Most Popular Used SUVs and What Makes Them Stand Out

April 15th, 2026 by

A silver 2023 Chevy Equinox driving in a city.

What makes an SUV truly stand out? How does one rise in popularity and stay there? SUVs are constantly evolving, with new trim levels, colors, and both standard and available features introduced with every new model year.

It can be challenging to determine which SUVs stand out among the masses. However, McCluskey Chevrolet is here to help drivers like you find the perfect pre-owned SUV. Today, we will be diving into the most popular used SUVs, so when you’re on the lookout for a used car dealership in Cincinnati, you know the right place to go to.

Whether you’re on the hunt for your very first SUV for the family, or you’re just replacing your current one with the next SUV, you’re going to find that these options are some of the most beloved on the pre-owned car market.

Chevy Equinox: A Practical, Family-Friendly Favorite

Looking for a family-friendly SUV with plenty of space for both people and cargo? The Chevy Equinox is one of the most popular SUVs among Cincinnati drivers today, thanks to its sophisticated style, refined features, and roomy cabin.

There’s seating for up to five passengers, and even adults will find the rear seats spacious enough to stretch out comfortably. It’s also easy on your wallet, thanks to its impressive fuel economy. For example, the 2022 Chevy Equinox achieves a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 27 MPG with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Safety Features That Inspire Confidence

Safety is at the forefront of every Chevy model, including the Equinox. We have plenty of pre-owned Equinos on our lot equipped with Chevy Safety Assist. This driver assistance suite includes:

  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • IntelliBeam

Flexible Cargo Space for Daily Life

Even though it’s classified as a compact SUV, the cargo area offers plenty of space for everyday essentials, as well as weekend getaways or family trips—think backpacks, groceries, luggage, or sports gear. The 2022 Chevy Equinox provides up to 29.9 cu.ft. in the rear when all seats are upright and up to 63.9 cu.ft. with all rear seats lowered flat. Plus, if you need extra capacity, you can always use the available roof rack.

Easy Driving With Standout Style Options

The Chevy Equinox is a cinch to park, thanks to its compact SUV size, and will make your driving experience smooth and enjoyable. From navigating downtown during peak hours to squeezing into tight parking spots, it’s all made easy.

You can even find a special edition for specific trims on our used lot. For drivers seeking a refined, upscale vehicle, the Midnight Edition is sure to catch your eye. The Midnight Edition is a popular addition to the SUV, which sharpens and bolsters its classic styling, giving the impression that it could attend everything from a black-tie event to the backyard family BBQ in style.

If you’ve been looking for a finely styled SUV that will feel dressed up for every occasion, the Chevy Equinox should be at the top of your list.

Honda HR-V: Efficient, Easy, and Built for City Life

Of all the automotive brands that make SUVs, Honda is perhaps the best-known worldwide. The Honda brand has been around for several decades, building its vehicles with careful attention to detail so that each one is of the highest quality and as practical as possible.

The Honda HR-V is no exception and is a highly practical subcompact SUV, with some similar DNA to its sedan sibling, the Accord.

Fuel Efficiency Designed for Everyday Driving

You’ll get excellent fuel economy with the 2024 Honda HR-V, which is estimated to have a combined rating of 28 MPG with FWD and 27 with AWD, helping you save on fuel costs and time, since you won’t be stopping at the gas station as often.

Comfortable Space and Practical Everyday Features

Five seats are plenty for a small family or professional, and you’ll find that city driving is a much better experience when you’re behind the wheel of the Honda HR-V. It’s a practical choice with plenty of standard features, including an advanced infotainment system. The 2024 Honda HR-V comes with a seven-inch display, while higher trims offer a nine-inch screen, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Smart Interior Design and Long-Term Reliability

Thoughtful interior design, comfortable amenities, and convenient touches like smart storage solutions make the HR-V easy and enjoyable to live with every day.

You’ll find that the HR-V is a popular choice among urban and suburban drivers thanks to its versatility and everyday capability. Once you get behind the wheel, it’s easy to see why it stands out. For practical drivers in Cincinnati, the HR-V delivers lasting reliability and is built to keep going for the long haul.

Black dash and interior in a 2023 Chevy Equinox.

Subaru Crosstrek: Built for City Streets and Weekend Trails

Subaru’s Crosstrek is perfect for the Cincinnati driver who needs a small SUV that can handle the daily commute during the week but might go off-road on the weekend.

You can explore pre-owned Crosstrek models with either a traditional gas engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain from 2019 through 2023, making it easy to choose a more efficient option that fits your lifestyle. Opting for the plug-in hybrid is a practical way to reduce emissions without sacrificing everyday convenience.

It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving you the confidence to handle a variety of terrain—from dirt and gravel to paved roads—and changing weather conditions, such as freezing rain or snow.

Practical Space for Gear, Passengers, and Daily Life

If you’ve been looking for something that can function as your daily driver but you want to explore somewhere off the beaten path in your time off, the CrossTrek is the SUV for you. You can also easily load up camping gear, fishing equipment, hiking supplies, and more in the rear, while still leaving plenty of space for passengers.

The 2023 Crosstrek offers up to 20.8 cu.ft. with all rear rows upright and 55.3 cu.ft. of cargo capacity when all rear seats are lowered. Active families will especially appreciate how simple it is to pack and unload, making it quick to get ready for any outing so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors.

Let the Crosstrek help you achieve your dream of the great family road trip, a camping weekend with friends, or exploring new paths with available features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping Assist.

Nissan Pathfinder: Space, Strength, and Family Capability

Looking for something a bit larger? If you’re looking for an SUV to drive around Cincinnati that has seven or eight seats, you’ll want to get a look at a Nissan Pathfinder.

This versatile SUV is a great fit for active families—whether you’re heading to games, towing a camper for weekend getaways, or hosting tailgate gatherings with friends and family.

Towing Power and Capability for Every Journey

The Pathfinder is built to tow campers and trailers with confidence, and even while towing on the highway, the cabin remains quiet and comfortable. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 6,000 lbs. In addition, the standard roof racks provide extra cargo room, giving you more flexibility for gear and equipment.

It’s also capable off-road, so if you’re planning a trip to a national forest, state park, or other outdoor destination, the Pathfinder is well prepared with multiple drive modes, including Sand, Eco, and Mud/Rut. You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride while taking in the scenery and reaching places you may not have been able to explore before.

Flexible Trims for Comfort or Capability

There are several trim levels to choose from, giving you flexibility based on your preferences. If you want a more luxurious experience, higher trims offer premium audio, a large infotainment display, and additional upscale features. If you prefer something more straightforward, lower trims offer the essentials without extras.

The Pathfinder is a great choice for Cincinnati drivers who want to explore and see what else is out there beyond the paved road.

A gray 2023 Nissan Pathfinder driving on a dirt road.

Finding the Right Used SUV for Your Lifestyle

Now that we’ve covered the most popular SUV models and why Cincinnati drivers will love them, you’ll have a better understanding of which pe-owned SUV is perfect for your needs.

There are many reasons people choose the SUVs they do, but knowing what’s great about each makes it easier to see which one fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in a two-row, five-seat SUV, a three-row SUV that fits seven or eight people, there’s a fantastic SUV out there waiting for you.

Now you can be fully prepared and confident going forward in your car-buying journey, and when you’re ready to take the next steps of getting behind the wheel, visit McCluskey Chevrolet.