Looking for an SUV that does it all for less than $30,000? Here are three of the best midsize SUVs to buy used from Toyota, Lexus, and Nissan. If safety features are a priority in your search, these sport utility vehicles have many standard options. All security awards or recognitions are listed below.
The Lexus RX 350 is one of the best midsize SUVs to buy used
Midsize SUVs like the 2013 Lexus RX 350 still have plenty of life left for a new buyer. edmunds found it to have a comfortable cabin and luxurious interior. The powerful and smooth engine makes it a good family SUV. 2013 was the year of a styling update, and the RX looks pretty modern.
The 2013 Lexus RX 350 came with safety features like anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, and full-cabin airbags. Lexus also had a Safety Connect emergency communications system that was useful in an emergency.
If you can find one with adaptive cruise control that includes a forward collision warning system, Edmunds found it helpful. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the RX 350 a four-star overall safety rating.
List Price Range: $16,453 – $30,998
Nissan’s Murano is a good midsize SUV to buy used
While the 2016 Nissan Murano isn’t the most stylish SUV on the market, it makes up for it in comfort. For a 2016 SUV, the Murano had a lot to offer buyers. USB ports for charging were standard and all seats were comfortable.
Anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control, and hill-start assist were standard safety features. Nissan also added front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag was also standard. A rearview camera made parking this midsize SUV easier and helped make it one of the best midsize SUVs to buy used.
If you can find one of the SL or Platinum trim levels that add rear cross-traffic and blind-spot warning systems. Buyers can also opt for adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. While these security systems weren’t that advanced in 2016, each one came in handy. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the Murano a four-star overall safety rating. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Nissan SUV high marks for safety.
List Price Range: $16,556 – $26,998
Don’t overlook the reliable Toyota Highlander
Experts and owners agree that the 2014 Toyota Highlander is one of the best midsize SUVs to buy used. The V6 transmission was powerful enough, and the Highlander had a quiet cabin. With room for eight passengers, it’s obvious why the Toyota SUV is a good buy.
Toyota redesigned the Highlander in 2014, improving the quality of the interior and upgrading the transmission. Some standard safety features include traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, and a rearview camera. The automaker also added front seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag, a front passenger seat cushion airbag and full-length side curtain airbags.
Finding a Highlander Limited adds a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert. An optional driver technology package added forward collision warning, lane departure warning and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics. Both NHTSA and IIHS gave the Highlander high safety scores, including a Top Safety Pick Plus award.
List Price Range: $17,499 – $28,998
The years of some of the best midsize SUVs to buy used are less important. Finding a reliable option with all the necessary security systems is more important than tracking down a specific year, but this should get you started.