When you’re looking at used cars for sale, you’re probably going to notice a lot of compact SUVs among your options. This popular body style straddles the line between car and SUV, giving you more cargo space than a sedan while still providing good driving dynamics and a small enough size to maneuver easily in tight spaces. This segment’s popularity means you have plenty of different options, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. To help you out, here’s a list of ten quality options that are reliable enough to buy used with confidence. We’ll give you a few highlights, variants you might want to look out for, and information about what sets each model apart from the pack.
Honda CR-V
Kicking off the list, we have a well-rounded model that’s reliable, efficient, well-appointed, and affordable. The Honda CR-V is a great choice for drivers who want an SUV for fun activities on the weekends, but also need to be able to commute to work on the weekdays without spending too much on gas. Honda’s sterling reputation for long-term reliability means you can buy an older model without worrying too much, as long as the previous owners took decent care of it. If fuel economy is your top priority, look for the hybrid version added to the lineup for the 2020 model year.
Chevy Equinox
If you prefer to buy American, the Chevy Equinox is a good pick. With a composed ride, quiet cabin, and solid lineup of features, this model offers a great value to shoppers and is built to last for the long haul. If you’re looking for some variety in powertrain options, buying used will get you more than a lower price tag. While newer models are exclusively powered by a 1.5L turbo I-4, a more capable 2.0L engine that lets you tow up to 3,500 lbs was available on 2018 through 2020 models. Also, a more fuel-efficient diesel option that delivers up to 39 MPG on the highway was briefly available in 2018 and 2019 models.
Mazda CX-5
With a more upscale look and feel, the Mazda CX-5 feels more luxurious than competitors in its price bracket and becomes even more of a value choice when you buy a used model. On top of a lush interior, it also has responsive handling that those who drive for fun are sure to appreciate. Stick to the 2017 model year and newer for reduced cabin noise and a more comfortable ride than the previous generation. Look to the 2020 model year and newer if driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking are a top priority. While these features are available on older models, they became standard in 2020, making them much easier to find on newer models.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a great option for anyone looking for a practical vehicle. Its strengths include above-average driver visibility, solid fuel economy, and a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. While older models more or less deliver on all of those key points (even a 2014 model has an estimated fuel economy of 27 MPG combined, which is only two off from the 29 MPG on a 2024 model, for example), it’s probably smarter to stick to newer ones, since the Forester has only gotten better with redesigns over the years. The most recent generation debuted for the 2019 model year. The 2022 model year also saw the introduction of the off-road-ready Wilderness trim.
Toyota RAV4
Most compact SUVs have a pretty good lineup of trim levels, but the Toyota RAV4 has gone above and beyond to offer drivers a wide range of variants. When it comes to powertrains, you can choose from gas-powered options, a traditional hybrid that’s been available since the 2016 model year, and an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid that’s been available since the 2021 model year. For trims, you can find basic and affordable options like the LE, premium options with extra creature comforts in the cabin like the Limited, and rugged models like the TRD Off-Road that can handle rough terrain for family camping trips and thrilling adventures.
Nissan Rogue
Are you looking for a ride that’s simple and easy to use? The user-friendly Nissan Rogue is here to help you out. The cabin is easy to access, and controls are laid out intuitively so you don’t have to go through a learning curve to figure out the infotainment options. Advanced driver assistance features have been standard fare since the latest generation kicked off with the 2021 model year, so you don’t have to go sifting through the features of various trims in order to find a Rogue with helpful safety tech onboard. There’s also only a single powertrain for the 2021 model year and onward, so you’ll get the same solid fuel economy of 34 MPG combined and useful 1,500-lb towing capacity no matter which trim you choose.
GMC Terrain
Do you like the Chevy Equinox, but wish it had a little more polished style and interior niceties? Then the GMC Terrain might just be the perfect fit. Riding on the same reliable platform as its Chevrolet sibling, this SUV adds premium touches inside and out so you can have a little extra flair out on the road. Available in variants ranging from affordable to rugged to luxurious, it has something for everyone. Stick to the 2018 model year and newer to get an infotainment system and suite of driver assistance features that still feel fairly modern today.
Kia Sportage
Kia’s unique styling sensibilities aren’t necessarily for everyone, but if you like to stand out on the road, then the personality of the Sportage might just be for you. The generation from the 2017 to 2022 model years has a fun and friendly face with many rounded shapes, while the 2023 model year and on sports a sharper look that leans hard into science fiction’s idea of what a car should look like. Either way, you’ll get a somewhat sporty SUV that drives well and has a solid lineup of features onboard to help you stay safe, connected, and comfortable.
Jeep Cherokee
Unlike most options on this list, the Jeep Cherokee doesn’t stand out for its long-term reliability. However, if you love the iconic front end that Jeep has become famous for and want some serious off-road chops and up to 4,500-lb towing capacity in a compact package, it’s worth considering. Just make sure you look for a model that’s still in good condition, and perhaps look out for the 2021 model year or newer, to ensure that you get a solid lineup of included safety features.
BMW X3
If you have the budget to splurge on a luxury model (something that’s easier to do when shopping for a used car, of course), then you should look at the sporty BMW X3. With a lush interior design and highly responsive driving dynamics, the X3 is designed for those who want getting there to be half the fun. If you’re a performance enthusiast who needs to opt for an SUV over a car for practical reasons, this model is a perfect compromise that lets you keep some of that sports car verve in a larger package that has more room for cargo and passengers.
