Shopping for the best used SUVs by brand starts with knowing which makers deliver reliability, value, and the features you want. This guide compares leading brands and models to help you narrow choices by budget, size, capability, and ownership costs. From compact commuters to three row family haulers and off road ready favorites, you will find real world insights you can use today. Cross reference our curated picks with current availability in used-inventory and review deeper research in best-used-suvs, most-reliable-used-suvs, and safest-used-suvs to align your shortlist with safety scores and owner data. If you are tracking trends or price timing, explore used-car-price-trends and when-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-used-car for added confidence. Whether you are focused on fuel economy, winter traction, towing strength, or upscale comfort, the brand by brand breakdown below makes comparing standouts fast and simple.

How to Use This Best Used SUVs by Brand Guide

The right used SUV depends on how you drive and what you haul. Begin by deciding on size and drivetrain, then match your needs to brands known for strengths in those areas. Toyota, Honda, and Subaru lead for reliability and long life. Ford and Chevrolet offer broad choices and towing power. Hyundai and Kia deliver strong value and features per dollar. Luxury brands like Lexus, Acura, and Volvo pair comfort with advanced safety and solid resale. Each brand summary below highlights notable models, best value model years, key features, common issues to check, and ideal buyers.

Toyota

Toyota delivers some of the most dependable SUVs on the road, with strong resale value and low lifetime costs. The RAV4 is a balanced compact SUV with excellent fuel economy and all weather confidence, while the Highlander provides three row practicality. The 4Runner is a body on frame legend for off road durability. Focus on maintenance records and look for Toyota Safety Sense driver aids on newer years.

Honda

Known for reliability and family friendly packaging, Honda SUVs are spacious and efficient. The CR-V is a compact leader with strong cargo volume and comfort. The Pilot adds three row seating and confident V6 power. Prioritize service history and updated infotainment in later years. Many shoppers find sweet spot values in well kept, mid mileage CR-V and Pilot models with Honda Sensing safety tech.

Subaru

Standard all wheel drive and high safety scores make Subaru a standout for winter driving. The Forester and Outback offer carlike comfort with SUV utility. The Ascent adds three row versatility. Inspect head gaskets and CVT service records on older models, and verify routine maintenance for long term reliability. Subaru is a top choice for snowy states and outdoor lifestyles.

Ford

Ford offers breadth across sizes and budgets. The Escape fits commuters, the Edge suits small families, and the Explorer brings three row capacity and towing strength. The Expedition is a full size SUV for big crews and trailers. Check for transmission maintenance on certain model years and match trims to desired features like Co-Pilot360 safety or tow packages.

Chevrolet

From city friendly to trailering champs, Chevrolet has options for every family size. The Equinox is an efficient compact. The Traverse is a roomy three row with adult friendly third row seating. The Tahoe and Suburban are full size SUVs prized for capability and long highway comfort. Evaluate service records and look for active safety features on later years for added value.

Hyundai and Kia

These sister brands deliver strong features per dollar with long warranty coverage when new. On the used market, Tucson, Santa Fe, Sportage, and Sorento are budget friendly and well equipped. The Telluride and Palisade stand out for premium cabins and third row comfort. Verify recall compliance and routine oil changes, and target models with advanced safety and infotainment suites for future proofing.

Mazda

Mazda SUVs are known for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interiors at mainstream prices. The CX-5 is a top choice for commuters who want a quiet ride and premium features. The CX-9 brings three row elegance and a refined turbo engine. Look for i-Activsense safety features and check for regular turbo maintenance on CX-9 for best ownership experience.

Jeep

Jeep leads when off road capability is a priority. The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are icons for trail use, while the Grand Cherokee blends comfort and 4x4 strength. Inspect for prior off road wear, check differential and transfer case service, and match trim to your terrain needs. For families who want light trails and daily comfort, consider Grand Cherokee Limited or Overland trims.

GMC and Buick

GMC and Buick emphasize comfort and quiet rides. The Terrain and Acadia serve small and midsize needs, while the Yukon and Yukon XL suit big families and towing. Buick Encore and Enclave offer near luxury refinement. Favored features include active safety, adaptive cruise, and premium audio. Check for transmission service on specific years and ensure maintenance intervals were followed.

Lexus and Acura

For luxury with excellent reliability, Lexus and Acura are standouts. The Lexus RX is a benchmark midsize luxury SUV with smooth V6 or hybrid options. The NX fits smaller garages while maintaining refinement. Acura RDX offers sportier tuning in a compact luxury package, and the MDX adds three rows. Prioritize models with complete dealer maintenance history and advanced safety suites.

Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes

These European brands deliver advanced safety and premium comfort. Volvo XC60 and XC90 emphasize safety technology and serene cabins. BMW X3 and X5 focus on performance, while Mercedes GLC and GLE blend comfort with modern tech. Verify service records, pre purchase inspections, and cost of consumables like tires and brakes. Many buyers find best value in certified like service histories and moderate mileage examples.

Nissan and Volkswagen

Nissan Rogue is widely available and budget friendly, with all wheel drive options and a calm ride. Pathfinder adds three rows. Inspect CVT service history on Rogues. Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas offer European driving feel with roomy cabins. Check for software updates and routine maintenance. Shop later model years with driver assistance features for best long term satisfaction.

Budget and Use Case Quick Picks

If you are shopping by price or purpose, these shortlists can help. For lower budgets, focus on proven reliability and available service history. For winter states, prioritize all wheel drive with modern traction control. For towing, choose body on frame or strong midsize platforms. For daily commuting, seek quiet cabins, supportive seats, and high mpg.

Model Years to Target and Avoid

Every brand has high points. Focus on model year refreshes that added safety features or addressed known issues. For example, Toyota and Honda made major safety tech standard around the late 2010s. Chevrolet and Ford introduced stronger powertrains and improved transmissions in similar windows. When in doubt, compare crash test ratings, recall counts, and owner satisfaction on used-cars-with-best-crash-test-ratings and used-vehicles-with-lowest-recall-rates, then confirm your findings with a pre purchase inspection.

Mileage, Maintenance, and Total Cost

A well maintained SUV with higher miles can outperform a lower mileage vehicle with spotty care. Prioritize complete service records, clean accident history, and proactive maintenance such as fluid changes and brake service. Check insurance and registration costs and factor in fuel and tires. For deeper planning, review used-cars-with-lowest-maintenance-costs and used-cars-with-lowest-cost-of-ownership.

Fuel Economy and Hybrid or Electric Options

If efficiency is a top concern, consider hybrid and plug in hybrid SUVs. Toyota offers excellent hybrid reliability, and several brands now deliver efficient turbo four engines. Compare options on best-used-hybrid-cars and best-used-electric-vehicles, then confirm real world mpg on used-cars-with-high-mpg. When cross shopping, pay attention to battery health reports on plug in models and verify any hybrid specific maintenance was completed.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Advanced driver assistance can reduce fatigue and improve confidence. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are widely available on late 2010s models. Cross check high performers on safest-used-suvs and used-cars-with-best-safety-ratings. Inspect sensors and calibration records on any vehicle with advanced systems, especially after collision repairs.

Helpful Research and Shopping Links

Keep your search organized with the resources below. Compare your short list to live availability in used-inventory or browse sold-inventory to learn which trims move fastest. For buying fundamentals and financing confidence, bookmark these guides and tools.

Smart Inspection Checklist Before You Buy

A thorough inspection helps avoid surprises. Bring a trusted mechanic or ask for a pre purchase inspection. Confirm the following items and request documentation where applicable. Use used-car-inspection-checklist and used-car-vin-check-guide as references to keep the process simple and complete.

Brand by Brand Summary

If you want the safest bet for low maintenance and long life, start with Toyota, Honda, and Lexus. For budget friendly features, consider Hyundai and Kia. For snow and trail confidence, Subaru and Jeep shine. For towing and room, test Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and family friendly midsize choices like Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse. Match your daily reality to the strengths of each brand, then verify condition and service history for confidence well beyond the test drive.