If you’re shopping for a used SUV in 2020, there are plenty of great choices. Whether you want to spend under $20,000 on an SUV or one with third row seating, there are plenty of great choices to choose from.
When searching for a car, look for those with the highest safety ratings and reliability scores. These vehicles will ensure years of reliable performance as well as an enjoyable driving experience.
1. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the top-selling small SUVs on the market and it boasts many features that set it apart from its rivals. It’s comfortable, reliable and provides up to five people with plenty of room, while being fuel efficient too. Furthermore, there are a plethora of standard safety features which make this small SUV ideal for families.
The RAV4 is equipped with a number of advanced safety features that make it safer to drive, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Plus, it comes equipped with an extensive suite of driver-assist technologies like road sign display and blind spot monitoring.
Despite its size, the RAV4 is comfortable to drive and has a quiet cabin. Its brakes are responsive and reassuring, while its steering is light and effortless when maneuvering narrow streets or parking spots.
The base engine of the RAV4 doesn’t offer much power, but you can upgrade to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth transitions. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available on certain trims.
For 2023, Toyota’s RAV4 receives technological upgrades and an updated infotainment system that’s both intuitive and user-friendly. Displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen interface, voice command can be activated with either “Hey Toyota” or a shortcut icon located on the left side of the screen.
The RAV4’s available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) can send up to 50 percent of its power to the rear wheels or direct it from side to side for improved handling and stability on rough terrain. Furthermore, TV-AWD helps boost fuel economy by disengaging the driveline when not needed.
2. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is an ideal SUV for those seeking a spacious three-row option that’s still fun to drive. It comes equipped with an advanced safety system and impressive technology features, plus seating up to eight passengers as standard.
The interior is comfortable, well-equipped, and user friendly. There are heated front seats, heated second row seats on higher trims, as well as a panoramic moonroof with sunshade. Furthermore, its seats come equipped with features like lumbar support and power adjustable pedals for added comfort.
The Highlander provides ample cargo space, plus you can fold down the third row when not needed. Gas models of this vehicle can tow a maximum weight of 3,500 pounds while hybrid models offer an increased towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
On the engine front, you have your choice between 3.5-liter V6 or 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The latter is slightly more powerful than the V6, yet more fuel efficient.
Both engines are coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A standard all-wheel-drive system sends some power to the rear wheels, while more advanced models such as XSE, Limited and Platinum feature differential power distribution between front and back axles for improved traction.
If you need to go off-road, SE and XLE models offer Sport-Tuned Independent MacPherson strut front suspension. AWD models also come with Multi-Terrain Select that lets you select between Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, or Normal modes for different driving surfaces.
The Toyota Highlander is an impressive vehicle that can tackle any terrain and offer a smooth ride no matter the weather conditions. It also gets top scores from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it both family friendly and an excellent value proposition.
3. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is an ideal option for drivers seeking more out of their vehicle. Not only does it provide more passenger and cargo space than some rivals, but its fuel economy also far surpasses that of its rivals.
The Rogue is available in an array of trim levels, from base SV model up to luxurious Platinum. It boasts a host of features like a moonroof, Apple CarPlay(tm) and Android Auto(tm).
Inside, the Rogue draws styling cues from Nissan Altima family sedan and Sentra compact sedan. Its bi-level dash and squared-off shift knob give it a modern, polished aesthetic.
Despite its size, the Rogue is surprisingly comfortable to drive. Its soft materials and quality construction make for a more pleasant ride.
Safety features abound, from automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection to the Nissan Safety Shield(r) suite which offers blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and high-beam assist.
This 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine offers an ideal balance of power and fuel economy. It produces 176 net horsepower, more than enough to keep up with highway speeds.
The Rogue’s 2.5-liter inline-four engine produces plenty of torque, making it more responsive than some of its rivals in this class.
For added comfort and convenience, the Rogue is equipped with three-zone automatic climate control. You can also opt for heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The Rogue’s exterior design is bold and edgy, boasting an athletic, muscular appearance that stands out among other SUVs. You can choose from a range of color combinations, or upgrade to larger wheels for even greater distinction.
4. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the top selling SUVs on the market. It makes a great choice for families and boasts impressive safety ratings.
This SUV’s interior exudes sophistication, offering room for five passengers. Additionally, it’s one of the top used SUVs when it comes to cargo capacity.
Choose between gas or hybrid powertrains for excellent fuel economy estimates. Plus, the CR-V is one of the few compact SUVs that can tow up to 1,500 pounds – perfect for weekend adventures!
Though the CR-V’s ride can be somewhat uncomfortably bumpy on long trips, it’s comfortable enough for daily driving. Plus, you’ll find an impressive array of standard driver-assistive technologies to help keep you safe while driving.
For instance, adaptive cruise control now features a low-speed function that lets you set a predetermined distance behind traffic ahead and let the vehicle accelerate or slow according to traffic flow when necessary.
This 2020 CR-V offers plenty of features to keep you entertained while driving, such as an easy-to-use infotainment system that can be upgraded with navigation. There’s also a nine-speaker stereo and heated steering wheel for added comfort.
Pricing for the 2020 CR-V starts at $26,825 for the base LX model and includes a seven year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, roadside assistance, and up to two oil changes per year.
On all trim levels of the CR-V, you get a 7.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. On higher models you can even add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to this same infotainment system. However, the base CR-V comes with minimal equipment – just some climate buttons and a rotary dial volume control.
5. Kia Telluride
For families who require an SUV that can comfortably seat eight, the Kia Telluride is an excellent option. It boasts a luxurious interior with top-tier materials that give it that luxurious feel.
The standard V6 engine offers plenty of power for everyday driving and it’s effortless to accelerate. Plus, this engine is quiet – there’s no interior noise pollution to contend with.
This vehicle is ideal for long road trips and morning commutes. The seats are supportive and well-contoured, featuring pillow-like headrests that make the ride very comfortable.
Kia Telluride comes in four trim levels, beginning with the base LX. As you progress up the lineup, more convenience features and smart tech are added, along with finer materials. Furthermore, you have the choice between an X-Line or X-Pro model which adds rugged styling as well as a higher towing rating.
The Telluride is an impressive all-around family hauler with the latest safety technology. All models come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, plus several advanced driver assistance systems are available as well. Furthermore, Kia’s impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty makes this SUV an especially appealing purchase option.