Top Picks
Best Used SUVs to Buy in 2026: 10 Top Picks Ranked
OVERVIEW
What Are the Best Used SUVs to Buy in 2026?
There is no shortage of used SUVs, but narrowing the field gets easier when you know what matters most. A compact SUV might be ideal for commuting and errands. Families may need a larger model with 3 rows. Other shoppers want All Wheel Drive, an affordable purchase price, or a comfortable cabin for long trips. These 10 SUVs are our picks for different shopping priorities.
| Rank | Used SUV | Best For | Median Asking Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda CR-V | Best overall | $29,048 |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | Hybrid options and versatility | $30,099 |
| 3 | Mazda CX-5 | Comfort and value | $25,474 |
| 4 | Subaru Forester | Snow and all weather driving | $25,872 |
| 5 | Toyota Highlander | Family versatility | $31,716 |
| 6 | Honda Pilot | Larger families | $34,303 |
| 7 | Subaru Outback | Road trips and outdoor activities | $25,994 |
| 8 | Hyundai Tucson | Features for the money | $22,672 |
| 9 | Kia Sportage | Affordable newer generation SUV | $23,998 |
| 10 | Chevrolet Equinox | Budget friendly shopping | $20,600 |
Source: AutoFinder inventory research, October 28, 2026. Median advertised asking prices cover qualifying model years 2018 through 2025, not a single model year or trim. They are not completed transaction prices.
How We Selected These SUVs
We started with AutoFinder's used inventory to understand what shoppers could find and how advertised prices compared across models and model years. We then considered independent vehicle research, available safety evaluations, passenger space, everyday usefulness, and ownership considerations. iSeeCars ranks the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester among its stronger used small SUV choices. The final order reflects AutoFinder's editorial judgment, not a calculated reliability score.
1. Honda CR-V: Best Used SUV Overall
Model years worth comparing: 2021 through 2025
The Honda CR-V takes our top spot because it is one of the easiest SUVs to recommend to a wide range of shoppers. There is plenty of room for passengers, the cargo area is practical and the cabin is designed around everyday use. It works for commuting, grocery runs, and family road trips. iSeeCars places it at the top of its used small SUV rankings. AutoFinder found 20,075 qualifying CR-V listings, including 19,941 with valid asking prices. The median advertised price was $29,048.
Which Used Honda CR-V Should You Buy?
The 2022 was the final year of its generation. The redesigned 2023 introduced a different cabin and updated features. AutoFinder found a median asking price of $26,687 for the 2022 CR-V, compared with $29,386 for the 2023. The 2023 CR-V earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award under that year's criteria, but also received a Poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which places greater emphasis on rear passenger protection.
Our buying advice: Start with a well-maintained 2022 CR-V if value is the priority. Compare 2023 through 2025 examples if you want the newer cabin, and check safety ratings for the exact year.
2. Toyota RAV4: Best for Hybrid Options and Versatility
Model years worth comparing: 2021 through 2025
The RAV4 offers a practical interior, useful cargo space, and gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. AutoFinder identified 26,489 qualifying RAV4 listings, the largest selection in our research. Its median asking price was $30,099, and only 5.8% of valid priced listings were advertised below $20,000.
Does Buying an Older RAV4 Save Money?
Not always. The median asking price for a 2023 RAV4 was $31,309, versus $31,998 for 2024 and $32,450 for 2025. After adjusting statistically for mileage, those model years had remarkably similar asking prices. Compare mileage, trim, powertrain, and maintenance history rather than assuming an older example is cheaper.
Our buying advice: The RAV4 is especially attractive for hybrid shoppers, but compare similar powertrains before judging the price.
3. Mazda CX-5: Best for Comfort and Value
Model years worth comparing: 2021 through 2025
The Mazda CX-5 offers a polished cabin, responsive steering, and a refined driving experience without luxury SUV pricing. iSeeCars also places it near the top of its used small SUV research. AutoFinder identified 12,547 valid priced CX-5 listings, with a median of $25,474 and median mileage of 37,287.
Is a 2025 Mazda CX-5 Worth Buying Used?
The 2024 CX-5 had a median asking price of $26,988, compared with $26,998 for the 2025. That $10 difference makes it worth comparing both years. Individual trim, engine, and condition still matter. The biggest compromise is space: the CX-5 has less generous rear seating and cargo room than some competitors.
Our buying advice: Choose the CX-5 if driving comfort matters more than maximum cargo space, and compare 2024 and 2025 listings closely.
4. Subaru Forester: Best for Snow and All-Weather Driving
Model years worth comparing: 2021 through 2024
Standard All Wheel Drive, tall windows, and an upright seating position make the Forester practical for drivers who regularly encounter rain and snow. AutoFinder found 10,435 valid priced Forester listings, with a median asking price of $25,872.
Which Used Forester Is Worth Considering?
The 2021 through 2024 models are useful comparisons within the generation introduced for 2019. The 2023 and 2024 Forester earned a Good rating in IIHS's updated front crash prevention evaluation. That result applies to a specific automatic emergency braking test, not every aspect of safety. Acceleration is modest compared with some turbocharged rivals.
Our buying advice: Choose the Forester for visibility and standard All Wheel Drive. Winter tires still matter for braking and cornering.
5. Toyota Highlander: Best for Family Versatility
Model years worth comparing: 2020 through 2023
The Highlander offers 3 rows, a comfortable ride, and available hybrid powertrains. Its third row is relatively small, so families carrying teenagers or adults there regularly should also test the Honda Pilot. AutoFinder found 10,097 valid priced Highlander listings, with a median asking price of $31,716 and median mileage of 68,226.
What Should You Look for in a Used Highlander?
Decide between gasoline and hybrid models, then compare seating layouts, mileage, and maintenance records. Vehicles approaching major scheduled maintenance intervals can require additional spending shortly after purchase. The Highlander also performs well in independent used midsize SUV assessments.
Our buying advice: The Highlander is a strong family choice when third-row seating is needed occasionally. Test that seating before committing.
6. Honda Pilot: Best for Larger Families
Model years worth comparing: 2021 through 2024
The Honda Pilot is particularly appealing when all 3 rows will be used regularly. Passenger space and a family-oriented cabin are its main advantages.
Is the 2022 Honda Pilot a Better Value Than the 2023?
AutoFinder found a median asking price of $28,224 for the 2022 Pilot across 1,013 valid priced listings, versus $36,289 for the redesigned 2023 across 1,029. The $8,065 gap partly reflects mileage: 2022 examples had median mileage of 69,744 versus 46,000 for 2023. After statistically adjusting for mileage, the difference was approximately $6,078. These are observed asking price differences, not depreciation.
Our buying advice: Compare both generations in person. A well-maintained 2022 Pilot may provide the family space you need at a considerably lower asking price.
7. Subaru Outback: Best for Road Trips and Outdoor Activities
Model years worth comparing: 2021 through 2024
The Outback has a longer, lower body than a traditional SUV, creating a useful cargo area for luggage and outdoor gear. Standard All Wheel Drive and a comfortable ride suit long trips. Independent used SUV research rates the Outback favorably. AutoFinder found 10,689 valid priced listings, with a median of $25,994 and median mileage of 45,696.
Outback or Forester: Which Is Better Used?
Choose the Forester for upright seating and outward visibility. The Outback is attractive if you need a longer cargo floor and prefer a more carlike driving position. Both offer standard All Wheel Drive.
Our buying advice: Bring your usual luggage or equipment to check which cargo shape actually works better.
8. Hyundai Tucson: Best for Features on a Budget
Model years worth comparing: 2022 through 2025
The Tucson offers a modern interior and useful technology at a lower overall asking price than the RAV4. The generation introduced for 2022 brought distinctive styling and a roomier cabin. AutoFinder found 12,937 valid-priced Tucson listings with a median of $22,672.
How Much Less Does a Tucson Cost Than a RAV4?
For 2023, the Tucson median asking price was $23,048 versus $31,309 for the RAV4, an $8,261 difference. The comparison does not control for trims, powertrains, and equipment, and the RAV4 inventory includes hybrids. Nevertheless, the gap makes the Tucson worth considering.
Our buying advice: Verify warranty terms for subsequent owners and review the specific vehicle's recall and service history.
9. Kia Sportage: Best Affordable Newer Generation SUV
Model years worth comparing: 2022 through 2025
The Sportage offers practical space and available features at an approachable used price. Its 2023 redesign created an interesting comparison with the outgoing 2022 generation. AutoFinder found 8,661 valid priced listings, with a median asking price of $23,998.
Should You Buy a 2022 or 2023 Kia Sportage?
The 2022 Sportage had a median asking price of $17,684 across 465 valid priced listings. The redesigned 2023 had a median of $23,795 across 2,737 listings, a $6,111 difference. Older vehicles also had higher mileage. After statistically adjusting for mileage, the gap remained approximately $4,922.
Our buying advice: Compare equipment, safety results, maintenance, and total cost rather than assuming the redesign is automatically worth the premium.
10. Chevrolet Equinox: Best for Budget-Friendly Shopping
Model years worth comparing: 2022 through 2024
The Equinox offers comfortable seating, useful cargo space, and a broad selection. AutoFinder found 19,719 valid priced listings, with a median asking price of $20,600. Of those, 45.5% were advertised below $20,000.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Used SUV to Buy?
AutoFinder identified 6,184 qualifying 2024 Equinox listings, with a median asking price of $22,489. The redesigned 2025 median was $25,476. The 2023 and 2024 Equinox received a Poor rating in IIHS's updated front crash prevention test. That result applies to the specific evaluation, not overall vehicle safety.
Our buying advice: Focus on maintenance history, safety equipment, and individual condition rather than price alone.
What AutoFinder's Used SUV Research Reveals About Value
Our analysis covered 777,533 qualifying used SUV and crossover listings from 28,102 dealers across all 50 states. Of those listings, 769,806 had valid advertised asking prices. The median was $26,988, with 19.8% priced below $20,000 and 41.8% below $25,000.
1. A Redesign Can Create a Large Price Gap
The 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Kia Sportage had substantially lower median asking prices than their redesigned 2023 replacements. The last year of an outgoing generation can be worth investigating, though a lower price does not establish better reliability or safety.
2. A Newer Model Year Does Not Always Cost Much More
The 2024 and 2025 Mazda CX-5 had nearly identical median asking prices. The 2023 through 2025 RAV4 also showed similar prices after statistically accounting for mileage. Shopping multiple model years can reveal opportunities missed by narrow filters.
3. SUVs From the Same Year Can Have Very Different Asking Prices
| 2023 Used SUV | Median Asking Price | Median Mileage | Priced Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | $21,969 | 35,230 | 8,384 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $23,048 | 39,884 | 2,084 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,386 | 47,168 | 1,742 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $31,309 | 43,527 | 3,479 |
Source: AutoFinder inventory, October 28, 2026. Model year is held constant, but trims, powertrains, equipment, and condition differ.
Which Used SUV Should You Buy for Your Budget?
| Shopping Budget | SUVs to Compare |
|---|---|
| Under $20,000 | Chevrolet Equinox, older Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue |
| $20,000 to $25,000 | Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 |
| $25,000 to $30,000 | Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, older Honda Pilot |
| $30,000 to $35,000 | Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V |
| Above $35,000 | Newer Honda Pilot, newer Toyota Highlander, luxury SUV alternatives |
These are shopping starting points, not guaranteed prices. Leave room in your budget for insurance, taxes, registration, and immediate service needs. AutoFinder's Out the Door Price Calculator can help estimate the total purchase cost.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Used SUV?
- Review its history. Check available title, accident, ownership, and service records.
- Check the VIN for recalls. Use the NHTSA recall lookup.
- Compare mileage with maintenance records. Service history matters more than a single mileage threshold.
- Inspect the tires and brakes. Replacing worn components adds to the cost.
- Arrange an independent inspection. A mechanic can identify concerns with major systems.
- Test the SUV with your needs in mind. Check child seats, passenger space, cargo room, and highway comfort.
Ask the dealership for an itemized purchase price and clarify any included warranty coverage.
Is a Certified Pre-Owned SUV Worth Buying?
A certified pre-owned SUV may be worth paying more for if you want additional inspection requirements or warranty protection. Manufacturer programs have different eligibility and coverage terms. Ask what the inspection includes, how long coverage lasts, whether there is a deductible, and which repairs are excluded. Compare the total cost with a similar conventional used vehicle. Certification does not guarantee a vehicle will never need repairs.
Final Verdict: Which Used SUV Should You Buy?
For most shoppers, start with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. The CR-V offers space and practicality, the RAV4 offers hybrid choices, and the CX-5 delivers comfort and driving feel. Families needing 3 rows should compare the Highlander and Pilot. For tighter budgets, the Tucson, Sportage, and Equinox are useful alternatives. Compare real vehicles by mileage, maintenance history, safety equipment, and total cost. A carefully maintained SUV that fits your needs is better than a higher-ranked model that does not.
Disclaimer
This article provides general car shopping information and editorial recommendations. AutoFinder inventory statistics reflect qualifying dealer listings captured on October 28, 2026, not completed transactions or the entire United States used vehicle market. Prices, availability, equipment, condition and safety ratings vary. Rankings do not guarantee reliability or future ownership costs. Verify vehicle details, maintenance history, recall status, warranty coverage and purchase terms before buying.
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