The Most Reliable Used SUVs for Families

Families have special needs, and at DePaula Ford, we understand that. There really is no better choice of vehicle for a family driver than an SUV. These models combine the creature comforts of a sedan with the size and cargo capacity of a truck. The key for family drivers is to find the most reliable SUVs. We completely understand this. Your budget is tight; you are concerned about safety and roominess, and you need to think practically. You also need to stretch that budget as far as possible, which is why you also have to find an SUV that is affordable. This is why your best option is to buy a used SUV from a reputable dealer. If you are looking for “used cars for sale near me,” then come to DePaula Ford.

At our Albany dealership, we carry a vast inventory of used SUVs from all different automotive brands, so you can find the exact make, model, and features you need for your family. Here are some of the most reliable used SUVs available. If you choose one of these used SUV models, you are sure to get the most value and dependability, so your budget will go as far as possible. What’s more, we have broken these down into four different categories since no two drivers, nor two families, have exactly the same needs.

The Most Practical Choice: Three-Row Midsize SUVs

Three-row, midsize SUVs provide three rows of seats, so you can carry up to 7, and in some cases 8, passengers. While the trunk space on these models can be a little shallow, the rear two rows of seats easily fold down for when you need to carry more stuff than family members.
There is a reason why this has quickly become a popular SUV segment, and that is because these models are sensible and versatile. If your children are still young, you might be able to get away with a smaller model, but at some point, they are going to get bigger, requiring more space for themselves as well as their stuff. Plus, you may find yourself called on to carpool your kids and their friends to sporting events, after-school activities, movies, or get-togethers. A three-row midsize SUV gives you this flexibility. If you buy a used model, you can easily grow into it as your children grow up.

In addition, many of these midsize SUVs drive more like a car than a truck, so they are easier to handle. You will find they are not too hard to parallel park, give you a great view of the road with higher ground clearance than a sedan or smaller SUV, and also often have solid fuel economy. Keep in mind that if you are buying a used midsize SUV, you may have to pay extra for an all-wheel drive model, but you will get better traction in snowy Albany weather, even if you have to deal with a slight dip in overall fuel efficiency.

We chose four models since this is the most popular category of used SUVs for family drivers. The Ford Explorer provides a very dependable and solid model chock full of the latest safety and infotainment technology. The Chevy Traverse is one of the most popular Chevrolet SUV models, has the ability to tow several thousand pounds, and gives you plenty of trunk space, especially if you fold down the rear row of seats. The Toyota Highlander is known for having driver assistance systems at most trim levels, improving safety for you and your precious cargo. Toyota also offers the Highlander with an optional hybrid engine, a plus for those who are environmentally conscious or just want to save on gasoline. Finally, the Kia Sorento may be the smallest of the four, but more than makes up for it with some high-end finishes that rival the premium SUVs offered by luxury automakers that are outside your budget. No matter which of these four you choose for your family, you are going to get great value and years of driving enjoyment.

Super Size Me: Full-Size SUVs

If you already have a large family, then your best bet might be to buy a used full-size SUV. These are the largest members of the SUV family and provide the most passenger space and trunk room. However, all that size comes with a bigger price tag. In general, you are going to have to pay more for a full-size SUV than another, smaller SUV model at the same trim level from the same manufacturer. Nevertheless, if you have three or more kids, the extra payment will be worth it, giving you the peace of mind that you have bought a used SUV with all the room you need so even your youngest won’t feel slighted. This is because full-size SUVs provide the most generous third-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room of all SUV models, giving them the most useful three rows.

The two used full-size SUVs that make the most sense for family drivers are the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Suburban. The Expedition has a very stylish interior with an exceptional infotainment system that will make you forget that you are not in one of the premium models offered by the luxury brands. Actually, with those fancy brands, you are mainly paying extra for a cool hood ornament. I am sure your kids won’t notice or care. The Suburban is one of the largest SUVs in regular production, giving you so much space in the trunk that you will probably find that you aren’t folding down the third row of seats that often. What’s more, the Suburban can tow like a pickup truck, with an impressive trailering rating. This is a great feature if your family is into adventure, as you can easily tow a camper or small boat with your used Suburban.

The Middle of the Road: Two-Row Midsize SUVs

Sometimes, you just don’t need too much space. This is especially the case if you have a smaller family. For example, families with one or two kids may not really need to spring for a used three-row SUV. If this is the case, then you can make do with either a used two-row midsize SUV. Keep in mind that the smaller the SUV, the lower the price, all other things being equal.

When it comes to two-row midsize SUVs, two models really stand out. The Ford Edge comes with an impressive array of safety features. It also has a choice of powerful, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a slightly larger model, so it provides a great deal of room in its two rows of seats, and everyone will be comfortable riding in the back. What’s more, the Grand Cherokee offers four-wheel drive, making it a great model for families into off-road adventures. Unlike all-wheel drive that is designed for better off-road traction, four-wheel drive is designed to provide the proper traction to get you around obstacles you are going to encounter out on the trail.

Efficient and Affordable: Compact SUVs

While smaller than midsize SUVs, compact SUVs also offer great value to a family driver. These may be the easiest models to drive, as they are comparable in wheelbase to a compact sedan. Still, they are roomier than most sedans and have solid trunk space. In addition, they get the best fuel economy of the four types of SUVs we have covered. Finally, as your kids grow up, they are going to need a car to learn how to drive. Buying a used crossover gives you a great model for the newest driver in your family to spread their wings.

Two of the most popular crossover models are the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. The CR-V helped launch the crossover category and offers a spacious trunk, Honda Sending driver assistance technology on most trims, and excellent drivability with a 4-cylinder turbo engine. Like most Honda vehicles, the CR-V has excellent records for durability and reliability and is noted for holding its resale value.

Unlike most other automakers, Subaru only offers all-wheel drive on its SUVs. This means that you won’t have to pay extra for better traction to deal with New York winters. Also, since the Forester was designed as an all-wheel drive vehicle, there is no compromise in its performance. This crossover really holds the road well and has plenty of ground clearance, making it perfect if you have to drive in snow. Just like the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester comes equipped with a great number of active safety features. Subaru prides itself on its industry-leading record of reliability, trumpeting the claim from Experian that 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last ten years are still on the road today.

The Best Way for a Family Travel

No matter whether you choose a three-row, full-size, midsize, or compact SUV, you are going to get a great family vehicle at an even better price when you buy one used. Used models represent the best value for family drivers, allowing you to get the safety, comfort, and performance you desire without busting the budget. When you visit DePaula Ford, you will discover a full lineup of quality used SUVs that will keep your family happy, comfortable, and safe.