The Best Used Models for Turning Every Drive Into an Adventure

These days, the car you choose offers much more than a way to get to work or school and back home again. It gives you the opportunity to truly enjoy everything life has to offer, see new places, try new things, and make incredible memories along the way.

At McCluskey Chevrolet, your local used car dealership, we’re excited to help you live life to the fullest, which is why we strive to carry a wide range of used vehicles that meet a variety of budgets and needs. Even better, we take the time to get to know you and your goals, whether that means visiting every major league baseball park, riding every trail in the tri-state area, or sleeping under the stars in as many states as possible.

Finally, we are committed to ensuring the used vehicles on our lot are ready for their next owner, thanks to our stringent inspection criteria and the help of our factory-trained technicians. So, are you wondering what some of the best used cars are for empowering your adventurous spirit? Keep reading to find out!

Pre-Owned Options for Taking Your Travels to the Next Level

Some people shop for a used vehicle with a commute in mind. Others shop with a map, a sleeping bag, or a desire to head off-road as often as possible. If your idea of a good weekend includes a campsite, a shoreline, a trailhead, or a highway that keeps going long after “Last Exit” signs, the used market has a lot to offer. Our top picks are not just capable but make adventures easier to manage, easier to reach, and easier to enjoy.

Subaru Outback: A Car-Camping Champion

If your joys include car camping, the Subaru Outback belongs near the top of the list. It gives you standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and, since the 2020 model year, 8.5 inches of ground clearance. If you need more clearance than that, used Wilderness trims starting with the 2022 model year add another inch for good measure.

The Outback is also designed for flexibility, giving you up to 75.6 cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down on all trim levels in the past few years. Plus, the wide hatch opening and low lift-over height make it easy to climb in back for the night or load and unload all your belongings.

You can also find a number of accessories available to outfit the Outback for your specific needs, from rooftop carriers to kayak racks and more. Not interested in sleeping in the back of the car? All you need is an SUV tent that attaches at the hatch, and you’re ready to go. And when you’re ready to go back to work on Monday, the Outback transitions back into a safe, efficient, and comfortable way to get you there.

Toyota Sienna: A Road Trip’s Best Friend

The cat is out of the bag: minivans aren’t just for families; they’re the smart choice for people who regularly travel with gear in tow, want to enjoy long road trips with their friends, or want to convert their ride to a miniature camper but still have a daily vehicle to use that easily fits into a parking space at the local grocery store.

Take a used fourth-generation model, for instance, which offers up to 101 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row. That’s more than enough for all the gear you want to haul, and for single drivers who plan to travel and sleep in their van, they can leave everything set up for their next adventure when Monday rolls around again.

Certain versions of the Sienna also offer perks you might not expect that cater to a wide range of needs, particularly families, as higher trims offer an available built-in vacuum. If you can find a pre-owned 2025 model in a higher trim, you can enjoy a FridgeBox in the center console, which is the kind of convenience that frazzled parents truly enjoy.

Finally, the Sienna is comfortable no matter where you are seated, which is why it is such an appealing option whether you are checking off all the waterfalls in the area or traveling to unique roadside attractions just for the laughs and memories. Of course, it also means that simply traveling from one soccer field to the next is enjoyable.

It is also worth noting that the Toyota brand has always prioritized safety, which gives you added confidence on the road. Add that to the brand’s reputation for longevity, and you can see why it’s a great choice for drivers who enjoy carving their own path.

Chevy Colorado: A Trail-Ready Companion

For drivers who head to the trails as often as possible, the Chevy Colorado is a great option—particularly its ZR2 and Trail Boss trims, which have been consistent options for the past several years and offer a long list of road-ready features.

First things first, since the 2015 model year, the Colorado has offered an impressive maximum towing power of 7,700 lbs. That might surprise you, given that it’s a midsize truck. One thing you will quickly see, however, is that there is nothing “midsize” about the Colorado; it will give 100% into every task you take on.

Its ZR2 and more recent ZR2 Bison trims have also maintained best-in-class ground clearance since the redesigned third generation hit dealership lots in 2023, offering 10.7 to 12.2 inches, depending on which one you choose. Some of the other trail-worthy amenities you will find in a used, third-generation Colorado include the following:

• Trail Boss: An ultra-wide stance, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and a standard rear locking differential.
• ZR2: A three-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, 33- or 35-inch tires, and electronic-locking differentials.
• ZR2 Bison: Heavy-duty steel bumpers, a bed-mounted spare tire, and extra skid plates for maximum protection.

Last but not least, used Colorado models from the last few years offer specialized suspensions, up to ten available camera views, and plenty of power to get you where you’re going.

Honda Passport: The Humble All-Rounder

The Honda Passport is one of those vehicles that quietly fit into many adventure lifestyles without demanding much attention. Since the 2019 model year, it has offered an Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive system that moves power between the front and rear axles for better handling. Also starting with the 2019 model year, you can expect 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

Since the 2024 model year, the Passport has offered generous cargo space, rivaling that of the Toyota Sienna, with 100.8 cu.ft. behind the front seats (when including its underfloor storage); but even its rear-only 77.7 cu.ft. is plenty of space for whatever you have in mind and easily adapts as your needs change over time.

When you combine its cargo space with the all-wheel drive system and ground clearance, it is easy to see why the Passport is the ideal companion for overlanding, car camping, trail riding, and road trips. In fact, it might be the most well-rounded option on the list, especially given the extensive list of safety, connectivity, and comfort features onboard.

Check Out Our Adventure-Ready Used Vehicles Today

The four options above are just a sampling of the adventure-ready used vehicles you can often find in our inventory at McCluskey Chevrolet. When you’re ready for a closer look at what we have in stock, reach out to a member of our team online or stop by; either way, we’ll take the time to listen to what you’re looking for to help narrow our selection.

Take the first step toward making memories with every mile. Visit us today!