I expect to be in the market for a new vehicle and looking for ideas

Looking for something that is easy to get in and out of for someone on a walker or maybe a wheelchair. Current vehicle is a suburban and too hard stepping up on step rails

Would like something not too high to get in, not too low to get out of. Easy access to put a walker or wheelchair into the side or back storage area.

Thinking maybe a Honda odyssey or Toyota minivan? Any mid suv that people use and seating is easy?

My mother has a degenerative disease where her mobility has declined considerably over time. I wish we would have purchased a minivan a lot earlier than we did. The backseat of a minivan is much easier for someone with mobility issues to get in and out of than an SUV.

Wife's minivan is much easier to get in and out of than any other vehicle we own. Low to the ground, but you also have big comfortable seats that are easy to get in and out of and the back has sliding power doors.

The door on a minivan allows the best access if you aren't in a position to require a full on handicap ramp van. I will say when I had to deal with this the biggest factor was the transfer from chair/walker to the seat. Will depend on the individual how high the chairs are and the width of the door sills. We went to the car show and were able to test all the different options let you really get a feel back to back what the simplest option was.

I also found folding step or building a wooden step is often easier than any running board can stretch the usability of the vehicle

Odd suggestion here. Mom (95) had a Cadillac sedan and wanted to keep it , but it developed an electrical gremlin we couldn't defeat. She's not driving, but wanted her own vehicle for us and her housekeeper to drive her around in.

The Caddy was too low to the ground, anyway. Hard for her to get out of. And any of the SUVs were too high to climb into

We found that a Toyota Crown sedan seemed to hit the sweet spot of not too short and not too tall. It's also a hybrid, so great MPG

That being said, I've seen a lot of great minivan conversion, with ramps up the rear or out the side. Saw one with a side ramp and air bag suspension, so that it would kneel on the right where the ramp was

A Sienna may be a good pick. And they can be adapted for different purposes. Check out Toyota Mobility for some ideas. I'd guess other vehicles can be adapted as well, and maybe you don't need something that extreme. In which case perhaps something like a Subaru Ascent? They're a mid-size SUV and seem very practical.

https://www.mobilityworks.com/wheelchair-vans-for-sale/texas/

A family member using a Walker and then a wheel chair has a ford edge which is a smaller suv. It is easier for her to get into compared to a larger suv and a smaller sedan which is too low. She has a lighter, smaller travel wheelchair which easily fits in the back tailgate storage area. Her home wheel chair takes her to the garage and stays in the garage until the return.
Imo the edge is the perfect Hight to get in/out of while using a wheel chair- not too high or low.
When previously using the Walker, she could put it in/out of the back seat with no problem. Around 20 plus mpg and zero problems in the last 5 years- 2020 model.

Maybe take your friend to a carmax or big used car lot and let them find the ride that suits them best. I think the crossover suvs are about the right height to slide right in, and minivans are as well. I think a minivan offers more flexibility. You don't know how these things will progress.

There is a company that modifies vehicles for this in Pasadena, right on the beltway. Can't remember the name right now. I imagine they are $$$, but probably fantastic.

We have a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan with side door motorized ramp and drop floor conversion we bought for my MIL when she was still around. My FIL still drives it, but has expressed interest in getting something else. We'll see him on Christmas, and I can ask if he's serious about getting something different. If he is, we'd be happy to discuss options with you.

I'll keep you posted. Location is Houston area.

Whoop Delecto said:

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https://www.mobilityworks.com/wheelchair-vans-for-sale/texas/

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Any vehicle from them needs to be fully inspected by an independent shop.

For my dad who was 5'7", my mom's Ford Edge was the perfect height when he was using a rollator/walker.

I've got a HS friend who is 6'3" and had a stroke last year. His Toyota Tacoma 4WD is the right height for him, using a cane.

As far as vehicles designed for somebody in a wheelchair, check out Braunability.

https://www.braunability.com/us/en.html

When my dad was losing mobility, we looked at Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

In 2006, the Honda was the right height for him to just slide in. We also removed a 2nd row seat on the other side so mom could easily lift in the front wheels of the chair and slide it in. The hatch storage was too high for mom to lift the wheelchair.

We have a Lincoln Aviator and my MIL gets in and out of it. She uses a walker.

Just need a big enough rear storage for the walker.

I think the above responses all paint the picture that each individual's circumstances will dictate the right choice to some extent. I find our Chrysler Pacifica very easy for my elderly mom to get into the front seat, but the mid-cabin entry through the sliding doors are awkward for her due to a step up and duck your head type movement. I think the mid/aft floor height on the Chrysler is higher than some because of the under floor storage. Not sure they all have that. Although going to a carmax or an auto show with the immobile person may not be convenient, it probably is the best bet to find something that works best. Good luck in your search, and for the underlying health issues driving this purchase.