Our 9 Favorite Compact SUVs to Look for Used

Compact SUVs are great vehicles for a wide range of drivers, providing an excellent experience day after day that’s perfect for daily commutes and enjoying time off. Used compact SUVs are the ideal choice when you’re looking for something functional, affordable, and fun to drive—but you have so many options available to you that things can get complicated.

When you’re looking at used cars for sale in Cincinnati, you deserve to work with people who will help you find what you want and always put your needs first. That’s precisely what you’ll find with us here at McCluskey Chevrolet—so today, we’re going to take you through nine of our favorite compact SUVs to buy used and mention a few key model years to have in mind while you shop.

#1. The Chevy Equinox

First released for the 2005 model year, the Equinox isn’t the oldest SUV by any means, but it’s been around a while. That’s a good thing because it means it has been through a lot of versions, and Chevy’s designers have refined it to be better each year. This is an excellent pick if you’re looking for something that will get you through the day and that you know you can rely on every time you get behind the wheel; plus, it’s fun to drive.

We suggest going back to the 2018 model at the earliest, which launched the third generation of the Equinox. This means you can find an updated all-wheel drive (AWD) system and more. A diesel engine was only available for the first couple of years of this generation for the Equinox, which was refreshed for 2022.

#2. The GMC Terrain

If you like the features and performance of the Equinox, but you want something a bit more refined, then check out the GMC Terrain. The Terrain shares a platform with the Equinox, and you can find similar performance on both models, but GMC vehicles are generally a bit more sophisticated.

Once again, 2018 is the model year to look for, since that gets you a second-generation Terrain that’s incredibly fun to drive. Look for a Denali trim if you want the most stylish driving experience available. The Terrain was also refreshed for the 2022 model, much like the Equinox.

#3. The Ford Escape

Introduced a few years before the Chevy Equinox, the Ford Escape first hit the road for the 2001 model year and immediately set expectations for what a compact SUV should be. It might seem strange to see us praising a Ford vehicle since we’re a Chevy dealer, but we know good vehicles when we see them.

The third generation of the Escape went from 2013 to 2019 with a refresh for the 2017 model year, so that’s a good place to start with this SUV. You might also look for a fourth-generation Escape, which started with the 2020 model year, where you can get superior features, including hybrid engines with impressive fuel efficiency; these are great ones to look for if you want to get around Cincinnati all week with few stops for gas.

#4. The Toyota RAV4

Toyota released the RAV4 in the mid-1990s, and it made an immediate impression, becoming one of the most popular SUVs in the auto industry. That makes it a great choice when you’re looking at used models since you can typically find a lot of them out there, and Toyota is well-known for making reliable vehicles that are good for a long time.

Of course, we don’t suggest looking for a used RAV4 from the ’90s; you’re better off going for a fifth-generation RAV4, which launched with the 2019 model year. This gets you impressive performance with options that include hybrid engines and the latest Toyota Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD that’s perfect if you want a small SUV to take you camping on the weekend.

#5. The Nissan Rogue

Nissan has been around for nearly a century and earned a reputation for reliable vehicles, making them very popular when looking at pre-owned options. The Nissan Rogue is a stylish compact SUV that we’re always happy to recommend for our customers looking for a small model that’s still quite fun to drive.

Something to note about the Rogue is that its second generation went from 2014 to 2020, with an update for the 2017 model year, so we suggest a 2017 model as the oldest one to go with, though a third-generation Rogue from 2021 or later can be a better choice if you’re looking for modern features or enhanced performance.

#6. The Jeep Cherokee

Recently discontinued following the 2023 model year, the Jeep Cherokee is a popular compact SUV that was first introduced in the 1970s. Unless you’re a collector, you don’t want to go that far back when looking at used models; instead, the fifth-generation Cherokee that launched with the 2014 model year is the way to go.

With a nine-year run, we suggest one from 2019 or later when Jeep gave it a facelift and some excellent updates inside and out. Since its production has ended, a pre-owned model is the only way to enjoy what a Jeep Cherokee has to offer.

#7. The Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai is a popular South Korean car company that has built a reputation based on vehicles that are stylish and fun to drive. The Tucson is their compact SUV that’s been available since the 2005 model year, becoming Hyundai’s most popular vehicle over that time span.

When looking at used Tucsons to get you around Cincinnati, we suggest one from 2019 or later, when the third-generation version (initially released for the 2016 model year) was updated with new looks and enhanced features. For more updated options and features, look for a 2022 or later model, which kicked off the fourth generation for the Tucson.

#8. The Subaru Forester

Subaru first released the Forester in the 1990s; since that time, it has become one of their most popular models and a great option for a compact SUV. It’s been through a lot of changes over the years, and the modern Forester beautifully represents everything Subaru has to offer.

If you go with a 2019 or later model, then you get a fifth-generation Forester—a great option that offers impressive performance and more. One of the best things about these models is that Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is standard, so all of these used vehicles get great traction and control even in rough weather and on tricky terrain.

#9. The Honda CR-V

Another small SUV that has made its way from the 1990s to today is the CR-V, Honda’s answer to models like the RAV4 and Forester. Since its introduction, the CR-V has become Honda’s best-selling vehicle, and it’s one of the best-selling SUVs worldwide each year.

The fifth generation of the CR-V launched with the 2016 model year, though an update for 2020 makes that a better year to focus on. Honda released a sixth-generation CR-V in the 2023 model year, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for the latest features. This is a great compact SUV to check out if you want hybrid performance and tremendous fuel efficiency.

Find the Perfect Used SUV for Driving Around Cincinnati

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when you’re looking for a great used compact SUV—and honestly, we didn’t even name them all. Other vehicles like the Cadillac XT4 can be a great option if you want luxury and comfort features above other considerations. This is why it’s so important that you shop at a dealership with a fantastic selection of pre-owned models for you to choose from, along with friendly people ready to assist you throughout each step of the car-buying process.

Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we pride ourselves on giving you an unbeatable experience that’s always focused on what you’re looking for. That way, you can drive off in a used compact SUV that you love, with the features you want, and know you have a vehicle that will treat you well for many years.