Looking to upgrade your commuter car to an SUV? These three used compact crossovers strike the right balance of capability and economy. And if you’re on a budget, you’ll find great deals on used models.
How These SUVs Made the List of Best Used Compact Crossovers
Like just about everything else, the cost of commuting keeps going up. And now that workplaces are opening up again, not everyone has the luxury of working from home. So, we sought out compact crossovers that take the sting out of the commute.
Those that made the shortlist:
- Offer great fuel economy
- Have low maintenance costs
- Are loaded with comfort, safety, and convenience features
- Have the versatility to handle daily commuting and weekend outings
Here are three of our favorite used crossover SUVs
Chevrolet Trax
The Chevy Trax is the smallest crossover on our list, but once you get inside, it’s surprisingly spacious. You can easily seat four adults without making anyone slouch or scrunch up their knees.
The short wheelbase and tight turning radius are ideal for getting around in busy city traffic, especially in areas where finding parking feels like the California Gold Rush. The Trax can squeeze into spaces other SUVs have to pass up.
The Trax does well in crash tests and gets around 27 combined MPG. You can find a used Chevy Trax for around $13k if you’re willing to go back five or six model years.
Toyota RAV4
Quality, comfort, and a huge list of standard features make a used Toyota RAV4 one of our top picks. And it’s also why you still see so many of them on the road today.
Like the Trax, the RAV4 is deceptively roomy inside, with a versatile 60/40 split-fold and reclining back seat that makes the most of the cabin space.
It’s tuned to handle more like a sports car than an SUV for a more engaging drive. Older models are available with a beefy V6 engine that comes through when you’re hustling onto the highway.
A used Toyota RAV4 tends to hold value, so if you’re on a tight budget, a 2016 model should keep you in the $18-22k range.
Honda CR-V
Another favorite of drivers and auto experts alike, the Honda CR-V is roomy enough for the carpool, easy to park, and gets outstanding gas mileage (27-29 combined MPG depending on whether it’s an all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive model).
With a massive cargo area and split-fold rear seats, the CR-V transitions from daily duty to weekend adventure with near push-button ease. The 185-horsepower engine is slightly less peppy compared to its rivals yet still offers plenty of muscle when you need it. A used CR-V should set you back between $14-25k depending on the model year.
Start Scheduling Your Test Drives in these Used Compact Crossovers
There are so many compact crossover SUVs to choose from, researching them can feel overwhelming. These three offer a lot of value for your money. Their lower cost to repair and great fuel economy will save you thousands of dollars over the years, and their good safety rating makes auto insurance more affordable.
If you’re shopping for a quality small SUV, you’ll want to add a used Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Chevrolet Trax to your test-drive list.
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