A great way to begin the search for an SUV is for a buyer to identify what the duties the vehicle will be performing. Will it be a family hauler in snowy Minnesota? High seating capacity and all-wheel drive are a must. Will it be a city-loving grocery getter? A smaller vehicle that's easier to park would be a good choice.
Whatever the need, here are some of the best SUVs on the used market today.
The highly popular Santa Fe was redesigned for 2013 and is now better than ever. Highly praised for its smooth ride and genial handing, the SUV is available as either a three-row, seven-passenger family hauler or a more compact sport ute. The two-tone interior is sophisticated, stylish and well-thought out. Standard equipment includes a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
The fourth generation of Honda's compact SUV is better looking and better handling than ever. Underneath the redesigned sheet metal is a stiffer chassis that is more stable and responsive than before. Power comes from a 2.4-liter engine mated to a five-speed gearbox with front- or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes two info screens, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and USB connectivity. Upscale models add on leather, automatic climate control and heated seats.
Mazda's midsize crossover is one of the most fun SUVs to drive, with grippy handling and a powerful 273-horsepower engine. Inside, the cabin is well laid out with high-quality plastics and three rows of firm, comfortable seats. Standard equipment includes an excellent stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and three-zone automatic climate control.
GMC's full-sized luxury SUV is a highly capable beast. Though city parking might be a challenge, a hugely powerful 6.2-liter V8 means that towing heavy loads will not be. The interior can hold up to nine people with an optional front bench seat, though those in the third row will be more comfortable in the longer XL model. The cargo area features a flat floor, making it even more useful.
For those in the market for even more pampering, the top end Denali model features even more chrome and leather, without sacrificing a bit of utility.
The RX 350 is Lexus's top-selling model in North America, and with a list of standard features several blocks long, it's easy to see why: nine-speaker stereo, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry, and power lift gate, to name a few. A powerful, 270-horsepower V6 is standard as well, with power sent to the front or all four wheels.
As to be expected from Toyota's luxury arm, build quality is superb for this five seat ute. Sport and hybrid models are also available.
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