What Features You Should Look for When Shopping for a Used SUV

When you’re checking out used SUVs for sale, it’s easy to let a super low price tag tempt you—especially if the model is from a reputable manufacturer. However, if you’re shopping for an SUV, you probably have specific needs pertaining to passenger seating, cargo capacity, towing abilities, and other features. Those who drive SUVs usually need something beyond what a sedan can provide, so it’s important that you find the used model that has exactly what you’re looking for.

Additionally, as you start diving into the pre-owned market, you’ll begin checking out older generations that might lack certain features to which you’re accustomed in newer models. These features might not be essential, and some might be. Pay close attention to the features available when shopping for a used SUV to ensure it’s up to your current standards. Here are features to look for when shopping for a used SUV.

Seating

Make sure you’re looking at used SUVs that can seat the number of passengers you’ll frequently need to transport. So, if you need seating for up to eight passengers, you’ll want to look at three-row and full-size SUVs. However, if you find a particular used SUV model you love with seating for eight when you don’t need that much seating, your search doesn’t have to be over. Many SUVs with seating for eight come in varieties with seating for seven. They will have captain’s chairs in the second row instead of a bench seat, which creates a nice, spacious center aisle that makes it easy for third-row passengers to get to their seats.

The number of seats isn’t all that matters, though. If you have a family, think about the rear seat passenger space. If you still have very young children and know you’ll switch to a new vehicle before they grow into teens, you could get away with a compact or subcompact SUV. These have less head and legroom than larger SUVs, but for small children, that won’t make a difference. On the other hand, if your kids are already growing into young adults, you might need a larger SUV like a midsize or full-size, so that your tall passengers will have enough room.

Solid Driver Assist Features

Many major manufacturers have been in a race to have the most advanced driver assist features. It seems that every year, a new feature comes out that improves driver safety. For this reason, you might have grown accustomed to features like backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision alerts. If you’re used to driving vehicles with these features now, it could be dangerous to downgrade to an older vehicle that doesn’t have them. If you’re used to depending on certain driver-assist features, that might have impacted your driving habits. So, driving without those could pose a safety risk. Look for used SUVs that are no more than a few years old to ensure they’ll have the driver-assist features you’re used to having.

Towing Capacities

If you are looking for an SUV because you need towing abilities but don’t want a pickup, be sure to check into the specific towing capabilities of every model you view. Some SUVs can tow as much as 8,000 pounds, and others can only tow 1,000 pounds.
If you know exactly what you plan on towing, figure out what it weighs. Then, begin researching SUV models that can tow that much. You might want to consider finding one that can tow slightly more than the item you plan on towing, in case you ever need to add anything to your trailered item.

Towing capabilities go beyond just how much weight an SUV can tow, though. Some SUVs also have great technology that helps you tow safely and in command. These might include camera views that show you a top-down view of your trailered item, or the hitch connection. They might include backup grids that help you safely reverse when trailering. Consider finding a used SUV with these trailering technologies if you plan on trailering often.

Flexible Cargo

Some days, you might have a full house in the way of passengers. For others, you might need to pick up a desk you found at a yard sale. If you aren’t sure what your cargo needs will be from one day to the next, make sure to find a used SUV with flexible cargo.
Flexible cargo can look like rear seats that boast a 60/40 split-folding design, giving you the option to put down just one of the three rear seats or two—or all of them. Some vehicles have rear seats that fold down flat with the simple pull of a lever, making it easy to create extra cargo space when your hands are full. Additionally, if you need to transport valuable items, find a used SUV with hidden storage in the floor. Some offer this in the trunk area, while others have it in the main cabin area. This provides a simple way to stash valuables out of sight.

Rear Seat Entertainment

Not every SUV driver will require this, but parents of young children will love it. Look for a used SUV with a rear seat entertainment system. You’ll love how these systems keep young kids entertained for hours, sparing you all of those “Are we there yet?” and “I’m bored!” backseat complaints. Some rearseat systems also show trip updates, so younger passengers can know exactly how much time is left until they reach the destination.

Fuel Economy

Today, there are many newer engines that boast fuel economy as well as power. However, if you are looking at older SUVs, you’ll often need to choose one or the other. So, ask yourself what your daily drives look like. If you have to commute a long way on a regular basis, look for an engine with solid fuel economy. If you’re more likely to stay within town but need a powerful engine for towing, look for something tough like a V8.

There have now been a handful of hybrid SUVs on the market for a few years. For example, the Nissan Pathfinder has had a hybrid variant out for many years. Hybrid SUVs allow you to choose larger models with good towing abilities without sacrificing fuel economy. They help you save on gas, which can be a perk for families working towards financial goals.

Let Us at Illini Nissan Help You Select Your Perfect Used SUV

When you have the support of our expert team, you can take the guesswork out of shopping for your ideal used SUV. We know the specific features and capabilities of dozens of SUV models. We’re constantly bringing in more pre-owned SUVs from top names and various generations. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive selection of used SUVs so drivers looking for small or large SUVs can find what they’re looking for.

Tell one of our sales associates about your needs and preferences. Once they understand what you hope to do with your SUV, they can quickly show you models that are up to the task. You’ll love how massive our inventory is, with models from Nissan, Lexus, Volkswagen, and other top names. We also run regular specials on used vehicles, so you can get a fantastic deal on a pre-owned model. Visit us and find your perfect used SUV today.