Buying a used SUV offers you the chance to get behind the wheel of a great vehicle on a modest budget. And just because you want to pay less for the purchase, that doesn’t mean that you have to get a lower-quality vehicle. There are many excellent pre-owned SUVs on the market with above-average reliability scores, versatile cabins, and impressive powertrains. Our team here at New Jersey State Auto has put together a list of some of the best crossovers to buy used in 2022.
Ford Explorer
Ford fully redesigned this mid-sized Explorer in 2020 to equip it with more cargo-carrying capacity. It also gained rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive. Reviews on the new generation Explorer have been positive, above all due to its two powerful engine options: a turbocharged four-cylinder unit and a twin-turbocharged V-6.
The Explorer’s cabin is more functional than the other upscale SUVs you may find on the market. The first two rows of seats offer ample room for adult passengers, while the third row is set lower to the floor and is best suited for kids or smaller passengers.
Honda CR-V
Honda hasn’t had to make major changes to the CR-V for several years, which is a reflection of the popularity and reliability of this two-row SUV. It features a spacious cabin with plenty of cargo-carrying capacity at the rear and plenty of legroom in both rows for adult passengers.
The CR-V has a 190-horsepower turbocharged engine under the hood. This unit, combined with a continuously variable transmission, provides decent power for day-to-day driving, while still providing you with good gas mileage and a smooth ride.
Chevrolet Equinox
Since its full redesign for the 2018 model year, the Equinox has consistently scored well on reliability and safety ratings. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is ideal if you’re looking for a powertrain that’s perfect for moving your SUV around town without any trouble while also keeping your costs down at the gas pump.
Inside, the Equinox offers a versatile cabin that will suit families or drivers looking to spread out. You get close to 30 cubic feet of storage space at the rear of this compact SUV. Both of its rows have enough legroom to comfortably seat adult passengers, and three kids or two adults can easily fit in the rear row.
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue was fully redesigned in 2021. Older models from the previous generation are still popular as a used SUV purchase thanks to their great fuel efficiency and spacious cabins for passengers and cargo alike.
Used 2021 Rogues benefit from an engine upgrade and modernized infotainment system. J.D. Power’s reliability ratings placed the 2021 Rogue in the “great” category, with an overall score of 82 out of 100.
GMC Acadia
The Acadia is sure to impress with its upscale cabin and three rows of seats, which can accommodate six or seven passengers. There are usually two types of engines in Acadia models from recent years: a turbocharged four-cylinder and a more powerful V-6. Another standout feature of this mid-sized SUV is its AT4 off-roading trim, which includes many of the tools you’ll need to hit the trails.
The first and second rows in the cabin are ideal for adult passengers, while the compact third row provides child-friendly seating. Alternatively, you can fold the third row flat to boost your cargo storage options.
The 2018 and 2019 model years are good choices for used car buyers. No major changes to the Acadia’s features were made during these two years, suggesting that these vehicles performed well. In addition, both model years remain eligible for GMC’s certified pre-owned program, which provides warranty coverage for certain maintenance tasks for GMC vehicles less than six years of age.
Mazda CX-5
The last full redesign for the Mazda CX-5 was in 2017, so this compact SUV has had plenty of time in its current generation to showcase its reliability and impressive performance. The CX-5 has proven popular among buyers thanks to its exciting engine lineup, which includes a base four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged optional upgrade.
The CX-5’s cabin also wins praise for its upscale feel that’s created by the premium materials used to make the vehicle. The vehicle provides an excellent amount of cargo space, while also being slim enough to not take up too much space in parking lots around town.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee underwent a complete redesign for the 2022 model, but there are still plenty of previous-generation Grand Cherokees on the market. This mid-sized SUV offers three rows of comfortable seating options in a cabin with upscale materials. Used car buyers will be happy to hear that the Grand Cherokee also boasts an above-average reliability rating, with JD Power giving it a score of 84 out of 100.
The Grand Cherokee’s other standout feature is its off-roading abilities, which are stronger than almost any other SUV in the mid-sized class. So, if you like heading off the beaten track, this is definitely a vehicle you should add to your pre-owned SUV search.
Find the Best Pre-Owned SUVs in 2022 at New Jersey State Auto in Jersey City
We hope that our overview of some of the best used SUVs to buy in 2022 has provided you with some shopping ideas. Our well-stocked showroom in Jersey City contains several makes and models from this list, as well as a great selection of other crossovers, sedans, or trucks. Get to know more by browsing our online inventory or dropping by our New Jersey dealership. If you’re looking for competitive financing offers for your used car purchase, head on over to our finance center to learn more about how they can help.
If you have questions about our used SUVs, or would like to learn more about how our service center can help protect your pre-owned purchase, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team of auto experts is standing by to help you with your next auto purchase.