A Used SUV Showdown: Which Model Offers the Most for Your Money?

There’s never been a better time to buy a pre-owned SUV. With manufacturers continually rolling out new technology and safety features, along with an increased focus on fuel efficiency, it’s easier than ever to find a used model that feels brand new without the premium price tag. However, if you’ve looked at used cars for sale near Colonie lately, you’ve likely realized there are a lot of pre-owned SUVs to choose from. This scenario can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to get the most for your money.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out all on your own, not with our team at DePaula Ford on your side. We not only vet our pre-owned SUVs to make sure they’re ready to hit the road, but we also take the time to truly understand what you’re looking for and answer any questions you might have so you feel confident in your decision.

What Pre-Owned SUVs Are at the Top of the List?

When shopping from our pre-owned SUV inventory, you will find that we strive to provide you with all the details you might need to help you make a sound decision. Additionally, we can provide you with a vehicle history report, offering greater peace of mind. Perhaps more important, however, is the reputation we’ve earned over our years in the industry.

Our team is passionate about ensuring Colonie drivers get the right fit, which might not always be the newest and flashiest model on the lot. Rather than push for a quick sale or use gimmicks, we get to the heart of the matter with clear communication and a genuine interest in your driving needs. With that in mind, here are a few of the pre-owned SUVs you might find within our inventory that tend to check many of the boxes drivers are looking for.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota brand is well-known for its build quality, which often means minimal maintenance needs even at 100,000-plus miles. Plus, its fuel efficiency tends to be around 30 MPG combined for model years 2020 and newer. You will also find that every trim from the 2020 model year to the most recent versions includes a long list of safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

It’s also worth noting that the various RAV4 trim levels meet budgets of all sizes, while the comfortable, well-planned interior provides plenty of room for you and your passengers. Additionally, you will enjoy a seamless connection between the infotainment system and your phone, providing you with easy access to your favorite playlist or turn-by-turn directions.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has been at the top of its class for years and is considered to be one of the best-selling SUVs on the market, making it a great pre-owned investment. Like the RAV4, the CR-V is a compact SUV, but don’t let the size fool you. When the CR-V was designed, it was made with efficiency and comfort in mind, meaning there is a space for everything and room for everyone. In fact, some might even call the interior cavernous, which is not what you would expect at first glance.

Speaking of efficiency, the CR-V tends to provide fuel estimates that go above and beyond the numbers mentioned above, offering around 34 MPG on the highway when choosing recent models from 2020 to 2024 with front-wheel drive.

The Honda CR-V also delivers a smooth ride with a streamlined dash that puts everything you might need during the trip front and center. Plus, you will enjoy technological advancements much like those found in the RAV4, providing you and your passengers with entertainment as you travel from point A to point B.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is the ideal used SUV to consider if you want to do more than just drive to work or run errands around town. This is because the Forester is designed for adventure, with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, roof rails, and enhanced ground clearance. It also offers a tall roofline and low liftover height, making packing bulky items a breeze.

Of course, there’s also Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist suite, which is a set of driver-assistance features that include Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Departure & Sway Warning. The Forester also provides you with more than enough room for passengers and cargo and second-row seats that truly fold flat. Along with those things, you will find a large touchscreen and easy-to-use infotainment system placed squarely on the dash, giving you access to a number of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—much like the other used SUVs on our list.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has been a mainstay in the lineup for years. It is also a pre-owned SUV option that provides you with multiple gas-powered engine options, including a 2.0L four-cylinder on more recent model years, which provides you with up to 250 hp. For drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway, having this passing power might seal the deal.

You will also find that the Escape’s interior offers ample room for passengers and cargo as well as a long list of technological advancements and the ability to link up to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s worth noting that, like the RAV4, it’s easy to find a trim level that matches most drivers’ budgets, which makes it a well-rounded option.

Hyundai Tucson

Both the Tucson and the Sportage, which we will cover next, are part of the parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. What this means for you is reassurance that each vehicle they produce is built with dependability and longevity in mind. For the Tucson in particular, it stands out for its bold styling, sharp lines, and LED accents. Not only that, but even the base trim level offers available features such as heated seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Additionally, for drivers interested in transitioning to a more sustainable way of traveling, the combined 38 MPG that the 1.6L turbo hybrid option offers is worth looking for when shopping for a pre-owned model. The Tucson Hybrid became available starting with the 2022 model year, so there is now an abundance of them on the used market.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is the last SUV on our used must-have list, but that doesn’t mean it deserves less attention than the others. The Sportage is a sporty, fun-to-drive option that provides a nice blend of user-friendly technology, comfortable seating with ample leg and headroom, and a long list of features you wouldn’t necessarily expect at its price point—which is even more tempting when buying the Sportage used.

It was also redesigned during the 2023 model year, providing even more room than before, as well as both a standard hybrid and a plug-in hybrid option, along with its gas-powered version. Also, for drivers with an adventurous spirit, we suggest looking for a used Sportage from the X-Line or X-Pro trims.

Finally, you will appreciate the seamless connection to the infotainment system from a compatible phone to access apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Sportage’s long list of standard safety features, and the overall design of the interior layout, which ensures you and your passengers not only have enough room but also that you, as the driver, can quickly access anything you might need while keeping your eyes focused on the road.

Check Out our Pre-Owned SUV Inventory Today

The pre-owned SUVs above are just a few of the models you will find in our inventory, but with their focus on technology when it comes to safety and connectivity, reputation for longevity, and efficiency, they are often at the top of many Colonie drivers’ “must see” lists.

When you shop with our team for a pre-owned SUV, we will review your needs, then take a closer look at our inventory to see which options work best. We will also explore amenities and packages included in the SUVs that ensure they add value and give you the most bang for your buck. If you’re looking for a used SUV, check out our inventory online or come in and explore our selection in person.