Best Used SUVs [Top Rated Models]
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John’s focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. Always a writer, John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John’s work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites.
With so many brands, models, and years from which to choose, picking a used or pre-owned SUV to buy can be daunting.
Aside from our testing of these models in years past, we relied on two sources to help us determine good used vehicles. First, we looked at the reliability scores from Consumer Reports. Second, we dug into the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety’s testing data for the models and years we chose.
Our primary focus is on models that are about three to five years old. However, we didn’t box ourselves in with regard to model years. The reason is that some models have generational changes that make them more or less reliable and more or less safe.
Check out all our picks for the best SUVs >>
Table of Contents
Best Used SUVs Comparison
| Model | Year | IIHS Score | Consumer Reports |
| Subaru Crosstrek | |||
| Mazda CX-5 | |||
| Toyota Highlander | |||
| Dodge Durango |
Best Used Small SUV: 2017-2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru’s Crosstrek is a go-anywhere all-weather small crossover SUV in any of its trims. With standard all-wheel-drive from the company that makes that technology the core of its business, the Crosstrek is comfortable on any road in any climate. It is also very capable off-road.
Like nearly every Subaru of nearly every model year, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek earned the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, and the 2018 model earns the higher TSP+ rating. The 2017 Crosstrek earns a 4/5 rating from Consumer Reports, and the 2018 5/5. The 2018 is a newer generation. Despite being the first year of a new generation, the 2018 has better reliability than some older model years, according to our trusted source. If we were shopping, we’d try to find a 2018. However, the 2017 may be more affordable and in greater supply.
The Crosstrek uses a 2.0-liter engine to get the job done. It’s not a rocket off the line, but the Crosstrek, like many crossover SUVs, has a different vibe we prefer over small sedans, and speed is not a top consideration. The ride height is nearly ideal, and all Subarus have good outward visibility. One tip for all first-time Subaru buyers; AWD does not help you turn or stop in winter weather. Consider snow tires to make the most of your new Subie.
Best Used Two-Row SUV: 2014-2018 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the vehicle on this list that may be the easiest to find used. Mazda sells the CX-5 in relatively high volumes, and the span of years with a thumbs up is quite broad. The CX-5 earns a 5/5 for reliability every year, but the 2016 model year still earned a good 4/5. The CX-5 earns the highest IIHS score of Top Safety Pick+ in every model year from 2014 through 2018.
Read a few reviews of the Mazda CX-5, and you will discover that it is considered the sporty and fun crossover SUV in the small size segment. The CX-5 had a generation change starting in 2017. The styling gets a bit snazzier, and some CX-5s can be upgraded by the dealer to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a fee.
Best Used Three-Row SUV (Best Overall): Toyota Highlander
If you are shopping for a used midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander should be a serious consideration. The Highlander earns nothing but top safety and reliability scores from 2014-2017. In fact, Highlanders, all the way back to its introduction in 2003, have earned solid reliability scores from owners. Not only do all Highlanders do well on IIHS safety tests in an analysis of real-world crash deaths, but the Highlander has also twice scored among the safest vehicles overall.
Highlanders are built in both front and all-wheel drive configurations. Powertrains include four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and hybrid options. The Highlander is not the largest three-row SUV in the market, but it may well be the best.
Best Used Large SUV: 2017 Dodge Durango
Choosing a good used large SUV is a bit trickier than smaller sizes. IIHS and Consumer Reports data is limited on some models, and others have poor safety or reliability records. One large SUV that does have available data we feel comfortable recommending is the 2017 Dodge Durango.
The Durango is a true body-on-frame SUV with a choice of two powerful engines, including a V8 with 360 hp. Durango shoppers know that this SUV can tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped and has a very large 85 cubic foot cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The Durango comes with seating for five or seven depending upon trim.
Recommendations for Used Car Shoppers
Only buy a vehicle that comes with a full maintenance history you can review. Ensure all the oil changes and important work has been completed. Plan to do any upcoming maintenance once you purchase the vehicle.- Have your independent mechanic check out the vehicle before you buy.
- Use online services like Carfax to check for past damage. Never buy a salvage titled vehicle. Vehicles with a history of deployed airbags are ones to avoid.
- Use the vehicle’s VIN to check for open recalls on the manufacturer’s website. Open recalls are not a reason to pass up a good used vehicle, but you need to know if the manufacturer has a plan in place to resolve the recall.
