Best Used Mid-Size SUV’s

The South Korean carmaker just hit the ball out of the park with their biggest and all-new three-row mid-size crossover SUV in 2020. The Kia Telluride boasts the elegance and comfort befitting a high-end SUV while providing genuine people-mover capacity – a true bargain for its price.

Although it’s based on the Kia Sorento, the Telluride elevates both size and overall driving experience. With spacious three rows of seating, premium interior craftsmanship, and an array of standard features that put even some pricier vehicles to shame, the Kia Telluride is an impressive choice for families seeking a capable and stylish hauler.

All Telluride models are propelled by a 291-hp V6 that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with standard front-wheel drive, and available all-wheel drive. While it won’t deliver an adrenaline rush for those who crave stoplight-to-stoplight sprints, and it doesn’t win any fuel-efficiency contests, this V-6 is a silent workhorse, capable of towing up to an impressive 5000 pounds.

Although we do have a minor wish that the Telluride’s ride could be a tad softer, it’s worth noting that an optional self-leveling rear air suspension can address this concern. Additionally, the vehicle offers appreciable steering feedback and well-calibrated brakes for a balanced driving experience.

It’s important to highlight that the Kia Telluride shares its mechanical underpinnings with its Hyundai counterpart, the Palisade. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preferences. Plenty to ponder there, isn’t it?

Chevrolet undertook a thorough overhaul of the Traverse in 2018. Retaining the substantial dimensions of its predecessor, the 2018 Chevy Traverse offers a level of comfort that rivals even minivans, minus the minivan stigma. Impressively, it boasts one of the most spacious third-row seats in its competitive set, and the second-row seating provides more room than some of its rivals’ front rows.

Inside the Traverse’s cabin, you’ll discover a wealth of USB ports and strategically placed cup holders for your convenience. The infotainment system is designed with user-friendliness in mind, and there’s an array of upscale options available, elevating this three-row crossover into the upper echelons.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Traverse stands tall among its rivals, setting a high standard. Fold down all of its seats, and you’ll have a cargo space champion on your hands.

Under the hood, the 2018 Traverse boasts a revamped 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 from GM’s latest generation. This V6 engine strikes an excellent balance between power and efficiency, effortlessly propelling the Traverse to highway speeds. Complementing this powerplant is a new nine-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts. While a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is an alternative, it lags slightly behind the V-6 in terms of performance.

Despite its size, the Traverse manages to feel surprisingly nimble when you push it. It maintains poise, if not outright athleticism, as it navigates corners, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. Plus, the cabin is so well-insulated that you might need to glance at the tachometer to confirm whether the engine is running while waiting at a stoplight.

The Honda Pilot steps up to the plate as a dependable family hauler while successfully steering clear of the minivan-like stereotype. This versatile SUV underwent a significant overhaul in 2016, ushering in its third generation.

The Honda Pilot offers super spacious seating for up to eight passengers and boasts versatile configurations to meet various needs. With a cavernous cargo area, it accommodates your storage requirements with ease, and higher trims even offer family-friendly options like a Blu-ray rear entertainment system.

However, the Achilles’ heel of the Honda Pilot reveals itself in its somewhat exasperating infotainment system. Although Honda did introduce Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for all but the base trims in 2017, the 8.0-inch touchscreen falls short with its sluggish responses and finicky touch screen volume slider. Driver assistance aids are available too, but the collision warning and adaptive cruise control can sometimes be a tad too sensitive. That said, we don’t believe these drawbacks should be deal-breakers.

The 2017 Honda Pilot is propelled by a smooth, punchy, and relatively efficient V6, that also gives it up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The experience is further enhanced with a plush ride and great noise insulation.

The third-generation Honda Pilot’s superb practicality makes it a great used family SUV option. However, we recommend steering clear of the first-year model (2016) due to numerous complaints reported by CarComplaints and the NHTSA regarding frequent issues, including nearly 250 engine problems. Additionally, Consumer Reports rated the 2016 Honda Pilot poorly with a 2 out of 5 for reliability and owner satisfaction. Fortunately, by 2017, significant improvements were made.