The time to buy a new car has come. Maybe your vehicle is on its last legs or perhaps you’re just needing something different. Whatever the case may be, it’s time to get out there and check out some used cars for sale. These days, SUVs are an extremely popular choice, especially if you’re looking for something in the midsize range.
A midsize SUV is ideal if you have a family and/or need extra cargo space where a smaller vehicle wouldn’t be quite enough. Midsize SUVs can seat a variety of passengers, with some accommodating up to eight people, although six or seven is more common, depending on configurations. There are many options when it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, so let’s check out some of the choices that offer the best value.
Why Used and Why Midsize SUV
There are many advantages to buying a used car over a brand new one, although the main one would be paying less money. Most likely, this is why you’d be looking at used vehicles in the first place — because it’s going to be a better deal for you. Sure, there’s something to be said about driving a new vehicle off the lot, with its customized, fancy features, but the fact is you’ll be spending thousands of dollars more for the cachet of owning a new vehicle compared to one that’s been lightly used.
When it comes to midsize SUVs, the following are some of the most popular vehicles currently on the market. They’re incredibly versatile, with the ability to function as both commuter and adventure vehicles. They have ample space for passengers and cargo. Midsize SUVs are just really what people want right now, in part because they can accommodate just about any lifestyle and comfortably seat most average sized families.
The popularity of SUVs means there are a lot of different options when it comes to choosing one. You’ll find midsize SUVs available from just about every carmaker, each with its own unique, distinct features that give it value.
2-Row Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs with two rows can seat up to five passengers. Because these vehicles have less seating capacity than their close kin, the 3-row midsize SUVs, you can expect a generous amount of cargo and seating space.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevy Blazer is a newer vehicle, but its roots date back to the 1960s. The original K5 Blazer was a rugged full-size SUV that was equally comfortable on the pavement as it was on the trail. The new Blazer trades a bit of its rugged appeal for a strikingly stylish design.
Kelley Blue Book rates the 2019 Chevy Blazer as a 4.4 (Expert Rating) and 4.7 (Consumer Rating). With the 2020 model already released, you’re sure to find some good value on 2019 models that have seen light use.
Subaru Outback
Subaru is known for its long-lasting vehicles, and the Outback is no exception. The first-generation Outback debuted back in the mid-1990s and is now up to the sixth generation with 2020 models. Like most 2-row midsize SUVs, the Outback will best seat four or fewer people, although technically it can fit up to five.
In recent years, the 2016 Subaru Outback has received the best Kelley Blue Book ratings, with a 4.4 (Expert Rating) and a 4.5 (Consumer Rating). The Outback is very family-friendly, but it can also expertly tackle a trail, especially considering it’s a crossover. You can expect great safety ratings and good fuel economy from the Outback, which makes its value as a used vehicle go way up.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes from a well-known and respected off-road brand. And, because of its Jeep badge, the Grand Cherokee often has great resale value, although maybe not up to the same heights as the endlessly popular Wrangler.
In the past five years, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been rated the highest on Kelley Blue Book, receiving a 4.5 (Expert Rating) and 4.4 (Consumer Rating). With a roomy interior and great off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee presents good value for a used vehicle.
3-Row Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs with three rows can generally fit up to seven or eight passengers, although some configurations on certain vehicles may only allow up to six. Also, be sure to note that seating configurations may be different between different model years of the same vehicle. This class of vehicle can be very popular in part due to its ample space (for both passengers and cargo), but also for the fact that it’s not yet a full-size or large SUV. Since these aren’t quite full-size SUVs, you can expect better fuel economy.
Kia Telluride
The 2020 Kia Telluride is a brand-new vehicle, and this is its first model year. So, why is it included in a list of used vehicles? Well, there may not be many options to get one of these used yet, but you can tell there will be some great potential for the Telluride in the near future. Especially considering it won Kelley Blue Book’s 2020 Best Buy Award for Best New Model in the Midsize SUV category. Also, current Kelley Blue Book ratings are sitting at 4.6 (Expert Rating) and 4.2 (Consumer Rating).
Anything winning a Best Buy Award can be sure to offer up good value as a used vehicle. If you don’t think so, just look at a past winner.
Chevrolet Traverse
The 2020 Chevy Traverse can seat up to eight people and, unlike some 3-row midsize SUVs, it’s actually a comfortable fit. Plus, there’s plenty of cargo space. Newer models can benefit from Chevy’s suite of safety and convenience features, but you’ll still find value in models just a few years old.
For example, the 2018 Chevy Traverse has Kelley Blue Book ratings of 4.5 (Expert Rating) and 4.4 (Consumer Rating). The second generation of the Traverse vehicles started with the 2018 model, which means you’ll most likely find additional features included from that year and forward, compared to 2017 and back. And, of course, more features means better value.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot won Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award in the Midsize SUV category for three years straight (2016 – 2018) but was recently ousted by the brand new Kia Telluride. However, with that pedigree the Pilot clearly has plenty of value, especially if you’re in the market for a used one. Since 2016, Kelley Blue Book’s Expert Rating has been 4.7 or higher for the Pilot, which proves how much value a trusted company puts into the 3-row crossover SUV. The higher ratings since 2016 are most likely because the third generation of Honda Pilots started with the 2016 model year, which introduced a complete redesign, both inside and out. And people seem to like it.
When looking for used cars for sale, always keep in mind you should do your proper research beforehand. There are a lot of terrific options out there, so you might as well look for exactly what you want, at the price you can afford, before making a decision.
