Choosing the Right Used SUV

Jul 12, 2024

An orange 2019 Cadillac XT4 is shown rounding a corner after looking at used SUVs for sale.

Over the last two decades, SUVs have emerged as the vehicle of choice for many different types of drivers. Families love the extra space afforded by an SUV, including the ability in some models to fit up to nine passengers. This allows them to bring most of the team to practice in one vehicle. Commuters like the fact that they handle inclement weather better, and many models have exceptional fuel economy. Meanwhile, adventurers value the ruggedness of some models. Then there are those who just love the style and design of SUVs and enjoy the extra ground clearance you get in these vehicles.

With so many SUVs to choose from, things can get a little confusing. This is especially so when shopping for used SUVs for sale. Buying used not only makes the cost of your next vehicle more affordable, it also gives you more choices since there are more used models available than new ones produced each year. That is why our sales team here at Snell Cadillac will be happy to walk you through our extensive inventory of used SUV models for sale. Our goal is to help you find the right used SUV for you and your lifestyle.

How Much Space Do You Need?

SUVs can be broken down into four size categories. Subcompact SUVs are the smallest and are usually the most economical. In general, a used subcompact SUV like a Honda HR-V or a Buick Encore GX is going to cost less than larger models from the same brand. In addition, they usually provide better fuel economy. This is why they are ideal for commuters and students. Commuters will appreciate the better fuel economy, while students on a budget will find them more affordable to buy and maintain. For example, a used 2022 Hyundai Kona will get 32 MPG combined. However, subcompact SUVs have smaller passenger compartments, making them not as good a choice as larger models for people who need space for their things or families with kids.

The compact SUV is probably the most versatile category of used SUVs. Despite the name, these are actually more comparable in interior space to midsize sedans. A used Cadillac XT4, Honda CR-V, or Chevy Equinox will provide a solid amount of passenger and cargo space. This is why young families and retirees often choose these models. Many older drivers find that the added ground clearance makes it easier to enter and exit them than if they choose a conventional sedan. They also tend to have very good fuel economy ratings. A used 2021 Buick Envision can get 31 MPG on the highway. As a result, compact SUVs also make a good choice for commuters who may want a vehicle with more passenger and cargo space for the weekend.

One of the more interesting categories is midsize SUVs, which often come with either two or three rows of seats. These give you more space than compact models but at the cost of fuel economy and maneuverability. Still, these can make a great choice for larger families and people who like the storage capacity. Some of the standout models in this category include the Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ford Explorer. However, one tradeoff in many of these models is that in order to get the most cargo space, you will need to fold down the rear seats. As a result, you need to decide between carrying passengers and moving things.

The largest SUV models fall into the full-size category. These behemoths give you both spacious passenger cabins and expansive cargo areas. One of the leading models is the Cadillac Escalade, which helped establish the full-size luxury SUV category. Other full-size SUV models include the GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. Some of these models can even seat up to nine passengers, making them perfect for large families. However, they do not have the exceptional fuel economy you will find in smaller models and are not as easy to drive. In addition, all of that space will cost you more, even when you are buying used.

A red 2021 Cadillac XT6 is shown parked on a driveway.

Two Rows Good, Three Rows Better?

Another thing you will need to consider when buying a used SUV is whether to choose a two-row or three-row model. In general, you will only find this option for midsize SUVs, as most full-size SUV models like the Escalade and Yukon come with standard three rows of seats. Some compact SUVs have offered three-row options, such as the Toyota RAV4, which briefly offered a third row, but this is unusual. As a result, you will generally only need to consider this when buying a midsize model.

Some brands offer two midsize SUV models, one with two rows of seats and the other with three rows. For example, Cadillac has the two-row XT5 and three-row XT6. If you don’t need space for more than five passengers, you may find it makes more sense to choose a two-row model. This is because the trunk space may be larger without having to fold down seats. Also, you may have to pay a slight premium for that third row.

Four Different Drivetrains

One of the most interesting things about SUVs is that they are one of the only model types that feature all four different drivetrains. Most sedans are either front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, although some have all-wheel drive. Pickup trucks usually come with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. But when it comes to SUVs, you can find models that offer all four of these drivetrains.

In general, a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive model will give you better fuel economy than all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. This is because the engine only powers one axle on the vehicle. However, you are going to get better traction when you drive an SUV with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, especially in inclement weather or on uneven pavement.

Many people use the terms all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive interchangeably. However, there are clear differences between the two. All-wheel drive is a full-time system that splits power between the front and rear axles as needed. Four-wheel drive is a part-time system that has to be manually engaged but offers superior performance in the harshest conditions. This is why all-wheel drive models are better for on-road conditions, while four-wheel drive is great for off-roading. If you are into a little adventure, a used Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco will be a great choice. Both are built for off-road conditions.

Gas or Electric?

In the past, when folks heard the question, “Gas or electric?” it usually involved the choice of stove. Today, the phrase can apply when buying a used SUV as well. Tesla began a revolution in 2015 when it introduced the Model X, a midsize SUV that is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The success of the Model X and smaller Model Y caused other automakers to come out with their own electric SUVs, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Cadillac LYRIQ. The key benefit of a BEV is that you no longer have to fill up your gas tank. Instead, you charge the vehicle’s battery pack, which is used to power one or more electric motors. Electric SUV models also have zero emissions, so they are better for the environment.

In addition to fully-electric SUVs, many automakers offer some of their most popular SUV models with a hybrid engine option. While these can cost slightly more than models with conventional gas engines, you can get improved fuel economy without the need to recharge like a BEV. You can find hybrid SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape on the used market. These are something for commuters and daily drivers to consider, as choosing a hybrid model will help reduce your fuel consumption.