8 Best Used SUVs of 2023

October 19, 2022
6:31 pm

Purchasing an SUV brand new is incredibly costly right now. But, don’t worry, there are plenty of used SUVs out there that stand just as tall compared to their shiny new counterparts — with a reputation for excellent reliability to boot. So if you’re shopping for a used car, you might just end up with a used SUV!

We’re not going to lie to you, though. Used SUV prices are at an all-time high. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great deal on a more recent model of your favorite brand. What’s more, the reliability factor of any SUV is what helps keep the long-term costs of ownership to a minimum, as does fuel efficiency, which makes buying a used SUV so worth it!

What’s even better is that when it comes to the best used SUVs to buy right now, there’s something for everyone. We’re talking about compact crossover SUVs, midsize SUVs, and even luxury SUVs.

The list of the best types of used SUVs is a pretty long one. So, we’ve condensed it down to the top eight based on important aspects such as reliability, safety, fuel efficiency, affordability, and more.

1. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 makes the top of our list. It’s an incredibly versatile compact SUV that looks just as good as it handles. Most models come with an extensive list of standard features, such as keyless entry, touch screen, rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Even the memory seat settings are extensive, allowing for the perfect height and distance adjustment, plus lumbar support.

What’s more, Toyotas are well-known for their longevity and reliability. The RAV4 engine can easily last up to 250,000 miles or more with regularly scheduled maintenance. RAV4s also have very few common mechanical issues.

2. Volvo XC40

Volvos are well known for being some of the safest vehicles out there, and the Volvo XC40 is no exception. The 2019 XC40s are arguably the best of all the used XC40 models. It’s also the smallest of Volvo’s compact SUVs, making it a great crossover for those who have never owned an SUV before.

As far as the 2019 XC40s go, it’s got a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 8-speed automatic transmission.

That’s pretty impressive since it also comes with a start-stop system. It’s also packed with safety features, including:

Automatic emergency braking
Sensors for the detection of other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and more
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning and lane departure warning
Blind spot warnings
Rear cross-traffic alerts
Driver assistance

With the 2019 Volvo XC40, you’re also looking at up to 33 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city. You’re also looking at up to 250,000 miles of use with proper maintenance and conservative driving. Based on 15,000 miles a year of driving, that’s roughly up to 17 years of use.

3. Audi Q5

One of the best used luxury SUVs you can buy is the Audi Q5. It’s bigger than the Q3 yet smaller than the Q7 models, making it the perfect midsize SUV without being too big. This luxury SUV is more comparable in size to the BMW X3 and the Land Rover Freelander. The Q5 offers an incredibly quiet and smooth ride, making it great for long-distance drives.

The Audi Q5s from 2008 to 2017 will last you up to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance while giving you between 21 and 45 mpg (city and highway). Overall, the Q5 has received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as it’s equipped with advanced airbags, stability control, a secondary collision brake assist, traction control (ASR), tire pressure monitoring, hill descent control, a rearview camera, and much more.

4. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is an unassuming subcompact SUV that offers an enjoyable ride and a reputation for its reliability. The Sportage has come in first for J.D. Power’s dependability survey among smaller SUVs and it comes with great features for a great value. Along with this value, you can expect the Sportage to last up to 250,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.

Kia also offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty that partially transfers to the second owner with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Therefore, buying a used Kia comes with even more peace of mind. It has also earned the designation of IIHS Top Safety Pick for getting excellent scores in all safety categories on the NHTSA and IIHS tests.

The 2019 models are equipped with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 181 hp. It also gets great fuel economy at up to 30 mpg on the highway and 21 in the city. There are also options for a turbocharged engine that carries up to 240 hp, and all engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission as well as front-wheel drive. AWD is an available option too.

5. Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is the perfect combination of rugged and sleek, boasting a roomy interior and car-like ride. It got a full redesign by 2018 which brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity into its standard set of features. This was alongside its turbocharged base engine. Additionally, the Equinox offers plenty of steering wheel controls, driver’s side lumbar support, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and even a wifi hotspot.

Moreover, the Equinox from 2017 receives 32 mpg on the highway and up to 26 in the city. With regular maintenance, this SUV will last you upwards of 200,000 miles. It’s also ideal for road trips as it offers about 64 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

6. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V got a total redesign in 2017 and we’re not just talking about the trim levels. We’re also talking about its features, which include an updated infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android connectivity.

From 2017, you’ll find that the models come standard with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and 184 hp and an optional turbocharged engine boost of 1.5L that takes the hp up to 190. These models also come equipped with an (optional) rear parking aid, brake assist, steering wheel controls, and more.

The Honda CR-V is only slightly taller and longer than the RAV4, making it a roomy compact SUV. What’s more, Honda CR-Vs, like virtually all Honda vehicles, tend to keep chugging along for upwards of 300,000 miles. With at least 28 mpg on the highway, it’s really not a bad option for someone looking to buy a used SUV that’ll last a lifetime.

7. Lexus UX

The Lexus UX is arguably the most reliable used SUV you can find, besting that of the likes of the Volvo XC40, Kia Sportage, and even the RAV4.

For a luxury compact SUV, it also packs quite the value for your money with its standard features being Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and an entire suite of safety tech that would be more costly to come standard in any other comparative luxury make and model.

The UX 200 comes ready with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 169 hp as well as a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front wheel drive. You can also expect to get 41 city mpg and 38 highway out of the Lexus UX 200 as well as up to 300,000 miles of life.

8. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a sporty compact SUV that looks sleek enough to be a “city car” but has plenty of SUV capabilities. By 2017, the Escape was on the receiving end of some great updates, including an updated interior and exterior style, a stop-start feature for its turbocharged engine offerings, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also comes equipped with power steering, available cross-traffic alert, power mirrors, and a voice-controlled infotainment system.

It’s also incredibly agile while providing plenty of cargo space (up to 68 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded back for the 2017-2019 models). Whether the plan is to get an SUV to drive to work every day or take it on long road trips, you’ll be happy to know that it gets up to 44 city mpg and 37 highway.

You can expect to get at least 10 years of life out of the Ford Escape. However, many have been known to last much longer.

Do You Need Help Finding The Best Used SUV For You?

As we’ve said, the best used SUVs of 2023 make for a very long list. However, the perfect used SUV for you is out there — you just have to find it. If you’re in the market for a used SUV but aren’t sure where to start, reach out to one of our team today. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.