With spring approaching, many people who are considering buying a car are getting ready. Due to the high prices of new cars and the fact that they depreciate right after purchase, affordable and reliable used cars that do not compromise on performance have caught the attention of many consumers. Among them, used SUVs have become a popular choice due to their higher chassis, great passability, and spacious interiors and rear storage space.
However, finding a balance between price, practicality, and quality is not always easy. The website “USA Today” has selected several used SUV models that not only have large market supply but also excel in quality, reliability, and safety. The selection criteria include: price below $15,000, mileage under 80,000 miles, J.D. Power reliability rating at or above average level, reference to historical data from “Ultimate Car Rankings,” and safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Let’s take a closer look at them.
Advantages: Comfortable ride, responsive handling, outstanding fuel economy, and equipped with driver assistance technology and smart connectivity features.
Disadvantages: Lacks all-wheel drive, heavy plastic interior feel, significant cabin noise at high speeds.
Basic parameters:
– Price: Starting at around $9,900
– NHTSA Safety Rating: Four stars
– Fuel Efficiency: 31mpg city, 36mpg highway
– Range: Approximately 356 miles
– 0-60mph Acceleration: 10.1-10.5 seconds
Advantages: Unique and stylish exterior, user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and rich safety features.
Disadvantages: Average fuel economy, relatively narrow interior space, and stiff suspension.
Basic parameters:
– Price: Starting at around $11,500
– Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA Five Stars
– Fuel Efficiency: 19-25mpg city, 24-32mpg highway
– Range: 344-426 miles
– 0-60mph Acceleration: 8.1-9.0 seconds
Advantages: Spacious interior, standard smart connectivity features, good handling, high reliability.
Disadvantages: Average interior materials, significant noise, slightly stiff driving feel.
Basic parameters:
– Price: Starting at around $11,000
– Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA Five Stars
– Fuel Efficiency: 22-26mpg city, 28-31mpg highway
– Range: 372-421 miles
– 0-60mph Acceleration: 6.6-8.9 seconds
Advantages: Stylish exterior, rich technological features, good fuel economy.
Disadvantages: Weak power from the CVT transmission, cheap interior materials, high driving noise.
Basic parameters:
– Price: Starting at around $9,900
– Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA Four Stars
– Fuel Efficiency: 27-30mpg city, 34-35mpg highway
– Range: 357-381 miles
– 0-60mph Acceleration: 8.8 seconds
Advantages: Spacious interior, advanced technology features, strong power system, high quality and reliability ratings.
Disadvantages: Average interior materials, less smooth transmission performance, slightly hard driving feel.
Basic parameters:
– Price: Starting at around $14,500
– Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA Five Stars
– Fuel Efficiency: 19-21mpg city, 25-29mpg highway
– Range: 388-444 miles
– 0-60mph Acceleration: 6.1-7.6 seconds
Advantages: Ample space, excellent fuel economy, high safety ratings.
Disadvantages: It may be difficult to find the 2021 model below $15,000, conservative design for older models, outdated technology features.
Basic parameters:
– Price: Starting at around $8,500
– Safety Rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 4-5 Stars
– Fuel Efficiency: 25-30mpg city, 32-37mpg highway
– Range: 392-478 miles
– 0-60mph Acceleration: 8.4-9.5 seconds
These selected used SUV models offer a range of features and specifications to cater to different consumer needs and preferences. Whether it’s affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, or technology, there are options available that strike a balance between quality and value. As the spring car-buying season approaches, these recommendations could help prospective buyers make an informed decision on their next vehicle purchase.