Best Used SUV Years to Buy: Complete Guide
Finding the best used SUV years to buy takes more than picking a popular model. The right model year within a generation matters as much as the model itself. Redesign years carry new problems. The final years of a strong generation often represent the best value. And the SUV segment is broad enough that a compact SUV, a midsize SUV, and a three-row family hauler are completely different vehicles with completely different buying considerations. At McFarland Chevrolet in Maysville, KY, we sell and service used SUVs from all major brands. This guide organizes the best used SUV years by size category so you can find the right vehicle for your actual needs.
We carry Chevrolet SUVs including the Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban. We also carry used vehicles from other brands and we service all makes. This guide covers the full landscape, organized by the size category that fits your situation.
How to Think About Used SUV Model Years
The same general rules that apply to used trucks apply here. They are worth stating upfront before the brand-specific guidance.
Skip the first year of a new generation. Every redesigned SUV carries more issues in its first model year than in subsequent years. New platforms introduce problems that take time to surface and correct. The second or third year of a generation is almost always the better buy.
Target the end of a proven generation. The final years before a redesign are often the most refined versions of that platform. Manufacturers have addressed the early issues and the vehicles are more sorted. These years also tend to drop in price when the new generation arrives, which is where used buyers find value.
Mileage is one factor, not the whole picture. A well-maintained SUV with 100,000 miles and complete service records is a better buy than a low-mileage example with no history. Ask for records. A dealer or private seller who cannot produce maintenance documentation is a red flag.
Size category drives the decision. A compact SUV buyer and a three-row family hauler buyer are shopping completely different vehicles. Start with the size you actually need before comparing model years within that category.
Best Used Compact SUV Years to Buy
Compact SUVs are the most popular segment in the market. The Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape are the most commonly shopped vehicles in this category.
Chevy Equinox 2018 to 2023: Strong Target Range. The third-generation Equinox debuted in 2018 with a complete redesign that brought significantly improved fuel economy, a more modern interior, and a cleaner exterior. The 2018 to 2023 model years represent a mature, proven platform. The 1.5L turbocharged engine in this generation is fuel efficient and reliable when oil changes are kept current. The 2020 and newer examples added improved safety technology as standard equipment. For buyers looking for a dependable compact SUV with low running costs, the Equinox in this range is one of the most practical used buys available.
Toyota RAV4 2019 to 2023 (5th Gen): Reliable, Higher Price. The fifth generation RAV4 that debuted in 2019 is a significant improvement over the previous generation in capability, technology, and efficiency. The standard hybrid option in this generation adds strong fuel economy. The platform is well-proven and holds up over time. These years price higher in the used market because demand is strong.
Honda CR-V 2017 to 2022 (5th Gen): Practical and Available. The fifth generation CR-V is a capable, efficient compact SUV with a well-regarded 1.5L turbocharged engine. Good cargo space and rear legroom. The 2017 first year of this generation had some reported oil dilution issues in cold climates on the 1.5T engine. The 2018 and newer examples are cleaner. Widely available in the used market.
Best Used Subcompact SUV Years to Buy
Subcompact SUVs are the right fit for buyers who prioritize fuel economy, lower pricing, and easy parking over interior space and towing capability.
Chevy Trax 2023 and Newer (3rd Gen): Best Modern Option. The 2023 redesign transformed the Trax. The current generation brought a dramatically improved interior with a large infotainment screen, a bolder exterior design, and a more complete standard safety package. The 1.2L turbocharged engine is efficient and right-sized for the vehicle. Used 2023 examples entering the market represent strong value for buyers who want current-generation technology at a lower price than new.
Older Trax (2017 to 2022): Budget Option Only. The previous generation Trax was a capable entry-level vehicle but the technology and interior are noticeably behind what the 2023 redesign brought. If budget is the primary driver and all you need is reliable basic transportation, the older Trax gets the job done. For buyers who can stretch to a 2023 or newer, the experience difference is significant.
Best Used Midsize SUV Years to Buy
Midsize SUVs fill the gap between compact SUVs and full-size three-row vehicles. The Chevy Blazer, Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Santa Fe are the most common vehicles in this segment.
Chevy Blazer 2019 to 2023: Strong Mid-Range Option. The current-generation Blazer debuted in 2019 as a sport-oriented midsize SUV. It brings a sharp exterior design, a well-equipped interior, and a choice of a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.6L V6. The 3.6L V6 is the stronger choice for buyers who want smooth power delivery and towing capability in the mid-20s range. The 2020 and newer examples address early first-year issues. A strong used buy for buyers who want more style than a compact SUV offers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014 to 2021 (WK2 Late Years): Capable, Verify Carefully. The WK2 Grand Cherokee in its final years before the 2022 redesign is a capable midsize SUV with strong off-road credentials in 4×4 configurations and a well-sorted interior. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the most reliable engine choice. The 5.7L Hemi is capable but verify service history on any higher-mileage example. Electrical issues are a known concern on some model years in this generation. Pull a vehicle history report and request service records before buying.
Best Used 3-Row SUV Years to Buy
Three-row SUVs are the segment buyers choose when they need to seat seven or eight passengers consistently. The Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot are the most commonly shopped midsize three-row options. The Chevy Tahoe and Suburban fill the full-size three-row category.
Chevy Traverse 2018 to 2024 (2nd Gen): Best Value 3-Row. The second generation Traverse debuted in 2018 with a significant size increase, a more refined interior, and improved technology over the previous generation. It seats up to eight passengers and offers genuinely usable third-row space compared to most competitors. The 3.6L V6 is smooth and adequate for family use. The 2020 and newer examples added more standard safety technology. For families who need three rows and want to stay under budget, the Traverse is one of the strongest used values in this segment.
Toyota Highlander 2020 to 2024 (4th Gen): Reliable, Premium Price. The fourth generation Highlander is a well-regarded three-row SUV with Toyota’s reliability reputation behind it. The 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder introduced in the 2020 refresh and the hybrid option are both strong powertrains. Prices in the used market reflect strong demand. Worth paying a premium for buyers who prioritize long-term reliability above all else.
Chevy Tahoe and Suburban 2021 and Newer (5th Gen): Full-Size Best Years. The 2021 redesign brought the Tahoe and Suburban to a new platform with independent rear suspension, dramatically more interior space especially in the Suburban, and significantly improved ride quality over the previous generation. Used 2021 and newer examples represent the best version of these vehicles. For buyers who genuinely need full-size capacity and towing, the Tahoe and Suburban in these years are strong used buys as prices normalize from the post-pandemic premium.
What to Check on Any Used SUV Before You Buy
Model year guidance gets you to the right neighborhood. The condition of the specific vehicle you are buying determines whether the purchase is actually a good one.
Service records: Ask for maintenance documentation. Oil change intervals, transmission service, any repairs. A vehicle with records is worth more and easier to evaluate than one without.
Vehicle history report: Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck on any used SUV you are seriously considering. Accidents, flood damage, and title issues show up here.
Pre-purchase inspection: If buying from a private seller, have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician before finalizing the deal. The inspection cost is minimal compared to what a hidden repair can run.
How it was used: A one-owner family vehicle that was garaged is a different used buy than the same vehicle that served a rideshare driver for three years. Ask how the vehicle was used day to day.
How McFarland Sources and Prepares Used SUVs
Every used vehicle on our lot at McFarland Chevrolet is hand-selected and inspected before it goes up for sale. Caleb McFarland personally vets our used inventory. Vehicles come from lease turn-ins, auctions, and trades. Not every vehicle that comes in makes it onto the lot. We are selective because our name is on every vehicle we sell.
Our most-requested used Chevrolet SUVs are the Equinox and Traverse, particularly the 2020 to 2022 model years in both cases. Those generations represent strong value with meaningful technology upgrades over older examples at prices that are accessible for most buyers.
We are also ASE certified to service all makes. If you buy a used Toyota, Honda, Ford, or Jeep and want it serviced by certified technicians, we can handle it. Every oil change includes a tire rotation, all fluid checks, and a complimentary car wash. We are open Saturdays, which most dealers in this area are not.
If you are trading in a vehicle toward a used SUV purchase, our trade-in guide covers exactly what affects your appraisal and how to maximize what you get before you come in.
Ready for Your Next Step?
Browse Our Used SUV Inventory
See our current used Equinox, Traverse, and other SUV inventory. Call us at (606) 564-6181.
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