When it comes to buying a used vehicle, SUVs are often at the top of the list. Their versatile blend of space, comfort, and capability makes them a favorite among car buyers, whether you’re hauling kids, gear, or simply want a more commanding driving position. But with so many choices out there, which used SUVs are most popular—and why? Let’s explore some of the top-used SUVs and what makes them stand out in the crowded marketplace.
1. Toyota RAV4
Why It’s Popular
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs in the world, and it’s no surprise that it’s a top pick for used car buyers. The RAV4 strikes the perfect balance between affordability, reliability, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers. Known for its durable construction, it’s no wonder that used RAV4s are often found with high mileage, still running strong.
The RAV4 is also fuel-efficient, which is a big selling point for buyers looking to save on gas. Whether you’re going with a gas-powered model or a hybrid version, the RAV4 consistently delivers impressive miles per gallon. Additionally, its solid safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, make it a strong contender for families.
Popular Features
- Reliability and long-lasting durability
- Great fuel economy (especially with hybrid options)
- Standard safety features
- Comfortable and spacious interior
2. Honda CR-V
Why It’s Popular
The Honda CR-V is another standout in the used SUV market, known for its excellent reliability, impressive resale value, and ample cargo space. Like the RAV4, the CR-V offers a smooth, comfortable ride, making it ideal for families, commuters, and anyone seeking a solid, well-rounded SUV.
The CR-V offers a bit more of a premium feel compared to some competitors, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. Additionally, the CR-V is well-regarded for its fuel efficiency, particularly in its hybrid models, and its spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and gear.
Popular Features
- Spacious, well-designed interior
- Strong reputation for reliability and longevity
- Excellent fuel efficiency (especially in hybrids)
- Smooth, comfortable ride with a premium feel
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Why It’s Popular
For buyers looking for a mix of luxury and rugged off-road capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a perennial favorite. Whether you’re taking it on an off-road adventure or just enjoying its upscale amenities for a city commute, the Grand Cherokee offers a great balance of both worlds.
Jeep has earned a reputation for its off-road prowess, and the Grand Cherokee is no exception. With multiple 4×4 systems, available air suspension, and advanced off-road technology, it’s one of the best SUVs for drivers who want to take their vehicle off the beaten path. At the same time, it doesn’t sacrifice luxury and comfort, with premium materials, a refined ride, and high-end technology features.
Popular Features
- Excellent off-road capability with 4×4 options
- Available luxury features, including leather interiors and premium audio systems
- Towing capacity that’s above average for the class
- Strong performance in both on-road and off-road environments
4. Ford Escape
Why It’s Popular
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has consistently been a favorite for used car buyers. It’s known for being one of the more affordable options in the SUV category, without sacrificing practicality or style. The Escape offers a fun, engaging driving experience with plenty of pep, especially in the turbocharged engine models.
Fuel efficiency is another big draw, particularly in the Escape Hybrid models. It’s a versatile vehicle, offering good passenger space, a relatively large cargo area for the size, and lots of technology features. Ford has also made the Escape a highly customizable vehicle with a variety of trims and options, giving buyers plenty of flexibility in what they want.
Popular Features
- Affordable pricing and great value for the money
- Impressive fuel efficiency, especially in hybrid versions
- Fun-to-drive, sporty performance
- Spacious interior and cargo area for its size
5. Subaru Forester
Why It’s Popular
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that punches above its weight in terms of capability, especially in the areas of all-wheel drive performance and ruggedness. Subaru’s reputation for building vehicles that perform well in tough weather conditions is a key factor in the Forester’s popularity. Whether it’s snow, rain, or rough terrain, the Forester’s standard all-wheel drive makes it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable, capable vehicle for a variety of driving conditions.
The Forester is also known for its roomy interior, excellent visibility, and a focus on safety. Subaru offers impressive EyeSight safety technology as standard, which includes features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
Popular Features
- Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
- Excellent visibility and spacious cabin
- Great safety features, including EyeSight technology
- Strong resale value and reliability
6. Nissan Rogue
Why It’s Popular
The Nissan Rogue is another compact SUV that has built a strong following for its affordability, comfort, and practicality. The Rogue provides a smooth, quiet ride and is packed with tech-savvy features. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a vehicle with good fuel efficiency, an easy-to-navigate infotainment system, and a spacious interior.
One of the highlights of the Rogue is its ProPILOT Assist, which offers semi-autonomous driving features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It’s also known for being easy to drive, making it ideal for new car buyers or those who prioritize simplicity.
Popular Features
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Impressive tech features like ProPILOT Assist
- Good fuel efficiency, particularly with the hybrid option
- Roomy interior with a focus on comfort
7. Chevrolet Equinox
Why It’s Popular
The Chevrolet Equinox offers a strong value proposition for used SUV buyers. With a comfortable and quiet cabin, smooth ride, and lots of standard tech features, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The Equinox is also known for its user-friendly infotainment system and intuitive controls, which make it an appealing option for those who want a simple, reliable SUV without a steep learning curve.
In terms of performance, the Equinox offers a range of engines, from a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to a more powerful turbocharged option. It also has an adequate amount of cargo space and offers plenty of room for passengers in the backseat.
Popular Features
- Comfortable ride with a focus on passenger comfort
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Variety of engine options for different performance needs
- Good value for the price
Conclusion
Used SUVs continue to be a popular choice for car buyers, thanks to their versatility, spacious interiors, and dependable performance. Whether you’re drawn to the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the fuel efficiency of the Toyota RAV4, or the all-weather traction of the Subaru Forester, there’s an SUV out there that fits your specific needs and preferences.
The key to choosing the right used SUV is identifying what matters most to you—be it safety, performance, comfort, or technology—and then finding a vehicle that excels in those areas. With the models listed above, you’ll have plenty of options that continue to deliver strong value even as used cars.