8 Used SUVs That Are Perfect for Albany Drivers

Traveling through Albany, you never know what’s going to greet you on the road ahead. From heavy traffic to inclement weather, our area is known to be a little unpredictable when it comes to arriving at your destination. As an Albany resident, you also work hard for your money, which often leads you to the used car lot when you need a new vehicle, especially when you want to enjoy outstanding features at affordable prices. When you are searching for used cars for sale in Albany, DePaula Ford can help with a lot filled with incredible models from some of the best brands in the industry. Many drivers turn to smaller options, especially when it comes to maneuvering through packed city traffic and busy interstates, and here are some great used compact and midsize SUVs to accompany you throughout our city and beyond.

Best Used Compact SUVs

Compact SUVs are fantastic choices for everyday commuters, especially when you often find yourself stuck in traffic on I-87. Not only is this road notorious for congestion, but it’s also one of the most dangerous roads in the state, which requires a vehicle that can handle these challenges adequately. Fortunately, we carry plenty of impressive compact options designed with your unique needs in mind, and here are a few of our favorites.

#1 – Ford Escape

Many Albany drivers are drawn to the Ford Escape due to its favorable size. It is able to accommodate more than a sedan but still has easy handling, appealing to drivers who are more familiar with smaller vehicles. A slew of powertrains can be found in its lineup, including hybrid options to eliminate frequent stops at the gas station. Inside, modern, upscale appointments greet you, especially as you move up the trim levels, and with a roomy cargo hold, taking on more gear is no issue for this capable commuter. As you’re traveling through the Capital Region, make sure you’re doing so in a vehicle that you’re comfortable handling, and the Ford Escape offers a phenomenal level of confidence to your drive, especially if you’re new to the world of SUVs.

#2 – Subaru Forester

Subaru is known for designing some of the safest, most capable vehicles in the industry, so when you want to venture through traffic with confidence, a used Forester is a surefire winner. We recommend choosing more recent models if you want to take advantage of one of the most advanced driver-assist suites in the business: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Vehicles armed with this system are able to reduce your chances of getting into an accident, but that’s not all that makes Subaru vehicles so incredible. They’re also built on a rigid chassis, which allows them to be much safer and more durable than most cars on the streets. Plus, with standard Symmetrical AWD capabilities, taking on snowstorms in the winter and rainstorms in the summer is no sweat for models like this small-size commuter companion.

#3 – Honda CR-V

The CR-V is one of the most versatile used SUVs around. With its top-level efficiency, spacious interior, and refined driving dynamics, any Albany driver can benefit from this Honda best-seller. The 2020 model even debuted an optional hybrid powertrain to further enhance fuel efficiency during your trips to work. More recent CR-V models showcase a more modern appeal while continuing to exhibit the level of practicality we have come to know and love about this particular compact option. You’ll find a number of high-level driver-assist features in the Honda Sensing suite, designed to keep you secure throughout your travels. From lane-keeping assistance to pedestrian detection, the CR-V is always watching out for you on the bustling Albany streets.

#4 – Toyota RAV4

Another top-selling compact SUV is the reliable and ready-for-anything RAV4, which is known for its extreme practicality, a plethora of standard features, and rugged persona that sets it apart from others in its class. We suggest taking a look at used models from 2019 and later to benefit from the most recent redesign of this nameplate, which adopted more truck-inspired design elements to enhance its durable appeal. Albany drivers who are seeking out more adventure in their ride will want to check out the TRD Off-Road trim, which takes your experiences to new levels with a specially tuned suspension system, all-terrain tires, and off-road-ready elements designed for exploration.

Best Used Midsize SUVs

Midsize SUVs offer even more possibilities to drivers with their larger size, able to accommodate more passengers and more travel belongings. From families to adventurers, midsize SUVs find their way into a number of different travel scenarios, making them a top choice for a wide array of drivers throughout the Albany area. Let’s talk about a few of our absolute favorite used midsize SUVs that add more value to your drive than you ever imagined.

#1 – Ford Explorer

Families love three-row SUVs, especially three-row SUVs that are easy to handle and maneuver around town. The Ford Explorer offers all of this, with plenty of space inside its carefully laid-out cabin and a dramatic ride quality that’s difficult to find elsewhere. We like used models from 2020 and later, which feature the nameplate’s newest redesign, showcasing bolder design elements, more powertrain options, and a brand-new platform to enhance space and capabilities. A hybrid option can also be enjoyed, bringing even more value to the drive, especially when you’re frequently carting the kids to all the places they need to go.

#2 – Mazda CX-9

For those who desire luxury features in their vehicles minus the luxury price tag, Mazda is able to deliver this perfectly. The CX-9 is ideal for a number of drivers, from daily commuters, with its sophisticated cabin appointments, to families, with enough space to accommodate up to seven passengers. Not only can you expect an elegant experience inside with high-quality materials surrounding you, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a smooth and refined ride. If you want to take advantage of an abundance of tech while saving money on your purchase, we recommend looking at used models from 2019 and later. From Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a 360-degree camera system to heighten clarity behind the wheel, these models deliver the innovation you deserve during your travels through Albany.

#3 – Hyundai Santa Fe

Another family favorite, the Santa Fe offers impeccable space and quality with a trim level for every budget, making this capable traveler an outstanding deal. We like models from 2021 since they showcase revitalized exterior styling and new powertrains to further improve your ride. You’ll even find a hybrid in the lineup to add more savings to your travels, eliminating the need for frequent fill-ups on your way to pick up the kids from New Scotland Elementary School. Tech is also abundant, with the addition of semi-autonomous driving capabilities, wireless smartphone integration, a large infotainment display, and more helpful features to add excitement to any type of journey.

#4 – Jeep Grand Cherokee

If there’s one midsize SUV that can do it all, it’s the Grand Cherokee. Whether you’re hauling the kids to sports practice or dashing through the mud at Papscanee Island Nature Preserve, this fearless SUV can handle it. It’s functional, comfortable, and capable, allowing adventurous families to travel with absolute assurance throughout the Albany area. If you need more space, the Grand Cherokee L will deliver, with three rows to accommodate more people and gear. We like used models from 2021, which ushered in a new generation of this fan favorite, complete with a new platform, contemporary cabin, and a plethora of tech to make your time on the road or the trails absolutely exceptional.

Maximize Your Time in the Driver’s Seat!

From the busy city streets to the uneven terrain of wilderness trails, there’s a compact or midsize used SUV out there to suit your needs as you travel through the Albany area. When you want to take advantage of an easy-to-handle vehicle that can effortlessly zip through traffic, a compact SUV may be your perfect option. However, if you need more space and capabilities in your vehicle, a midsize SUV can offer that and so much more. No matter what your journey consists of, rest assured that there’s a used SUV here at DePaula Ford that’s ready to maximize your time in the driver’s seat, making your ride better than you ever thought possible!