SUV Buying Guide

Regardless of the SUV you're buying, you'll be pleased with its versatility and practicality. You might want something that can complete the school run during the week, but head off-road on the weekends. Nothing beats an SUV in that type of versatility.

• Choice of optional and standard third-row seating

• Ability to tow across many models

If you need to haul furniture, winter sports gear, or just want space to stretch out. The largest SUVs (such as the Chevrolet Suburban 1500) can have up to 144 cu-ft of space with all the seats folded. With configurable seating, lots of leg room, and plenty of cargo space, an SUV is a great choice if you need to stretch out.

• Lots of practical space, especially in full-size models

• Great for group trips or family adventures

If you live somewhere with snow, like to go off-road, or just want a bit more grip in the rain, look out for an SUV with four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Even compact SUVs often have the option of AWD. The most capable option for tricky conditions would be an SUV with full-time four-wheel drive.

• Extra traction to give you confidence in poor weather

• Go-anywhere ability for camping

Advanced driver-assist systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist make driving a modern SUV a breeze. Coupled with the option of premium audio, heated seats, and useful features such as automated parking, you'll be surprised how well-equipped even the most rugged SUV is.

• Added peace of mind thanks to advanced driver aids

• Keep passengers entertained with a range of infotainment features

One thing to consider when you're shopping for a used SUV is your budget. There's plenty of choices out there, but it's worth looking at affordability based on both the down payment and monthly payments.

• Consider upfront and monthly payments

• Use RepairPal to understand potential ongoing costs

• Remember, fuel efficiency will impact the total cost of ownership

Take time to think about how you'll use your SUV. Are you looking for a bit of extra space for luggage or sports equipment? Are you mostly driving to and from work on the highway? Do you want the option of heading off the beaten path during the weekends? An SUV is a great partner for an active lifestyle, but the tech features and fuel economy of smaller models suit city driving and commuting. Consider the following:

• Daily commute distances and conditions

• Passenger and cargo requirements

• Recreation, towing, and drivetrain needs

Based on your lifestyle, look at the key specs you need in your SUV. Are you after four-wheel drive for off-roading, or is basic AWD enough for your commute? Also consider what size of SUV you need, as they range from nimble crossover to full-size utility. There's also a good range of electric SUVs available. You might want to compare:

• Assistance and security features

• Entertainment features

• Performance, efficiency, and handling

If you're looking for a smaller option, you can choose between a crossover and a compact SUV. A crossover will be the smaller option and will drive more like a car, but an SUV will have some potentially more rugged features.

Compact SUV advantages

• Fuel efficient

• Comfortable

• Some off-road ability

Crossover advantages

• Easy to drive

• Comfortable

• Fuel efficient

These compact SUVs are well-loved for a reason. Both get decent EPA-estimated fuel economy, are comfortable to drive, and have user-friendly features. As they're small SUVs, they don't have the space you might find in larger models, but if you want something practical and straightforward to drive, both are a strong choice.

Honda CR-V Advantages

• Spacious interior with lots of cargo room

• Smooth and comfortable ride

• User-friendly tech features

Toyota RAV4 Advantages

• Plenty of driver-assist features

• Good mileage

• Comfortable seats

If you're after a spacious cabin with a third row for your crew, you should compare the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both come with lots of standard features, seating across three rows, and the option of off-road capabilities. The third row might be a bit small for adults, but it's useful if you have kids.

Kia Sorento Advantages

• Loaded with driver assists

• Spacious first- and second-row seating

• Smooth, effortless driving experience

Hyundai Santa Fe Advantages

• Many standard features

• Good off-road capabilities, with available options

• Third-row seating

If you're after a small SUV with plenty of personality, the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V are worth consideration. These aren't the sportiest of vehicles, but you get a smooth, easy ride with some great tech features.

Nissan Rogue Advantages

• Spacious cabin

• Ample cargo space

• Many driver-assist features

Honda CR-V Advantages

• Spacious interior with lots of cargo room

• Smooth and comfortable ride

• User-friendly tech features

If you need a third row for kids, you have some great options here. Both the Palisade and the Highlander have good fuel economy (considering their size), a comfortable ride experience, and some upscale features.

Hyundai Palisade Advantages

• Upscale standard features

• Spacious passenger cabin

• Engaging performance

Toyota Highlander Advantages

• Good visibility throughout

• Pleasing fuel economy for a three-row SUV

• Quiet ride experience

There is a lot of passenger space across both these vehicles, but the Palisade just edges out the Atlas with its eight seats over the VW's seven. These are great SUV alternatives to a minivan.

Volkswagen Atlas Advantages

• Lots of passenger space across all three rows

• Huge cargo capacity

• Smooth ride comfort

Hyundai Palisade Advantages

• Upscale standard features

• Spacious passenger cabin

• Engaging performance

Compact

These small SUVs are great for city life, especially if you prefer car-like handling but need a bit more space. The most popular compact SUVs are practical, efficient, and versatile.

Key features

• Easy to maneuver around city streets

• Plenty of budget-friendly models

• More cargo space than a sedan

• Fuel-efficient engine options

Popular models

Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V

Midsize

You have a wide range of choices across midsize SUVs, from the stylish and practical Mazda CX-5 to the luxury Volvo XC60. If you're looking for something with good off-road capability that's still suitable for around-town driving, a used midsize SUV could be a great choice. Many models come with either standard or available all-wheel drive and are often well-equipped as standard.

Key features

• Good balance of handling and comfort

• Lots of choices and styles available

• Plenty of available driver-assistance tech

Popular models

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-5

Large

If you regularly haul sports gear, three rows of people, or need towing ability, a large SUV has the utility you need. These tend to balance luxury and off-road features nicely. Look out for available four-wheel and all-wheel drive, helpful driver-assistance systems, and engines ranging from practical to powerful.

Key features

• Range of powerful V6 and V8 options

• Lots of practical technology

• Great towing ability

Popular models

BMW X5, Infiniti QX60, Dodge Durango

Very large

These are the largest SUVs that offer excellent towing capacity, four-wheel drive capability, luxury features, and tons of space. This is great if you need space for people and cargo. The truck-like construction means they often have large engines and long wheelbases.

Key features

• Lots of space for cargo and passengers

• Large engines with hybrid options available

• Packed with features across all trims

Popular models

Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition