SUVs are the most versatile vehicles on the market, which might explain why it's the most rapidly growing automotive segment. In fact, SUVs have become so popular that even supercar companies like Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Maserati have decided to jump on the bandwagon in order to cash in on the SUV hype.

Updated March 2021: If you're in the market for an SUV and can't decide whether to purchase a used model or a brand-new one, we've updated this list to help you make a better and more informed decision.

While these companies make some ridiculously fast SUVs, the most reliable and readily available SUVs for regular people are still made by traditional car companies such as Toyota. As modern SUVs are becoming more reliable, it might be a good idea to check out which models can be considered safe used car purchases and which should definitely only be bought new.

Seeing as new cars can lose a lot of value during the first months and years, some vehicles offer much better value if purchased slightly used versus new. But there's more to buying a car than this, and things aren't always black and white. Let's check out six SUVs that are better to purchase used and four that make more sense to buy new.

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10 Buy Used: 2010 Honda CR-V ($10,000-$20,000)

thecarconnection.com

The Honda CR-V is definitely one of the most well-rounded and versatile compact SUVs on the market, and it's a great SUV to purchase used. The CR-V is not only affordable, but it's also considered one of the most reliable SUVs in its class. In addition, it has a comfortable and spacious cabin, plenty of cargo space, and it received a good safety score. As long as the SUV has been well-kept and maintained, it will provide plenty of joyful and carefree motoring for years to come.

2016 Honda CR-V
Honda

While the CR-V is robust and will keep its value as a used vehicle, it does have one weakness - an underpowered engine. However, all is not lost, as it also offers very good fuel efficiency. New-ish models, such as CR-V from 2016, cost an average $20,000 in the used market in mint condition, and are just as reliable as a brand-new model.

9 Buy Used: 2016 Hyundai Tucson ($15,000-$20,000)

Hyundai Tucson - Front Quarter
Hyundai

The Hyundai Tucson was fully redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it emerged as one of the most stylish compact SUVs on the market with a plethora of upgrades. The cabin might be slightly subpar, but still offers plenty of interior space, adult-friendly seats, and advanced safety features.

via Youtube

The SUV comes standard with a delightful four-cylinder engine, very decent fuel economy, and it scores high on reliability. The new Tucson comes with an MSRP of $29,900, so there's certainly some savings to be had by going for the used option, which ranges from under $16,000 to around the $20,000 mark.

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8 Buy Used: 2010 Toyota RAV4 ($6,000-$10,000)

2010 Toyota RAV4
Toyota

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 comes with a very efficient four-cylinder engine as standard, plenty of safety features, and a high reliability score, so we wouldn't worry for a second about buying one, even if it's getting a bit long in the tooth. The RAV4 is a highly ranked compact SUV, and it offers seating for five people as well as lots of cargo space.

2010-toyota-rav4
Via: The Car Connection

Those in the market for a second-hand compact SUV should definitely consider a RAV4, as this SUV is very practical. If the four-cylinder engine isn't enough, there's an optional six-cylinder engine available. There really aren't many SUVs on the market that are as capable as the RAV4, especially at this price point.

7 Buy Used: 2015 Chevrolet Traverse ($10,000-$22,000)

Black 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
Via Rick Hendrick Chevrolet

The Chevy Traverse is a midsize crossover SUV that offers plenty of space. In fact, its classy interior accommodates seven or eight people in all three of its rows. The V6 engine produces more than enough power for most situations, including good acceleration and acceptable towing capacity. Buyers really can't go far wrong by choosing a used Traverse.

2015 Chevrolet Traverse in motion on road driving past greenery
Via: The Car Connection

The Traverse has also been updated with a handful of practical gadgets. It comes standard with a backup camera, a decent infotainment system, and some safety features.

6 Buy Used: Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($50,000-$70,000)

via NetCarShow

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, meaning terrain vehicle, is sometimes referred to as the G-Wagen. The G-Class is a luxury midsize 4WD SUV that's renowned for its rugged nature and boxy styling. In fact, it's proven so successful that Mercedes hasn't even bothered to change the looks much since its inception in 1979.

Black 2019 Mercedes Benz G-Class
via Car Pixel

One might say that the G-Wagen has stayed close to its roots?! However, there have been some changes on the inside, and the G-class offers a luxurious and modern interior. This SUV is very desirable, which is reflected in its high resale value. While there's certainly money to save, it still won't come cheap.

5 Buy Used: 2016 Mazda CX-9 ($19,000)

Via: Bing

The CX-9 debuted in 2006 and since then, Mazda has taken it up a notch. This SUV has a great interior and a stunningly gorgeous body. But it doesn't end there, as it also boasts a quick off-the-line acceleration, dynamic handling, and a host of other features. In typical Mazda fashion, they injected the CX-9 with their "Jinba Ittai" DNA, meaning "horse and rider as one," this SUV offers a very inspiring driving experience. The CX-9 also offers better fuel economy than the competition.

The CX-9's trim is certainly on par with offerings from luxury brands. It does feel luxurious for an SUV with that price range. This SUV comes with two different engines, and they're both great. To top it all off, it really is a bargain on the used car market.

RELATED: This Is Why 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Is The Best Used SUV

4 Buy New: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ($38,645)

Red 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited off-road
Jeep

There's almost no good reason to buy a used Wrangler Unlimited. With a depreciation curve of just 30% in five years, there's hardly much difference in price from a new model. Even people who have no plans going off-road, buy Wranglers, and it's easy to see why.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude bright white
Via Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler might be extremely durable, but like all Jeep products, it suffers from certain quality and reliability issues. Due to these inherent problems, we'd prefer to purchase a brand-new model with a full warranty rather than getting a used model.

3 Buy New: Toyota 4Runner ($36,020)

toyota-4runner
via motorauthority

The Toyota 4Runner doesn't just have excellent off-road capabilities, it also has great resale value, which makes it a great choice to buy new. The 4Runner comes with ample cargo space, a modern infotainment system, and other modern-day features and necessities.

Via: www.motortrendenespanol.com

It might not be on the top of the midsize SUV list, but it does have good reliability and advanced safety features. If you ever consider buying the 4Runner, you'd do well to buy it new. With a depreciation rate of 33% over five years, it ages gracefully.

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2 Buy New: Toyota Highlander ($39,900)

thecarconnection.com

The Highlander is a family-friendly SUV that's has been serving families since 2001. It has evolved over the years and offers a great driving experience. The Highlander is known for its fuel economy, good reliability, and excellent road manners. Thanks to recent upgrades, the model now boasts high-end cabin materials, is very functional, and delivers a composed ride.

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While it faces stiff competition from the likes of Subaru Ascent, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Sorento, the Highlander is still a great choice to purchase brand-new. With a 44% re-sale value over five years, spending cash on a new one is a better move; especially since it was completely redesigned for the 2020 year model.

1 Buy New: Subaru Outback ($26,000)

2020-subaru-outback
via motor1

The Subaru Outback has a well-earned reputation for longevity and reliability. The Outback is a nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two of its offerings. It's not the best SUV, but it makes for a great new purchase due to its re-sale value.

outback-subaru
via canadianautoreview

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this all-wheel drive is built to take you on adventures in style and comfort. Those with outdoor lifestyles are huge fans of the Outback, likewise those living in colder climates. With an MSRP of $26,645, it's best to go straight for new.

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