No matter if you’ve got a growing family or a growing thirst for adventure, it’s hard to ignore the compelling list of advantages offered by a used SUV. Unlike a bland station wagon or a dull minivan, SUVs offer a rugged yet bold combination of striking styling to help you make a memorable entrance. They also offer an elevated ride height to help you conquer obstacles with ease along with robust performance capabilities to help you take the path less traveled. With more and more choices arriving on the market each year, choosing the right used SUV can seem difficult at first. Fortunately, our team at The Schumacher Auto Group wants to help you make your search much simpler. We’ve named our top picks for the best used SUV for all types of budgets and driving needs. Let’s get started!
BEST USED MIDSIZE CROSSOVER SUV
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
No other SUV combines three-row versatility, capable performance, and outstanding value quite like the dynamic Chevrolet Traverse. It’s continued to set the standard for the midsize SUV segment for its impressive combination of family-friendly features and generously sized interior. Depending on model year, most Traverse models are available in a range of 4 to 5 trim levels ranging from the nicely equipped LS to the luxurious LTZ featuring leather upholstery and connected navigation. Before we cover the extensive list of awards and accolades received by the Traverse in recent years, here’s a quick look at some of its most impressive features and performance abilities, making it one of the best used SUVs to buy in New Jersey
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE (1ST GENERATION, 2009-2017) KEY FEATURES
- Standard 3.6-liter V6 with 6-speed automatic transmission (FWD or available AWD)
- Three-row seating for 7 or 8 passengers (depending on configuration and trim)
- Optional OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi Hot Spot
- Standard 6.5-inch touch-screen audio system or available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system
- Maximum Cargo Capacity – 116.3 cubic feet
- Available active safety features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision warning
USED CHEVROLET TRAVERSE AWARDS
U.S. News & World Report – Best Used Crossover SUVs $20K to $25K for 2021
Chevrolet Traverse – #1 Overall Winner
U.S. News & World Report – 2019 Best Cars for Families
Best Three-Row SUV for Families – Chevrolet Traverse
Edmunds – 2015 Best Family Cars
Overall Winner – Chevrolet Traverse
NHTSA – 5 Star Safety Award Winner
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
BEST USED FULL-SIZE SUV
CHEVROLET TAHOE
For over three decades, the Chevrolet Tahoe has set the benchmark that all other full-size SUVs struggle to imitate. Beneath the hood lies its standard V8 engine, giving you enough muscle to bring your boat, camping trailer, jet skis, or other toys along for the journey. A capable 4X4 system is also available to help you conquer whatever obstacle stands between you and your next adventure. Its robust body-on-frame construction helps the Tahoe deliver a more luxurious ride and has boosted its reputation for long-lasting dependability. Three-row seating for up to 8 passengers means that you’ll have enough space for the whole family or the whole team. With such an impressive pedigree, it’s no surprise that the Chevrolet Tahoe has earned praise and recognition from all across the industry.
USED CHEVROLET TAHOE AWARDS
J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Award
Large SUV – 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
U.S. News & World Report – Best Large SUV for Families
Large SUV – 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
Kelley Blue Book – 2016 Best Resale Value Awards
Full-Size SUV/Crossover – Chevrolet Tahoe
View Used Chevrolet Tahoe Inventory
BEST COMPACT SUV
CHEVROLET TRAX
Compact in stature yet big on attitude, the city-sized Chevrolet Trax is proof that good things do come in small packages. Ever since its introduction in 2015, the Trax has given drivers a way to experience an unparalleled blend of efficiency, value, and versatility making it one of the best used SUVs to buy in New Jersey. Power comes in the form of a standard 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine paired to a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. Featuring your choice of three trim levels, every Trax comes nicely equipped with a split-folding rear seat, parking assist, side curtain airbags, and plenty of connected tech features to enhance your drive. Featuring the athletic handling of a compact sedan combined with the useful utility of a crossover — there’s no other subcompact SUV quite like the Chevrolet Trax.
USED CHEVROLET TRAX AWARDS
Kelley Blue Book – 10 Best Tech-Savvy Cars Under $20K
Chevrolet Trax
Kelley Blue Book – Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs
Chevrolet Trax
Parents Magazine – Best Cars for Teen Drivers
2020 Chevrolet Trax
View Used Chevrolet Trax Inventory
HONORABLE MENTIONS
USED MIDSIZE SUV – JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
Known for its trail-proven performance capabilities and luxurious interior design, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has remained a hit with used SUV buyers for decades. Its available 4X4 system combined with V6 or V8 engine choices makes the Grand Cherokee the ultimate solution for drivers that crave taking the long way home. Its available suite of tech features including the groundbreaking UConnect infotainment system helps you stay in touch no matter how far the journey takes you. A collection of advanced driver-assist features and comfort amenities such as heated leather seats helps the Jeep Grand Cherokee remain a favorite among used SUV shoppers.
View Used Jeep Grand Cherokee Inventory
USED FULL-SIZE SUV – FORD EXPEDITION
Whether you have a large family or simply like to live largely — the Ford Expedition has the muscle and size to help you make lasting memories. Beneath the hood lies a proven EcoBoost V6 engine that offers the strength of a V8 combined with remarkable efficiency. Spacious three-row seating found on Expedition Max grades helps everyone stretch out and get comfortable for the journey. Features like a rear-seat entertainment system and SYNC infotainment ensure that boredom will be a thing of the past. Commanding exterior styling and advanced driver assistance features truly place the Ford Expedition in a class of its own.
View Used Ford Expedition Inventory
USED COMPACT SUV – GMC TERRAIN
Giving you the right balance of capability and sophistication, the compact GMC Terrain is equally at home on downtown streets as it is on rugged mountain passes. Engineered to a higher standard than most, Terrain models are offered with your choice of an economical 4-cylinder or robust V6 to suit the needs of any type of driver. Upgrade to the Terrain Denali to experience a luxurious combination of technology and premium comfort features. Its bold exterior styling accented by stylish alloy wheels helps you make a memorable entrance no matter where you go. Experience the best of both worlds with the compact GMC Terrain SUV.