There are many advantages to buying a well-maintained used vehicle. A key benefit is that when researching used vehicles to buy, you have access to plenty of user reviews that can tell you whether a particular model holds up well after a few years or not. In this article, we review some of the most reliable used SUVs you can buy today.
Chevrolet Equinox
black suv on dirt road during daytime by Samantha Fortney is licensed with Unsplash License
The Chevrolet Equinox is a small crossover SUV. It's compact enough to easily make its way through city traffic, but it also works well as a family vehicle. Its second generation spanned 2010 to 2017, and if you're looking for a reliable and affordable model, this is where you should look. These cars are old enough to come at attractive prices while still offering modern tech and safety features. These include blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning, as well as infotainment features like a 7-inch touch-screen interface and smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth.
All Equinox models come with spacious and comfortable interiors, and if you do some research, you can find one with leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and automatic climate control. Your choice of engine depends on your priorities. If fuel economy is your main concern, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will do just fine. Its 182 horsepower is more than enough to easily get by. If you prioritize performance, the 3.6-liter V-6 will give it to you. It has a 301-horsepower output and can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 7 seconds.
Hyundai SANTA FE
If you need more than the traditional five seats that most SUVs provide, the Hyundai SANTA FE is a safe bet. This three-row SUV provides plenty of interior space for up to seven people without compromising maneuverability. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable used model, try to find a well-maintained one that's part of the third SANTA FE generation, which spanned 2013 to 2018. If you want a newer one, keep in mind that starting from the 2019 model year, the three-row SANTA FE model is called SANTA FE XL.
Both pre-2019 SANTA FE models and SANTA FE XL ones come with a powerful standard 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces up to 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, but you can likely find models with all-wheel drive. Models with modern connectivity features, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, should also be easy to locate.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse is also a three-row SUV. It provides slightly more space than the SANTA FE while arguably being more comfortable and easier to drive. It also comes with a standard V-6 engine, which gives it enough power to easily carry up to eight passengers and their cargo. Its first generation spanned 2009 to 2018, with anything newer than 2015 likely being a good choice as an affordable and reliable used SUV.
Post-2018 models are 400 pounds lighter and have additional legroom for second- and third-row passengers, plus plenty of safety and infotainment tech features. Even the basic 2018 Traverse comes with features such as a 7-inch touch-screen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, LED running lights, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rearview camera.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is one of the first modern SUVs, having been around for 30 years. As part of Toyota's core lineup, alongside the Corolla, Camry, and Prius, it's built a solid reputation over the years as a highly reliable vehicle. If you're looking for an affordable model that will serve you well for many years to come, the fourth RAV4 generation might be just what you need. Its 2013 to 2018 models come with comfortable and elegant cabins, plenty of safety features, and 176-horsepower engines. They lack some basic infotainment features, though, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Post-2018 models fulfill modern expectations slightly better due to their redesigned exterior and additional infotainment features. They also come with a more powerful 203-horsepower engine.
Chevrolet Trax
As far as small, affordable SUVs go, few can top the Chevrolet Trax. Its first generation launched in 2015 and lasted until 2022, so any well-maintained Trax from this period is a great choice for a used SUV. It's also great for drivers who are transitioning from smaller vehicles to SUVs, as it's easy to drive and maneuver. The cabin also offers plenty of outward visibility, making it easy to park in tighter spots.
Even older models come with a standard touch-screen interface and smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you look around, you might find one in a higher trim with useful and comfort-enhancing features, such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and a sunroof.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento sits somewhere between a compact and midsized SUV. Its third generation spanned 2015 to 2020, making it an appropriate choice for a used SUV. Despite its size, it features three rows of seats. The third row is relatively small, however, so it's only useful if you have small children. The standard engine is a V-4, but you can also find V-6 models.
There's also limited cargo space behind the three rows, with only 11.3 cubic feet available. This can be solved if you don't need the third row for passengers, as folding it down increases the available cargo space to 38 cubic feet.
Find a Quality Used SUV at White Allen Chevrolet
Regardless of the type of SUV you're after, you're sure to find something that meets your needs in our used SUV selection. All our used vehicles have been inspected and are in great condition, and our sales professionals are always here to help with any questions you have. We also continually update our inventory, so if you don't find the used SUV you're looking for immediately, check back regularly until you see something you like. Contact us today, or pay us a visit at our Dayton, Ohio, dealership when you can.