Here’s our round-up of the very best used mid-size 4x4s and SUVs that just keep on giving.
If a new car isn’t for you but you still need the practicality and usability a family SUV brings, then why not think about one of the best used mid-size SUVs that we’ve lined up here?
Many of these used mid-size SUVs have the same underpinnings as new models that are on sale today, while the engine line-ups should still be frugal enough.
Depending on the age of the car or the brand you buy into, there could be some time left on the original warranty as well, which should offer peace of mind if you’re on a tighter budget.
While some of these used mid-size SUVs are a little older, they still have all of the character and class that took them to the sharp end of the market when they were new, so as a used buy they offer better value and the same great breadth of abilities.
Due to when many of them were registered some will benefit from either low or maybe even free road tax, so combined with efficient engines (the majority were developed and sold when diesel was prevalent, but petrol alternatives are available) they should all be cheap enough to run, and will provide dependable family transport.
Best used mid-size 4x4s and SUVs to buy
- Renault Kadjar
- Mazda CX-5
- SEAT Ateca
- Kia Niro
- Peugeot 3008
- Skoda Yeti
- Kia Sportage Mk3
- Nissan Qashqai Mk
1. Renault Kadjar – Used Mid-Size SUV of the Year
Renault was a relative latecomer to the compact SUV party, but the French company made up for lost time when it revealed the talented Kadjar in 2015. Stylish, spacious, cost-effective to run and bursting with kit, the car went straight to the top of the class.
More than five years later, the qualities that made the Kadjar such a new-car hit also make it a cracking second-hand buy. For starters the Renault still looks fresh, while its interior is stylish and comes close to matching upmarket models for quality and ambience. It has similar features to premium rivals as well, including the latest driver-assistance safety aids and Renault’s easy-to-use R-Link touchscreen infotainment with smartphone mirroring.
It’s roomy too, with plenty of leg and headroom for those in the back seats, plus lots of useful storage space for all your odds and ends. The 472-litre boot is one of the biggest in the class, plus there’s a useful underfloor compartment, while the rear seats fold completely flat in one movement using handy levers in the load bay.
The Renault is based on the same CMF platform as the previous Nissan Qashqai, and the French car benefits from accurate and grippy handling as well as a supple ride that beats most competitors with its blend of comfort and fun.
There are a number of engines, with the smooth and reliable 1.5 dCi diesel the best all-rounder. Not only does it deliver strong mid-range torque for effortless performance, it also claims up to 74.3mpg (NEDC) and emits just 99g/km of CO2, meaning free road tax for cars registered before April 2017.
Better still, attractive prices mean the Renault is an affordable second-hand buy, and we reckon the well equipped Dynamique Nav trim delivers the best value for money. If you’re after a great-value, hassle-free pre-owned compact SUV with a dash of rugged style, look no further than the extremely capable Kadjar.
BuyaCar finance options
We found an 18-plate model with 40,000 miles on sale for £12,295 on BuyaCar.co.uk. If you finance it for three years and go on to hand it back (provided you keep it in good condition and stick to the mileage limit), the monthly payments of £220 following a deposit of £950 mean this family SUV should cost less than £8,900 overall. Meanwhile, if you want to own it at the end, the optional final payment isn’t too costly, at £3,529.
