Best Used SUVs
Whether you're looking for a compact SUV, a three-row family hauler, or a luxury model, these are our top picks, and all have previously won our 10Best award.
There are so many SUVs to choose from that narrowing down your choices can be overwhelming. We’re here to help, because not all used SUVs are created equal. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites from multiple size classes, including luxury and non-luxury models, based on SUVs that have won our 10Best awards in the past.
Expect these models to offer superior driving experiences, nicer interiors, and good value compared with your average pre-owned SUV. As always, make sure to pay attention to age, mileage, and condition. A used SUV that’s been taken good care of can last for a long time, and most dealerships provide vehicle-history reports that show a vehicle’s ownership history to reveal how it’s been maintained and whether or not it’s ever been in an accident.
Related: Best Used Compact SUVs | Best Used SUVs Under $30K | Best Used Hybrid SUVs | Best Used Family Cars | Best Used Sedans and Hatchbacks | Best Used Trucks | Best Used Electric Vehicles | Best Used Small Trucks | Best Used Hybrid Cars | Best Used Convertibles | Best Used Minivans
Honda CR-V
Car and Driver Rating: 10/10
MPG: 29–40 mpg
There’s a reason you see so many CR-Vs driving around: it leads the compact-SUV pack because of how it combines practicality, fuel efficiency, and a pleasant driving experience. It’s been a 10Best winner many times, and the latest generation, which started with the 2023 model year, is the best yet.
If you’re shopping for a 2023 or newer CR-V, we’d choose the hybrid model. The hybrid was also offered in older CR-Vs, but the powertrain wasn’t quite as refined or as efficient as in the newest CR-V. The nonhybrid models are solid choices, too.
Mazda CX-5
Car and Driver Rating: 10/10
MPG: 24–28 mpg
If the Honda CR-V is too rational of a choice for you, check out the Mazda CX-5. It’s more stylish, more fun to drive, and has a lovely interior for a mainstream SUV. It does give up a bit of rear-seat room and cargo space compared with the Honda, but it’s still plenty practical for hauling people and stuff.
We’d shop for a 2019 CX-5 or newer because that’s when it added an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine that adds power and livens the driving experience considerably. We’d choose a turbo model because of that, but the base four-cylinder engine is a fine choice, too. Front-wheel drive was the standard setup for many years, with all-wheel drive optional, but all 2022 CX-5s and newer came standard with all-wheel drive.
Kia Telluride
Car and Driver Rating: 10/10
MPG: 21–23 mpg
The Kia Telluride has been our favorite three-row SUV ever since we first drove it. Posh inside, quiet and comfortable, and roomy for kids and adults, it’s a supremely well-rounded and appealing choice.
The V-6 engine is smooth, the interior controls are easy to use, and even the third-row seats are spacious enough for adults in a pinch. You can’t go wrong with any year of the Telluride, but the higher-trim SX models are the most luxurious of the bunch and come with tons of features. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions exist, and the 2023 Telluride and newer was available in a rugged-looking X-Pro trim level.
Porsche Macan
Car and Driver Rating: 10/10
MPG: 19–22 mpg
The Macan has been our favorite compact luxury SUV for years for a simple reason: because it looks, feels, and most importantly drives like a Porsche should. It’s more entertaining to drive than any of its rivals, thanks to its great steering and responsive powertrains, and
it’s also plenty stylish inside and out. If you shop for a 2017 or newer model you’ll have the choice of four-cylinder or V-6 versions, which broadens the price range somewhat, but we’d spend extra for a six-cylinder S or GTS, as their more powerful engines enliven the driving experience considerably.
BMW X1
Car and Driver Rating: 9/10
MPG: 26–27 mpg
The X1 has served as BMW’s entry-level SUV for years now, but it doesn’t compromise too much when compared with the brand’s larger SUVs in terms of a sporty driving experience and upscale features. It’s been our favorite subcompact luxury SUV for a while now because it’s entertaining to drive, has an upscale design, and is surprisingly roomy inside for its small size.
The X1 has been offered exclusively with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for most of its run, so your main powertrain choice when shopping is whether you want front-wheel drive (sDrive) or all-wheel drive (xDrive). We’d shop for a 2020 or newer model due to its extra features and updated styling; you could also look at the related X2 which is essentially an X1 with a swoopier shape and a bit less cargo space.
Mazda CX-9
Car and Driver Rating: 9/10
MPG: 23–24 mpg
Before the CX-90 arrived, the CX-9 was Mazda’s three-row SUV offering. While some competitor SUVs offer more space in the third-row seat and cargo area, we always liked the Mazda for its nicely designed interior, uncommonly fun handling, and refined ride.
The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also smooth and satisfying. Any 2016 or newer model is a great choice, but we’d shop for a 2019 CX-9 or newer because of the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Hyundai Kona
Car and Driver Rating: 9/10
MPG: 27–30 mpg
The Kia Soul’s boxy shape might not appeal to everyone, and the Hyundai Kona is its funkier-looking cousin. The two share some mechanical components, but the Kona is less boxy and feels a bit less roomy inside. Still, it’s a great choice for a subcompact SUV because of its solid driving dynamics and generous list of features.
The Kona also differentiates itself from the Soul by offering all-wheel drive, so shop for an example so equipped if you need a bit of extra traction.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Shop Used Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Car and Driver Rating: 9/10
MPG: 18–20 mpg
The Mercedes GLS aims to be the S-class of full-size luxury SUVs, and it comes remarkably close to replicating the classy appeal of Mercedes’ flagship sedan. It’s large and in charge thanks to its stately styling, and it has a spacious and nicely trimmed three-row interior.
The six-cylinder GLS450 models are adequately powerful, so we wouldn’t feel the need to shop for V-8 models, which also sacrifice fuel economy. If you look for a 2020 or newer model, you’ll benefit from the updated model with larger screens and more features. The AMG versions are supremely quick, sound great, and look a bit more aggressive on the outside.
Audi Q7
Car and Driver Rating: 9/10
MPG: 20–22 mpg
Audis are known for being understated, high-tech, and refined to drive, and the Q7 is a three-row luxury SUV that’s quintessentially Audi. It’s been one of our top choices in the segment for years, and has won multiple 10Best awards. The Q7 drives great and offers a posh interior with seating for up to seven, although the third row is only really comfortable for kids.
Audi hasn’t updated the Q7 too much since 2017, so you can’t really go wrong with any of those years, but we’d go for a model with the turbocharged V-6 over the base turbo four-cylinder. There’s also the V-8-powered SQ7 if you desire a bit of extra performance.
Kia Soul
Car and Driver Rating: 8.5/10
MPG: 29–31 mpg
The Kia Soul is just about the smallest vehicle that can be considered an SUV, but it packs a lot of goodness into its diminutive and boxy shape. The interior is far more spacious than you’d expect, and the Soul is also pleasant to drive. It won our 10Best award for subcompact SUVs.
We’d steer clear of any Soul models with the turbocharged engine, as we didn’t have a great experience with the dual-clutch transmission in our long-term test car, but the base powertrain is just fine. We’d shop for a 2017 Soul or newer, and the 2020 Soul marks the redesigned third-generation model with a nicer interior.
Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.
Best New Car Finance Deals for February 2026
Used Convertibles for Under $20K
Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride Spec Comparison
Tested: Best Wiper Blades for 2026
