Our Top 15 Favorite SUVs

October 18th, 2019 by

A black 2018 GMC Yukon is parked under a bridge near Atlanta, GA.

 

SUVs are popular now more than ever and for a good reason. The SUV isn’t just powerful and practical; they offer a kind of utility that simply cannot be beaten by your typical compact sedan or hatchback hybrid. That said, not every driver is prepared to put down all of the funds necessary to invest in a brand new SUV. Buying a car can be an expensive and sometimes intimidating commitment, but luckily used SUVs are an affordable option.

 

We host a wide range of cars here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, many of which are pre-owned. Pre-owned vehicles allow you the luxury of purchasing a car that is as good as new, without that brand new sticker price. So, to help you shop for a used SUV, we’ve put together a Top 15 list of some of the best-used SUVs that you might find in our ever-changing used SUV inventory. These are not in any order, but its a list that you should look over before purchasing a used SUV.

GMC Yukon

First on our list is the full-size GMC Yukon. The GMC Yukon has always been an impressive SUV, continuing to exist as a true representation of the classic SUV even as other models shrink and reduce power for fuel economy. Seating a maximum of eight passengers, the GMC Yukon is a great fit for large families or anyone who is looking for a lot of extra cargo space. The biggest of the GMC SUV lineup, the Yukon is unapologetically large, with enough modern charms to win over any SUV-lover.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep has developed quite a reputation over the decades for crafting SUVs that are more than just the standard. Built tough and ready for anything, Jeep SUVs are made famous for their rugged nature, and ability to take to the dirt seamlessly. No vehicle exudes this clear message of the Jeep brand than the Jeep Wrangler, their flagship vehicle. Pulling inspiration from the first Jeep buggies that were driven by the military in WWII, the Jeep Wrangler is a true classic no matter what model you decide to invest in.

Honda Pilot

Being a Honda SUV in the Honda family lineup can be something of a challenge, especially when you’re competing with top dogs like the Honda CR-V. That said, the Honda Pilot still has plenty to bring to the table, offering an SUV driving experience that is far more robust than its sleeker counterpart. Staying true to the boxy design that has made SUVs famous time and time again, the Honda Pilot is a showcase of how classic designs can remain relevant throughout the years.

GMC Acadia

Sometimes, being mid-sized isn’t half bad. The GMC Acadia is the middle child of the GMC SUV family. Larger than the GMC Terrain, but still far smaller than the Yukon, the GMC Acadia bridges the gap between full-sized and compact. At the same time, the GMC Acadia is a great fit for drivers who want something a little rugged, as most models can be equipped with an AWD drivetrain lending for optimal versatility.

 

A black 2017 GMC Acadia, one of the most popular used SUVS for sale in Atlanta, GA, is parked on a treelined trail.

Toyota RAV-4

The Toyota RAV-4 is one of those SUVs that’s been around for some time and has only recently changed its styling. For us, that is hardly a problem, as the classic look is always a winner. While more recent models have fallen in the trend of rounded edges, making them look rather generic, older versions of the Toyota RAV-4 still hold true to their buggy aesthetic, some of which still even have the spare tire mounted on the rear trunk.

Chevy Equinox

It should make sense why Chevy made this list. SUVs have practically always graced their family lineup, and the Chevy Equinox is but one in a long line of other popular SUVs. The Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV that sits in line with vehicles like the GMC Terrain. Compact sizing lends for some excellent fuel economy in the Chevy Equinox and certainly makes an excellent pick for families and the adventuring college student alike.

Chevy Traverse

On the larger side of the Chevy family is the Chevy Traverse. This full-sized Chevy SUV is in the same vein as the GMC Yukon. Delivering impressive power, wide-open spaces, and plenty of modern features to make the vehicle well worth its value. Buying used, drivers will find themselves able to pick from a wide variety of stylings from the boxy stylings of the late 00s to the curved edges of more recent memory.

Mazda CX-9

Mazda SUVs somehow manage to exude a level of premium luxury, while at the same time residing at an affordable price range. Vehicles like the Mazda CX-9 truly exude this aesthetic that Mazda attempts to put forward. Drivers looking for a used model will be able to choose from vehicles that date all the way back to 2006. While these vehicles may be over a decade old, they still have an incredibly relevant appearance, blending in seamlessly with some of the latest SUVs to hit the market.

Buick Enclave

 

A red 2017 Buick Enclave is driving with the ocean behind it.

 

The Buick Enclave is another mid-sized SUV that may have a luxurious outer appearance but has rugged and worthy bones. Offered with an AWD drivetrain, and sporting a reasonable fuel economy across multiple models, the Buick Enclave may look like a casual cruiser, but in truth can be made into a rugged adventure vehicle when under the right ownership.

GMC Terrain

Not all SUVs need to be large to be great, and the GMC Acadia makes a great case for this statement. This compact SUV, exists within the GMC family lineup, as the runt of the litter. That said, even the runt manages to make room for itself, as one of the most successful compact SUVs on the market today. With recent models offering a diesel engine, the GMC Terrain is clearly a compact SUV that isn’t afraid to break the mold from its counterparts.

Ford Escape

It only makes sense that Ford made this list of used SUVs. Ford, like GMC, has been adding to the SUV market for decades now and continues to put out vehicles that impress. While the Ford Escape is a long-shot from the larger famous models of the past like the Ford Bronco, this compact SUV still delivers plenty of curb appeal. Whether it’s the great gas mileage, sizeable cargo spacing, and relatively powerful engine makeup. The Ford Escape is bound to satisfy any driver with a desire for a true SUV driving experience.

Buick Envision

The Buick Envision is a compact SUV that offers up a classy driving experience, that isn’t unique amongst the Buick family lineup. That said, the Buick Envision is a bit tamer when compared to other vehicles on this list, making it an excellent fit for a small and reasonable family car. Upscale but not too flashy, the Buick Envision is a subtle kind of SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander, the name alone promises a rugged driving experience. Fortunately, the old adage of ‘not judging a book by its cover’ doesn’t apply. The Mitsubishi Outlander offers a kind of ride rivaling that of vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. While much larger than the Wrangler, the Mitsubishi Outlander is no stranger to conditions like dirt, mud, and ice.

Jeep Cherokee

 

A 2018 Jeep Cherokee is driving on the beach.

 

Next on our list is the Jeep Cherokee. This mid-sized SUV is a larger member of the Jeep family lineup and offers a more practical option when compared to the open-air stylings of the Jeep Wrangler. Designed to blend in more with other SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee, and its larger cousin, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, is Jeep’s attempt at SUV-modesty.

Buick Encore

The Buick Encore is another small SUV in the Buick family lineup. Although, just because the Buick Encore is compact doesn’t mean it ought to underestimate. While maybe not as rugged or powerful as other vehicles in the lineup, the Buick Encore is perfect for any driver who doesn’t want to deal with the cumbersome size of an SUV but enjoys the extra space that an SUV provides.

Posted in Used SUVs