Top 5 best used 7-passenger SUVs
The best used 7-passenger SUV needs to meet your family's needs for daily trips and vacations. Third-row access, cargo space, and operating costs...
Read moreTop 10 of the best used SUVs in Quebec
The best used SUV depends on your budget, your space needs, and your routes. Between affordable compact models and three-row family SUVs, here are ten choices to consider on Quebec's pre-owned market.
The best used SUV depends on your budget, your space needs, and your routes. Between affordable compact models and three-row family SUVs, here are ten choices to consider on Quebec's pre-owned market.
Summary
Among the best used SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan stands out for its versatility, the Atlas for its roominess, and the Toyota RAV4 for its reputation for reliability. The Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5 are also worth considering.
To find a reliable used SUV, prioritize mechanical condition, maintenance history, and inspections rather than reputation alone.
How did we select the best used SUVs?
This ranking considers documented reliability, safety, running costs, part availability, interior space, fuel use, drivetrain, and value on the used market.
Each used SUV must still be assessed individually. Features vary by model year and trim.
Top 10 of the best used SUVs
1. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan offers a versatile cabin, a comfortable drive, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive available on recent Canadian models.
- Highlights: comfort, versatility, all-wheel drive
- What to check: engine maintenance, transmission, cooling
- Buyer profile: family looking for a practical compact SUV
2022 to 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan models are options to review for safety, since they appear in the IIHS selection of recommended used vehicles. This recognition does not guarantee mechanical reliability.
2. Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas seats up to seven people and offers a generous cargo area, which is particularly useful for large families.
- Highlights: interior room, third row, comfort
- What to check: suspension, electronics, mechanical maintenance
- Buyer profile: family needing several seats
For a used Atlas, compare powertrains, equipment, and maintenance history by model year. A mechanical inspection remains essential before purchase. Among 7-passenger SUVs , the Atlas stands out for interior space.
3. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has a favourable reputation for durability and offers efficient hybrid powertrains.
- Highlights: fuel use, versatility, reliability
- What to check: maintenance, recalls, hybrid components
- Buyer profile: drivers prioritizing running costs
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 deserves particular attention. Consumer Reports assigns a reliability rating well above that of other vehicles from the same model year.
4. Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides a roomy interior and a comfortable drive. Some recent trims are hybrid.
- Highlights: space, cargo area, comfort
- What to check: engine, transmission, air-conditioning
- Buyer profile: family making daily trips
The 2024 Honda CR-V represents an interesting option, with Consumer Reports giving it a reliability rating above the average for its year.
5. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 emphasizes driving enjoyment and finish quality. Recent Canadian models have standard all-wheel drive.
- Highlights: handling, finish, stability
- What to check: brakes, suspension, engine maintenance
- Buyer profile: drivers who appreciate a dynamic drive
2018 to 2025 Mazda CX-5 units built after March 2018 appear in the IIHS recommendations for used-vehicle safety. Even so, check the model year and the mechanical condition of the specific vehicle.
6. Subaru Forester
The Forester combines visibility, ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive.
- Highlights: winter capability, visibility, versatility
- What to check: CVT, suspension, tires
- Buyer profile: drivers who regularly travel on snowy roads
2022 and 2023 Subaru Forester models are worth considering. Consumer Reports assigns a reliability rating above that of vehicles from their respective years.
7. Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson offers a modern interior and several powertrains, including some hybrids.
- Highlights: equipment, space, comfort
- What to check: recalls, transmission, electronics
- Buyer profile: family looking for good equipment for the price
2022 to 2025 Hyundai Tucson models are among the used SUVs selected by the IIHS for their safety features. Maintenance history and recalls should still be verified.
8. Kia Sportage
The Sportage offers a practical cargo area and several driver assistance technologies, depending on the trim.
- Highlights: interior room, equipment, versatility
- What to check: recalls, maintenance, transmission
- Buyer profile: buyers prioritizing space
For a used Sportage, look for a unit with documented maintenance and verify recalls applicable to its year of manufacture.
9. Ford Escape
The Escape offers various powertrains, including hybrids, depending on the year.
- Highlights: manoeuvrability, engine choices, comfort
- What to check: recalls, cooling, transmission
- Buyer profile: drivers alternating between city and highway driving
For a used Escape, compare available powertrains, service invoices, and recalls by model year before choosing.
10. Nissan Rogue
The Rogue focuses on seat comfort, interior room, and driver assistance systems.
- Highlights: comfort, space, equipment
- What to check: CVT, engine, maintenance history
- Buyer profile: family looking for a practical SUV
2021 to 2023 Nissan Rogue models appear in the IIHS selection of recommended used vehicles for safety. Also verify transmission maintenance and applicable recalls.
Comparison table of the best used SUVs
| Model | Size | Seats | Available drivetrain | Indicative fuel use | Key strength | Buyer profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan | Compact | 5 | 4MOTION | Moderate | Versatility | Family |
| Atlas | Midsize | 7 | 4MOTION | Higher | Space | Large family |
| RAV4 | Compact | 5 | AWD | Low in hybrid | Reliability | Long term |
| CR-V | Compact | 5 | AWD | Low in hybrid | Interior room | Family |
| CX-5 | Compact | 5 | AWD | Moderate | Drive | Daily |
| Forester | Compact | 5 | AWD | Moderate | Visibility | Winter |
| Tucson | Compact | 5 | AWD | Low in hybrid | Equipment | Family |
| Sportage | Compact | 5 | AWD | Low in hybrid | Cargo area | Versatility |
| Escape | Compact | 5 | AWD | Low in hybrid | Powertrains | City |
| Rogue | Compact | 5 | AWD | Moderate | Comfort | Family |
These consumption notes are qualitative and vary by year, powertrain, and drivetrain. See the official ratings from Natural Resources Canada to compare two different configurations of the same model.
Checklist before buying a used SUV
For buying a used SUV in Quebec, check:
- Accident history and service invoices
- Independent mechanical inspection
- Condition of tires, brakes, and suspension components
- Applicable recalls and corrosion
- Road test at different speeds
- Financing terms and warranties
For a used AWD SUV, also inspect the all-wheel drive system and the wear of all four tires.
FAQ
The RAV4 and the CR-V have a favourable reputation. However, maintenance and inspection determine the real condition of an individual vehicle.
There is no universal threshold. A well-maintained vehicle with 120,000 km can be preferable to a lower-mileage one that was neglected.
Yes, especially on the snowy roads of Montreal’s North Shore. It helps with traction, but it does not replace winter tires.
History, recalls, repairs, and the pre-purchase inspection are priorities. For a used family SUV, also check space for child seats and the cargo area.
The best used SUV should meet your needs and have a reassuring history. In Laval, Terrebonne or Montreal-North, comparing several vehicles remains essential.
To determine which Volkswagen to choose based on your needs , the Tiguan and the Atlas offer two complementary formats.
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