9 Affordable Best Used SUVs For College Students In 2024
9 Affordable Best Used SUVs For College Students In 2024
When you’re going to college, an SUV makes a lot of sense. However, finding the best used SUVs for college students can be a challenging task, especially when considering factors like affordability, dependability, and efficiency.
However, with the abundance of options available, it’s possible to find a vehicle that meets your needs without breaking your budget.
In this guide, we’ll explore nine of the best used SUVs for college students, taking into account their affordability and technical advantages, such as fuel efficiency and spacious interiors.
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Toyota RAV4
- Nissan Rogue
- Honda CR-V
- Ford Escape
- Subaru Forester
- Mazda CX-5
- Jeep Cherokee
- Hyundai Tucson
1. Chevrolet Equinox – 2017
With its roomy and cozy interior, the Chevrolet Equinox is a great vehicle for lengthy road trips or transporting friends and goods.
Parents and college students can rest easier knowing that it has safety features like automated emergency braking and front collision warning.
The Chevy Equinox is a sensible option for college students on a tight budget because of its reasonable price and roomy interior.
It appeals to anyone looking for a dependable and adaptable SUV because of its affordable price and accessible safety features, which provide good value for the money.
Cost: The Chevrolet Equinox is frequently priced competitively in the compact SUV class, providing excellent value for both basic and optional features.
- 8.3 SCORE
- $13,180 – $17,562 AVG PRICE PAID
- 16-21 City / 23-31 Hwy MPG
Technical advantages: include a smooth and pleasant ride, spacious passenger seating, and a large cargo area for transporting things.
The Equinox’s available safety features, such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, improve overall safety and provide peace of mind for college students and parents.
2. Toyota RAV4 – 2012
The Toyota RAV4, like the CR-V, offers good value for the price. Its reputation for dependability and high resale value make it an appealing choice for college students seeking long-term affordability and peace of mind.
The Toyota RAV4 is versatile and practical, with a comfortable interior and user-friendly technology. Its high safety ratings make it an excellent choice for parents who are concerned about their child’s safety, and its reputation for durability ensures it will last through college and beyond.
Cost: The Toyota RAV4 is priced reasonably within its class, delivering good value for the amenities and reliability it provides.
- 9.0 SCORE
- $11,220 – $13,894 AVG PRICE PAID
- 19-22 City / 26-28 Hwy MPG
Technical Advantages: The RAV4 is known for its legendary dependability, and it comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes advanced driver aid systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert.
Its accessible hybrid option provides exceptional fuel efficiency, making it ideal for students trying to save money on gas.
3. Nissan Rogue – 2015
The Nissan Rogue is a great option for commuting to and from university because of its fuel-efficient engine and pleasant ride quality.
Long trips become less taxing for drivers because of the semi-autonomous driving capabilities of its optional ProPilot Assist technology.
Budget-conscious college students will find the Nissan Rogue appealing because of its reasonable pricing and fuel-efficient engine.
Additionally, its available ProPilot Assist system adds value by providing advanced driver-aid features at an inexpensive price point.
Cost: The Nissan Rogue is usually reasonably priced for its class, giving good value for the variety of standard and optional features it offers.
- 8.4 SCORE
- $12,534 – $14,982 AVG PRICE PAID
- 25-26 City / 32-33 Hwy MPG
Technical advantages: Include a fuel-efficient engine and the optional ProPilot Assist system, which offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities for increased convenience and safety.
The Rogue is a good option for daily commuting and road trips because of its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and user-friendly infotainment system.
4. Honda CR-V 2010 & 2011
The Honda CR-V offers a decent mix of price and features. With its competitive pricing and reputation for dependability, it is affordable to many college students, particularly when long-term ownership expenditures such as fuel economy and maintenance are included.
The Honda CR-V has plenty of carrying capacity and comfortable seats, making it excellent for transporting books, supplies, and gear for college activities.
Its fuel-efficient engine saves money on petrol, and its reputation for dependability provides peace of mind amid a hectic college schedule.
Cost: The Honda CR-V normally starts at a competitive pricing point when compared to its compact SUV competitors.
- 9.1 SCORE
- $8,396 – $10,592 AVG PRICE PAID
- 21 City / 27-28 Hwy MPG
Technical Advantages: It has a smooth and effective drivetrain, great fuel economy, and a roomy cabin with flexible load capacity.
Advanced safety features like the Honda Sensing Suite are included on higher trim levels, increasing total value and safety for college students.
5. Ford Escape – 2017
The Ford Escape has a variety of engine options to meet varied needs, from fuel efficiency to performance.
Its optional SYNC infotainment technology allows for seamless interaction with cellphones and other devices, keeping college students connected while on the go.
Cost: The Ford Escape is normally priced competitively in the compact SUV class, delivering good value for the variety of available engine options and technology amenities.
- 8.6 SCORE
- $13,685 – $16,745 AVG PRICE PAID
- 20-23 City / 27-30 Hwy MPG
Technical Advantages: The Escape comes with some powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, to meet a wide range of fuel efficiency and performance preferences.
Its large cabin, easy-to-use SYNC entertainment system, and available Ford Co-Pilot360 package of safety technologies make it an adaptable and practical choice for college students.
6. Subaru Forester – 2016
The Subaru Forester’s standard all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in a variety of weather conditions, making it ideal for college students living in severe weather areas.
Its large cabin and clear view make it simple to maneuver university parking lots and downtown streets.
While the Subaru Forester has a somewhat higher starting price than some competitors, its standard all-wheel-drive system and enhanced safety features make the investment worthwhile, particularly for college students living in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Cost: The Subaru Forester is normally priced competitively in the compact SUV class, providing good value given its basic all-wheel-drive performance.
- 8.0 SCORE
- $14,872 – $19,629 AVG PRICE PAID
- 22-24 City / 28-32 Hwy MPG
Technical Advantages: The Forester’s standard all-wheel-drive system delivers outstanding traction and stability, particularly in severe weather.
Its large interior, high ground clearance, and improved safety features make it an attractive option for students attending college in areas with harsh weather conditions or off-road adventures.
7. Mazda CX-5 – 2016
The Mazda CX-5 distinguishes out because of its upmarket interior, agile handling, and fuel-efficient engine options.
Its sleek style and advanced technology features appeal to college students seeking an attractive and fun-to-drive SUV that isn’t too expensive.
Cost: The Mazda CX-5 is slightly more costly than competitors due to its luxurious interior and premium features. Its agile handling and responsive steering provide a sporty driving experience suitable for college students.
- 8.3 SCORE
- $13,360 – $18,347 AVG PRICE PAID
- 24-26 City / 30-35 Hwy MPG
Technical advantages: Its upscale cabin materials, user-friendly infotainment system, and available turbocharged engine options distinguish it in terms of refinement and performance.
8. Jeep Cherokee – 2022
During breaks or weekends, ambitious college students can explore outdoor activities thanks to the Jeep Cherokee’s tough off-road prowess.
It’s perfect for both weekend excursions and daily commutes because of its easy-to-use infotainment system and comfy ride.
The price of the Jeep Cherokee might vary based on trim level and added options, but for money-conscious college students who seek dependability and versatility above all else, its tough off-road prowess and available safety technology present a strong option.
Cost: The price of the Jeep Cherokee varies based on the trim level and add-ons, with higher trims providing better off-road capabilities and upscale amenities.
- $23,812 – $30,865 AVG PRICE PAID
- 18-23 City / 24-31 Hwy MPG
Technical advantages: With various four-wheel-drive systems and cutting-edge traction management capabilities, it boasts robust off-road prowess.
The Cherokee is a good vehicle for both on- and off-road experiences because of its smooth ride, user-friendly infotainment system, and accessible safety features.
9. Hyundai Tucson – 2016
For college students on a tight budget, the Hyundai Tucson is a great option because it comes with a big list of standard and optional amenities at a reasonable price point, along with a generous warranty.
Its small size makes it simple to maneuver in congested university parking lots, and its cozy interior makes everyday travel enjoyable.
For budget-conscious college students, the Hyundai Tucson is a sensible option because of its reasonable pricing and extensive warranty coverage.
Its good value for the money stems from its blend of standard equipment, dependability, and fuel efficiency, which ensures affordability over time.
Cost: The Hyundai Tucson generally provides good value for college students on a tight budget, with competitive prices and a generous warranty.
- 9.0 SCORE
- $13,183 – $15,899 AVG PRICE PAID
- 21-26 City / 26-33 Hwy MPG
Technical advantages: Include a smooth and effective drivetrain, a pleasant ride, and an easy-to-use entertainment system that integrates with smartphones as standard.
The Tucson is a dependable and useful option for weekend trips and daily commuting because of its large interior, small size, and superior warranty coverage.
Summary
Best used SUVs for college students are a great deal if you are going to college, They offer the room you’ll need to transport your belongings from dorm rooms to apartments and to go on memorable road trips with your buddies.
Additionally, it frequently includes all-wheel drive in case the snow doesn’t cancel that important test or job interview.
We also added two higher-end versions, one from a premium brand and one with third-row seats, for diversity.
To keep things reasonably priced, we concentrated on the 2016–17 max model year and avoided SUVs that might be too old to dependablely get you through college.
FAQs
Which is the best SUV to buy second-hand?
Toyota RAV4 SUV (2013-2019), Mazda CX-3 SUV (2015-2020), Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5.
What is the best first SUV to buy?
For a youthful driver, a used Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V are great options for a sport utility vehicle. When purchased properly, these cars can still provide excellent value for the money even after more than 200K miles.
In 2004, my son purchased a used 2002 RAV4 with 40,000 miles on it, which he kept for 12 years.
What SUV is easiest to maintain?
Toyota C-HR is the best small SUV; Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax are also excellent options. Top Pick for Upper Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander; Kia Sorento and Toyota 4Runner are all good options.
What brand has the most reliable SUV?
The most reliable SUVs
Envision Buick. Honda Passport owner rating (4.8) on CarMax. Owner rating on CarMax. The Honda HR-V (4.5). Owner rating on CarMax. Kia Telluride (4.3). Owner rating on CarMax. Lexus NX 200t (4.9).
Owner rating on CarMax. (not rated as of yet) Kia Niro. Hyundai Palisade owner rating (4.6) on CarMax. Mazda CX-3 owner rating on CarMax. Owner rating on CarMax.
What is the most reliable 10-year-old SUV?
- Top used SUVs for 10 years old as of 2024:
- Honda CR-V ($1,417).
- Mazda CX-9: $1,453.
- MKX Lincoln: $1,481.
- Encore Buick: $1,550.
- Pilot from Honda: $1,654.
- Sequoia Toyota: $1,703.
- $1,719 for a Mazda CX-5.
- Acura MDX: $1,876.
