We’ll kick off our list of the 10 best used SUVs for college with a brand that’s not on most college students’ radar. Buick is best known for its big old sedans, but it has become an SUV brand. 

The Encore is tall, with a commanding seating position that belies its tiny, easy-to-park dimensions. It’s also smoother and quieter than most subcompact crossovers, so you’re less likely to count down the days until you can upgrade to something nicer. It’s one of the most economical SUVs of 2016, with EPA ratings up to 30 mpg in mixed driving. And while early Encore models had iffy crash-test scores, Buick shored up the vehicle’s safety performance starting in 2015. We wouldn’t pick the little Encore if you’re planning a carpool, but it’s otherwise a fine choice for college. Expect to pay about $18,000 for a 2016 Encore. 

Buick

Encore

2016 Buick Encore

For a mix between space, value, and easy drivability, the 2016 Subaru Forester lands right in that sweet spot. This compact crossover is renowned for exceptional outward visibility, thanks to slim roof pillars and big windows. This won’t be an intimidating vehicle to pilot, and top-notch safety ratings provide further insurance against missteps. 

 This is a hardy vehicle, not a fancy one — but that’s perhaps all the better for a college ride anyway. The 2016 Forester goes for about $21,000 today. 

Subaru

Forester

2016 Subaru Forester 

If you’d rather have something a bit fun than something maximally functional, check out the 2016 Mazda CX-5. It brings a stylish design, lively handling, and — on most trim levels — a powerful yet fuel-efficient 184-horsepower engine.

Today, you can expect to spend less than $20,000 for a 2016 CX-5. As long as you aren’t looking for the maximum possible interior space, it’s a way to keep your college SUV from being too dull. 

Mazda

CX-5

2016 Mazda CX-5

Whether it’s new or used, the Kia Soul has long been one of our favorite SUV bargains — if you consider it an SUV. Sold only with front-wheel drive and wearing endearingly goofy looks, we understand if you just consider it a tall hatchback. 

Still, if all you need from your SUV is a big cargo hold or space for four adults, the Soul has more to offer than many SUV-looking subcompacts.  Best of all, you can get one for just $14,000 and put the rest of your SUV budget toward something else. 

Soul

2016 Kia Soul

Do you want a small, affordable SUV, or one that can fit lots of people inside? With the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, there’s a way to get both — in a pinch. This compact crossover comes standard with a tiny third-row seat, so if you end up as the designated driver, you can ferry two more friends than other vehicles this small. Most of the time, keep the seat folded to have plenty of space for five people and their stuff instead. 

It’s a classy-looking model with excellent crash-test scores, plenty of space, and an appealingly low price: about $17,000 for a 2016 model. 

Mitsubishi

Outlander

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

When you really need to carry seven passengers, our top choice is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. It looks and feels less imposing than most SUVs with usable third-row seats, with agile handling and a narrow, cozy cabin that won’t make you think you’re driving the campus shuttle bus. 

A powerful V6 is smooth and quiet, though you’ll need to budget for higher fuel bills than some of the little four-cylinder SUVs on our list — the price of this extra passenger capacity and refinement. At least it’s not an especially expensive choice to buy; you can find a 2016 Santa Fe for about $19,000. 

Hyundai

Santa Fe

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

If you’re ready to invest for the future to keep your operating expenses low, consider the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This is the first model year of Toyota’s wildly popular gas-electric SUV, and except for the Tesla Model X luxury SUV, it was the most fuel-efficient SUV sold at the time. The EPA pegs it at 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 

The RAV4 Hybrid also has a generously sized interior and extra-comfortable seats. It’s ready to help you move to a new city for your summer internship, and it’ll sip fuel on your daily commute to it. It’s a little more expensive than many vehicles on our list, though; be ready to shell out about $23,000 for a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. 

Toyota

RAV4 Hybrid

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

If you’re looking for a ritzier college experience, you may not even need to pay much extra to get a luxury brand. Take a look at the Lincoln MKC. It’s based on the Ford Escape compact crossover but has a more sophisticated design, richer cabin, more available features, and an optional upgraded engine with more power. And forget about Lincoln’s image as a stodgy, old-school brand; the 2016 MKC also has sporty handling and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. 

Best of all, the MKC is a bargain today. You should be able to get a nicely equipped 2016 Lincoln MKC for around $22,000 today. 

Lincoln

2016 Lincoln MKC

The Nissan Rogue isn’t an exciting vehicle, but it’s a spacious, well-rounded, and fuel-efficient compact crossover at a compelling price. And if you’ll need to squeeze into awkward spaces like a campus parking garage, you’ll appreciate the available surround-view camera system; it uses four cameras to stitch together an overhead view of your vehicle and the obstacles and line markings around it. You won’t find this feature on any other SUV at this price. 

Speaking of price, you should be able to find a nice 2016 Rogue for only around $17,000. That makes it a lot of car for your money, especially if you’ll be carrying lots of people or cargo. 

Nissan

 Rogue Hybrid

2016 Nissan Rogue

We’ll close our list of the 10 best used SUVs for college with the 2016 Honda HR-V. It’s a subcompact crossover with a more adult-friendly rear seat than most similarly sized models. And you should be able to find one for just $16,000. 

The HR-V isn’t a luxury car; it’s a little noisy and slow, even for 2016 standards. But it has decent space, a small footprint, and a relatively affordable price. That should make it another worthy option for your college lifestyle. 

Honda

HR-V

2016 Honda HR-V

10 Best Used SUVs for College 

SUVs are everywhere these days, and it seems like most American drivers want one. SUVs are versatile, are easy to get in and out of, and can be a lot of fun to drive. It’s also nice to have a driving position that looks down on traffic, not up at it. That is why we have selected the best options.

Best Used SUVs

Acura

Alfa Romeo

Aston Martin

Audi

Bentley

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Dodge

Ferrari

FIAT

Ford

Genesis

INFINITI

Jaguar

Jeep

Karma

Lamborghini

Land Rover

Lexus

Lucid

Maserati

Maybach

McLaren

Mercedes-Benz

MINI

Panoz

Polestar

Porsche

Rivian

Rolls-Royce

smart

Tesla

Volkswagen

Volvo

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks

10 Best Used Small Trucks

Trucks have become the new everyday vehicle for millions of people because modern pickups deliver a unique mix of ultimate utility and comfort that few other vehicles can. Automakers have responded by adding more luxury, better tech, and a load of clever options that make trucks more useful, desirable, and expensive. Buying used can save you thousands of dollars over new, and certified pre-owned (CPO) is even better.
Vehicle manufacturers must authorize dealers before they can certify vehicles. The process involves a rigorous inspection, and only vehicles within a certain age and mileage range qualify. While CPO vehicles can be a little more expensive than other used models, they typically come with long manufacturer warranties that cover a large portion of vehicle systems. That peace of mind is worth the extra cost, and you'll typically end up with a much nicer vehicle overall, as CPOs are held to a higher standard.
Which certified pre-owned pickup truck is right for you? There are so many great choices that it's hard to go wrong. We've gathered a list of our favorite recent model-year CPO trucks. Let's get started. 

10 Best CPO Pickup Trucks

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $35,000

10 Most Reliable Used SUVs

A two-row SUV adds the additional cargo capacity and roomier interior of an SUV while still keeping dimensions manageable for those who live in more urban areas. They also get better fuel economy so they're easier on your budget. Here are the 10 best used two-row SUVs.

10 Best Used Two-Row SUVs

10 Best Used Electric SUVs

There is a wide range of eight-passenger SUVs on the market, but it can be a challenge finding one you can afford. Large SUVs that easily accommodate the kids and their friends are often more expensive than smaller ones, which makes them tough to fit into the family budget. A used eight-passenger SUV is a more affordable option.

Buying used will not only save you money and keep you on budget, but it may also let you get into a higher trim level or more luxurious vehicle than you could afford if you were buying new. Here are the 10 best used eight-passenger SUVs perfect for families.

10 Best Used 8-Passenger SUVs

There is no getting around the fact that the American public loves SUVs. For this model year, many predict that U.S. car buyers will purchase twice as many SUVs and trucks as passenger cars. The reason? Consumers appreciate the elevated driving position and the people- and cargo-carrying versatility that SUVs bring to the party.

10 Used SUVs That Are Great Values

Americans love SUVs. This is as true as the sky is blue. Americans love their looks, their versatility, and the aura they project. You don’t hear people who have inactive, sedentary lifestyles talking about their SUVs. The people who drive SUVs are pictured as adventurers who might just head off into the wilderness on an overlanding expedition on a moment's notice.

If there is a problem attached to SUVs and their popularity, it is their expense. For cheap transport, a small sedan, hatchback, or coupe will typically be much less expensive than an SUV. Sure, you can buy a used SUV, but with no warranty, you are out in the cold if something goes wrong. The solution is a certified pre-owned SUV backed by the manufacturer. If you shop and bargain, it will be much less expensive than the same model purchased new, but it will be covered by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty. Problem solved. Here are the 10 best CPO SUVs under $25,000.

10 Best CPO SUVs Under $25,000

We’re not surprised that you are interested in buying an SUV. You are certainly not alone. They used to say that the 1990s was the decade of the sport-utility vehicle, but the argument could be successfully made that this is the SUV decade. We don’t have to tell you why, either. Pretty much everybody is aware of how useful and versatile most SUVs are. For those who have people to transport or stuff to carry, an SUV will get the job done for them. If the SUV has an Achilles’ heel, it is cost. SUVs are typically expensive vehicles. Some of the vehicles on this list had suggested retail prices well over $60,000 when they were new. No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot of money for a vehicle. The answer to that is buying a certified pre-owned SUV, because that can drop the price by thousands of dollars while still offering you new-car-like warranty protection. Here are the 10 best CPO SUVs under $40,000.

10 Best CPO SUVs Under $40,000

Most Americans equate a vehicle’s size and weight to its ability to protect them in a collision. And there is some truth to that. It’s one of the reasons crossovers and SUVs have become so popular. They make you feel safer when you’re behind the wheel. But some SUVs are safer than others. Although modern-day crossovers are the safest the auto industry has ever produced, some models perform better in crash tests than others, or offer more sophisticated accident avoidance systems and driver aids that can help you avoid an accident in the first place.

For millions of Americans shopping for a good used SUV, safety is also a high priority, and you don’t have to compromise on safety to find an affordable SUV. There are many used models out there with the same desirable safety technology and excellent crash performance as the new 2020 models. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this list of 10 used SUVs under $40,000 with available accident avoidance systems and excellent crash test scores. Since most are just two to three years old, they can be found with low mileage and they can be purchased through manufacturers certified pre-owned programs.

Used SUVs Under $40,000 With Accident Avoidance Systems

While sedans are waning in popularity, SUVs and crossovers are more popular than ever. That means there are lots of choices for those who want a new SUV for the family. The challenge with buying an SUV is that it can be expensive. Used SUVs are a great way to stay on budget while still getting the car you need.

Since SUVs are often full of people, including lots of kids, safety is a priority. Here are the 10 safest used SUVs you can buy based on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test ratings. All received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating for the year listed.

10 Safest Used SUVs

Graduate, find a mate, procreate, and buy a crossover with three rows of seats. For millions, it’s the American dream: space for the entire family and then some. SUVs with the ability to carry up to seven passengers are more popular than ever. They’ve become the must-have for dads and moms from Newport, Rhode Island, to Newport Beach, California.

And why not? Little Billy Jr. shouldn’t be forced to share a row with his sister. She’s icky. And sister Jane deserves her own row of seats as well. There you go, girl. Stretch out and dream of someday owning your own three-row family truckster. Yes, we can stop for ice cream. But with dozens of used 3-row SUVs out there, which is best for your family? Well, we’ve done the research for you and narrowed it down to the 10 we think are the best. We’ve also limited the selection to crossovers. We’ll cover big-daddy SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition separately. Here are our favorites.

Best Used 3-Row SUVs

SUVs are everywhere these days, and it seems like most American drivers want one. In 2020, sales of SUVs topped the 50% level in the light-vehicle market for the first time, and the trend shows no sign of abating. SUVs are versatile, are easy to get in and out of, and can be a lot of fun to drive. It’s also nice to have a driving position that looks down on traffic, not up at it. The only trouble with SUVs is they are, on average, more expensive than their conventional sedan and hatchback counterparts.

The answer to that potential issue is to purchase a used SUV. Studies have shown quite clearly that vehicles that have been manufactured during the past few years have very long useful lives, perhaps the longest in history. That’s why this list of the five SUVs that cost the least to insure can be so valuable.

5 Used SUVs That Cost Less to Insure

When it comes to transportation, most people want comfort. Because of that, SUVs are everywhere. And if you have to ride in the second row of an SUV, there is no more comfortable place than in a captain’s chair. That is why SUVs with captain’s chairs are so popular. People like the elevated driving position and the people-carrying versatility that SUVs are so well-known for. And they love the people-hauling ability of vehicles that offer captain’s chairs in the second row. Not only are the captain’s chairs typically more comfortable than a spot on a bench seat, but the gap between the two captain’s chairs makes it easy to get into and out of the third row. That's a win-win. Of course, when purchased new, three-row SUVs with captain’s chairs are typically expensive. A great way around that is to buy a recent-vintage used version. Here is our list of the 10 best used SUVs with captain’s chairs.


10 Best Used SUVs With Captain’s Chairs

When you’re heading off to college, an SUV makes a lot of sense. It has the spaciousness you’ll need to move your furniture from dorm rooms to apartments, and to carry you and your friends on unforgettable road trips. And it often has all-wheel drive for that time snow fails to postpone that crucial exam or job interview. 

But a new SUV is often tough on a college budget. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 best used SUVs for college. Most of these models are small, easy to drive, and relatively affordable, yet also roomy enough to be useful. For variety, we also included a couple of higher-end models — two vehicles with third-row seating and one from a luxury brand. We focused on the 2016 model year to keep things relatively affordable, yet avoiding SUVs that may be too old to reliably get you through college. 

Prestige. Panache. Performance. The three pillars of a great German luxury car. The best combine a depth of engineering with exceptional design detail and an extraordinary exploitation of form as well as function. They look good and they drive even better.

You can argue that Germany’s top luxury brands — BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi — build the best cars in the world. And that they have for decades. Many enthusiasts agree. Germany’s best also offer incredible used-car value. That’s right, buying used German luxury can save you big bucks compared to buying the brand new version of the very same car. For a fraction of the price, you get the same prestige, panache, and performance. To maximize your value, we limited our list of the 10 best used German luxury cars to models just four years old or newer. That means they’re still available through factory-certified pre-owned (CPO) programs with extended warranties. Our choices are listed alphabetically. 