Fun fact: Between two and three used cars change hands for every new car sold. That said, this isn't quite the value proposition it once was — the average new car price at the dealership surpassed $48,000 last year. America's enduring passion for SUVs and trucks, which typically carry higher price tags than sedans, is largely to blame.
Used cars aren't exactly bargain-bin finds anymore, even among hatchback-style compact SUVs. According to CarGurus data, the average price lands around $37,000 and spans a very broad slice of the market. Still, that's some relief for shoppers who can't stomach spending nearly 50 grand. With that in mind, we've organized our recommendations into four price tiers, all under $40,000.
These aren't "official" rankings, but they can serve as useful guideposts as you navigate the used vehicle market in your area. We weighed safety and reliability alongside roominess, practicality, fuel economy, driving dynamics, and style — factors that play a role in virtually every buyer's decision, even if looks tend to rank last. Some highly popular models, including the Ford Edge, Honda CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Nissan Murano, didn't make the cut because their scores fell short or they weren't available within the price range. Our picks won't suit every buyer, but we're confident the vehicles below rank among the best used midsize SUVs money can buy.
The Best Used Midsize SUVs
Under $12,000
- Midsize SUV: 2010–2014 Subaru Outback
- Midsize Family SUV: 2008–2015 Buick Enclave
- Midsize Luxury SUV: 2007–2013 Acura MDX
$12,000 to $20,000
- Midsize SUV: 2016–2020 Kia Sorento
- Midsize Family SUV: 2009-2017 Honda Pilot
- Midsize Luxury SUV: 2010–2015 Lexus RX
$20,000 to $30,000
- Midsize SUV: 2016–2020 Mazda CX-9
- Midsize Family SUV: 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander
- Midsize Luxury SUV: 2016–2019 Lexus RX
$30,000 to $40,000
- Best Midsize Luxury SUV: 2016–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Best Midsize Luxury Family SUV: 2016–2020 Volvo XC90
Best Used Midsize SUVs Under $12,000
In today's inflationary environment, $12,000 doesn't stretch nearly as far as it once did — especially when you're hunting for SUVs, which generally command a premium over comparable sedans. That said, there are still worthwhile choices in this price class. They may not boast the latest technology, but they deliver solid reliability, good safety credentials, and can often be found with reasonable mileage. Here are our top picks for the best used midsize SUVs under $12,000.
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Best Midsize SUV: 2010–2014 Subaru Outback
Drive a Subaru Outback once and you'll understand why owners become devoted fans. Styling isn't the draw for this five-passenger crossover SUV — instead, the Outback wins hearts with a proven reliability record, comfortable room for a family of four, outstanding practicality, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and impressive safety ratings. When the snow piles up or the road turns to gravel, the Outback barely flinches.
This fourth-generation Outback grew in overall dimensions, gaining more passenger and cargo space in the process. The most common engine is a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Certain Outback 2.5i models even carry a partial zero-emission vehicles (PZEV) rating.
Unless frequent fuel stops don't bother you, we'd encourage you to seek out an Outback 3.6R with its 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder and five-speed automatic transmission. This is especially sound advice if you live at altitude or regularly head into the mountains, where the 2.5i returns better fuel economy but can feel underpowered. Beyond Subaru's capable AWD system, the Outback also delivers 8.7 inches of ground clearance — more than most drivers will ever need.
Best Midsize Family SUV: 2008–2015 Buick Enclave
The first-generation Buick Enclave stretches a full foot longer than a contemporary Toyota Highlander, pushing the boundaries of what a midsize crossover can be — and that generous footprint translates directly into a supremely comfortable, spacious three-row family hauler. Buick's more refined appointments also give it a distinctly upscale feel compared to alternatives like the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, or Ford Explorer. When it debuted in 2008, the Enclave was an immediate sales success, and it has remained one of Buick's signature models ever since. Today, it makes a compelling budget-friendly three-row SUV with a notably smooth ride.
The Enclave's most glaring shortcoming is fuel economy — don't expect much more than 18 mpg combined — but it compensates with a long list of appealing qualities. Reliability ratings are solid, safety scores from both IIHS and NHTSA are strong (with meaningful active-safety upgrades arriving for 2013), and power is plentiful. The standard 3.6-liter V6 started at 275 hp and later climbed to 288 hp, with AWD available as an option throughout the run. Timing chain service is something to keep an eye on with these engines, but overall they prove quite durable.
All that exterior size, of course, pays dividends inside, and the Enclave offers the largest third-row seating area of any vehicle on this list. With more than 33 inches of legroom back there, real adults can actually sit comfortably — a figure that rivals some full-size SUVs. Higher trim levels deliver a genuinely luxurious cabin feel, and later model years bring a reasonably modern infotainment setup. This Enclave was produced through 2017, though the most recent examples tend to fall outside this price range.
Best Midsize Luxury SUV: 2007–2013 Acura MDX
Acura's second-generation MDX introduced the world to the brand's polarizing — and undeniably bold — "shield" grille, yet somehow the design worked beautifully on this SUV. That striking appearance, combined with class-leading dependability, excellent safety ratings, genuine practicality, and seating for up to seven, helped cement the MDX as Acura's best-selling model, a distinction it continues to hold today.
A 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine was standard across these model years, channeling power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Every 2007–2013 MDX also came equipped with Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which can direct up to 70% of engine output to the rear axle — and all of that to a single rear wheel when conditions demand it. The result is an SUV that's genuinely enjoyable to drive.
Beyond the standard specification, original buyers could add Technology or Sport option packages, each of which could be paired with an Entertainment package that included a rear-seat entertainment system. While this MDX naturally lacks the large touchscreens found in newer vehicles, its interior still holds up well and feels thoughtfully designed. Many examples were also generously equipped with features like navigation, making them feel far from dated.
Best Used Midsize SUVs $12,000 to $20,000
With up to $20,000 to spend, your options open up considerably. These three picks stand out as particularly easy recommendations — and in this price class, we've even managed to include a luxury SUV worth serious consideration.
Best Midsize SUV: 2016–2020 Kia Sorento
Too many SUV shoppers pass right over the excellent third-generation Kia Sorento. This version of Kia's midsize SUV took a significant leap forward in style and sophistication — though to truly appreciate those gains, you'll want to step up to a higher trim level. Fortunately, that's very much achievable within this price range. In SX specification, for instance, the reliable and safe Sorento feels genuinely upscale.
Moving up the trim ladder also unlocks a meaningful power upgrade. Many examples carry the standard 190-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which is perfectly adequate but unremarkable. We'd steer you toward either the turbocharged 240-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the strong 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 instead. If you live or spend time at higher elevations, these engines make for a noticeably more enjoyable experience. One notable omission: unlike the post-2021 Sorentos, there's no hybrid option in these years.
A third-row seat was available on the Sorento, but it's so cramped as to be of limited use. It's a nice convenience if you occasionally need to squeeze in small children, but realistically the Sorento is best treated as a two-row SUV for four or five passengers. On the upside, because the Sorento was engineered to accommodate that seat, cargo space behind the second row is quite generous.
Best Midsize Family SUV: 2009–2017 Honda Pilot
It's tempting to default to the Toyota Highlander when shopping for a midsize family SUV, but the Highlander Hybrid — the version that delivers truly meaningful advantages over the competition — isn't cheap. And if a usable third row is a genuine priority, the Honda Pilot simply offers more. The Pilot's third row is easier to reach than the Highlander's, and once passengers are seated back there, they'll find nearly six additional inches of legroom. The Honda also beats the Toyota on cargo capacity across every measurement and throws in a host of clever storage solutions throughout the cabin.
Beyond its family-hauling credentials, the Pilot is a touch more enjoyable to drive and more distinctive to look at. These model years span two generations: the bold, upright-faced 2009 to 2015 second-generation models and the somewhat more subdued 2016-and-newer third-generation. Within this price range, you'll generally find nicer, lower-mileage examples of the older generation, though those do trade some of the newer infotainment and driver-assistance features found in the later models.
Both generations share a 3.5-liter V6 producing between 250 and 280 hp. Performance is solid, and fuel economy is roughly on par with the four-cylinder, non-hybrid Highlander. The 2016–17 Pilots earned stronger marks from both IIHS and NHTSA, but earlier model years are also safe and dependable choices.
Best Midsize Luxury SUV: 2010–2015 Lexus RX
Styled with the swooping roofline of an SUV coupe before that segment even existed, the third-generation Lexus RX is a refined, serene, and supremely polished retreat from the chaos of daily driving. Rock-solid dependability, comfortable five-passenger seating, strong crash-test scores, and availability as a fuel-efficient hybrid all contributed to the RX's enormous popularity when new — which means finding a well-kept used example today is refreshingly straightforward.
The RX 350's 275-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is a masterclass in smoothness, driving the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The RX 450h hybrid steps things up with nearly 300 horsepower and a combined fuel economy rating of around 30 mpg — making it the clear efficiency champion of the luxury class, with no rival coming close.
Don't expect sporty reflexes or brisk acceleration from either powertrain — the Lexus is all about calm, composed luxury, and it excels as an antidote to a stressful commute. It can also be found loaded with the most advanced safety technology of its era, including optional adaptive cruise control. For those who want a sportier edge, the F Sport trim adds a firmer suspension tune and more aggressive visual details.
Best Used Midsize SUVs $20,000 to $30,000
Shopping in this price range opens the door to newer models packed with modern technology and driver-assistance features. But even with $30,000 to spend, a brand-new midsize SUV from mainstream brands like Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Ford, or Chevrolet remains out of reach. That's where the used market comes in. Here are three used midsize SUVs under $30,000 that we're happy to recommend.
Best Midsize SUV: 2016–2020 Mazda CX-9
Mazda's ground-up redesign of the CX-9 for the 2016 model year delivered a dramatic visual transformation and a noticeably more premium interior experience. The CX-9 also brings a strong reliability record and solid safety credentials, along with a suite of driver-assistance technologies — including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring — to help avoid accidents before they happen.
A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the sole engine offering, producing up to 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. That torque figure is genuinely impressive, particularly in AWD-equipped models, and the turbocharger keeps the engine feeling lively even at altitude. True to Mazda's driving philosophy, the CX-9 is engaging behind the wheel — a notable achievement for a three-row machine that sits at the larger end of the midsize spectrum and approaches the Buick Enclave in overall size.
The CX-9 is available in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and top-tier Signature trim levels, offering something for a wide range of buyers. The one group it doesn't serve well is third-row passengers — that rearmost seat is cramped and really only suited to young children. It's handy to have available and does free up extra cargo space when folded, but like the Kia Sorento, the CX-9 is best thought of as a five-passenger SUV with occasional extra capacity.
Best Midsize Family SUV: 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander
There are very good reasons why the Toyota Highlander consistently ranks among the most sought-after midsize SUVs — and why used examples often carry a slight price premium over the competition. Every Highlander delivers dependability, strong safety scores, and user-friendly operation as standard. All come with a third row and ample cargo space, and Hybrid models achieve nearly unbeatable fuel economy in the segment, with up to 29 mpg combined. In these third-generation models, the Hybrid also comes standard with AWD.
In previous years, this list included older, less expensive Highlanders in the lower price tiers, but ongoing demand has kept those earlier models pricier than more budget-friendly alternatives. In the $20,000–$30,000 range, however, there's a healthy selection of these Highlanders to choose from. Toyota refreshed the SUV for 2014 and updated it again for 2017, adding a new SE trim with a sport-tuned suspension, introducing a revised 3.5-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic, and expanding the Hybrid lineup with additional trim choices. Opinions on the updated styling vary — some find it an improvement, others less so.
The new powertrain was intended to boost efficiency, but in practice the transmission frequently hesitated on downshifts, making the updated non-hybrid models less rewarding to drive than expected. That criticism doesn't apply to the Highlander Hybrid, which carried over its powertrain largely unchanged and remained as smooth and efficient as ever. If you're in the market for a used Highlander, the Hybrid is the one to get.
Best Midsize Luxury SUV: 2016–2019 Lexus RX
Lexus has long been synonymous with reliability, and the fourth-generation RX upholds that reputation while adding stronger safety scores — making it a natural fit for this list. It carries forward all the virtues of the previous-generation RX described above, while adding bolder, more distinctive styling and a more up-to-date technology package. The one caveat: the redesigned exterior is very much a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, with little room for indifference.
This generation continued in RX 350 and RX 450h model lines, each available with the F Sport package that sharpens the aesthetics and tightens up the chassis. For 2026, Lexus stretched the wheelbase and added a three-row variant — the RX 350L and RX 450hL — for seven-passenger capacity, but we can't wholeheartedly recommend it. The third row is the smallest in its class, uncomfortable even for children. If a proper three-row luxury SUV is what you're after in this price range, the Acura MDX remains the better choice.
Unlike earlier generations of the RX, the fourth-generation F Sport is genuinely engaging to drive. It won't be mistaken for an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes, but it won't lull you to sleep either. The one persistent frustration is the infotainment system's touchpad interface, which is distracting and fiddly to use on the move. Many drivers find the navigation particularly cumbersome, but this annoyance doesn't overshadow the RX's considerable strengths.
Best Used SUVs $30,000 to $40,000
With a budget stretching to $40,000, most new mainstream-brand midsize SUVs are within reach. But if a luxury SUV is what you're after, that budget still confines you to compact luxury crossovers — unless you go used. Here are our picks for the best used midsize luxury SUVs at this price point.
Best Midsize Luxury SUV: 2016–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Another Lexus on this list? We didn't think you'd want that. Instead, here's a compelling Mercedes-Benz with a premium, spacious cabin that can seat up to seven when the optional compact third-row seat is fitted. Luxury SUVs — with the notable exception of Lexus — don't always distinguish themselves for long-term reliability, but the GLE-Class has shown itself to be a reasonably dependable choice. We'd steer clear of the optional BlueTEC diesel engines, which have a documented history of issues, but the gasoline-powered GLE 350 models generate relatively few complaints.
A descendant of the long-running M-Class, the GLE-Class received its new name alongside a full redesign for 2016, and that name carried through to another redesign for 2020. While these SUVs aren't inexpensive even on the used market, a handful of the more refined and feature-rich 2020 models do fall within this price range. If you can find one, it represents a meaningful step up in quality over the 2016–2019 versions — though all GLEs deliver a genuinely luxurious experience, and the older models offer a broader range of powertrain and equipment configurations.
The GLE-Class isn't as dynamically sharp as the rival BMW X5, but it counters with a better reliability record and superior safety scores, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition across all of these model years. It's also more overtly luxurious than the BMW, with an interior that looks and feels richer and typically comes with more standard equipment. Hot AMG variants will be difficult to find at this price point, but the standard GLE-Class makes a strong case for itself as a used luxury buy.
Best Midsize Luxury Family SUV: 2016–2020 Volvo XC90
If you're searching for a relatively attainable luxury family SUV with a genuinely usable third row, the Acura MDX and the Volvo XC90 are essentially the only serious contenders — and the Swedish entry holds a clear advantage in both design flair and third-row space. While the Acura relies on a V6, every XC90 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with output ranging from 250 hp to 316 hp depending on specification. There's also a T8 plug-in hybrid variant that delivers considerably more power. Its electric-only range is modest and the price premium is real, but it remains the only plug-in option on this entire list.
The first of Volvo's new-generation lineup, this XC90 bowed in 2016 as a replacement for the long-running original model and announced Volvo's fresh design language to the world. Its styling has aged remarkably well as a result. Passenger space is generous for its class, with a proper adult-friendly third row that offers nearly three inches more legroom than the Acura MDX. Cargo space tells a different story, however — just 12.6 cubic feet behind the third seat and 65.5 cu-ft with both rows folded put it closer to compact crossover territory.
Inside, the XC90 feels genuinely opulent, with cabin details that evoke Scandinavian design sensibilities — though base models are a bit light on standard equipment. Volvo stacks on active-safety technology generously, and like the brand's other models, the XC90 earns strong marks from both IIHS and NHTSA. Volvo's repair record isn't quite as pristine as Acura's or Lexus's, but the XC90 scores above average with reliability analysts at RepairPal and J.D. Power.
The Best Used Midsize SUVs FAQs
What is the average price of a used midsize SUV?
According to CarGurus data, the average price of a used midsize SUV lands around $37,000, which spans a broad slice of the market. That's still a meaningful discount compared to the average new car price, which surpassed $48,000 last year.
What are the best used midsize SUVs under $20,000?
In the under-$12,000 range, strong picks include the 2010–2014 Subaru Outback, the 2008–2015 Buick Enclave, and the 2007–2013 Acura MDX. Step up to the $12,000–$20,000 tier and you'll find even more compelling options, including the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento, the 2009–2017 Honda Pilot, and the 2010–2015 Lexus RX — the last of which is a genuine luxury SUV available at a mainstream price point.
Which used midsize SUV is best for families who need a usable third row?
The 2016–2020 Volvo XC90 and the Honda Pilot stand out for offering genuinely usable third rows, unlike many rivals where the rearmost seat is only practical for small children. The XC90's third row offers nearly three inches more legroom than the Acura MDX, while the Pilot's third row provides nearly six additional inches of legroom compared to the Toyota Highlander's.
Is a used hybrid midsize SUV worth buying?
If fuel economy is a priority, the Lexus RX 450h hybrid is a standout choice, delivering around 30 mpg combined — a figure no other luxury rival in its class comes close to matching. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is another strong pick, achieving up to 29 mpg combined, and in the 2014–2019 generation it comes standard with AWD on hybrid models.
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Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
