5 Popular Used SUVs To Avoid (And 5 To Buy Instead)

With tariffs causing car prices to skyrocket, SUV shoppers looking to score a better deal on a vehicle might want to consider purchasing a used one. However, purchasing a used SUV alone will not save consumers money.

Just as car owners shop around with different insurance companies in order to save money on car insurance, used SUV shoppers should do their homework to find used vehicles that offer good reliability and fuel efficiency. Otherwise, they could end up spending a small fortune on fuel and maintenance costs down the road.

That's why avoiding these used models is a smart move in the long run.

Average Price: $25,277

Reports have criticized the 2020 Nissan Armada's dismal fuel economy ratings. This tank masquerading as an SUV gets only 13 miles per gallon while driving in the city and 18 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, for a pitiful 15 miles per gallon combined.

Anyone hoping to save money at the pump should consider steering clear of this ginormous gas guzzler.

Average Price: $24,893

Shoppers in the market for a used SUV that won't break the bank at the pump could consider the 2020 Toyota RAV4 instead.

This efficient SUV has impressive fuel economy ratings of 27 miles per gallon while driving in the city, 34 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, and 30 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $14,995

Reviewers have criticized the 2020 Dodge Journey for having a lackluster engine and disappointing handling. They have also taken issue with the cheap plastics that line most of its interior.

Additionally, they were unimpressed with this midsize SUV's underwhelming towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped.

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Average Price: $13,967

Reports have lauded the 2018 Kia Sorento for having excellent, extra-long warranty coverage. There has also been high praise for this midsize SUV's stylish, premium-looking interior.

Additionally, the 2018 Kia Sorento has been recognized for offering plenty of features that represent good value for the SUV's price point, including a touchscreen infotainment system.

Average Price: $24,375

Anyone who is looking to purchase a reliable used SUV should consider giving the 2023 Jeep Compass a hard pass. Reports have suggested that this SUV has dismal reliability.

Consumer Reports gave this vehicle a reliability rating of just two out of five. And according to a report from CarEdge, 2023 Jeep Compass owners will spend around $10,031 in maintenance costs during their first decade of ownership.

Average Price: $23,942

Reviewers have praised the 2018 Toyota Highlander for having exemplary standard safety features, a pleasing, comfortable ride, and a potent V6 engine with solid fuel economy.

According to RepairPal, this SUV also has excellent reliability. They gave it a remarkable four out of five.

Average Price: $24,304

Reviewers have criticized the 2022 Toyota C-HR for having an uncomfortable second row and lackluster cargo space. They have also taken issue with this SUV's weak engine, which, in spite of its pitiful acceleration, is quite noisy.

Average Price: $24,690

Instead, used SUV shoppers who are looking to buy a vehicle with style to spare and head-turning performance and handling capabilities might want to consider the 2021 BMW X2.

Reviewers have praised this stylish SUV's muscular engine and silky-smooth transmission, which are capable of delivering a 6.4-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration time, which is a remarkable result for this SUV class.

Average Price: $36,480

Reports have derided the 2021 Infiniti XQ80 for having terrible fuel economy. This tanker on wheels gets a dismal 13 miles per gallon while driving in the city, a measly 19 miles per gallon driving on the highway, and only 15 miles per gallon combined.

Average Price: $38,719

Consumers hoping to purchase a used SUV with respectable fuel economy should consider the 2022 Lexus NX.

In addition to sporting plenty of style, the 2022 Lexus NX gets 22 miles per gallon while driving in the city and 29 miles per gallon while driving on the highway, for a total of 25 miles per gallon combined.

From poor gas mileage to the high maintenance costs and unreliability, some SUVs will just cost consumers too much money down the road to be considered smart money moves.

However, when it comes to fuel efficiency, SUV owners can reduce what they spend at the pump if they ditch their roof racks. A study from the Berkeley Lab has found that roof racks on passenger vehicles can reduce their fuel efficiency by up to 25% because of the considerable drag they add. So, keep this in mind when shopping for your next vehicle.