4 Great Used Small SUVs You Should Consider

At Orange Coast CJDRF, even though we are a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Fiat dealer, we sell a variety of pre-owned makes and models. This is because we understand how important brand loyalty is to drivers, even when it comes to used cars, and we refuse to pressure our customers into buying models they are uncomfortable with. This is particularly true when it comes to offering you the right used SUV for sale.

Research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2019 showed that American drivers spend about 51 minutes per day in their vehicles on average––that’s over 310 hours per year on the road. When we spend that much time in our car, truck, or SUV, it’s no wonder that when we find a brand or a model we like, we choose to stick with it time and again. However, if you want to test out a different model, it might be difficult to decide where to turn, particularly when it comes to the many choices in the expanding SUV market.

Finding the ideal used SUV for sale can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Not only are there countless different brands, models, and trims to choose from, but depending on the seating, cargo capacity, and capabilities you need, you also have a variety of sizes you’ll have to pick from. However, small SUVs seem to be the most versatile of them all. They offer great fuel economy, enough seating for the average family, room for all your belongings, and just the right amount of towing capability––some are even rugged enough for unpaved trails. We invite you to check out these four fantastic small SUVs. Based on their dependability and what they have to offer, we think they’re well worth considering.

#1 – Jeep Renegade (Subcompact SUV)

Although we are slightly biased concerning Jeeps, that is not why the Jeep Renegade has made our list. This fun-size subcompact SUV entered Jeep’s lineup with the 2015 model and is the smallest vehicle offered by Jeep. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size, though; it can seat five people and still have 18.5 cu.ft. of storage space for any items you might decide to bring with you on the trip. If it’s just you and your co-pilot in the Renegade, it can fit 50.8 cu.ft. of cargo with the back seats folded down.

Initially, the Renegade was available with two engine choices in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. As of the 2022 model, the Renegade is only available with a more efficient 1.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but its towing capacity remains at 2,000 lbs, allowing you to tow a small trailer, boat, or camper if necessary. Plus, as a Jeep product, you can expect the Renegade to handle any terrain, especially with the robust Trailhawk trim. If you’re looking for a small but versatile used SUV that’s affordable and entertaining to drive, we’re confident you’ll find the Jeep Renegade suits you and your lifestyle.

#2 – Chevy Trailblazer (Subcompact SUV)

You might be familiar with the Trailblazer nameplate because it has been around since 1999, when it was introduced as a high-end trim level for the midsize Chevy Blazer. In 2002, it debuted as a stand-alone midsize SUV. However, the Chevy Trailblazer we are referring to is a smaller version that entered Chevy’s lineup for the 2021 model year. Similar to the Jeep Renegade, the Trailblazer is a fun-to-drive sporty SUV that’s easy on the eyes with an accommodating interior that seats up to five passengers and can haul up to 54.4 cu.ft. of your belongings, depending on if you want to fold down the rear seats or not.

Although the Trailblazer has a little more interior space than the Renegade, it is not as capable of towing. Even with two engine options, the Chevy Trailblazer can only handle towing up to 1,000 lbs. It does, however, get better fuel economy––up to an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined with the 2021 Trailblazer’s 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Chevy’s subcompact SUV has also received high safety ratings, including the highest accolades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Trailblazer was named a Top Safety Pick+ for its 2021 and 2022 model years.

#3 – Ford Bronco Sport (Compact SUV)

The Bronco is another nameplate you’ve probably heard of before. The full-size model was introduced in 1966 and was produced until the 1996 model year. The Ford Bronco returned for 2021 as a midsize SUV but was accompanied by a smaller compact variant that we have here on our list: the Ford Bronco Sport. The Bronco Sport is strong enough to venture off the pavement with its available off-road fittings, a selectable all-wheel drive system, and Go Over Any Terrain (GOAT) modes.

However, it’s also a fantastic commuter vehicle that offers a comfortable cabin for its five passengers and a generous amount of room for any adventure gear you need––up to 65.2 cu.ft., depending on the powertrain you choose. The Bronco Sport can even tow up to 2,200 lbs when equipped with its larger 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine option, which is perfect for when you need to haul a trailer, camper, or boat along for the journey. Moreover, both the 2021 and 2022 editions of the Ford Bronco Sport received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

#4 – Volkswagen Tiguan (Compact SUV)

The last model on our list, similar to the previously mentioned Chevy Trailblazer, is more of a pavement cruiser than a trail rider, although it does have available all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Tiguan was first introduced to the American market for the 2009 model year and quickly rose to its position as VW’s best-selling model. It out-sold even the previous top-seller, the Volkswagen Golf, with over 100,000 units sold every year since 2018.

Although it’s not the most efficient vehicle in the small SUV segment nor the most rugged and capable, it sure takes the lead with its size. The VW Tiguan is one of the largest small SUVs on the market, providing an impressive 73.4 cu.ft. of space for any belongings you need to take with you on the road. The Tiguan also makes it possible for you to seat up to seven passengers with its optional third row, which is a rarity in the compact SUV segment. As a result, it appeals to drivers seeking an agile SUV that offers adaptability. A used Tiguan gives you the impression that you’re receiving the most space for the money and can be acquired for a small-size price.

Need More Choices?

Although we like to refer to the small SUVs on this list as the “fantastic four,” there are plenty of other used SUVs available that are just as reasonably priced, effective, versatile, and accommodating. There is an absurdly large number of makes and models to choose from in this crowded segment. Therefore, if none of these small SUVs are your preferred brand or model, or they simply don’t appeal to you in your quest for a used SUV for sale, we have a large selection of alternatives for you to consider. Our doors are open, and we can’t wait to see you! No matter the brand, we’re prepared to get you into the used SUV that’s right for you.