How to choose a good used SUV? It's a careful balancing act of wants and needs, weighing desirable attributes like design and performance against pragmatic measures like fuel economy, reliability and value retention. We compiled this list of the best used SUVs for 2024 to guide you to a smart decision. Our research turned up options that suit a variety of styles and budgets, all with your satisfaction in mind. Read on to see some excellent used crossovers and SUVs — there's likely one that'll tickle your fancy.
About MotorTrend's methodology: We consider many of the same factors inour new-car rankings system, starting with value.The experts at IntelliChoice conduct extensive research to assess long-term value on 3-5-year-old vehicles, which means our picks start at the 2020 model year (one 2019 included). IntelliChoice considers resale value, the cost of insurance, maintenance costs, fuel costs, and more. We prioritize models receiving a Good or Excellent IntelliChoice used-car value rating. An above-averageJ.D. Power quality and reliability rating is also a plus. Any vehicle we recommend must have earned anIIHS Top Safety Pick award orNHTSA overall five-star safety rating and have some used-car inventory with under 80,000 miles (the upper limit on many automakerCPO programs).
Pros: With solid functionality, useful features, and pleasant road manners, the used Subaru Ascent makes for a practical used SUV. Subaru's three-row makes efficient use of interior space and treats its occupants to plush seats. Cubbies, cupholders, and USB ports abound. The standard EyeSight suite of driver assist features adds confidence on top of the Ascent's great safety scores. A turbocharged engine sourced from the Subaru WRX delivers ample power, while Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in varied conditions.
Cons: Space is constrained further back in the Ascent; its third-row seat and cargo area aren't as roomy as in some competitors. Also, the cargo floor isn't totally flat when the rear seats are folded down. As useful as EyeSight features can be, the system has an irksome propensity for beeping. A cracked windshield led to cascading issues on our yearlong Ascent tester. Ride quality is firmer than it needs to be, given the Ascent has no sporty intentions.
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Pros: Driving enthusiasts who want an affordable, fun, used SUV should consider the Mazda CX-5. This compact crossover has sporty moves thanks to its crisp handling and communicative controls. When equipped with the available turbocharged engine, the CX-5 is pretty zippy, too. Regardless, the CX-5 looks great, showing off an elegant exterior and upscale cabin. Aside from the 2021 Carbon Edition and 2022 Turbo Signature AWD trim levels, every used 2020 to 2022 Mazda CX-5 gets a Good or Excellent value rating from IntelliChoice.
Cons: Sportiness rules over practicality in the Mazda CX-5. There's less space for passengers and cargo than some of its segment rivals. Ride quality is on the firm side, a trade-off for its sporty suspension. A transmission with more than six forward gears could do much to improve driver enjoyment and fuel economy.
Pros: Toyota treads on Lexus' turf with the Venza — this hybrid SUV is rather nice. Sculpted bodywork gives the Venza a distinctive look, and its cabin is lined with premium soft-touch materials. Many available tech, driver assist, and comfort features give the Venza strong value appeal. All the while, its standard hybrid powertrain returns commendable fuel economy.
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Cons: Although the Venza is classified as a midsize SUV, its cabin is less spacious than other vehicles in the segment. A few more storage spaces for daily carry items would be useful. Good looks help the Venza masquerade as being Lexus-adjacent, but a press on the accelerator reveals its RAV4 Hybrid underpinnings as the engine vibrates and groans up to speed. Note that the RAV4 Hybrid is more spacious and generally less expensive. Choose a used Venza LE or Limited trim, as the XLE doesn't retain value as well.
Pros: Designing a box on wheels often results in great interior space, as the Kia Soul shows. In fact, this little crossover is an excellent choice for tall drivers. And the Soul looks stylish with its subtle sculpting and modish lighting elements. Kia's touchscreen infotainment interface is user-friendly and responsive. All used Kia Soul models have spritely handling, and those equipped with the available turbocharged engine are even more fun.
Cons: Turns out a box isn't a particularly aerodynamic shape. For proof, take the Soul to highway speeds and hear the considerable wind noise. With the base engine, there's quite a bit of CVT groaning, too. The Soul's short wheelbase conspires with firm suspension to deliver a choppy ride. Some may question whether the Soul actually belongs on this list — not because it isn't a great used car value, but because this so-called SUV can't be had with all-wheel drive.
Pros: Sharp and tasteful exterior styling previews a sporty yet comfortable driving experience in the Acura RDX. Opt for a model with Acura's excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Few details in the cabin indicate the RDX's relation to Honda; rather, materials and design are properly upscale. Yet that Honda connection proves appreciable with the RDX's many standard driver assist features — to say nothing of its quality, reliability, and value.
Cons: How many speeds is too many for an automatic transmission? For the RDX, 10 may be the answer; the gearbox can fumble between its ratios. Acura's touchpad-controlled infotainment system is loathsome for how difficult it is to use — a touchscreen would solve all those problems. The jumble of buttons farther down on the instrument panel isn't much easier to use. Large blind spots result from the RDX's stylish shape.
Pros: As a staple of reliable luxury transportation, the Lexus RX makes a great choice for a used SUV. Inside, you'll find plenty of soft-touch materials and ample passenger space in the first and second rows. The available V-6 delivers strong acceleration, while the Lexus RX hybrid models return impressive fuel economy. In any specification, many useful driver assist features are standard. Much-needed infotainment improvements were made starting in 2020.
Cons: There's not much resembling verve in how the RX drives — the whole experience is fairly numb. Don't expect the available F Sport package to change that; instead, it makes the EX stiffer and less comfortable. Skip the RX L variant entirely, since its third row is cramped to the point of uselessness.
Pros: Although it can't rightly be called luxurious, the Buick Encore feels more upscale than some other used subcompact SUVs. It comes with a generous number of standard features, all wrapped in its attractive exterior styling. The Encore banishes Buick's bland reputation with peppy acceleration and spry — even fun — handling. A used Buick Encore makes a compelling choice for a nicer-than-average inexpensive SUV.
Cons: The reason the Encore can't be called luxurious is because it's so unrefined. Beyond the buzzy engine and bungling transmission, its harsh and bouncy ride isn't ideal. Rear legroom is limited, and even those who fold themselves in there will be subject to abundant wind noise.
Pros: Seeking a good used off-road SUV? The Subaru Crosstrek is impressively capable. With its maker's legendary all-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance, the Crosstrek keeps rolling when the going gets tough. It works well as an everyday small crossover, too, thanks to its comfortable ride, generous storage capacity, and easy-to-park size. Models equipped with the Subaru EyeSight driver assist suite make highway cruising a breeze.
Cons: Try to find a used Crosstrek Sport that fits your budget — this version's bigger 2.5-liter engine makes a real improvement over the dreadfully slow 2.0-liter base model. In the Crosstrek Hybrid, the trunk-mounted battery eats up considerable cargo space. Although the Crosstrek's ride quality is comfortably plush, road noise and plasticky materials won't ever let it be mistaken for a luxury car. Subaru's infotainment system from this era isn't great.
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