If you’re like most people, you are probably thinking about an SUV to use as your next family vehicle. Also if you’re like most folks, then you are concerned about prices. Everyone would love to buy a brand new SUV, but often the price can be out of most people’s league. The good news is that you can get a great used SUV at a very affordable price. If you are searching on the Internet for a “Used SUV for Sale Near Me” then you are going to get a great many options to choose from. Among these are some of the best and most popular SUV models on offer.
One thing to keep in mind when searching for a used SUV is that size matters. There are no other vehicle types with such a diverse selections as SUVs. These vehicles run the gamut from compact ones that are ideal for commuting to full-size monster SUVs that are perfect for large families or people who want to use their SUV for sport or work. These popular SUV models include at least one from each size and type, so no matter your need, you are sure to find a used SUV that is perfect for you.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been the best selling SUV in America for a number of years now. It is a compact SUV, combining the interior space and added ground clearance of an SUV with a smaller size to improve handling and fuel economy. Toyota has been offering drivers the RAV4 since 1996. It is considered by many to be the vehicle that made the crossover model popular with drivers.
The current RAV4 is the fifth generation, which was introduced for the 2018 model year. This means that if you buy a lightly used RAV4, you will be getting a very similar model to the one being offered new by Toyota dealerships across the nation.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Another pioneer of a vehicle class is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeep’s goal was to create a rugged midsize SUV worthy of the Jeep name that sported comfort features to make it more appealing to suburban drivers. Launched in 1993, the fact that it is in its fifth generation shows that Jeep really hit the mark with this model.
The Grand Cherokee has a powerful V8 engine and the tough suspension system you’d expect from a Jeep. However, its interior is more luxurious than the off-roading models built by this venerable American company. If you are looking for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, you can most likely find one from the fourth generation, although some of the fifth generation models from the initial 2022 model year are now becoming available on the used market.
Toyota Highlander
Three-row SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for families. These give suburban parents the flexibility to have a vehicle that can seat up to eight passengers, letting you take your kids, their friends, and the family along for the ride. Folding down the rear row or two of seats also provides plenty of cargo capacity.
The top selling three-row SUV in America is the Toyota Highlander. This model was introduced in 2001, although it didn’t get its third row until 2003. This was just an option at the time, but the third row has since become a standard feature, putting the Highlander on its perch atop the leaderboard for this type of SUV.
Chevy Equinox
Introduced in 2005, the Chevy Equinox has since become Chevrolet’s most popular non-truck model. Like the RAV4, the Equinox is a compact SUV. It features a roomy interior, surprisingly useful trunk, and the type of fuel economy that will make commuters, new drivers, and empty nesters smile. Chevy offers the Equinox with either front-wheel drive for better fuel economy, or all-wheel drive for improved traction. The Equinox is currently in its third generation, introduced for the 2018 model year, so you should have no trouble finding a used Equinox with the features you desire.
Honda CR-V
Honda’s “compact recreational vehicle” is also their best selling non-truck or sedan model. The CR-V first came to America in 1997, and was seen as Honda’s answer to Toyota’s RAV4. Like the Toyota, the Honda CR-V offers a surprisingly roomy interior, solid performance, and plenty of standard safety features. Kelley Blue Book named the CR-V the highest rated compact SUV for 2023.
The CR-V is currently in its sixth generation. If you are looking for a used Honda CR-V, your best bet would be a fifth generation model, which first arrived here for the 2017 model year.
Ford Explorer
One of the longest running models in Ford’s lineup is the mid-size Explorer SUV. These were first introduced in 1992 as a two-row model. However, in 2006, Ford introduced the fourth generation Explorer with an available folding third row of seats, making it capable of carrying up to seven passengers. Like the Toyota Highlander, the third row would later become standard equipment across all Explorers.
The Ford Explorer is currently in its sixth model generation, which started in 2020. For a good deal on a used one, look for a fifth generation Explorer, built from 2011 to 2019.
Jeep Wrangler
Some people want to experience the “sport” in sport utility vehicles. For these drivers, there is nothing like a Jeep Wrangler. This standard 4×4 SUV is the vehicle many folks think of when they hear the name Jeep. With its vertical front grille and round headlights, the Jeep Wrangler is an iconic model. If you want to go off-roading, then a used Wrangler is the way to go.
Jeep offers the Wrangler is two-door and four-door versions. The four-door is called the Wrangler Unlimited and offers more seating, although at a higher price per trim level. It is also 22 inches longer than the two-door, which makes the two-door the more nimble version on the trail.
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is noted for its technology, part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility approach. This emphasizes building vehicles with standard technology features such as advanced driver assistance and infotainment systems.
The Rogue is one of the newer SUVs on this list, having first appeared for the 2008 model year. As a result, it is only in its third model generation, which started in the 2021 model year. One of Rogue’s most interesting features is its current model’s turbocharged I-3 engine. This three-cylinder engine performs as well as, if not better than many four-cylinder engines because of the turbocharger’s power boost. As a result, the Nissan Rogue usually finishes at or near the top of the fuel-efficiency list among its compact SUV vehicle class. If you are concerned about fuel economy, then a used Nissan Rogue might be the best choice for you.
Chevy Tahoe
On the opposite extreme, some people think that bigger is better, and the more, the merrier. If this sounds like you, then you probably want a used full-size SUV like the Chevy Tahoe. This behemoth gives you incredible passenger space without taking away from its cargo capacity. The Chevy Tahoe is actually the smaller of the two full-size SUVs offered by this General Motors brand. Even so, even the “smaller” Tahoe has a spacious interior with room for up to eight passengers. It also gives you a ton of trunk space, making the Tahoe a great choice for a large family that enjoys road trips.
Chevy introduced the Tahoe in 1995, with an eye toward making a more family friendly version of the larger Chevy Suburban model. The latest version is the fifth generation, introduced n 2021. This is also the largest Tahoe model ever built. If you want something a little smaller, you can still find fourth generation Tahoe SUVs on the used market. If size matters to you, then an ideal choice for you is a used Chevy Tahoe.
Mazda CX-30
The newest model on the list is also the smallest, the Mazda CX-30. It was introduced for the 2020 model year, and eventually replaced the slightly smaller Mazda CX-3. It is a subcompact SUV, meaning that it is smaller and lighter than the other used models listed here. As a result, it offers exceptional fuel economy, as well as great maneuverability. This is why a used Mazda CX-30 is a great choice if you have to commute to an urban area for work. You’ll save on gas and have no hassle looking for a parking spot.
While the Mazda CX-30 first came with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, all-wheel drive became standard on the CX-30 starting in the 2022 model year. If this is something you want in your subcompact SUV, then you should make sure the used model you are buying has this feature.
It’s Always the Right Time to Buy a Used SUV
No matter what your purpose, a used SUV may be the perfect vehicle for you. With so many different sizes and options, you are sure to find one that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Best of all, you can get a great deal when you buy one used.
