Used SUVs have become a lifeline for Canadian families who want space, traction and comfort without swallowing the price of a new vehicle. The trick is finding the ones that keep delivering year after year without surprise repair bills. Across provinces, owners consistently point to a handful of used SUVs that remain dependable, durable and great value long after their first owners moved on. Here are ten models Canadians say are still worth every dollar.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has become the default answer for anyone asking which used SUV to buy. It handles Canadian winters, long commutes and family duties with quiet confidence. Engines last forever with basic maintenance and the all wheel drive system feels secure on icy mornings. Even older models hold their value because they rarely surprise owners with major repairs. For anyone who wants dependable transportation rather than a project, the RAV4 remains a safe and smart choice.
Honda CR V
Canadians adore the CR V for one simple reason. It refuses to quit. The engine loves cold weather, the cabin resists wear and the suspension handles rough roads without feeling tired. Older models offer excellent cargo space and strong fuel economy, making them perfect for families on a budget. Even high mileage examples continue to run smoothly. With thoughtful maintenance, a used CR V can easily outlast many newer SUVs with far more complicated technology.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is a favorite among families who want near luxury comfort without luxury repair bills. The V6 engine is famous for longevity and the ride quality makes long Canadian road trips genuinely pleasant. Winter traction is strong and the interior holds up well to kids, pets and cargo. Many Highlanders push past three hundred thousand kilometers without drama, which explains why used examples rarely sit long on dealership lots.
Subaru Forester
Subaru built the Forester for climates exactly like Canada. The all wheel drive system offers outstanding grip on snowy roads and the tall windows give drivers excellent visibility in storms. Engines after the mid 2010s have proven much more durable than early versions and owners praise the balanced ride and reliable cold starts. For outdoor enthusiasts or rural drivers, a used Forester still offers one of the most secure winter driving experiences available.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX might be the most worry free used SUV money can buy. The V6 engine is nearly unbreakable and luxury features continue working long after other brands start aging. Owners rave about the quiet cabin, soft ride and strong resale value. Even older examples feel far newer than their age suggests. It is the used SUV for buyers who want durability wrapped in comfort and understated style.
Nissan Xterra
The Xterra may be unconventional, but it remains one of the toughest used SUVs Canadians can still find. Built on a truck platform, it thrives on gravel roads, camping trips and harsh winters that overwhelm car based crossovers. The engine is rugged, the frame is solid and the interior materials handle abuse without complaint. For drivers heading into the wilderness or northern regions, the Xterra offers old school reliability with real utility.
Ford Escape with the Naturally Aspirated Four Cylinder
While some turbo models had issues, the naturally aspirated versions earned strong praise from Canadian owners. They are simple, dependable and affordable to maintain. The Escape’s compact size makes it easy to park in crowded cities, yet the cabin still offers enough space for daily family use. Cold weather performance is steady and the drivetrain avoids the complexity that sometimes haunts modern SUVs.
Chevrolet Equinox V6
The four cylinder Equinox has a rough reputation, but the V6 version is a completely different story. Owners say it is smoother, more powerful and far more reliable in the long run. The V6 packages use stronger components and avoid the oil consumption issues that plague earlier engines. For buyers who want a comfortable, budget friendly SUV with solid winter performance, the V6 Equinox remains an underrated used gem.
Hyundai Santa Fe V6
The V6 powered Santa Fe models built after the mid 2010s have proven themselves as dependable family haulers. They offer strong highway power, comfortable seating and impressive long distance refinement. Canadians enjoy the generous feature set and the fact that these SUVs handle cold weather without fuss. With reasonable maintenance costs and durable drivetrains, the Santa Fe represents strong value on the used market.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner may be more expensive than others on this list, but owners say it is worth every dollar. This SUV is famously overbuilt. Engines last forever, frames shrug off rust when properly maintained and the all wheel drive system handles deep snow and rough terrain with ease. Many 4Runners survive decades of Canadian winters without major mechanical failures. For drivers who want a used SUV that can handle anything and still feel confident at high mileage, the 4Runner tops the list.
Why These Used SUVs Still Shine
Canadians trust these SUVs because they survive real conditions. They start in minus thirty, tackle long highway drives, shrug off potholes and stay reliable well beyond typical ownership cycles. In a used market full of question marks, these ten stand out as vehicles that continue earning their reputation mile after mile.
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