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In recent years, SUVs have risen to become the most dominant models in the global car market. They are practical, powerful, and offer numerous comfort features. However, SUVs were rare and regarded as off-roaders back in the day. This was not just in the minds of buyers; most SUVs were factory-built for off-road purposes, and they were used for basic vehicle duties rather than urban cruising.
But, like the insanely priced classic muscle beasts and cars like the vintage air-cooled Porsche 911s, collectors are now chasing after classic SUVs. Some classic SUV models like the Jeep Wagoner, Land Rover, and the Toyota FJ40 have skyrocketed in prices. In 2015, a well-kept FJ40 sold for over $100,000 at auction, which shows the potential of the classic SUV market. That said, here are some vintage SUVs that are on the verge of collectible status.
9 Toyota RAV4 Mk1 – 1994
The 1994 Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive, popularly known as the Toyota RAV4, was a unique compact size car with nifty handling and surprising off-road capabilities. It came as a two-door, four-seater model with a willing 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder 3S-FE engine that endowed the car with nearly hot-hatches performance levels.
As its name suggested, the RAV4 offered a permanent four-wheel drive transmission, running through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. And while the Mk1 is gaining in popularity now, it is still one of the most affordable classic 4x4s that will demolish any off-road trail.
8 Range Rover P38A – 1994
Way before Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and other luxurious 4x4s were offered, Range Rover was one of the few options in town. When the Range Rover P38A was launched in 1994, it upgraded its game with more sophisticated suspensions, equipment, and comfy features like a VCR and television.
Later, the P38 suffered a fall from grace as reliability rumors combined with penny-pinching owners made it a laughingstock. However, on the right hand, the P38A can prove an astute investment. Currently, the P38A is one of the best luxury car bargains worth every dime.
7 Land Rover Discovery 2
When the Land Rover Discovery 2 appeared in 1989, drivers couldn’t get enough of the boxy seven-seat SUV. Under its long nose, the Discovery 2 came with the option of a 2.5-liter diesel (TD5) or 4-liter V8 petrol, but most opted for the economical and equally torquey 2.5-liter TD5 turbodiesel.
As for handling, the Discovery 2 came with an advanced option called the Active Cornering Enhancement system (ACE), thus drives well and is comfortable. Its off-road capabilities are top-notch, with features like the hill descent control and the traction control aiding one to get anywhere safely. Collectors eyeing for a well-maintained Discovery 2 model should know they are available for around $2000.
6 BMW X5 – 1999
The takeover of the Rover marque proved to be very beneficial for BMW in developing the BMW X5. When it launched in 1999, the X5 became a must-have SUV as it featured handsome looks and a well-appointed cabin.
Even though the X5 was a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the German brand chose from the start to route 60% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, making it feel like the company’s rear-wheel-drive sedans. As for reliability, some well-known hurdles can be overcome with equally widespread fixes, and thus running the X5 as a modern classic can be simpler and cheaper. Well-maintained examples of the X5 are available for around $2,600.
5 Subaru Forester S-Turbo – 1999
The Forester S-Turbo is one of the best SUVs in Subaru’s history. Mechanically, it’s an Impreza, but with a higher-set body and a piece of the all-terrain potential. It comes equipped with a whizzy 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 175 horsepower.
Additionally, the all-wheel-drive gives the Forester S-Turbo plenty of grip, even in the corners. Although it’s not as quick as today’s models with a 0-60 mph of 9.3 seconds, the S-Turbo drives impressively well, making it a modern classic with a pocket-friendly price of about $2,400.
4 Volvo XC90 – 2002
The Volvo XC90 is a unique SUV that stayed unchanged for 13 years, yet it continued to sell strongly up to the end of its production years. This rightness alone makes it a precious classic to bag now rather than wait till the prices increase.
The Volvo XC90 is available with a choice of three engines. However, the most common engine is the in-line 5-cylinder 2.4-liter TD engine that produces a decent 163 horsepower. For collectors considering the XC90, make sure the automatic gearbox and rear differential are sound. This vehicle goes for around $1600, although its price is bound to go as it moves up the ladder to become a collectible.
3 Lexus RX300 – 2001
Lexus had been building the Harrier since 1998, but it took until 2001 for the RX300 to arrive in the car market. The compact 2001 Lexus RX300 sat between the Land Rover Discovery and the Freelander in size and was attractive for Lexus’s vast amount of standard amenities.
Although the vehicle eschews superb reliability, some buyers found the RX bland in looks and driving style. Overall, the R300 offers a perfect and comfortable car to deal with day-to-day duties. There are a reasonable number of excellent models out there with prices starting from $2,000.
2 Mercedes ML – 1997
The Mercedes ML, designated the code name W163, was Mercedes’s first mid-size SUV introduced in 1997. Inside, the interior featured a roomy, especially for the front seats, plus a spacious amount of cargo space.
Powering the 1997 ML was a 2.7-liter turbodiesel engine though a 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engine and the big V8s were appealing and more reliable. For thrilling fun, though, collectors should consider the ML55 AMG that gives 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The prices for the standard models cost around $1300, while the AMGs are priced from about $5300.
1 Honda CR-V Mk1 – 1999
The Honda Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, popularly known as Honda CR-V, is a compact, lightweight car that kick-started the SUV lifestyle market. It offered good fuel economy, and practical interior and cargo space, making it popular among other compact SUVs. The 1999 CR-V was available as a front-wheel drive, although the front-wheel-drive models are rare.
Underneath, the CR-V was equipped with one engine option, a 126-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC, though the 1999 engine was modified with an additional 20 horsepower. The Honda CR-V is a bargain bucket-list SUV classic, and it’s hard to go wrong with the model. Today, good examples of CR-V Mk1 models are priced at $1,300. And due to their dependability as family-oriented, they are likely to skyrocket due to their rarity.