Skip to main content
Best Used SUVs

Best Used SUVs

Top-Rated Used SUVs and Crossovers

Jump to: Best Used Small SUVs | Best Used Midsize SUVs | Best Used Luxury SUVs

What's so appealing about SUVs? Why have they become so popular in recent years? For starters, they offer more space than their car counterparts, along with a higher seating position and a more commanding view of the road. They're also no longer laggards when it comes to fuel economy, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for bargain-basement pricing, top-notch fuel economy or a voluminous interior to fit your Brady Bunch-size brood, we've picked the best used SUVs for you.

Best Used SUVs

So how'd we pick our favorites? It's pretty simple: We focused on vehicles that were sold new in 2016. This crop is a few years old now, which means you're likely to see a lot of lease returns. Many examples will qualify for automakers' certified pre-owned programs, and the factory warranty will still cover some. From there, we looked at our expert ratings to identify the vehicles that performed the best in Edmunds' testing and evaluation. We also relied on Edmunds' robust market data to show the average transaction price for each 2016 model and how much you'll save versus buying new. Finally, we looked at Edmunds' industry-leading consumer ratings to ensure we're only recommending vehicles that are also recommended by their owners. Enjoy!

Best Used Small SUVs

If you've spent the last few years in a compact car and you're feeling the need for an upgrade, a small SUV might be perfect for you. They offer increased cargo and passenger space without a big trade-off in fuel economy, and their prices are reasonable when you consider their capability. They're great for folks looking to downsize from larger vehicles, too. Here are a few of our top picks.

Used Mazda CX-5

2016 Mazda CX-5 exterior

2016 Mazda CX-5 exterior

The Mazda CX-5 is stylish, classy and practical. It's been one of our favorite compact SUVs for years thanks to virtues such as abundant cargo space, a comfortable ride and plenty of passenger space. What's more, the CX-5 feels luxurious for a vehicle in its price range, with top-notch interior quality and a fun-to-drive nature. Notably, this version of the CX-5 was available with two different engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both received respectable EPA fuel economy ratings, but the 2.0-liter engine felt relatively sluggish; the 2.5-liter unit is the one to have. Also of note: The 2017 CX-5 got a full redesign, so 2016 marks the end of an era.

Average 2016 Mazda CX-5 transaction price: $19,133
Savings vs. new: 36%
Edmunds rating: 8.1/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.3/5
Used Mazda CX-5 years for this generation: 2013 Mazda CX-5 | 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 2016 Mazda CX-5

Shop all used Mazda CX-5 models

Used Honda CR-V

2016 Honda CR-V exterior

2016 Honda CR-V exterior

One of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market, the Honda CR-V is fuel-efficient, spacious and comfortable. Since its inception in the 1990s, the CR-V has been a leader in its segment, continuously offering a cabin large enough to accommodate four adults (plus their luggage in the back) in an eminently maneuverable and parkable package. More recently, the CR-V has added all sorts of modern safety and tech equipment, and if you find the right used model, you can get features such as Honda's blind-spot camera, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. It's also worth noting that the Honda CR-V holds its value very well. It offers only a 27% savings versus new but promises to retain much of that value over time. Like the CX-5, the CR-V received a full redesign for 2017.

Average 2016 Honda CR-V transaction price: $20,610
Savings vs. new: 27%
Edmunds rating: 8.3/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.0/5
Used Honda CR-V years for this generation: 2012 Honda CR-V | 2013 Honda CR-V | 2014 Honda CR-V | 2015 Honda CR-V | 2016 Honda CR-V

Shop all used Honda CR-V models

Best Used Midsize SUVs

When small SUVs just feel a bit too small, a midsize SUV is just what the doctor ordered. This segment covers a wide range of vehicles, from relatively sporty rigs to lumbering family haulers that compete with minivans. Some midsize SUVs are simply larger than their compact brethren, offering more space in a similar five-passenger configuration, while others provide massive three-row cabins with seven- or eight-passenger seating. They may sacrifice a bit of fuel economy, but midsizers boast extra power, space and even luxury. Here are our favorites.

Used Mazda CX-9

2016 Mazda CX-9 exterior

2016 Mazda CX-9 exterior

Much like its smaller CX-5 sibling, the Mazda CX-9 feels more luxurious than its price tag would suggest. It offers three rows of seating and relatively modern tech, as well as an excellent interior with top-notch materials. The infotainment interface is easy to use, while the exterior styling is head-turningly sleek. What's more, the CX-9 drives like a smaller, more agile vehicle, so you can have all that family-friendly functionality without giving up on fun. Anyone in the market for a used three-row SUV should take a look at the Mazda CX-9.

Average 2016 Mazda CX-9 transaction price: $27,555
Savings vs. new: 29%
Edmunds rating: 8.1/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.5/5
Used Mazda CX-9 years for this generation: 2016 Mazda CX-9 | 2017 Mazda CX-9 | 2018 Mazda CX-9

Shop all used Mazda CX-9 models

Used Ford Edge

2016 Ford Edge exterior

2016 Ford Edge exterior

Available with three different engines and a wide variety of trimmings, the Ford Edge has a lot to offer for all sorts of buyers. It only has two rows of seating, but the spacious interior is capable of carrying adults in both rows easily. The Edge can also be sporty to drive, especially if you snag one with the wonderfully ridiculous twin-turbo V6 engine. From the 2016 model year onward, the Edge feels fully modern inside thanks to Ford's Sync 3 infotainment interface. Just be aware that the 2015 Edge came with an older infotainment system that's considerably less user-friendly. Grab a 2016 Edge for nearly half off and let depreciation be your friend.

Average 2016 Ford Edge transaction price: $22,200
Savings vs. new: 44%
Edmunds rating: 7.9/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 3.9/5
Used Ford Edge years for this generation: 2015 Ford Edge | 2016 Ford Edge | 2017 Ford Edge | 2018 Ford Edge

Shop all used Ford Edge models

Used Kia Sorento

2016 Kia Sorento exterior

2016 Kia Sorento exterior

The Kia Sorento was redesigned in 2016, and it got a lot of improvements that help it make the cut for this list. It's roomier than the previous Sorento, adding both cargo capacity and passenger space, and it also upgraded to a full array of modern tech. Offered with either two or three rows, the Sorento should appeal to many different shoppers. This Kia can also be had with advanced safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Throw in top safety ratings and a comfortable ride on the highway, and there's enough here to satisfy many families — especially when you're saving 40 cents on the dollar.

Average 2016 Kia Sorento transaction price: $19,298
Savings vs. new: 40%
Edmunds rating: 7.5/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.7/5
Used Kia Sorento years for this generation: 2016 Kia Sorento | 2017 Kia Sorento | 2018 Kia Sorento

Shop all used Kia Sorento models

Used Subaru Outback

2016 Subaru Outback exterior

2016 Subaru Outback exterior

Want an SUV that looks and feels like a wagon? Subaru's got you covered. The Subaru Outback is one of the strongest midsize SUV offerings thanks to a combination of excellent driving dynamics, a spacious interior and standard all-wheel drive. Some buyers may look at it and think, "That's not an SUV. It's a station wagon!" But whatever you want to call it, you're bound to be impressed by the higher-than-average cargo space and car-like handling. What's more, the Outback remains quiet and comfortable in virtually every driving situation. If you're looking for top safety scores, the Outback has those, too.

Average 2016 Subaru Outback transaction price: $22,641
Savings vs. new: 28%
Edmunds rating: 7.8/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.3/5
Used Subaru Outback years for this generation: 2015 Subaru Outback | 2016 Subaru Outback | 2017 Subaru Outback | 2018 Subaru Outback

Shop all used Subaru Outback models

Best Used Luxury SUVs

Want a few additional frills in your SUV? How about high-quality interior touches or top-notch tech features? Perhaps leather heated seats or a premium sound system? You're more likely to find these items in a used luxury SUV, of course, and we've highlighted our top picks. These used luxury SUVs combine comfort and capability while offering a wide array of upscale standard and optional equipment.

Used Acura RDX

2016 Acura RDX exterior

2016 Acura RDX exterior

Edmunds visitors save an average of $2879 off their new car. How much can you save?

Fitted with a long list of standard features, the Acura RDX is a great example of a used luxury SUV that gives you plenty of equipment without breaking the bank. Even on the base 2016 model, creature comforts include a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. As you work your way up the ladder, you get into advanced safety features such as lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. All of this inside a comfortable and well-built SUV with strong V6 acceleration makes for a great package. It's worth noting that the new RDX (introduced in 2019) only comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and some shoppers might prefer the more linear power delivery of the old V6.

Average 2016 Acura RDX transaction price: $26,364
Savings vs. new: 37%
Edmunds rating: 8.3/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.2/5
Used Acura RDX years for this generation: 2013 Acura RDX | 2014 Acura RDX | 2015 Acura RDX | 2016 Acura RDX | 2017 Acura RDX | 2018 Acura RDX

Shop all used Acura RDX models

Used Volvo XC60

2016 Volvo XC60 exterior

2016 Volvo XC60 exterior

Instead of fiddling with bumper flares and extravagant trim pieces, the Volvo XC60 sticks with the basics of luxury SUV design: elegance and quality. The XC60 offers a spacious cabin, distinguished interior materials, and the choice of several appealing powertrains. As you'd expect from Volvo, this XC60 also has top safety scores. It may not be a sporty or exciting SUV, but the 2016 Volvo XC60 checks all the luxury boxes, and that's why it makes our list. Keep in mind that 2016 was the penultimate year of this XC60 generation, so it's fair to assume that Volvo had worked out most of the kinks.

Average 2016 Volvo XC60 transaction price: $27,067
Savings vs. new: 47%
Edmunds rating: 7.1/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.7/5
Used Volvo XC60 years for this generation: 2010 Volvo XC60 | 2011 Volvo XC60 | 2012 Volvo XC60 | 2013 Volvo XC60 | 2014 Volvo XC60 | 2015 Volvo XC60 | 2016 Volvo XC60 | 2017 Volvo XC60

Shop all used Volvo XC60 models

Used Mercedes-Benz GLE

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class exterior

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class exterior

For the first half of its life cycle, this midsize SUV from Mercedes-Benz was called the M-Class. In 2016, it was renamed the GLE. With that midcycle refresh came updated styling, a new infotainment interface and a new plug-in-hybrid variant. All of these updates were added to an already impressive luxury SUV, making it even more appealing. The GLE was available with six different powertrains and a variety of different trim levels, all offering a quiet and comfortable cabin that's sure to impress your passengers.

Average 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE transaction price: $38,388
Savings vs. new: 38%
Edmunds rating: 7.7/10
Average consumer rating (2016): 4.4/5
Used Mercedes-Benz GLE years for this generation: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class | 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class | 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class | 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class | 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Shop all used Mercedes-Benz GLE models

See our full list of experts picks for the Best Used Luxury SUVs, from compacts to three-row family haulers. If you want to save some serious cash and still get a great used luxury SUV, let Edmunds be your guide.

Best Used 3 Row SUVs

More than a midsize, these three-row SUVs are the real heroes of family hauling. Whether you need a truck-based basher that can transport your family and tow a trailer, or a crossover-style three-row that can shuttle the softball team while simultaneously breaking the 20 mpg barrier, we've got you covered.

2016 Chevrolet Suburban

The majority of modern SUVs are really car-like crossover SUVs. They've got SUV styling on the outside, but rather than a body-on-frame design, they use unibody construction. That means they're closer to modern cars than they are to trucks. If you need something with seven seats that can tow a big boat, there's no substitute for a true full-size SUV such as the Chevy Suburban. Its three rows of seating and truck-based architecture make it a capable workhorse for even the most demanding of families.

2016 Honda Pilot

Redesigned in 2016 and a leader in the segment ever since, the Honda Pilot is one of our favorite three-row crossovers. Less unwieldy than a truck-based SUV like the Suburban, the Pilot is easy to drive on a daily basis, easy to park, and easy to get in and out of. It has a comfortable, quiet interior and seating for seven passengers. It also gets impressive fuel economy, yet its punchy V6 engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds. A word of warning, however — vehicles often have teething issues in the first year of production, and the 2016 Pilot fits the bill with its rather low average Edmunds consumer rating of 3.7/5. We recommend reading those consumer reviews thoroughly before taking the plunge.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Its understated sheet metal doesn't draw stares, but this leather-lined seven-passenger SUV can go almost anywhere, thanks in part to a robust V8 engine and a sophisticated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that can adjust suspension settings on the fly. Even in 2016, the Land Cruiser was available with all sorts of modern tech and safety features including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and pedestrian detection. There aren't many on the market, and they're pricey when you find them. But there also aren't many vehicles that compare to a Land Cruiser.

Used SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage

While SUVs likely aren't the first vehicles you think of when you hear "best gas mileage," there are some seriously efficient used SUVs available. Check them out; they're ready to save you real money at the pump.

Lexus NX 300h (31-32 mpg combined)

Little brother to the ultra-popular Lexus RX, the Lexus NX 300h is a small but efficient SUV worth checking out. Despite its small size, the NX has a spacious back seat. Materials quality and abundant standard tech are stacked in the NX's favor, too. Then there's the fuel economy: Underneath, the 300h uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors that are rated as high as 32 mpg combined. And even though it's a hybrid, it is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Mazda CX-5 (26-29 mpg combined)

Listed earlier for its overall quality and luxury feel, the Mazda CX-5 is also a fuel economy champ. The 2.5-liter engine gets an impressive 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, although that figure drops to 26 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 28 mpg combined)

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a truly rare vehicle, offering fuel efficiency and strong acceleration in a three-row SUV package. Like the standard non-hybrid Highlander, the hybrid has a quiet ride and lots of available safety features. On top of that, the hybrid adds a whopping 8 mpg to the standard all-wheel-drive Highlander's combined rating.

Used SUV Features

Every shopper will have a different set of desired SUV features, but there are some we recommend looking out for when buying used. Infotainment interfaces have received a lot of updates in recent years, so you may want to look for a vehicle that offers smartphone connectivity, or at least a few USB ports to connect with. Also, be sure to find the comfort features you want, such as heated seats or a sunroof. And, of course, make sure the SUV you're looking at has all the safety equipment you want — just because it's a few years old doesn't mean you can't find an SUV with modern tech such as blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, or even adaptive cruise control.

Choosing the Right Used SUV for You

As you can probably tell by this point, there's a used SUV out there for everyone. Whether you're focused on carrying as many passengers as you can or maximizing your mpg, we're confident that you'll find what you're looking for. To narrow down your choices, we recommend you start by selecting the size of SUV you need and then narrow down the search with your required features, your price range and the minimum fuel economy you'll accept. Don't forget to read Edmunds' in-depth expert and consumer reviews before scheduling test drives.

Related Content

Best Used Cars

Best Used Cars

See our extensive list of the best used cars and save some serious cash without compromising on features or performance.

Best Used Luxury SUVs

Best Used Luxury SUVs

Our experts pick the Best Used Luxury SUVs, from compacts to three-row family haulers. If you want to save some serious cash and still get a great used luxury SUV, let Edmunds be your guide.

Best Midsize SUVs

Best Midsize SUVs

With many excellent choices, finding the best midsize SUV for you is a matter of priorities. Edmunds looks at the top-rated midsize SUVs in this competitive group.

Best Small SUVs

Best Small SUVs

Edmunds shares our top-rated subcompact and compact SUVs. Read on to find out which vehicles make our list of the best small SUVs.

Best Family SUVs

Best Family SUVs

If you need help choosing the best SUV for your family, let the Edmunds experts be your guide. Here are the best family SUVs based on our rigorous testing.

LATEST SUV REVIEWS & RATINGS