Used SUVs are important for many drivers since they let folks get a great vehicle to handle everything they need while also sticking to a budget. Someone who starts looking at SUVs available at a used car dealer will probably experience information overload very quickly because there’s so much to see and try to keep track of. One of the best things to note when looking at different used SUVs is the model year; not only does this give you a sense of how used a vehicle is (though mileage is arguably more important), but it can also reveal certain features that might be found on a particular model. To showcase what I’m talking about, let’s have a look at seven popular used SUVs and which model years are notable for them.
The Ford Bronco: An Adventurous Off-Road SUV
You might not think the Bronco is the perfect example of the importance of model years since it’s only been around (in its current form) for a few years, but it actually is. The Bronco was a very popular Ford SUV from the 1960s through the 1990s, but it was discontinued, and its fans were left wanting it for decades. Ford finally brought the Bronco back for the 2021 model year as an off-road-focused midsize SUV that’s perfect for going camping and hitting the most challenging trails.
And yet, even with something this new, the model year is still important. For the 2022 model, Ford introduced a new Everglades trim with upgraded features, a high-performance Raptor model, and an enhanced suspension package. Ford released a Heritage Edition with distinct looks for 2023, made a 12-inch infotainment screen standard on 2024 models, and has added more each year. So, even with an SUV that only has a handful of years on the used market, the model year is still important.
The Chevy Equinox: Compact and Great for Most Budgets
On the other hand, the Chevy Equinox is the perfect illustration of the importance of model years when you’re looking at a vehicle that’s been around for generations. First introduced for 2005, you can find some 20 different options out there for the Equinox if you only have model year in mind—start adding trims and features, and things become a lot more complicated. Important model years to note for this compact SUV are 2010, when the second generation launched, 2018 for the release of its third generation, and 2025 for Chevy’s release of the fourth-generation Equinox. Of course, there are also plenty of updates within those generations; keep in mind that the second-generation Equinox was refreshed for the 2016 model year with numerous enhancements. Chevy gave the third-gen Equinox an update and refresh for the 2022 model year, making that an important one to keep in mind for this SUV.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee: Spacious and Sophisticated Performance
One of the older SUVs still in production, the Grand Cherokee, has been around since the early 1990s, creating a legion of fans over the decades. The Jeep Cherokee came out first as a smaller option, and the Grand Cherokee is a larger midsize model with a lot to offer. Since it’s been around so long, there are a lot of generations and different model years out there for this SUV, though only collectors are looking for one from the 1990s or early 2000s.
The fourth generation for the Grand Cherokee launched with the 2011 model year, until the introduction of the fifth generation with the 2021 model—that’s a long run. A Trailhawk off-road trim was introduced with the 2013 model year, with a refresh the following year. Jeep added a three-row Grand Cherokee L with the fifth generation, further showing the importance of model years.
The Ford Explorer: Three Rows Inside for More Passengers
Another option that can have three rows of seats and has been around a long time, Ford introduced the Explorer for the 1991 model year, so it has more than 30 years of different options. The Explorer actually started as both a compact and midsize SUV, with two-door and four-door models available. A redesign for its third generation and the 2002 model year eliminated the smaller option and it’s remained a larger, midsize SUV ever since.
This also allowed for the introduction of an available third row of seats, which has been a staple for the Explorer ever since. Ford launched its fourth generation with the 2006 model year, a fifth generation in 2011, and a sixth generation with the 2020 model year. The third row of seats also went from an option to standard with the redesign for its fifth generation.
The Toyota 4Runner: Midsize Design, Incredibly Popular
The Toyota 4Runner has been a staple in the lives of multiple generations of drivers because it was released in 1984—it’s been sold for more than 40 years here in the US. Again, you’re not going to find many 4Runner models from the 1980s or ‘90s at dealerships these days since they’re collector’s items more than anything. But there are still a number of different generations and years out there for this vehicle.
Most of the used models folks are looking to buy these days are from the 4Runner’s fifth generation, which launched with the 2010 model year and ran all the way through 2024. A single generation across 14 years is a huge run; some changes from year to year can be minor, but other times you get things like a facelift and redesign for the 2014 model year. Different trim levels were also added, such as the TRD Pro for the 2015 model year and the TRD Off-Road for the 2017 model.
The Kia Sportage: Small and Accessible SUV
Sometimes it’s just as important to note what model years aren’t available—the Kia Sportage is a good example of this. First introduced for the 1995 model year, the Sportage is a small SUV that wasn’t as popular as Kia would’ve liked. Initially developed during a partnership with Ford and Mazda, Kia was partially acquired by and joined with Hyundai in 1998. Following this, they discontinued the Sportage after the 2002 model year and took a couple of years to revamp its design and engineering.
There are no 2003 or 2004 models for the Sportage; it returned for the 2005 model year as an all-new second-generation Sportage. A third generation kicked off with the 2011 model year, followed by a fourth generation for 2017, and then a fifth-generation Sportage released for the 2023 model year. These kinds of gaps aren’t uncommon when looking at different vehicles, so it helps to know what years to look for and which don’t exist.
The Ford Escape: Perfect for a Wide Range of Drivers
One last model from Ford, the Escape was first introduced for the 2001 model year and is another fine example of a compact SUV with a lot to offer. The second generation of the Escape only went from 2008 to 2012, largely because it had not been as thoroughly updated and redesigned as some drivers wanted. So Ford launched a third-generation Escape for the 2013 model year with a full revamp inside and out. Following a refresh for the 2017 model, a fourth generation kicked off for the 2020 model year and has been going ever since. This current-gen Escape was updated and refreshed for the 2023 model year, further showing how important it is to look at different years within a single generation.
Research Pays off When Looking At Used SUVs
Ultimately, the point is that doing a little research ahead of time or while looking at different used models makes a big difference. Whether you’re shopping for a vehicle or just like to know what’s out there and why certain models and years might be more popular, it pays to look at generations and updates for certain vehicles. An older ride like the Ford Escape can have big differences when looking at 2019 and 2020 models, while even newer options like the Bronco can see new features added and upgrades from one year to the next. By knowing what’s out there and when major enhancements happen for a vehicle, you are better equipped to compare used models and know what to expect from any given SUV.
