Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) first appeared in the 1970s and 80s. They were created for people who do not want trucks but need a car with power and utility. The traditional SUV has four-wheel drive and a high roof and is raised higher than average above the ground to handle rugged terrain. It also has an oversized trunk ideal for carrying large items that would otherwise need to be hauled in a truck.
In recent years, the definition for what people consider an SUV has expanded to include smaller vehicles called compact SUVs. Additionally, some recent SUV models do not have four-wheel drive to reduce the weight of the vehicles and make them more fuel efficient.
Whether you are a family of seven or an athlete with tons of equipment, SUVs are a great option for many people. Used models can provide people with tough, powerful vehicles that can take on almost any conditions. If you are in the market for a used SUV, it is important to know what is the best SUV for the money. Used SUVs such as the GMC Acadia, Acura MDX, and Honda CR-V are dependable and powerful models for people seeking a less expensive option.
Used GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia has been a reliable full size SUV model since it first came on the market in 2007. Both the 2011 and 2014 GMC Acadias earned 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated 2011, 2012, and 2013 models as “Top Safety Picks.” The Acadia comfortably and safely seats eight people, while still having room for cargo. It has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that gives the vehicle 288 horsepower. It is available with front or full-wheel drive and has a six-speed automatic transmission.
In 2010, the transmission was changed to have a better response time and they were designed with features such as Bluetooth, traffic updates, and heated seats. Starting in 2013, GMC Acadia’s were made with updated exterior and interior elements, a revised rear liftgate, smartphone compatibility, and easier controls for audio, temperature, and navigation. Due to the quality of earlier models, the GMC Acadia is one of the best SUVs to buy used.
Used Acura MDX
The Acura MDX has three rows of seats and can comfortably carry seven passengers. The second generation MDX models, between 2007 and 2013, have a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that provides 300 horsepower. They have four-wheel drive through Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and torque-vectoring technology, making them easier to navigate on curvy roads. Second generation models can tow up to 5,000 pounds and have large amounts of space to easily fit cargo, even while the vehicle is carrying the maximum seven passengers.
The 2011 and 2012 models received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and the 2012 and 2013 models were awarded “Top Safety Pick” titles by the IIHS. With safety features such as a reversing camera, blind-spot warning technology, adaptive cruise control and luxury seating, the second-generation Acura MDX vehicles are extremely safe and comfortable options for used SUVs.
Used Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has always had a reputation for reliability and safety. The 2012, 2013, and 2014 CR-V’s all earned awards for their safety. The CR-V has a reversing camera and a driver’s side mirror designed specifically to provide a better view of the blind spot on the driver’s side. It comfortably carries five people, while still offering 37.2 cubic feet of space for any cargo. The cargo space expands to 70.9 with the rear seat folded down. The engine is a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model. The CR-V can also tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The Honda CR-V is comfortable, quiet, and known for great steering and handling. Used models still provide all of the features and impressive elements, while being low-cost.
Used Lexus RX
Similar to the Honda CR-V, the Lexus RX has a record of dependability, even becoming the first SUV to earn the title of most dependable vehicle in the United States by J.D. Power and Associates. It can carry five people and has a powerful engine with 6-speed automatic transmission and front or all-wheel drive. There is also a hybrid model that has better power and fuel economy. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds and provides 40 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats.
The Lexus RX has standard safety equipment with 10 airbags and Automatic Collision Notification. It is also equipped with features such as adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, dynamic radar cruise control, and available pre-collision safety technologies. Along with extraordinary safety, the Lexus RX offers comfort and a high-quality interior. In 2016, the exterior became more striking than many other SUVs, guaranteeing that people will admire your vehicle on the road. A used Lexus RV is a fantastic option for someone in the market for a safe, reliable, and comfortable used SUV.
Used Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester, specifically a model between 2009 and 2013, is widely known as one of the best-used SUVs to buy. The first-generation of Subaru Foresters had accommodating features such as power accessories, Bluetooth, a sun roof, reclining rear seats, air-conditioning, and cruise control. Upper Limited and Touring trims had rearview cameras, leather interiors, automatic climate control, and an upgraded audio system, among other things. Second-generation models were very similar except with a roomier interior, a stiffer body structure, revised chassis, and more standard features. The later second-generation Foresters also had improved performance on the road and were known to be especially fun to drive.
The third- and fourth-generation models of the Forester were even roomier and more fuel efficient. They also had the appearance of a more traditional, heavy-duty SUV. No matter what generation, a used Subaru Forester will cost you less and provide you and your family with comfort, cargo room, and safety on the road.
Used Subaru Outback
Another great used Subaru SUV option is the Subaru Outback. Starting with the 2010 model, Subaru Outbacks have been named an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” every year. It has a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Outback 2.5i has all-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. Certain regions in the United States have the 4-cylinder engine combined with the continuously variable transmission rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.
It is a safe SUV, designed with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a reversing camera, and a wiper dde-icer grid. The Subaru Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds and has 34.3 cubic feet of space with the seats up. When the rear seats are folded down, it offers up to 71.3 cubic feet of cargo storage. A used Subaru Outback is one of the best-used SUVs under $15,000 available today.
Used Toyota Highlander
The second generation Toyota Highlander, a model made between the years 2008 and 2013, is an ideal vehicle for people looking for a lot of passenger and cargo space. It can hold seven people and Consumer Reports rates it as extremely reliable. For second-generation years excluding 2012, the IIHS rated the Toyota Highlanders in its “Top Safety Picks.” With the third- and second-row seats folded down, they offer 94.5 cubic feet of space.
Second generation Toyota Highlanders can tow 5,000 pounds and include safety elements such as a knee airbag in the driver’s seat, a wiper de-icer grid, and a reversing camera. The seemingly endless advantages of the Toyota Highlander make it an ideal used SUV for anyone in the market for a great, inexpensive vehicle.
Used GMC Yukon
The initial models of the full size GMC Yukon came with three options for the engine and two for the transmission. After a couple of years, the six-speed transmission became uniform across all GMC Yukons. The SLE included 17-inch alloy wheels, stability control, power accessories, keyless entry, and many more features. The SLT had 18-inch alloy wheels, remote vehicle start, leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and much more.
Starting in 2009, GMC Yukons included more space and features. They also had improved fuel efficiency, safety, and power. First-, second-, and third-generation used GMC Yukons are fantastic used SUVs for people seeking reliable and powerful large SUVs.
Used SUVs Near Mesa, Arizona
If you are searching for financing for used SUVs near Mesa, Arizona, contact Red Mountain Funding. Our priority is to help families and individuals to have access to financing for great used cars. At Red Mountain Funding, we will do all we can to outfit you and your family with financing for a fantastic vehicle.
I’m a kid at heart disguised as an auto researcher and business owner. I’ve always enjoyed providing insight in the form of reviews (anime, video games, autos, etc.) When I’m not researching, I’m spending time with my family, driving my Dodge Challenger, riding my motorcycle, and finding new entrepreneurial pursuits.
