It looks like the high demand for SUVs won't drop anytime soon. In fact, following the EV explosion, we are even more likely to see many new versions of this vehicle type hit the streets.
But despite the broad and wonderful offer, not everyone can afford a brand-new SUV, however reasonably priced it may be. Buying a new ride on a tight budget also often requires giving up on some specs and features or changing a preferred model altogether.
In these kinds of situations, the used car market can provide buyers with much better options. Not only can used SUVs be less expensive than their brand-new counterparts, but they can be just as reliable. Take as an example the following list of the top-used American SUVs.
10 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
There are many good reasons why the 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited holds the status of the Holy Grail of all Jeeps. The first relates to the rich heritage and military-grade ruggedness that make the Wrangler Unlimited an off-road beast. The second one is the stable performance from an inline-six engine mated to an automatic four-speed transmission that produces 190 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.
Drivers who had the chance to drive this SUV have mostly reported positive things about it on Edmunds. Their reviews usually dub the 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited a vehicle without many mechanical issues that can tackle demanding terrains. According to Consumer Reports, however, the 2004 Jeep Wrangler is better suited solely for off-road adventures because of its thirsty engine and a tad clumsy handling.
9 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is not perfect. For starters, it lacks in the cargo department and the thrill-raising performance area. But this production year is also highly practical and efficient, rated 71 out of 100 points for quality and reliability by J.D. Power.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox aims to last and provide consistent performance from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder (182 ponies and 172 lb-ft of torque) and 3.0-liter V6 (264 ponies and 222 lb-ft of torque) engines. The excellent fuel economy and the prevailing stylish design also make this used SUV a great buying option.
8 2015 Ford Escape
Those looking for efficient compact SUVs at a low price should check out the 2015 Ford Escape. Still modern-looking and with various reliable four-cylinder engines (producing up to 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque), the Escape is an excellent choice even today. We also like its various tech and comfort features as well as the interior and exterior build quality.
J.D. Power ratings support our notion of the 2015 Ford Escape as a quality vehicle, giving it a great score (83 points out of 100) in the quality, reliability, and resale value segments.
7 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Another highly potent and reliable used American SUV you can buy is the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Consumer ratings speak for themselves. Most proud owners of this SUV reported being highly satisfied with the drive quality, reliability, and safety of the Grand Cherokee. Moreover, J.D. Power gives this vehicle 81 points out of 100, rating it great in driving experience and resale value and average in reliability.
Although not that fuel-efficient, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee can take you anywhere you want to go in all kinds of weather conditions. The rugged design of this production year gets backed up by the 295-horsepower V6, the 360-horsepower V8, the 475-horsepower V8, the maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, various drive modes, pretty advanced technology, and much more.
You can also get this attractive off-roader at about $20,000, which is half the price of the base new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
6 2017 Jeep Renegade
Although not as capable off-road as its larger rivals, the Jeep Renegade boasts fair reliability and a great driving experience. Despite some mixing customer reviews due to mechanical problems, you can expect the Jeep Renegade to be reasonably reliable as long as you pinpoint a good used unit.
The 2017 Jeep Renegade is a Jeep in its essence, with unique looks and plenty of intuitive and fun tech features. It has two engine options, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and a 2.4-liter inline-four putting out 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. There are also various driving modes and tech features to boost the quality and longevity of the Renegade.
If buying the latest 2023 production year is not an option, we recommend the 2017 production year, which you can get at half the price of the newest variant.
5 2018 Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave has had its good and bad years. The 2018 production year, luckily, belongs to the former. Just a few points shy of having a great quality and reliability rating, this SUV has great ratings on J.D. Power for driving experience and resale value and best for dealership experience. The overall rating of 85 out of 100 points is more than solid enough for a used ride.
Redesigned to be more modern than previous versions, the 2018 Buick Enclave is a highly functional and practical crossover SUV. It's also quite handsome if you ask us. Under the hood of this pretty ride is a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and pairing to a front- or all-wheel drive. You'll also find it equipped with all kinds of tech and comfort features, from a roomy cabin to an advanced infotainment system.
4 2018 GMC Terrain
Although J.D. Power says the 2018 GMC Terrain provides average quality, reliability, and driving experience, this is still a practically new SUV with a great resale value you can get at a reasonable price.
Completely redesigned for the year, the 2018 GMC Terrain is a bold but light SUV with excellent capability and versatility. This vehicle has potent inline-four engines producing up to 252 horsepower, an all-wheel-drive system, refined driving dynamics, and many other impressive specs and features. The same applies to the interior, which is full of easy-to-operate and convenient tech features.
3 2018 Buick Envision
Another used Buick unit worthy of purchase is the 2018 Envision. This compact SUV may not be the most thrill-rising with its traditional styling, average driving experience, and lack of sportiness. However, the 2018 Buick Envision promises great (way above-average) quality and reliability, and top resale value.
2 2019 Buick Encore
If you need no extra SUV space for hauling pets, family, and friends daily, consider the 2019 Buick Encore. This smallish vehicle is super practical and convenient. J.D. Power gives it as high as 88 points for quality and reliability, and Edmunds consumer reviews report the Encore having many highly satisfied owners.
1 2020 Jeep Wrangler
Of course, we had to include another, newer version of the Jeep Wrangler because of its impressive capability and off-road reliability. According to J.D. Power, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler has great quality and reliability as well as the best resale value among all Wrangler model years.
Admittedly, the driving experience is average. However, the Wrangler compensates for the firm ride with over-the-top off-road equipment, advanced tech, and potent engines (four-cylinder and V6s delivering between 270 and 285 horsepower).
Considering the 2023 Jeep Wrangler can get extremely pricey, the 2020 production year can help you save a couple of bucks while getting more modern specs and features.