Our Top 5 Favorite Used SUV Models

If you’ve been looking for used SUVs for sale in Albany, chances are you’ve been searching for a while. Not for a lack of options, but rather, too many! There’s never enough value in a good crossover or midsize SUV, whether for commuting, running errands, transporting kids, or running a small business. While it is true that SUVs have a reputation for being family vehicles, smaller SUVs serve just as well as highly adaptable urban rides for solitary drivers who need cargo space and not as much seating space. There are many brands, makes, and models to choose from with SUVs, and different trims and features will be available depending on the model year. Unsurprisingly, all these choices can make finding a good used SUV seem like a complex task, but we’re here to simplify it.

If you stop into DePaula Chevrolet, our knowledgeable sales staff will help guide you through this process, discuss all your options, and help you find the used SUV that makes the most sense for you or your family. This should be a fun and exciting process, and we aim to make it as smooth as possible, but knowing what you’re looking for before visiting our lot can help a ton. Thankfully, we have several crossover and midsize SUV recommendations if you need extra space but don’t need extra seating. To help jump-start your search, we’ll discuss some of our favorite used SUVs that have come through our dealership over the last several years. Let’s get started!

Chevy Equinox

We’re starting strong, as one of our all-time favorite midsize SUVs is the Chevy Equinox. The Chevrolet brand has stood the test of time and maintains a reputation for reliability, safety, and value. The Chevy Equinox is currently in its third generation, which began in 2019. It’s been a favorite of ours and our community ever since it was first released to the market in 2005. If you’re looking for a used SUV, you probably will come across a lot of Equinoxes in Albany, just given their popularity in the market and their longevity. A lot were sold, and a lot are still on the roads in our community today.

One of the things we love most about used Equinoxes is their ride quality. When you set out in an Equinox, you get a smooth and comfortable ride every time, thanks to their six-speed automatic transmission (or even nine-speed on the 2020 model with the 2.0L engine) and all-wheel drive (AWD) if you can nab an Equinox with it. This is great for regular commuters or families that like to take road trips. As a compact SUV, the Equinox offers space for up to five passengers but plenty of cargo room with or without the extra passengers. With the rear seats upright, the third-generation Equinox has 29.9 cu.ft. of space for cargo in the back. For longer items or just to fit in more suitcases or boxes, simply fold down the back seats for a total of 63.9 cu.ft. This flexibility is excellent for folks who need to use their vehicle for various reasons but don’t want to get a much larger SUV.

Regarding fuel efficiency, all third-generation models of the Equinox come standard with a 1.5L Turbo I-4 engine. This engine gets 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. You can also expect to get competitive MPG in an Equinox, about 26/31 MPG FWD, and 24/30 MPG in AWD configurations. As mentioned, the 2020 Chevy Equinox uniquely has an available 2.0L Turbo I-4 engine that generates 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and nets 22/29 MPG on FWD and 22/28 MPG on AWD. You can find this engine on either the LT or Premier trim.

Honda CR-V

Honda’s first in-house manufacturer SUV is the CR-V, which is currently in its sixth generation and was first introduced to the market in 1997. Most used CR-Vs on the market are likely fifth generation, spanning the 2017-2022 model years. The CR-V underwent a significant redesign during this period, with Honda opting for a more aggressive and modern aesthetic for the exterior. The fifth-generation CR-V comes with your choice of two engine types: gas or hybrid electric. The gas engine is a 1.5L Turbo I-4 engine, and in terms of fuel efficiency, it clocks in at an EPA-estimated 28/34 MPG on FWD or 27/32 MPG on AWD. The alternative 2.0L I-4 PHEV engine nets an EPA-estimated 40/35 MPG on AWD (hybrid models are unavailable in FWD). It’s important to mention that some cargo space is sacrificed when the hybrid engine is equipped. Standard cargo capacity trends at about 39.2 / 75.8 cu.ft., which shrinks to roughly 33.2 / 68.7 cu.ft. in the hybrid models.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is an excellent crossover SUV for those looking for a balance between urban transportation and outdoor adventuring. It makes a great vehicle for camping with its cavernous cargo capacity, averaging 37.4 cu.ft. with seats up and 65.4 cu.ft. with the back seats folded flat. Many used Escape models you’ll come across will likely be from the third and currently ongoing fourth generations. Newer versions of the Escape will be hooked up with one of four great engine options: a 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I-3, a 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4, a 2.5L I-4 HEV, or a 2.5L I-4 PHEV. With so many options, including two hybrid engines, the Escape is a highly customizable and fuel-efficient choice for many people.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe has more of a unique exterior style than many other crossover and midsize SUVs. It has a more angular frame, which makes it stand out in a crowd. The Santa Fe is known for its well-tuned suspension and poised handling, making for a fun and comfortable driving experience even when on bad roads. Over the years, the engine options have varied in the Hyundai Santa Fe. These have included a 2.5L I-4, a 2.5L Turbo I-4, a 1.6L Turbo I-4 HEV, and a 1.6L Turbo I-4 13.8 kWh PHEV engine. Fuel economy isn’t quite as good, though it is still competitive in the market, with the base engine getting an average of 25/28 MPG on FWD and 22/25 MPG on AWD. What it does have is towing capability. On newer used models of the Santa Fe, you can tow between 2,000 – 3,500 lbs, depending on the customizations.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 rounds out our top five favorite used SUVs but is by no means a last-place for us. Now in its fifth generation, which began in 2019, there are many reasons to love the RAV4, especially if you value durability and practicality in your vehicles. Toyota built the RAV4 for people who plan to put their SUV to work, whether it’s just loading the kids and all their stuff in, driving safely on bad back roads, or even towing small loads. This is a truly capable crossover SUV, still comfortably seating up to five people despite its slightly smaller size than the others in our lineup. Because of that smaller size, it also gets exceptional gas mileage; newer model years get 27/35 MPG on FWD and 27/34 MPG on AWD.

Great Used Midsize and Crossover SUVs for Sale

Whether you intend to use all five seats in a five-seat SUV for bringing people to a campsite or furniture to a move-in, at DePaula Chevrolet, we can help you find the right SUV for you. Between the advantageous cargo space of a Chevy Equinox or the mighty, efficient hybrid options of a Honda CR-V or a Ford Explorer, there’s a solid SUV waiting for everyone on our lot, and our staff is equipped with the knowledge to get you right into your next life-long ride. Come pay us a visit in Albany; we’d love to see you in our showroom!