SUVs have been gaining more popularity during the 2010’s with the introduction of smaller SUVs, midsize and crossovers. SUVs being more fuel-efficient also fueled its popularity. And the trend is still going up today. Due to the high demand, car manufacturers have also given users more options by coming up with more SUV models. Now that they come in all shapes, sizes, and features, you would definitely find the right one that would fit your specific needs. Let’s narrow down your options by listing down the most reliable used SUVs on the market. Buying a second-hand is a risk itself so let’s lower down the risk by choosing from the more reliable ones.
Most Reliable Used Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs offer more space than compact or small SUVs and they come in a wide range of vehicles from sporty ones to family haulers. They come in 2 row-cabins and 3-row cabins. Midsize SUVs with more seating capacity may eat up more fuel, but they offer extra space, more power and luxury. Take note of these four midsizers if you are on the lookout for reliable used SUVs:
2016 Ford Edge
Ford Edge comes in three different types of engines as well as several trimmings so it caters to the different needs and preferences of different types of buyers as well. Though its seating capacity is limited to two rows, the interior has ample space to carry adult passengers in both rows easily. The Edge can also be considered as a sporty SUV with its twin-turbo V6 engine. The interior of the Edge cabin is also commendable with its modern feel and it has Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment interface.
2016 Mazda CX-9
If you want luxury at a much affordable price, then Mazda CX-9 is the right one for you. It comes with three rows of seating and superb interior with premium materials. It also has an intuitive infotainment interface. The exterior also matches its sophisticated interior. On top of that, the CX-9 drives like a compact SUV which is more agile so you get the best of both worlds: a sporty vehicle and a family-friendly vehicle in one.
2016 Kia Sorento
Kia made a lot of improvements and even redesigned their Sorento model for the year 2016. The cabin is more spacious than previous Sorentos. Kia added more cargo space and more passenger space. On top of that, they added a wide range of modern technology. It comes in both two-row and three-row so you can choose whether you want more seating capacity or more cargo space. For added safety, the 2016 Sorento has adaptive cruise control plus lane departure warning. The Sorento also earned top safety ratings. All in all, if you are looking for a comfortable ride on the highway that provides ample space and safety, then you should consider getting a used 2016 Kia Sorento.
Subaru Outback
This midsize SUV is the one for you if you want a vehicle that feels like a wagon. Subaru offers a powerful midsize SUV with its 2016 Subaru Outback. It is equipped with standard all-wheel drive and top-notch driving dynamics. Some might mistaken it and say it’s a station wagon. But whatever you think it is, undoubtedly you would be impressed by its massive cargo space and excellent car-like handling. And if that isn’t enough, this SUV also remains quiet while giving a comfortable ride in most driving situations. It also earned top safety scores.
Most Reliable Used Compact SUVs/Compact SUVs
Small size SUVs are perfect for those who want an upgrade from their compact car for additional cargo and passenger space but still don't want it big and still want to keep the fuel economy well within the range of using a compact car. They are also recommended for those who want to downsize from bigger vehicles. Whatever your reason might be for choosing a compact SUV, you might want to check these top used small size SUVs:
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V is one of the most versatile SUVs you can find in the market. It has good fuel economy, enough space and offers a good amount of comfort. It has made a mark ever since its birth during the 1990s. It has been a leader of the pack with its large cabin space to comfortably seat four adults plus the cargo at the back and its ability to provide a comfortable and smooth ride. Honda has also added plenty of modern safety and tech equipment including blind spot camera, forward collision warning with emergency automatic braking plus lane keeping assist. Honda CR-V also gives you much value at a friendlier price compared to its rivals.
Mazda CX-5
This is the right choice for you if you are looking for a compact SUV that is practical yet elegant at the same time. Mazda CX-5 is stylish with a generous amount of cargo and passenger space.This small size SUV is comfortable to ride and you would feel like you are in a luxurious vehicle without the expensive price tag. It has superb interior quality and is engaging to drive. It comes in two different types of engines: one is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the other one is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both engines have good fuel economy but more prefer the 2.5-liter unit since the 2.0-liter engine’s power is found to be underwhelming.
Most Reliable Used Three-Row SUVs
Bigger than a midsize, these 3 row SUVs are the go-to vehicle for family hauling. Here are the following best used three-row SUVs for your different needs. As with the previous categories all of these are 2016 models.
Chevrolet Suburban
Most modern SUVs are more car-like crossovers with SUV styling on the exterior, but instead of using a body-frame design, they utilize unibody construction. This gives them more similarity with modern cars than trucks. A full-size Chevy Suburban, on the other hand, has a truck-based architecture. It is a good choice if you are looking for an SUV that can seat seven people and at the same time can tow a big boat.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot has undergone redesigning for its 2016 model. It is a leader in its class of SUVs. This three-row crossover is more ideal for daily usage. It is easier to drive and easier to park compared to truck-based SUVs like the Suburban. It comfortably seats up to seven passengers. It has a powerful V6 engine but is fuel-efficient. Honda Pilot is quiet to drive but can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Toyota Land Cruiser
This three-row SUV may look unexciting on the outside but on the inside it has a robust V8 engine. Toyota Land Cruiser can take you anywhere from the highway to the off-road thanks to its powerful engine and a sophisticated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The 2016 model already has the modern tech and safety features that you love in the most recent vehicles such as the forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and pedestrian detection. The catch is you won’t find a lot of this baby on the market and if you do it cost more than their rivals. But it is definitely a gem as they aren’t many vehicles that match up to a Land Cruiser.
Most Reliable Used SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage
Many opt out of SUVs because they are known to be less fuel efficient but there are used SUVs that actually have good fuel economy ratings. Here we list down used SUVs that can save you money on gas.
Lexus NX 300h
Lexus NX 300h is the smaller version of the best-selling Lexus RX. It might be small but it is definitely worth considering especially if you want to save on gas. NX has spacious rear seats despite its compact size. It is also made of premium materials and ample standard tech in its interior. And on top of it all, its 2.5 liter four cylinder engine with its two electric motors earn as high as 32 mpg combined. It is a hybrid yet it is also available for front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Mazda CX-5
Aside from being luxurious, Mazda CX-5 also boasts of being a champion in fuel economy. Its 2.5 liter engine has a solid 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. If you opt for all-wheel drive, the mpg drops to 26 but is still good for an SUV.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of its kind. It has an impressive acceleration performance for a three-row SUV and at the same time, it brags of being fuel-efficient. Like its standard counterpart, the Hybrid Highlander offers a quiet ride along with plenty of available safety features. It gets 28 mpg which is 8 mpg more than the standard all-wheel Highlander’s combined rating.
Most Reliable Used Luxury SUVs
If you want a luxury SUV but do not have enough budget, then going for a used Luxury SUV is the way to go. Choose from these most reliable used luxury SUVs so that you can have that premium quality interior, top-notch tech features, high-quality sound system and leather heated seats you’ve always wanted.
Acura RDX
This luxury SUV offers a long list of standard features that gives you a bang for the buck. The 2016 base model already offers dual-zone automatic climate control, power liftgate, and heated front seats. If you want more then go for the upper trim which offers more advanced safety features including blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The cabin provides superb comfort and it comes with a powerful V6 engine.
Volvo XC60
This luxurious SUV does not complicate things by focusing on the two basics of luxury style–class and quality. The Volvo XC60 comes with a roomy cabin, high quality interior materials and the option of many attractive powertrains. On top of that, you’ll drive and ride more comfortably knowing that it gets top safety scores. While it isn’t as agile as other SUVs, it definitely meets all the things you would want in a luxury SUV.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
This midsize 2016 SUV comes with an updated design from its predecessor, a new infotainment interface plus a new plug-in-hybrid variant. Even without the updates this Mercedes Benz model is already a class itself. The additions made it an even more impressive luxury vehicle. The GLE comes with different trim levels and six different powertrains. All of these variants provide a quiet and comfortable ride you would expect in a luxury vehicle.
Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Used SUV
Every buyer has their own preferences when picking an SUV, but here are some important things you should keep in mind aside from your desired features:
- Choose an SUV that comes with smartphone connectivity, or at least provides a few USB ports to connect with. Keep in mind that infotainment systems have got lots of updates in recent years.
- Consider the comfort features the SUV provides including a sunroof and some heated seats.
- Always look for what safety equipment or tech the SUV has, even SUVs that are few years older than the recent ones, already provide modern safety tech like a 360 degree camera, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
- Take a look into J.D. Power dependability ratings. They measure reliability based on the responses of over 80,000 certified owners of 3-year-old vehicles yearly. Vehicles are rated based on the type and number of issues encountered by the owners during the previous 12 months with their 3-year-old vehicle.
With SUVs becoming more popular since the 2010’s you should not have a hard time finding a used one that suits your needs. But before shopping, it helps to have a checklist of what you specifically want and need in an SUV to narrow down your choices. Decide on what size you want, required features, your budget and your desired mpg in a vehicle. And on top of it all, make sure they have proven their reliability.