The 10 Best Used SUVs in America

When you are in the market for an SUV, there are so many questions you have to ask yourself. Do you want two rows of seats or three? Front-wheel drive or all-wheel driver? What size class? Are you interested in a hybrid? These questions, and more, may lead you to search “used SUVs near me” on the internet to try and shuffle and sift through the listings; but you still don’t know which one to buy! And that is why we are here to help. Today, we at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, are going to break down the ten best SUVs you can buy used. So let’s jump in.

#10 The 2018 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is a lot of SUV. As the only full-size SUV on this list, and the most expensive, it was fully redesigned for the 2018 model year. Highlights include a V6 that pumps 375 hp through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a RWD/4WD drivetrain while still achieving 16/21 MPG (city/highway) and a classy, spacious cabin that reflects the year of release. With a higher towing capacity (9,300 lbs) than the upscale Lincoln Navigator, at 9,300 lbs, and more cargo volume than Chevy Tahoe at 104.6 cu.ft., this is the best SUV in the country for moving big families and all their big toys.

#9 The 2019 BMW X3

The X3 broke out in 2007, virtually inventing the luxury compact SUV segment, so BMW has gotten pretty good at building them. The infotainment system is well-reputed, the interior is comfortable and roomy for passengers and cargo, and it is a delight to drive (as any vehicle with the BMW badge should be). It’ll take about $43k to put yourself in one of these, though. That makes it the second most expensive SUV on this list after the Expedition – numbers 1-8 sell for hardly half as much – but given its style, performance, technology, and size, we think the 2019 BMW X3 deserves a spot in the top 10.

#8 The 2017 Honda CR-V

The CR-V is a classic “compact” SUV that was fully redesigned for 2017. If you’ve ever been in one, you’ll understand the quotation marks around “compact” – with spacious seating and enough cargo room that the midsize Passport is hardly an upgrade, you’ll never feel cramped for space in the latest generation of the always-excellent Honda CR-V.

Fuel efficiency is excellent at up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, matching the much smaller Encore. Though the 2017 models sell for around $22k, the annual cost to own is below average, and it’s one of the safest vehicles in its class. It beats out the even-more-popular Toyota RAV4 in all categories but price, while it’s neck and neck with the excellent Mazda CX-5, providing technology connectivity that the sportier Mazda does not.

#7 The 2017-2018 Hyundai Tucson

The first of two double-entries on this list is the 2017-2018 Hyundai Tucson. Often cited as one of the most reliable models in the compact SUV class, both of these model years rank near the top of their segment thanks to the low cost of ownership, excellent critic reviews, and near-perfect safety scores. The interior isn’t flashy by any means, but it’s quiet and comfortable with an athletic ride and above-average cargo capacity.

There were few changes from 2017 to 2018, so we’d recommend taking the less expensive option if there’s more than one in your market. One standout difference – Apple and Android compatibility were introduced as an option in 2017 and standardized for 2018, so look for this if that connectivity is a factor for you.

#6 The 2018 BMW X1

The next entry is the 2018 BMW X1, which falls into the subcompact class of SUVs. Available right around $30k, it offers the athletic performance and classy, utilitarian European interior of the larger X3 in a far more affordable package. Cargo space is best-in-class, FWD is available, and a rear-view camera is standard. Stronger than the 2018 Audi Q3 and more well-rounded than the 2018 Mercedes GLA, and with a superbly user-friendly infotainment system, the 2018 BMW X1 is an excellent choice among those offered on the used market.

#5 The 2019 Audi Q3

You may notice that we just mentioned the BMW X1 was better than the Q3. And, yes, in 2018, it was. But the Audi Q3 was fully redesigned for 2019, bringing it further toward the top of the list. The interior is an indulgent contrast to the spartan BMW, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the responsive, intuitive multimedia interface. Fuel efficiency is a mark against the Q3, but the performance is improved with a stronger engine and an 8-speed transmission for an engaging, comfortable ride. It’s a touch pricier thanks to the model year, averaging $34k, but it’s an upgrade in almost all respects from the 2018 X1, so we think it’s a good fit here at #5.

#4 The 2017 Ford Escape

Ford gets another entry on this list with the 2017 Escape. For starters, fuel efficiency is solid with this model at 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. And it’s a crisp driver with a spacious, high-quality interior. Available features like Apple/Android connectivity, stop/start technology, and advanced safety functions are options to look for when test driving a 2017 Escape. Also, look for the higher-grade SE and Titanium trims for a better engine and a wider range of creature comforts and standard technology. Additionally, the average sale price of $19k makes this the most affordable used SUV on our list, so top-tier trims will never be more accessible.

#3 The 2017 Kia Sorento

The 2017 Kia Sorento is the only midsize SUV on this list, standing head and shoulders above its competition. And the available 3-row seating makes this the only model on the list to seat seven, other than Expedition. The available V6 engine can move it around like a sports car, which makes it fun to drive. And the 2017 model sees features like automatic emergency braking, Apple/Android connectivity, and adaptive headlights, making it a significant upgrade from the 2016 model. The 2017 Kia Sorento is superbly well-rounded, and its practical design cannot be ignored.

#2 The 2017-2018 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 was fully redesigned for 2017, and that shows in the sharply dressed exterior. Already a comfortable ride before the new generation, the new models are lauded for fantastic handling and an upscale interior to boot. Predicted reliability is above-average, projected ownership cost is low, and it achieves over 30 MPG on the highway. Both model years are affordable, pricing around $22k, and even the base trim for 2018 includes numerous technology and safety features to satisfy discerning shoppers. With so many positives in every area, the Mazda CX-5 certainly earned its spot at #2.

#1 The 2018 Buick Encore

The 2018 Buick Encore is the smallest entry on this list, but the growing subcompact segment deserves recognition for finding compatibility between SUV utility and urban space constraints. The Encore, along with its cousins the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox, consistently appears on JD Power’s Dependability Award shortlist.

Additionally, the size grants it a comfortable ride with good efficiency, and the interior is spacious with high-quality materials. With 2018 models selling for $16-24k, even the top-tier Essence trim is budget-friendly and provides all the luxuries one should expect from a Buick. In all, a large touchscreen for its age, standard Apple/Android compatibility, and fuel economy of up to 33 MPG on the highway, makes this SUV the best on the used market.