Should You Consider a Used Midsize SUV for Your Next Vehicle?

Have you found yourself browsing used cars for sale recently? It’s a good idea to check out what’s available, just so you have an idea of what you want and what fits your budget when the time comes to buy. Things you might consider when doing this type of research include fuel economy ratings, specific brands and models, available safety and driver-assistance features, and trim levels. If you’re tired of your current car and are looking for something new, why not try a midsize SUV? Sure, they’ve been marketed to families in the past, but many drivers without large or growing families find them incredibly practical, safe, and fun to drive.

A sedan is not always the best choice for a young professional, a couple, or a small family. There’s less room both in the cabin and the cargo area, they are typically smaller and lower to the ground than an SUV, and you can forget any sort of recreational activities in a sedan unless you want to take your car to the racetrack. Conversely, if you’re used to driving something larger than a midsize SUV, you might be tired of the gas-guzzling, cumbersome vehicle you have and want to downsize to a more versatile vehicle that’s easier to park.

What Is a Midsize SUV?

There are several types of SUVs, including subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size options. So, what do we mean by a midsize SUV? Simply put, it is a vehicle that has two or three rows and straddles the space between small SUVs and full-size SUVs. The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV, while the Chevy Suburban is a full-size SUV. The Toyota Highlander sits between them, happily occupying the middle ground, which is one of the reasons it can be more versatile than other SUV sizes. If you’re wary of something small or you’re loath to drive something larger, then the midsize SUV is your perfect match.

Pros of Driving a Midsize SUV

There are many reasons drivers have chosen midsize SUVs over the years, one of which is convenience. For one, the midsize SUV isn’t overly large or too small. It’s just the right size whether you find yourself driving in urban, suburban, or rural areas. Midsize SUVs also tend to be more flexible when it comes to terrain––if you’re interested in off-roading, you know that a full-size SUV is likely to be cumbersome, while a compact SUV usually sits far too close to the ground for comfort. In general, if you enjoy the wild outdoors, a midsize SUV is the perfect option for you.

Another perk of driving a midsize SUV is that you still have plenty of cargo space and seating in case you need it. You might enjoy road-tripping with some friends or being able to haul groceries, furniture, band equipment, or other larger items that are difficult to fit in a sedan or smaller SUV. You’ll also find that a midsize SUV is well-equipped to handle a variety of driving situations, such as inclement weather and traffic. You can also use your midsize SUV for activities like neighborhood trunk-or-treats, car camping, and more. If you want to get the most out of your vehicle, a used midsize SUV is a fantastic choice.

Not Just for Families

While the SUV has been primarily marketed to families, it isn’t exclusively for people who need five, six, or seven seats all the time. Many individuals find the midsize SUV to be a fun vehicle to drive and enjoy having all the extra space for when it’s needed, whether that’s every few days, once every few weeks, or monthly. Professionals will often need to tote boxes of office supplies, special event items, or laptops, briefcases, and other office necessities and don’t want to fill up the passenger seat or even the seat behind them. Others enjoy simply having more space for themselves and their passengers to move around in and relax.

Some drivers find the right midsize SUV is a great partner for activities like boondocking, fishing, hiking, shopping, and hauling people and things to play practice, orchestra rehearsals, or family reunions. There is a myriad of ways you can utilize a midsize SUV, even if you don't have a large family. And, if your relatives happen to be in town, you’ve got plenty of space to shuttle them to and from the airport or train station. Whether you need a vehicle with space for your flea market and antique store finds, or you’re looking for something that can accommodate a few friends for your weekly dinner together, the midsize SUV is the vehicle you’re looking for.

Popular Used Midsize SUVs

Honda Pilot

Honda’s Pilot is an incredibly popular three-row midsize SUV due to Honda’s reputation for building durable, affordable vehicles and the fact that the Honda Pilot is highly customizable. There are dozens of options available when it comes to comfort and convenience features, and a plethora of safety features are standard across all trim levels of recent pre-owned models. The Pilot packs a lot into its midsize frame, and since you can customize it to create your ultimate vehicle, it’s easy to see why it comes so highly recommended. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV that’s easy and inexpensive to maintain and has plenty of room for everything you want to do, check out the Honda Pilot.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep is known the world over for its rugged vehicles. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a prime example of how to pair rugged, outdoorsy qualities with interior refinement and comfort. The Grand Cherokee has multiple variants available to suit every driver, including two-row and three-row options, and has Trail Rated trims that are quite capable of going off-road at a moment’s notice. People who like to spend time in nature are drawn to the Grand Cherokee because, even though it may look lush on the inside, it can handle the roughest trails and the worst inclement weather. You can trust a used Jeep Grand Cherokee to whisk you away on your next adventure.

Toyota Highlander

One of the most popular options on the market today, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice for those who live in the suburbs, as it is suited to driving in rural areas, neighborhoods, cities, and more. It is an appealing option for people who enjoy a variety of activities, from picnics at the park to an afternoon in the big city. On top of its versatility, the Highlander is also one of the safest midsize SUVs, consistently earning five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the past decade. If you’re looking for something that’s well-rounded, inexpensive to maintain, and has plenty of cargo space, take a look at a used Toyota Highlander.

Consider a Midsize SUV for Your Next Vehicle Purchase

Whether you’re just exploring your options or you’re seriously searching for your next vehicle, consider a used midsize SUV for your next purchase. You’ll find them spacious, comfortable, safe, affordable, and fun, with the ability to grow with you and your life for many years. Drivers gravitate towards midsize SUVs because of these and many other reasons, and so many people can’t be wrong, right? Since there are so many options available, and many of them are customizable, it’s easy to find something that works well for you.

The midsize SUV remains a popular choice for drivers, and you can find plenty of high-quality pre-owned options here at our dealership. If you’re already thinking of purchasing a midsize SUV in the near future, take a look at some of the most popular models and see what you think. There’s no harm in dropping by and requesting a test drive, either. Once you find your ideal midsize SUV, you’ll see why many drivers have never looked back. Join your fellow drivers and start enjoying a new-to-you midsize SUV today!