Which Used SUV Is The Best For You? Here Are Our Top Picks

Why believe a best used SUV recommendation from Carl Black Hiram Auto Superstore? Because we have no outsized stake in the game! As a superstore, we can carry every automaker, which also means we can promote the best brands without bias. If researching the most reliable used SUV has been weighing down your to-do list, check it off with our unvarnished review of the best small, midsize, full-size, luxury, and hybrid sport-utes on today's market – all available or sourceable at our store near Marietta, GA.

Best Used Small SUV

Compact crossovers are the modern equivalent of station wagons: Elevated ground clearance makes it easier to climb in and out, their trunks are simple to organize, and before you know it, you're on the road. According to our research, the best used compact SUV you could buy is a toss-up between the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota RAV4. Both models have more than 10 years of data proving their reliable performance, plus a long list of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.^1,2 Both have low annual maintenance costs,^3,4 but the Mazda CX-5 offers more luxurious cabin finishes and sportier handling, while the RAV4 optimizes interior space and cargo storage.

Noteable Mentions: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Crosstrek, and Honda HR-V

Best Used Midsize SUV

Our recommendation for the best used midsize SUV comes in both hybrid and gas-powered configurations, but regardless of its powertrain, the Toyota Highlander is a quintessential midsize family car. It's conservative on the road, both in manners and in fuel usage, and its second row is superbly spacious. The car has creative storage options, and some models come with height-adjustable power liftgates. Shop all our used inventory to find a Highlander, then relax knowing it's backed by an 18-year IIHS Top Safety Pick winning streak.⁵

Noteable Mentions: Lexus RX, Lexus RX Hybrid, and Cadillac XT5

Best Used Full-Size SUV

Many of our customers are on the hunt for the best used three-row SUV because they need space for their kids – and their kids' friends, and the family dog, and two weeks' worth of groceries. If this describes your search, we think you'll like a Chevrolet Suburban or a GMC Yukon XL. These elongated sport-utes tend to share third-row dimensions, with many models providing an ample 36.7 inches of third-row legroom that's comfortable enough for tall adults. We're also big fans of purchasing a full-size SUV to maximize your storage space: Fold that third row down anytime you want to haul boxes or furniture, and you've got a longer "bed" than a standard pickup.

Noteable Mentions: Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Lexus RX L

Best Used Luxury SUV

In our opinion, it's difficult to find a better high-class SUV than a Lexus. These cars are dependably built and packed with fresh safety and driver-assist technology, even in older model years. Take home a plush Lexus NX with NuLuxe or genuine leather upholstery if you prefer a smaller daily driver, or see if we stock a midsize Lexus RX with elegant semi-aniline leather that still comes with two rows, but offers a bit more space. Pair either option with our used vehicle specials for true luxury shopping.

Noteable Mentions: Volvo XC40 and Cadillac XT5

Best Used Hybrid SUV

Hybrids are undeniably economical, and with the unpredictability of gas prices, the more your car can save you, the better. For many years, the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have battled it out for best used hybrid SUV fuel economy: Both models break 40 MPG in the city in most trims,^6,7 which could translate to between 530 and 580 miles of driving on a single tank of gas. Imagine commuting to and from work all without needing to refill? Apply to finance a pre-owned SUV and you might soon be diverting funds from your gas budget to your vacation account!

Noteable Mentions: Kia Sportage Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid

Best Used SUV for Towing

For premium towing power, you'll probably want a three-row SUV that's built on a truck chassis. If your primary goal is to haul a boat or camper and you don't mind a smaller cab, go ahead and shop used trucks at our store – but you can also get the trailering you need and the cabin space you want in a Ford Expedition or Jeep Wagoneer. Tow up to 9,300 pounds in select Expeditions⁸ or up to 10,000 pounds in certain Wagoneers,⁸ plenty of space for your Jet Skis, camping equipment, or even a small RV.

Noteable Mentions: Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Nissan Armada

Find Your Best Used SUV at Carl Black Hiram Auto Superstore

The best used SUV to buy is the make and model that prioritizes your needs. On this page, we've highlighted automobiles that have consistently demonstrated multiple years of much-better-than-average reliability – but that doesn't mean you have to agree with our recommendations.

You might have plans to tow your pontoon, but prefer the interior styling of a Nissan Armada over a Ford Expedition or Jeep Wagoneer. Maybe you're gearing up for soccer season and have to cart multiple kiddos in a roomy three-row model, but desire the better fuel efficiency of a Chevy Tahoe. No matter which brand and vehicle you choose, our used car dealer near Marietta, GA, will be here with spectacular inventory and competitive financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which used SUVs have the best towing capacity?

Traditionally, the best used SUV for towing is the Ford Expedition or Jeep Wagoneer. Both offer truck-like towing strength for all your weekend adventures. Although they tend to trailer fewer pounds, you might also like to hitch up a Nissan Armada, Dodge Durango, or Chevrolet Tahoe. Explore our inventory online to see which of these robust SUVs could make all your towing dreams come true.

What is the most reliable used seven-seat SUV?

In a gas-powertrain-only comparison, the best used three-row SUV is either the Chevrolet Suburban or the GMC Yukon XL. Their third rows are extremely versatile: They can seat adults comfortably when needed, or be folded flat to create just as much storage space as you'd get from a standard-size pickup. If a hybrid powertrain is more your style, consider a used Lexus RX L.

What is the most reliable secondhand SUV?

We believe the best used SUV to buy is a Toyota RAV4. This sport-ute has proven its dependability time and again. A 2022 RAV4 earned an 87 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power,⁹ and other model years are equally as impressive. RepairPal.com estimates the RAV4 costs only $429 in annual repairs, ⁴ and the SUV has a history of lasting for more than 250,000 miles.

Contact us to test drive any used SUV on our lot

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2019

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2019

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5

⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/toyota/rav4

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2025

⁶Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2022&year2=2022&make=Honda&baseModel=CR-V&srchtyp=ymm&pageno=1&rowLimit=50

⁷Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2022&year2=2022&make=Toyota&baseModel=RAV4&srchtyp=ymm&pageno=1&rowLimit=50

⁸When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/toyota/rav4