The Best Wheelchair Accessible SUV’s for Conversion

August 5, 2022

When you need wheelchair accessibility, choosing the right vehicle is essential as not all can be modified for a wheelchair. Only specific makes and models of SUVs work well in accommodating a wheelchair accessibility conversion, and we’ve made it simple to sort through with our list of the best wheelchair-accessible SUVs for easy conversions.

Our Top Pick: The Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is the best alternative to a handicap minivan. With 46% extra space at the rear vertical over the BraunAbility Explorer, it has the spacious room you need for wheelchair accessibility. Over time, this vehicle has seen several improvements, such as increased floor space that can fit two wheelchairs, a 3rd-row seat that can accommodate three people, a ramp system, and a widened doorway.

Honorable Mentions

There are several other vehicles that make great options for wheelchair accessibility. Some of the best cars that can easily handle a wheelchair include:

Ford Galaxy
Kia Carens
Hyundai Santa Fe
Seat Alhambra
Honda CR-V
Skoda Octavia
Renault Megane Sport Tourer
Citreon Grand C4 Tourer

In addition to the Chevrolet Traverse, a few other vehicles stand out as great options for individuals looking for a wheelchair-accessible SUV.

Ford Explorer MXV

The Ford Explorer MXV is a good accessible SUV choice. Upon its first release in 2015, wheelchair users and their families had access to a safe, spacious wheelchair-accessible SUV. Many customers flock to this vehicle due to its space-saving features, making it one of the best accessible SUVs of its time. Although this SUV is no longer manufactured, it has continued to attract people looking across the used market due to its engineering advancements. Here are the quality, creative features you can find in the BraunAbility MXV:

Towing Capability – The Ford Explorer has a 3.5L Ti-VCT engine that yields 2000 lbs with the factory class 3 hitch, or 5000 lbs of towing capacity with the weight distributing hitch.
Door System with Swing Door Design – From just pushing a button on the MXV key fob, the door opens, engages the knee function, and deploys the ramp. This door can also open manually by pulling the handle on the interior or exterior of the vehicle during an emergency.
Slimmed B-Pillar – The Slimmed B-Pillar is a space-saving feature in the Ford Explorer MXV, reinforced with cast steel to protect passengers from a side impact.
Tilt N’GO Seats – These seats create three times more maneuvering space for a wheelchair user with just a tap of a button and gently pushing to release the lock. The Ford Explorer MXV is the only Wheelchair accessible van with this functionality feature.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot wheelchair-accessible SUV offers exceptional wheelchair maneuverability and space with several incredible features including:

In-Floor Ramp – This innovative, manual in-floor ramp offers the perfect combination of simplicity, style, and space. It is protected within the floor of the vehicle to keep out dirt and debris from the vehicle cabin.
Front and Mid-Row Access – Offers flexible seating that allows wheelchair users to sit either in the front or mid-row.
Easy Access – The VMI Honda Pilot has an expansive door opening width of 33.5″ with a height of 55.5″ that allows easy entry and exit.
Wide Ramp – The VMI Honda Pilot has a durable 32″ wide ramp that can easily accommodate large power wheelchairs.
Spacious – This accessible SUV has a removable front passenger seat, offering flexibility in seating arrangement and more room for the whole family.

Looking For Your Next Wheelchair-Accessible SUV?

If you are in the market for an accessible SUV, visit us at Southern Bus and Mobility. As a distributor of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in St. Louis, we are proud to be NMEDA QAP Certified for the Automobility business in North America. Whether you’re looking for the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer MXV, Honda Pilot, or other accessible SUV, stop by one of our area locations to speak with a team member about your next wheelchair-accessible SUV.