5 Great Used SUVs for Montgomery Commuters

Finding the perfect vehicle is tricky for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for commuters: you’re going to be behind the wheel so often, so you want something comfortable; you’re going to put a good amount of miles on it, so you want something fuel-efficient; you want to be smart with your hard-earned money, so you want something affordable. These considerations alone might lead you toward a small car, which could certainly be a great commuter vehicle but not the right choice for everyone; after all, you have to think of the weekends, too.

When you’re not heading to the office, you might need a vehicle that can fit plenty of cargo for a road trip or errand run, or maybe something rugged for weekend adventures or something big enough to comfortably take your family or a group of friends along for the ride. Looking for an SUV that’s good for commuting might feel like a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. As your source for used SUVs for sale near Montgomery, we here at McCluskey Chevrolet are happy to help you find a model that’s right for your needs all week and all year long. From driving into Cincinnati to cruising around Montgomery to hitting the road for a fun vacation, we can help you find an SUV that does it all.

Today, we’re going to look at five great SUVs that make great options for Montgomery commuters. We’ll be picking a specific model year for each one so we can go into detail about included features, trims, and other things that tend to change. While our selections are good model years for each vehicle, you don’t have to limit yourself to that exact one in your search; all of the models on this list are solid SUVs that have many good years to choose from.

1. 2020 Honda CR-V

The CR-V is a popular compact SUV made by an automaker known for reliability and longevity, making this model a great choice for those looking for a used option that’s built to last. The 2020 model year kicked off a new generation, making driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control standard across all trims. These features come in handy during rush hour on I-71, making your commute safer and less stressful.

The 2020 model year also introduced a hybrid powertrain that makes an already efficient car even better at making every drop of fuel count. While the average 2024 vehicle gets 28 MPG, according to the EPA, a 2020 CR-V with a non-hybrid powertrain and FWD gets 30 MPG; the hybrid powertrain not only comes standard with AWD, which provides better traction for safer driving in the rain and snow, but it also increases the CR-V’s fuel economy to an impressive 38 MPG. Since this is a traditional hybrid setup, you don’t have to worry about plugging it in. The battery is charged by regenerative braking, so all you have to do is drive!

2. 2022 Chevy Equinox

Every trim of the Equinox is versatile and ideal for driving to work, picking up groceries on the way home, and painting Montgomery red on the weekends. However, this compact SUV’s trims have distinct personalities, so you can get one that matches your own. With a great aesthetic inside and out, these trims’ looks are designed to impress.

The 2022 model year introduced the sporty RS trim, which has a black and red interior that’s bold yet elegant. The Premier trim is luxurious and perfect for keeping you and your buddies comfortable, while the LS and LT are affordable options that come standard with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, driver assistance tech, and a capable yet efficient engine. For the 2022 model year, the Equinox dropped a less efficient powertrain, giving every trim a 1.5L Turbo engine that delivers 28 MPG combined and up to 31 MPG on the highway in FWD.

3. 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

Electric vehicles may still feel novel, but they’ve been around long enough now that there are some great used options available and plenty of public charging stations along Montgomery Road and throughout Cincy. You may even be able to charge up at the office or at home, saving you a stop at the gas station and making your driving life not only greener but easier. Going electric is a great way to get a vehicle that’s both spacious and efficient so you can commute without sacrificing comfort.

Based on a gas-powered model that has been around for a while, the Hyundai Kona Electric was introduced for the 2019 model year, offering drivers an all-electric subcompact SUV with fun driving dynamics, great range, and a reasonable price point. We recommend the 2020 model year because Hyundai added a standard battery warmer to all trims except the base SEL, and that feature can come in handy during cold Ohio winters. This EV has a range of 258 miles and is rated at 120 MPGe, so it’s extremely efficient and can go quite a long way between charges.

4. 2020 Subaru Outback

You may have to head into the heart of the city for work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t head the other way and enjoy Ohio’s great state parks and natural wonders when you’re not on the clock. With the Subaru Outback, you can do both in the same vehicle. This model still shows signs of its station wagon roots with its relatively low stance and comfortable, spacious interior, and it’s a famously good choice for exploring rural and even wild areas.

This model entered a new generation for the 2020 model year, contrasting its rugged exterior with a more refined interior better suited to commuting. Even though it comes standard with AWD, it still manages to get a fuel economy rating of 29 MPG combined and up to 33 MPG on the highway if you get the standard 2.5L engine. The Turbo engine brings the Outback’s towing capacity up from 2,700 lbs to 3,500 lbs but brings its fuel economy down to 26 MPG combined and 30 MPG on the highway.

5. 2020 Mazda CX-30

Many commuters appreciate a vehicle with a luxury look and feel, both because luxury vehicles tend to offer more comfort and convenience features and because they help them make a good impression with clients and coworkers. However, high price tags can keep budget-conscious shoppers away—so for something that offers a good compromise between affordability and luxury, check out the Mazda CX-30.

The top-tier Premium trim had a starting price below $30k when it first debuted for the 2020 model year, making it comparable with lower trim levels on other SUVs. Despite its affordable price, this trim offers luxury standard features like a power moonroof that provides plenty of natural light, a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area, heated front seats to beat the chill of winter mornings, and a full suite of driver assistance tech so you can drive with confidence. The 2020 CX-30 gets 28 MPG combined and up to 33 MPG on the highway in 2WD; getting 4WD shaves 2 MPG off of both of those figures but pairs well with features like off-road traction assist and roof rails to make the CX-30 more capable and ready for adventure.