In recent years, off-road SUVs have become extremely popular. But buying a new SUV isn’t right for everyone, especially if you plan to hit it on the road. Therefore, more people are interested in what the used vehicle market has to offer. Buying used allows you to get a cheaper vehicle, which means you don’t have to break the bank. But which used SUVs are worth looking at if you want 4×4 capability and ruggedness?
3. nissan xterra
Nissan offered the Nissan Xterra for two generations before it was finally discontinued due to poor sales. The Xterra has been featured in shows like The sopranosand most see it as a cheaper alternative to the Toyota 4Runner.
In terms of which Xterra is right to buy, any model produced after the 2009 update should be a decent buy. If you’re looking for an off-road SUV, you’ll want to buy an Xterra with the part-time four-wheel drive system. This will give power to all four wheels. Starting in 2005, every Nissan Xterra came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 265 horsepower. And that should be decent enough for most uses.
Another notable feature of the Xterra is its optional locking rear differential. This helps improve the 4×4 capability of this SUV. You can even get this Nissan with a six-speed manual transmission. After the 2015 model year, the Xterra was discontinued. So don’t expect all the modern features you’d find in a new SUV. But you can still get the 4×4 capability of an older model.
2. subaru crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek may seem like an unlikely off-road candidate, but it’s actually quite competent. This SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and has been on sale since the 2013 model year. The second generation was introduced in 2017, and if you can make it, buying a second generation is probably the right choice. Subaru was able to refine this SUV and the brand gave it a six-speed manual transmission, which was an improvement over the previous transmission.
The Crosstrek also received a revised suspension in 2017, helping it feel more confident both on the road and on the trails. If you want a serious all-rounder, the Crosstrek has a pretty active community around it. Common mods include things like lift kits and skid plates. So that’s something you can benefit from by joining the Subaru team.
It’s worth noting that this Subaru SUV was hit hard by the craze of the used car market. They’re not as cheap as they used to be, but you should be able to find a decent deal.
1. land rover discovery sport
Agree, in terms of reliability, Land Rover is not considered very favorable. But the brand produces vehicles that are still equipped to handle the road less traveled. As an off-road SUV, a used Land Rover Discovery Sport can be a good choice. According to top team, this model works quite well on the road. It can even tackle some legitimate water wading.
Discovery Sport features standard AWD and may be equipped with off-road driver-assist features. But, even used, you’ll pay a small premium for the Land Rover name.