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Best Used SUVs to Buy

4 min read

Most used-SUV shortlists fail because they mix a compact crossover, a three-row family hauler and a body-on-frame off-roader into one ranking, as though those buyers want the same thing. They do not. This guide sorts by what the vehicle is for first, then names the generation worth buying within each category.

Quick answer

Pick the category before the badge. For a compact crossover, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 lead. For a three-row family SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. For serious off-road or towing use, the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler. For all-weather practicality on a budget, the Subaru Forester and Outback.

  • Best compact crossoverToyota RAV4 (2016–2018 XA40) — naturally aspirated and a conventional automatic.
  • Best three-row family SUVToyota Highlander (2015–2019 XU50) — proven V6, genuinely usable space.
  • Best off-road SUVToyota 4Runner (2014+ 5th gen) — body-on-frame and mechanically simple.
  • Best all-weather valueSubaru Forester (2017–2019) — standard AWD and outstanding visibility.

Buying two sizes larger than you need is the most expensive mistake in this class: fuel, tyres and brakes all scale with the vehicle.

Used SUVs by category. Model years shown are the generations worth targeting, not the only good ones.
CategoryPickYears to targetBest forMain caution
Compact crossoverToyota RAV42016–2018Low-risk family transportAWD rear differential service
Compact crossoverHonda CR-V2015–2016, 2019Maximum interior space1.5T oil dilution on 2017–2018
Compact crossoverMazda CX-52017–2019Driving enjoymentFirm ride; salt-belt corrosion
Three-row familyToyota Highlander2015–2019Families needing three rowsV6 water pump; fuel costs
Three-row familyHonda Pilot2016–2019Space efficiency9-speed automatic complaints on early cars
Off-road / towingToyota 4Runner2014+Trails, towing, very high mileageThirsty; firm on-road ride
Off-roadJeep Wrangler2012–2017 (JK)Genuine off-road capabilityRide, noise, and leak complaints
All-weather valueSubaru Forester2017–2019Snow-country buyersCVT fluid service history

Choose the category first

  • Compact crossover: two rows, car-like running costs, AWD optional. This suits the majority of buyers who think they need something larger.
  • Three-row midsize: genuine seven- or eight-seat capacity. Check whether the third row is adult-usable or child-only before committing.
  • Body-on-frame SUV: real towing and off-road ability, at the cost of fuel economy and on-road comfort.
  • All-wheel drive is not snow tyres. On road, a front-drive crossover on winter tyres outperforms an AWD vehicle on all-seasons in braking and cornering.
  • AWD systems need their own servicing — rear differential and transfer case fluids are the most commonly skipped items on used crossovers.

The vehicles, and why each one is here

01

Toyota RAV4

Best compact crossover
Years to target
2016–2018 (XA40 facelift)
Best for
Families who want practicality with the least ownership risk.
Powertrain
2.5 naturally aspirated, conventional automatic — no turbo, no CVT.

The facelifted XA40 combines a naturally aspirated 2.5 with a conventional six-speed automatic and standard Toyota Safety Sense — a low-risk drivetrain with modern safety equipment.

Approach with care: The 2013 launch year drew more transmission-behaviour and infotainment complaints than later cars.

Known problems

  • Rear differential fluid neglect on AWD cars
  • Early-generation infotainment and camera faults
  • Road and wind noise relative to newer rivals

What to inspect

  • Rear differential service records
  • Low-speed shift quality from cold
  • Safety system warning lights

Maintenance: Compact-car servicing costs with crossover space.

Toyota RAV4 buying guideBest yearsYears to avoidReliabilityCommon problemsBrand reliability
02

Honda CR-V

Most usable interior
Years to target
2015–2016 (2.4 NA) or 2019 (later 1.5T)
Best for
Buyers who need maximum space without moving to a midsize SUV.
Powertrain
2.4 naturally aspirated for lowest risk; 1.5T for a newer car in a warm climate.

No compact crossover packages its exterior dimensions better. The rear seat and cargo area embarrass vehicles a size up.

Approach with care: 2017–2018 1.5-litre turbo cars attracted oil-dilution complaints in cold climates; 2019 cars addressed it and pre-2017 2.4 cars avoid it entirely.

Known problems

  • Fuel dilution of engine oil on 2017–2018 1.5T cars in cold use
  • AC compressor failures on some years
  • Rear differential service neglect on AWD cars

What to inspect

  • Oil level and fuel smell on any 1.5T
  • Rear differential fluid records
  • AC output on a hot day

Maintenance: Low costs and near-universal shop familiarity.

Honda CR-V buying guideBest yearsYears to avoidBrand reliability
03

Mazda CX-5

Best to drive
Years to target
2017–2019 (KF, 2.5 Skyactiv)
Best for
A buyer who does not want their SUV to feel like an appliance.
Powertrain
Prefer the naturally aspirated 2.5 over the later turbo.

Interior quality and body control a class above the price, with a naturally aspirated engine and a conventional automatic keeping the ownership profile simple.

Approach with care: Salt-belt corrosion is the main structural risk; the ride is firmer than rivals.

Known problems

  • Underbody corrosion in salt regions
  • Infotainment software quirks
  • Smaller cargo bay than the CR-V

What to inspect

  • Underbody and suspension corrosion
  • Brake rotor surfaces
  • Infotainment and camera systems

Maintenance: Mainstream costs; brake rotors wear faster than average.

Mazda CX-5 buying guideBrand reliability

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04

Toyota Highlander

Best three-row family SUV
Years to target
2015–2019 (XU50)
Best for
Families who genuinely need three rows.
Powertrain
3.5 V6 is the volume choice; the hybrid is durable but commands a premium.

A proven 3.5 V6 with a conventional automatic, a quiet cabin and a third row that works for children on real journeys. It carries far less complexity than European rivals.

Approach with care: The third row is not adult-comfortable for long trips — check it with the people who will sit there.

Known problems

  • Water pump wear on the V6
  • Higher fuel and tyre costs than a compact crossover
  • Third-row space limits

What to inspect

  • Coolant residue near the water pump
  • Third-row and cargo wear versus mileage
  • Towing evidence if a hitch is fitted

Maintenance: Mechanically simple, but consumables are larger and pricier.

Toyota Highlander buying guideBest yearsYears to avoidBrand reliability
05

Honda Pilot

Years to target
2016–2019 (3rd gen)
Best for
Families prioritising interior space and third-row access.
Powertrain
The six-speed automatic versions are the simpler choice.

The Pilot is the space-efficiency answer in the three-row class, with a wide, flat cabin and an easier third row to access than most rivals.

Approach with care: Nine-speed automatic cars in this generation drew more shift-quality complaints than the six-speed versions.

Known problems

  • Nine-speed automatic shift-quality complaints on higher trims
  • Infotainment complaints on 2016–2018 cars
  • Cylinder deactivation behaviour on the V6

What to inspect

  • Transmission behaviour at low speed
  • Which transmission the car has
  • Infotainment operation

Maintenance: Mainstream costs; check transmission fluid service history closely.

Honda Pilot buying guideBest yearsYears to avoidBrand reliability
06

Toyota 4Runner

Best off-road and high-mileage SUV
Years to target
2014+ (5th gen facelift)
Best for
Buyers who tow, go off pavement, or intend to keep the vehicle for a very long time.
Powertrain
4.0 V6 with a conventional automatic — deliberately old-fashioned and durable.

Body-on-frame construction, a naturally aspirated V6 and a conventional five-speed automatic. It is the SUV on this page most likely to still be working hard at very high mileage.

Approach with care: Fuel economy and on-road comfort are both clearly behind the crossovers here.

Known problems

  • High fuel consumption
  • Frame and underbody corrosion in salt regions
  • Firm ride and dated interior ergonomics

What to inspect

  • Frame corrosion, especially in salt regions
  • Off-road damage to skid plates and suspension
  • Differential and transfer case fluids

Maintenance: Simple mechanically; tyres and fuel are the recurring costs.

Toyota 4Runner buying guideBest yearsYears to avoidBrand reliability
07

Jeep Wrangler

Years to target
2012–2017 (JK with the 3.6 Pentastar)
Best for
Buyers who genuinely go off pavement.
Powertrain
3.6 Pentastar V6 from 2012 onward.

Nothing else here matches its off-road capability out of the box, and the 2012 switch to the 3.6 Pentastar addressed the weaker earlier engine.

Approach with care: Buy it for capability, not comfort. Wind noise, ride quality and water leaks around removable panels are inherent to the design, and modified examples deserve extra scrutiny.

Known problems

  • Water leaks around doors, roof panels and windshield seals
  • Steering-feel and front-end wear complaints
  • Poor fuel economy and high noise levels

What to inspect

  • Water staining in footwells and headliner
  • Lift kits, oversized tyres and driveline angles
  • Frame and suspension mounting points

Maintenance: Parts are cheap and plentiful; modified trucks can hide accumulated abuse.

Jeep Wrangler buying guideBrand reliability
08

Subaru Forester

Best all-weather value
Years to target
2017–2019
Best for
Snow-country buyers who want visibility and all-weather grip.
Powertrain
2.5 naturally aspirated with a CVT.

Standard all-wheel drive, exceptional outward visibility and a tall, practical cabin at a lower price than comparable-age rivals.

Approach with care: CVT fluid service history matters, and AWD means tyres must be replaced as a matched set.

Known problems

  • CVT behaviour where fluid service was skipped
  • Oil consumption complaints on some FB engines
  • Wheel bearing wear at higher mileage

What to inspect

  • CVT fluid service records
  • Oil consumption history
  • Tyre matching across all four wheels

Maintenance: Matched-set tyre replacement is the notable recurring cost.

Subaru Forester buying guideBrand reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I actually need all-wheel drive?
Only if you regularly face snow, ice or unpaved roads. AWD adds purchase cost, fuel consumption and extra servicing, and it does not shorten braking distances. Winter tyres on a front-drive vehicle are more effective in most conditions than all-seasons on an AWD one.
Is a used three-row SUV better than a minivan?
For interior space, access and fuel economy per seat, a minivan usually wins outright. Choose a three-row SUV when you need towing capacity, all-weather ability or ground clearance the minivan cannot provide.
How many miles is too many for a used SUV?
Mileage matters less than what kind of miles and how the vehicle was maintained. A highway-driven, fully serviced example at 130,000 miles is typically a better buy than a neglected one at 80,000.
Sourcing

How we researched this guide

Recall, investigation and safety-complaint claims on this page are checked against the public databases published by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Model years, generation boundaries, engines and drivetrain options follow manufacturer specifications and NHTSA's vehicle product information catalogue (vPIC). Ownership patterns — what tends to wear, what tends to cost money — come from widely reported owner experience, and are described as patterns rather than as failure rates.

Verdict's research is general guidance about a model, not an assessment of a specific car. Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection before buying.

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