a new motor, browse our used MPVs for sale.