The 5 Best SUVs You Should Buy (Video)

Mar 6, 2021

SUVs are the most popular vehicles on the road today. In 2019, they outsold sedans 2 to 1. If you plan to buy an SUV but don’t want to break the bank, buying used is a great option. Quality is important as milage starts to add up.

What are the 5 best used SUVs you should buy?

According to Scotty Kilmer, the five best used SUVs are:

Honda CR-V: Budget-friendly
Acura RDX: Great handling
Toyota RAV4: Highest safety rating
Toyota Highlander: Roomy
Lexus 350: Luxurious and responsive

When choosing a used vehicle, reliability is a top priority. However, there are other considerations as well. Each of the vehicles on this list has its own pros and cons. We’ll look at these five vehicles. You’ll learn what makes them special, and the problems they commonly have.

The Five Best Used SUVs

Honda CR-V

The 2016 CR-V has 185 horsepower from a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. It handles well for its size.

Hondas have a reputation for being reliable, even at high mileage. The CR-V delivers here as well. Many CR-V owners report having 300,000 miles or more with minimal problems.

Starting in 2015, a CVT transmission was the only option. It is available in front or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive model requires extra maintenance and a slight decrease in gas mileage, so front-wheel drive is recommended.

Acura RDX

Acura is known for its handling and performance. The RDX offers an exceptionally smooth ride and more luxury than most SUVs on the list.

The Acura RDX has 279 horsepower. It has plenty of power, but it does have a longer braking time than others in its class, at 184 feet at 70 mph.

The RDX has an average reliability rating from J.D. Power. Most owners state that they love the vehicle and its reliability, but there is one major issue some owners experience.

There is a class-action lawsuit, with owners claiming it suddenly stops or shifts into neutral. It’s believed that the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) don’t communicate properly, causing the vehicle to shift into neutral or “limp home” mode.

Acura has released a few software updates, but the Plaintiffs allege that the problem hasn’t been fixed. This affects RDX models from 2016-2020.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 has the highest safety rating in its class, making it a great choice for families. It also has fewer blind spots than most SUVs. This makes it easier to back up the vehicle. They handle well and offer a quiet ride.

They are very reliable, and can easily run for 500,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. They have 176 horsepower. They get 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

They are known for problems with the door actuator. These can be replaced without a big expense. It’s a relatively small problem to have with a used vehicle.

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is available as a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder, but the 6-cylinder is more popular. The 2.7 liter 4-cylinder gets 185 horsepower. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The 3.5 liter V-6 gets 270 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive model gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive gets 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy is nearly identical to the 4-cylinder, with much more horsepower.

It has a smooth ride and plenty of space. There are 83 cubic feet of space with all the rear seats down, and 13 cubic feet of space with all seats in place.

Lexus R350

The Lexus R350 has excellent handling and the smoothest ride of any SUV. It is available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Both come with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

It’s a smaller SUV, with seating for five. It gets 19-20 mpg in the city and 26-28 mpg on the highway. The 3.5 liter V-6 gets 295 horsepower, making it the most powerful SUV on the list. Convenience features include keyless entry and ignition.

Be an Informed Buyer

Before you decide on an SUV, you should learn more about your options. You can learn all about them at Vehicle History. You’ll find owner and expert reviews, and a list of specs. You can also learn the history of the vehicle you are interested in.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Michelle K on June 15, 2021

Pros and cons of 2016 body style touring CR-V.

The navigation system and computer system as a whole is really not user friendly. The newer cars have phone mirroring capabilities and allow you to use apps from your phone which is much more intuitive. I never use a lot of the features on the screen because of usability issues. The hands free voice command system also is low quality compared to other cars. Hard to program and use, not intuitive and also does not pick up your voice well. Where the USB and power plugs are located inside the center console is really inconvenient if you have literally any items inside of the storage area. The hands free does not connect to your phone as seamlessly as other car brands. The good is that it is an extremely reliable vehicle. Haven't had any performance issues as long as regular maintenance is done. The rear and side view cameras are amazing. The front camera for cruise control is my favorite and makes driving anywhere such a breeze. Very comfortable ride, spacious. Feels luxurious inside cabin.

Kathy M on June 9, 2021

Not so happy with my 2016 Honda CR-V.

I have discovered that the interior is smaller than expected for an SUV. The fold down chairs give little extra room because the do not fold down flat. Having a baby seat in the second row forces front passenger seat up too much for any leg movement. Cleaning is relatively easy, you can get into cracks and crevices nicely. Electronics ran smooth for a while but after one year, the steering wheel buttons didn't work. A few months later, the upper screen on dash wouldn't turn on either. I have also had problems with the battery going dead on multiple occasions. Thankfully on the last occasion, once battery was charged, the buttons on steering wheel, and upper dash screen started working again. All in all, for the first time in 20 years, I am not happy with my Honda. Visually, this car is beautiful!

Tory S on July 18, 2021

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is the most comfortable vehicle that I have ever driven!

My 2015 Toyota RAV4 is not only the best vehicle I have ever driven, it is also the most flexible vehicle I have ever used! My rave has good gas mileage and maintains good fluid levels. The AWD is great to power through tall mounds of snow. I live in the snow capital of USA, I know from experience! The Bluetooth capabilities are fantastic. My rave makes it super easy to drive, navigate and communicate all a the same time. The controls on the steering wheel is such a great tool for safe driving. My favorite part about my rave is that it can make extremely sharp turns in smaller spaces. Parking has never been so easy! Especially with the backup camera. The backup camera features guidelines to help for safe movement!

Aiden M on March 14, 2021

2015 Acura rdx vehicle review.

The 2015 Acura rdx is personally the favorite car we own. It is a very smooth ride and has stellar gas mileage. It feels like you are driving a luxury vehicle and on top of that, maintenance is very affordable. My whole family feels like the rdx is very reliable and we all feel very safe in it. The seats are a very comfortable leather and the dashboard, center console, and steering wheel are as well. Our only complaint is that the navigation system was very hard to set up, and for some reason it disappeared about two years through having the car. Other than this we are very happy with the purchase. We feel safe, get great gas mileage, and affordable maintenance.

Brad W on April 17, 2021

Honda CR-V 2016 review based on my experiences.

I have a very low end model of the CR-V. I like this model because I Does not have touch screens which I hate and cannot use. I like having buttons and knobs and cruise control. The gas mileage is also very good as I average anywhere from 30-38 depending on where I am driving. I have not had any issues with my car except for the initial tires I received. I had to replace my tires after less than 40k miles even though they were supposed to be some of the nicer tires on the market. I do not drive my car hard so that was unexpected. I like all the room the car has to offer as it has allowed me to put off buying a truck since I can fit so much stuff inside it.

Liz K on June 22, 2021

2015 highlander: perfect mix of SUV and minivan.

I love my Toyota highlander! It has 3rd row seating and bucket seats in the second row. There is a collapsible cup holder in the second row so people can easily maneuver to the 3rd row without putting a seat down. It is a perfect mix of an sub and a van. Very family friendly. It also has speakers that project to the back two rows so the driver is easily heard throughout the whole car, and people speaking to the driver are also easily heard. The dashboard is very user friendly. My only problem I have noticed is the warning light tells you maintenance will be required soon, but does not specify what the maintenance is.

Jena W on September 2, 2021

My 2016 CR-V is the perfect size.

Big enough to haul things for work and home, and comfortably fit 4 to 5 people. I love the dual screens (earlier models I looked at had one screen) and the right side and rear view cameras are very helpful. I like being able to charge my USB appliances and play my phone over bluetooth. My only true complaint is the noise. The car almost seems to amplify the road noise. I tend to listen to music and somewhat loudly, so it doesn't normally bother me too much. I was also not a fan of the automatic dimming rear view mirror for the first few months, but I have gotten used to it.

Ruth J on August 28, 2021

2015 Toyota highlander platinum.

I have had no problems with this car at all. It is very comfortable to drive and has seats that both heat and cool. The ride is very smooth and it has the feel of luxury. There is a very large sunroof which allows for natural light. The rear seats fold down almost flat, providing a nice space for my dogs to travel. The rear hatch closes with the push of a button making it easy for me to hold onto the dogs while closing the door. Rear seat passengers have access to control the climate in that area for themselves.

Bob P on June 5, 2021

The 2015 Lexus rx 350 is an amazing vehicle!

The 2015 Lexus rx 350 is an amazing vehicle with a strong drive line, smooth ride, and great handling. The 'feel' of the vehicle is solid, and creates a confidence when driving. Spacious enough to put a full drum kit in. The heated/cooled seats are more comfortable than most living room furniture, and the vehicle offers lots of room to not feel cramped. The moonroof is a lovely add that opens up 2 ways to allow you full use. The hardwood steering wheel can be heated with options, and it feels good to use.

Cruz G on April 6, 2021

2015 Acura rdx: a fine purchase.

I have owned my Acura rdx for approximately 5 years and it is still running reliably as if I just purchased it. The handling is not as tight as when I first purchased, but it is still smooth. The features are great. I enjoy the navigation with the car and every 2 years I will update the map so that the addresses are updated. The XM radio is second to none; I enjoy listening to the XM channels, such as the news and music. One really cannot go wrong with an Acura, especially an Acura rdx.

Melissa M on June 28, 2021

Basic review of a 2015 Toyota RAV4

I haven't really had any problems with it. I don't like that I have to use the fully synthetic oil so every oil change cost me like 75 dollars. It's a fairly comfortable car. I wish I had bought the model that had the power adjustable seats the model I have only has the manual adjustments it can get a little frustrating especially when my husband drives it and moves everything. Overall it's a good car I'm hoping to drive it to the three hundred thousand mile mark

Madhurima S on June 17, 2021

Assessment of Honda CR-V 2016.

Comfortable ride quality, great features, stable vehicle. Much rear seat space along with 37.6 and 39.2 cubic feet cargo space. Great mileage, good engine. No primary complaints. However, optional navigation system is not reliable, and it could have been little more sturdy. Also, base lx trim is not enough sufficient for powering Honda- CR-V. Face minor noise from tire while on highways.

John G on May 9, 2021

2015 Toyota RAV4 limited review.

I have had my Toyota RAV4 now for almost 4 years. I have had no issues with the vehicle. The performance is great and the gas mileage I get is good too. I am a bigger guy and was initially worried how comfortable I would be in the driver's seat and the interior comfort is great. Only thing I wish the navigation screen was a bit larger but I would still highly recommend this vehicle.

Andrea on July 10, 2021

Highlander 2015 is an excellent vehicle.

It has seat warmers and coolers, a touch screen for radio, GPS, and backup camera. It has a sunroof, which is very nice. The interior is leather. The second row is bucket seats. It has a remote starter, and keyless starter. It has a snow option and is all wheel drive. Does pretty well in most of the weather. It is very comfortable and has good lumbar support in the driver's seat.

Nate J on September 7, 2021

2015 rav4 looks and drives like a dream!

The vehicle, being a ltd, has beautiful leather seats and have the ability to be warmed. The inside is dark with dark carpeting and trim, which makes the car cooler during the hotter months. The sound system is a jbl and really pumps out some rich sounding music with deep bass. The vehicle also handles with precision in all types of road conditions.

Tania M on May 29, 2021

Acura rdx review of my 2015

The rdx is a very comfortable midsize SUV and drives very smoothly. I bought it brand new in 2015 and it has not given me any issues. It is reliable and I hope to hang onto it for a few more years before selling it. When I bought it, was very expensive and I feel it was very overpriced for it not being a tech package which was an additional $4000.

Chelsea T on September 7, 2021

My wonderful 2015 Toyota rav4.

My 2015 Toyota rav4 is very comfortable (has cloth seats), is reliable, and drives very smooth. It is really good on gas, depending on the price of gas it only takes $18-$27 to fill. It has the option of being in eco or sport mode. My favorite feature of the vehicle is the backup camera, I do not know how I ever used to drive a car without it.

Paula B on August 13, 2021

Our 2015 Toyota highlander.

We have not had any problems with our 2015 Toyota highlander. We have driven it on long road trips and it is a very comfortable ride. The gas mileage is good and we love the look of the body style. It is a sleek looking vehicle and we enjoy the built in navigation system. It is very user friendly and gets us where we want to go!

Andre W on March 7, 2021

2015 Acura rdx -- ideal for the highway and off-road.

My Acura rdx very rarely poses any problems beyond ordinary maintenance issues. Its smooth powertrain makes it ideal for highway driving, which is great for me, and for off-road driving when I go camping. The v6 engine is responsive. The interior is beautiful and comfortable. It handles corners well.

Akshay K on September 5, 2021

The one issue with Toyota rav4 2015.

Overall everything is good about the car. The one complaint I have is that the touchscreen interface gets funky over time to where it does not work properly. Toyota ends up charging you close to a thousand dollars just to go in and get this fixed even though it is a design flaw of their own doing.

Jenna A on August 22, 2021

2015 rx 350: a comfortable and luxurious ride.

The 2015 Lexus rx 350 is a great vehicle. It is comfortable, luxurious, and rides “like a cloud.” the only downfalls would be gas mileage and handling. Gas mileage is not wonderful, but it is not terrible either. Handling around turns could be improved, but is expected of an SUV.

James J on June 3, 2021

White 2016 Honda CR-V ex-l.

I drive a white 2016 Honda CR-V ex-l. It is quite reliable, and gets decent fuel economy at 26 miles to the gallon. As long as I have driven this vehicle, I have had no real issues. It is very comfortable, easy to maneuver, and I plan to keep driving it for several years to come.

Chris F on April 21, 2021

2016 Honda crv. Good vehicle - no cons - just pros.

No problems yet - not getting the mileage I was hoping for only 27. 1. Comfortable ride - main reason I bought an SUV was for space. Luggage - boxes etc. Much easier to load and unload than a car. Also I can see better in the CR-V than a regular car. Will continue to buy SUV.

Ashley E on July 25, 2021

Quick review of Honda CR-V 2016.

I am not a huge fan of the way a Honda drives, compared to a Toyota. But, it is reliable car and I have had no issues since my purchase. The audio is great, and hands-free works well. The seats are comfy, and back seats sit two people comfortably. The trunk is very large.

David H on June 12, 2021

2015 acura rdx tech model not base

No problems! Very reliable! Great fuel mileage and great performance too! Very comfortable for long drives! Only missing the acura version of onstar! Color is white, has tan leather interior! Would recommend.

Carrie H