Used SUV Cars For Sale

SUV cars for sale with heycar

An SUV – or sports utility vehicle – is a type of car with a raised ride height and higher seating position than a conventional hatchback or estate. Traditionally, most SUVs were built with four-wheel drive, making them ideal for off-road terrain and poor weather conditions. Today, however, many SUVs come with two-wheel-drive, making them more affordable to run while still delivering the raised driving position and strong road presence that so many buyers love.

SUVs come in all shapes and sizes, from small crossover models like the Ford Puma and the Toyota Yaris Cross to bigger family-friendly SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and the Kia Sportage. There are also larger seven-seat SUVs, like the Kia Sorento and the Skoda Kodiaq, as well as premium models like the BMW X5 and the Range Rover Sport. Electric SUVs such as the Nissan Ariya, the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Tesla Model X are becoming increasingly popular, too.

Why buy a used SUV?

One of the biggest reasons people choose an SUV is practicality. These cars often have more interior space than hatchbacks or saloons, with larger boots, wide-opening doors and higher seating positions that make life easier for families. Whether it's strapping in a child seat or loading up the weekly shop, SUVs can make daily tasks simpler than in conventional family cars.

The raised ride height isn't just about visibility – it also makes getting in and out of the car easier for passengers of all ages. Many buyers say they feel safer in an SUV thanks to the higher driving position and more commanding road view. SUVs also tend to have softer suspension than smaller cars, making them more comfortable over speed bumps, potholes and poor-quality country roads.

You'll also find a wide range of powertrain options, with some true 4x4s that are ideal for off-roading or towing, and two-wheel-drive cars that offer better fuel efficiency for everyday driving.

What are the best makes and models of SUVs? 

There's never been a better time to buy a used SUV, because the sheer variety of models available means there’s something to suit every need and budget, from small and efficient to spacious and luxurious.

At the smaller end of the scale, compact SUVs like the Ford Puma, the Jeep Avenger, and the Toyota Yaris Cross are great for city driving while still offering useful boot space and raised seating. These models are also among the cheapest small SUVs to run, making them ideal for new drivers and commuters alike.

For more room, family SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Peugeot 3008 offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage, as well as modern infotainment and safety tech.

Need something bigger? Models like the Kia Sorento, SEAT Tarraco, and Skoda Kodiaq are ideal for families who need seven seats and a large boot. They’re comfortable, flexible, and often well-equipped even in base trims.

If you’re looking for luxury and performance, premium models such as the Volvo XC90, the Audi Q7, the Porsche Cayenne, and the Range Rover Velar deliver upmarket interiors, strong engines, and cutting-edge tech.

What about used 7-seater SUVs?

If you need to carry more than five passengers, a seven-seater SUV might be the perfect fit. These vehicles offer the versatility of an MPV with the style and capability of an SUV.

Popular options include the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Nissan X-Trail, all of which combine a spacious cabin with good boot capacity (when the third row isn’t in use, at least). Premium alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz GLB, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and the Volvo XC90 bring more refinement and advanced features, though often at a higher price.

And if you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the Dacia Jogger is a fantastic option, offering seven seats and SUV styling without breaking the bank (though there is some debate about whether it’s a “true SUV”).

What should I look for when buying an SUV? 

When choosing a used SUV, think about how you plan to use it. If you want the looks and higher seating position but don’t need to go off-road, a two-wheel-drive SUV will be cheaper to run and often lighter on tax. But if you tow a caravan, live rurally or travel on muddy tracks, a four-wheel-drive SUV with good ground clearance is worth considering.

Check whether the third row of seats in a seven-seater model is actually usable – in some cases they’re only suitable for children or short journeys. Also make sure the boot space meets your needs, especially when all seats are in use.

As for engines, diesel SUVs are a smart choice if you cover long distances or plan to tow. Petrol SUVs are better suited to short, everyday journeys, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs are ideal for town driving with occasional longer trips. Electric SUVs are becoming increasingly viable too, with lower running costs, good range, and access to clean air zones.

If you're not sure if a used SUV car is quite right for you, we've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.