Compact SUVs or crossovers are vehicles that have several features and design elements similar to standard or mid/full-sized SUVs. If you’re looking for a little more passenger space, legroom, or cargo space, opt for a compact SUV over a hatchback. Compact SUVs also give you a smooth journey on the highway or when off-roading.
The advantages of using compact SUVs include better fuel efficiency and interior space. If you are willing to purchase a compact SUV but have a price constraint, you could pick from one of the best used compact SUVs.
Benefits of owning the best used small SUVs
There are a host of benefits to owning a used compact SUV. Used compact SUVs are more affordable as compared to new vehicles and are better for the environment. The best part is compact SUVs are built to last. Used compact SUVs are trustworthy in terms of their exteriors and interiors. You can easily get certified pre-owned vehicles at great prices with automobile dealers. Here are the benefits that used compact SUVs offer:
More room
With far more space than cars, compact SUVs have become the go-to option for vehicle owners. The best used compact SUVs offer plenty of space for passengers seated at the back. There is also enough space to store cargo and luggage.
An average compact SUV comes with almost 7.5 more cubic feet of space. This makes it a better option than a hatchback car or a mid-sized sedan. With plenty of space for 5 adults, compact SUVs can host up to 7-8 people at full capacity.
More mileage
If you’re looking for optimal gas mileage, there’s no better option than a compact SUV. Compared to cars or full-sized SUV’s, compact SUVs offer excellent fuel efficiency on average. They can even help you tow larger items like boats and campers easily. The price point of these rides is sometimes a deterrent for buyers, and low-mileage cars can make the arrangement even more expensive. Compact SUVs give you more mileage, which considerably reduces your expenses over time.
More safety
Compared to SUVs, cars are zippier and less safe. In case of a forward collision with a heavier vehicle or object, energy is transferred to the lighter vehicle, causing damage. As per crash test ratings, passengers in an SUV are 7 times more likely to survive a crash than in a light car.
More style
Previously, vehicle owners were all about the versatility of station wagons and minivans. These vehicles weren’t all that large when compared to large-sized vans or trucks. Nonetheless, they offered decent legroom, passenger space, and cargo space.
Compact SUVs come with similar versatility and better aesthetics. Since there is a high demand in the market for compact SUVs, automotive brands are doing all they can to ensure the interiors remain premium and upscale and the exteriors make heads turn.
Better ride handling
In a typical SUV, the exterior is designed with a body-on-the-vehicle-frame technique. The frame and the body are used as individual components. This design allows the vehicle to slightly twist on the front during maneuvering the car at low speeds or driving at a higher speed. The driver can handle the ride better, even while off-roading. The drawback to this is lower traction on the tires.
Better views
Most compact SUVs give the driver a better view of the road as compared to a car. The way a compact SUV is designed offers the driver a smoother driving experience with a wider view of the road. This is mostly because the driver is seated higher up from the ground than in a car.
Best Used Compact SUVs to Consider
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Starting MSRP: $24,795
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
Overview
If you’re seeking a high-ranking used compact SUV with a high predictability rating and spacious interiors, you can opt for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. This vehicle has a powerful 4-turbocharged engine and is excellent in terms of gas mileage.
The 2019 model has many new features; from adaptive cruise control to upscale interiors. It is convenient and comfortable for passengers. It is one of the best compact SUVs in the used-car market segment.
The vehicle offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drives. In the city, it offers about 22-28 mpg. And on the highways, it can easily clock in 28-39 mpg.
Considered to be one of the most affordable SUVs generally, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is even more affordable if you’re looking for a used version in the market.
Positives
You can easily trust the 2019 Equinox in terms of its functionality and practicality. Spacious and comfortable, the vehicle’s infotainment and navigation systems are also easy to use. You can’t go wrong with the fuel efficiency this SUV offers in terms of both the diest and engine variants. You also get advanced safety features in this vehicle.
Negatives
The interior of the car is not very high quality. Some users state that the climate control feature does not function well.
Key Features & Specifications
- FWD, AWD
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front pedestrian braking
- 2.0 liter turbo engine
- Towing capacity 3,500 lb/ft
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
2021 Chevrolet Trax
Starting MSRP: $22,395
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 20-23 mpg city / 30-32 mpg highway
Overview
With 20-23 mpg offered in the city and 30-32 mpg on the highway, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax is one of the best used compact SUVs that money can buy. With a highly intuitive infotainment system, this car is great for families and individuals alike.
Drivers have called this vehicle one of the easiest vehicles to drive. It can easily be maneuvered at low speeds; and when you pick the speed up on the highway or offroad, it offers as good a riding experience.
Positives
The vehicle offers riders with a lot of legroom and passenger space, as well as enough space for cargo. For longer journeys, the vehicle may not be very comfortable. But if you’re looking for good mileage at a lower cost, the Trax may be an excellent option.
Negatives
One of the drawbacks of the Chevy Trax is that the seats are not very adjustable. So, this may not be the best option for large families. The interior cabin materials are not as premium as rival cars, but at the price point you’re getting, especially in the used car market, you can’t really complain.
Key Features & Specifications
- 10 airbags
- Rear vision camera
- Infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen
- ECOTEC turbocharged engine
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $34,700
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
Overview
Completely redesigned and given a new look, the Toyota Highlander is all about space, comfort and style. One of the best-used compact SUVs with several premium features, the vehicle offers a seamless in-built hybrid powertrain. If you’re looking for a quiet ride, look no further. That’s what makes the car stand out even for long journeys.
Positives
For a hybrid vehicle, this car offers a very quiet ride. While it’s a mid-size compact SUV, you can easily seat up to 7 people. You get an optional third row in the back, which increases the overall capacity of the car.
Negatives
If you’re looking for an affordable compact SUV in the mid-size range, the Highlander is slightly expensive as compared to its rivals. Having said that, if you’re getting a good deal in the used compact SUV segment, then go for it. Some passengers have said the quality of the materials used inside the cabin is not as premium as the car’s rivals. Others said the base stereo is slightly below the mark. In terms of fuel efficiency as well, other vehicles justify the price better.
Key Features & Specifications
- 4WD
- 209 hp
- Rear suspension type
- Double overhead cam
2020 Chevrolet Blazer
Starting MSRP: $29,995
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Overview
Spacious and comfortable are two words to describe the Chevrolet Blazer. The 2020 Chevrolet Blazer version of the vehicle has two rows. It is ideal for small families or individuals.
This mid-sized SUV is a huge crowd-pleaser. If you’re someone who loves to drive, then you won’t be sorry if you get this vehicle. This car is stylish and stands out in a crowd. What’s more, there’s plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike. On the interior side as well, Chevrolet has made use of premium materials to do up the interior cabin. This makes it better than rival cars like the Kia Sorento or the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Positives
The vehicle has a standard front-wheel drive. You can look for either the turbo-charged 228-hp or V-6 308-hp versions in the used car market, and opt for the engine that suits your requirements and budget. Most people prefer the V-6 because it offers quicker acceleration as compared to the other version. The Blazer is also highly sought after because of its amazing towing capacity – you can easily attach weight equivalent to 4500 pounds.
Negatives
If you’re looking for a lot of features, then it’s better to go in for a higher trim on the Blazer. Most people prefer the higher trims of the Blazer since it offers more features, thus making it generally available in the used car market. When on the open road, you won’t find a better used compact SUV than the Blazer, is what some users say.
Key Features & Specifications
- 5 passenger capacity
- 4,500 lb/ft towing capacity
- Infotainment system with 8-inch display
- Wireless charging
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sports LS
Starting MSRP: $24, 360
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Overview
If you’re looking to get more for your trade-in and a vehicle worth your buck, you could consider the 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sports LS. From fuel efficiency and value to space and infotainment, this is one of the best-used compact SUVs that has it all.
The best part? You’ll probably get more for the price you pay since the model is an older version. This vehicle is mostly loved by individual drivers as it’s small and compact and can be easily maneuvered.
Positives
Passengers love the little details on the Captiva like controls on the steering, plenty of cargo space, easily visible gauges, and smooth cruise control functions. Generally, this car may not be available to purchase new, but you can find it in the used car segment. Some other features that passengers noted was the ease with which one can get into and out of the vehicle. In terms of style, the vehicle is good-looking from the outside and the inside. The car is not very high maintenance and the engine can be easily serviced and maintained.From brake fluids to the power steering, the Captiva is a top-notch car, especially if you are an individual.
Negatives
Some passengers state the car is uncomfortable for seating for long durations. While it is a good deal for money, the interiors are not very premium.
Key Features & Specifications
- ABS Brakes
- AM/FM stereo
- Alloy wheels
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic transmission
2013 Honda CR-V
Starting MSRP: $23,500
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Overview
One of the best compact crossover SUVs in the market, the Honda CR-V is fuel efficient and loved by small families and individuals alike. The best part? You’ll probably get more for the price considering the family-friendly amenities and aesthetics on the available trims.
Positives
Passengers love the details on the Honda CR-V like the user-friendly controls on the steering, and the plenty of tech-friendly and easy navigation features. The car offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It has got some of the best ratings when it comes to crash testing.
Negatives
One of the drawbacks of the Honda CR-V is that there is no available engine upgrade. Some other cons are that the passengers seated at the back might find their comfort compromised as the rear seats do not slide.
Key Features & Specifications
- Inline 4 cylinder
- 185 hp @ 7000 rpm
- 4WD
- 5-speed automatic
2016 Mazda CX-5
Starting MSRP: $21,800
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
Overview
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim levels. Standard equipment included a SkyActiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. A SkyActiv-G 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque was also available. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive.
The 2016 CX-5 had a stylish exterior design, with features like LED headlights and taillights and a wide grille. The interior was roomy and well-appointed, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional leather upholstery. Due to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering, the CX-5 had a reputation for excellent handling and a comfortable ride. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2016 CX-5 with a five-star overall safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated it “Good” in all categories (IIHS). It also included a rearview camera and stability control as standard equipment. Overall, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 was a well-rounded compact SUV that offered a combination of style, performance, and safety.
Positives
2016 Mazda CX-5 include its stylish exterior design, well-equipped and spacious cabin, good fuel economy, precise handling and smooth ride, and five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Negatives
The 2.0L engine was underpowered, some interior materials may not feel as high-quality as those in some competitors, it has a limited towing capacity of just 1,000 pounds when properly equipped, and some advanced driver assistance features were not available until the 2017 model year. Additionally, the price of the CX-5 may be higher than some competitors in the same class.
Key Features & Specifications
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (optional)
- Ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes
- 1,000 pounds towing capacity (when properly equipped)
- Rearview camera
- Stability control
- 7-inch touchscreen display
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 17-inch alloy wheels (standard) or 19-inch alloy wheels (optional)
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Starting MSRP: $22,700
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
Overview
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV that was available in four trim levels: SE, Eco, Sport, and Limited. It came standard with a 164-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, although a 175-horsepower, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine was available as an option.
The Tucson had a spacious and well-equipped interior, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and available leather upholstery. It also had a reputation for good fuel economy, with estimates as high as 31 mpg on the highway with the 1.6L engine. In terms of safety, the Tucson received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a “Good” rating in all categories from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Positives
The 2016 Tucson’s fuel economy, comfortable ride, and high safety ratings are among its positive attributes.
Negatives
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has a limited cargo area compared to other vehicles in its class, and some reviewers have mentioned touchscreen display problems. In general, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is a solid and sensible option for a subcompact SUV.
Verdict
Whether you’re looking at the compact Captiva or the Highlander Hybrid, there are many of the best used compact SUVs to choose from, depending on your price and feature requirements. These vehicles have been maintained very well, making it easy for second-hand owners to maintain the vehicle and the engine with ease.
Whether you need a compact SUV for individual use, for your business, or for your family, there is a lot of passenger space and cargo space offered by these Chevy cars. What’s more, most of these small and mid-sized SUVs have a large hauling and towing capacity, which makes it easy to meet any need.
As a driver, if you’re looking to purchase your very own compact SUV but don’t have a high budget, there are some great options Chevrolet offers in the pre-owned and pre-owned certified vehicle segment. Chevy’s models are excellent, and there are many trims to choose from.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle and need maximum features at an affordable price point, vehicles to consider include the best used compact SUVs. With a compact SUV, you get more; and with a used compact SUV, you get more features at a lesser price. What are you waiting for? Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a big deal; you can just head over to your nearest Chevrolet car dealership to get a certified pre-owned car. This way, you can be sure of the
Get yourself the best used compact SUV today!
FAQ’s
If you’re looking for high predictability and reliability ratings, you can’t go wrong with compact SUVs that are made by Chevrolet. With so many models and trims on offer in the pre-owned vehicle market, you can easily go in for any make as per your requirements and budget, and be rest assured the vehicle will offer top reliability.
What makes buyers love Chevy’s compact SUVs is the ease with which the vehicles can be driven and maneuvered on the road. Whether you’re offroading, on the highway or in the city, most compact SUVs by Chevy are easy to drive at low and high speeds alike.
