- The SUV market is booming as families look for safe, spacious and versatile vehicles.
- Prices for used luxury SUVs remain high due to the chip shortage, so buyers must shop around carefully.
- Older, reliable SUVs from manufacturers such as Lexus or Honda can be a good deal.
As you probably know, SUVs are becoming increasingly popular with families. They are looking for safe and versatile vehicles with enough space to be used for days out, camping trips, or transporting sporting equipment. Luxury SUVs are especially comfortable to drive and offer a variety of safety and driver convenience features that make them fun to own.
However, new models remain expensive, however. This is partly due to massive demand and partly due to global supply chain issues and the chip shortage. Fortunately, there are still some bargains to be had on the used market. Read on to see a list of some of the best used luxury SUVs for 2022.
What Is An SUV?
If you didn’t already know, SUVs are sports utility vehicles. They’re larger vehicles that typically have a lot of cargo space and room for passengers. They sit higher off the ground compared to standard cars, offering good visibility and a feeling of safety in poor weather or while driving on the highway. They’re heavier and more rugged, which also makes people feel that they’re safer to drive.
Most SUVs have four-wheel-drive capability, making them suitable for off-road use. True SUVs (as opposed to crossovers) are made using a body-on-frame construction. They likely have more powerful engines that may be capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds. However, their large size can make them difficult to use in crowded cities.
ShutterstockWhat’s the Difference Between an SUV and a Crossover?
Crossovers are similar to SUVs. However, they are smaller in size and have a unibody construction, making them more like a sedan. They are often less expensive than full-sized SUVs too. However, it’s still possible to get crossovers with luxurious interiors and the kind of safety aids and driver convenience options that are so sought after in the luxury market.
Crossovers typically offer better fuel economy than regular SUVs. They’re popular with motorists because they’re easier to drive around cities while still offering decent off-road capabilities. Many crossovers offer all-wheel-drive capability and have engines powerful enough to be used for towing a small trailer.
ShutterstockWhy Are Luxury SUV Prices So High?
The price of luxury SUVs has remained elevated over the last few years because of supply chain issues. Chip shortages have affected almost all car manufacturers. Because luxury SUVs are usually equipped with a wide variety of driver aids, entertainment systems, and other electronics, manufacturers are struggling to meet the demand. Some manufacturers are even cutting features to meet the backlog.
It’s not uncommon for buyers to have to wait several months for the delivery of a new luxury SUV. The durable nature of SUVs and the superior build quality at the upper end of the price range means many people are looking for used SUVs instead.
ShutterstockThe Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2022
The used luxury SUV market is booming at the moment, since buyers are having a difficult time purchasing new models. This means it’s a seller’s market. The prices for used luxury SUVs in good condition are higher than they were a couple of years ago.
It’s still possible to find desirable makes and models on the market, though. You’ll just need to shop around, be patient, and accept that haggling on prices isn’t as easy as it used to be. In some cases, opting for a higher-mileage SUV from a brand known for reliability may be the best way to get a lower price, if you aren’t able to increase your budget.
Shutterstock1. Lexus RX Hybrid
The Lexus RX Hybrid is a luxurious midsized SUV. It was revamped in 2016, and models from that year or later have a lot to offer. The spacious cabin, entertainment system options and extensive list of driver aids make for a comfortable ride even on long-distance journeys. The hybrid nature of this SUV means it offers good fuel economy, too.
Buyers can expect to pay around $32,313 for a used 2016 model. Any model made after this date is also a good choice, so there’s plenty of flexibility for shopping around to get the best possible deal.
Source: Lexus2. Porsche Cayenne
Porsche updated the Cayenne in 2015, swapping the V8 engine for a twin-turbo V6 and improving the suspension. Models made on or after this date have a revamped exterior, offer good handling and are well-equipped inside, too. The 2015 version can be purchased for around $32,650.
Drivers can expect a combined fuel economy of 46 mpg, which is impressive for a vehicle in this class. The Cayenne scores well on reliability tests and is known for offering good handling both in cities and in moderate off-road conditions, making it a versatile and fun choice.
Shutterstock3. Volvo XC90
Available for just $25,050, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is an incredibly affordable luxury SUV. Volvo redesigned the XC90 quite extensively for 2016 and launched a plug-in hybrid model that year, too. All versions offer a spacious cargo space, a luxurious interior and a simple but functional entertainment system.
There’s an impressive array of safety features, even on the most basic trims. The XC90 isn’t as powerful as some of the other SUVs on this list, but it performs well and is more than up to the task of being a daily ride, with light off-road use for the purposes of family holidays.
Source: Volvo4. Mercedes-Benz GLE
As of 2016, the Mercedes-Benz GLE replaced the M-Class. This luxury SUV is available used for just $29,681 and offers the style and quality associated with the Mercedes-Benz name in a rugged package.
There are several versions to choose from, and they all offer a powerful engine that can handle most conditions. The cabin is spacious and well-equipped, as expected from a luxury model. The vehicle scores above average on most reliability tests, so owners can look forward to a hassle-free driving experience as long as they keep up with regular servicing requirements.
Source: Mercedes5. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 was completely redesigned for 2017, and that year’s models can be picked up starting at $34,661, making this one of the more expensive luxury SUVs on this list. The extra cost may be worthwhile for some buyers, however, thanks to the Q7’s more powerful engine and the luxurious interior with lots of driver convenience options.
Drivers can expect nimble handling from this midsize SUV. These pros come at the expense of cargo space, though. The Q7 is capable of towing an impressive 7,700 pounds, but its storage capacity is much lower than that of most of its rivals.
Source: Audi6. Cadillac XT5
Drivers who are looking to buy something relatively new may appreciate the 2019 Cadillac XT5, available from $35,300. Cadillac slightly revamped the XT5 for 2019, although those on a tighter budget don’t give much up in the way of style or features if they choose an older model.
The Cadillac XT5 offers a luxurious interior with touch-screen climate controls and entertainment options. The engine is powerful and reliable, but the size of the XT5 makes for difficult handling at times, so it’s not an ideal option for a daily driver in the city.
Source: CadillacWhat To Look For In a Used Luxury SUV
When shopping for a luxury SUV, buyers need to consider their primary intended use of the vehicle. Those looking for something to tow an RV most likely want a full-sized SUV. For day-to-day school runs and commuting, a midsize SUV may be a better choice.
Those planning to head off-road regularly need to consider safety aids and driver assistance features. It’s only been in the last few years that 360-degree collision prevention and hill-related driving aids have become commonplace, even on luxury models. With that said, traction control, ABS and cruise control are normally standard even on older luxury SUVs.
ShutterstockHow To Get a Good Deal On a Used Luxury SUV
The chip shortage and other supply chain issues mean it’s harder to negotiate the price of used vehicles when buying from a dealer. However, many private sellers may be happy to negotiate with those who show up ready to buy, especially if they’re hoping to free up space in their driveway for their next purchase.
If purchasing from a dealer, buyers need to shop around and compare prices for similar models in their area. Once they find a prospective vehicle, they must take a test drive and be on the lookout for any minor issues. Gaps in the service history may be used as a way of getting a small discount. The main area where it’s possible to negotiate a deal in the current used SUV climate, however, is with the interest and term of finance options.
