10 Gently Preowned SUVs And Crossovers With A Five-Star Safety Rating

Main Highlights

• Family SUVs provide safety without exceeding the budget, with options like the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox starting at $17,803.
• Previously owned SUVs such as the 2020 Ford Escape and 2019 Audi Q3 offer a blend of safety and affordability, priced under $20,000.
• The 2020 Lincoln Corsair brings luxury to the range of secure SUVs available, delivering a smooth journey for about $23,667.

Nowadays, SUVs appear to be versatile vehicles. They offer ample space and appealing designs, with some manufacturers even producing high-performance variations. Nevertheless, safety reigns supreme in the list of SUV essentials because, ultimately, an SUV serves as a family automobile.

With the continual advancements, it’s logical that prices are on the rise in the SUV sector. New ones are becoming increasingly difficult to afford, making the option of purchasing used more appealing to potential customers. Opting for a preowned model does not entail compromising on safety.

Our subsequent CarBuzz compilation endeavors to illuminate 10 gently-used SUVs available for purchase today, offering both affordability and top-notch safety for your family on the road.

The details and specifications presented in the following article were gathered from sources such as Automobile-Catalog.com, AutoTempest.com, and official manufacturer websites. Safety assessments were obtained from NHTSA.gov, while the market status is based on well-maintained vehicles with 40,000 miles according to
Edmunds
. The list is arranged from the most recent to the oldest model years.

1 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

Model Specifications

The top SUV on our list of models with five-star safety ratings is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Launched in 2005, the Equinox sits in the midst of Chevy’s SUV lineup, placed between the compact Trax and the full-size Traverse. It has achieved modest success in the midsize SUV category for nearly 19 years.

In terms of safety, the Equinox secured a five-star rating for the 2021 model year. The 2021 Equinox is also hailed as one of the more dependable models produced, with model years 2018-2023 recognized as the most enduring examples. According to Edmunds, prospective buyers can spot a considerable number of preowned 2021 Chevy Equinox models for about $17,803.

2 2021 Ford Escape

Model Specifications

The 2020 model year brought a significant update to the 2021 Ford Escape, enhancing its previously uninspiring design. Similar to the Equinox previously mentioned, the 2021 Ford Escape features a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant. This engine churns out 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.

The Ford Escape also boasts an exceptional safety rating. Achieving a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA positions it as one of the safest SUVs on the market. Prospective buyers will be pleased to find that a well-maintained 2021 Escape can be acquired for under $20,000 on average, with Edmunds indicating a market average price of $19,216.

3 2021 Honda CR-V

Model Specifications

Moving on to the Honda CR-V, the most popular Honda model since 2017. It’s evident why, as this vehicle shares its framework with the Honda Civic while blending the functionality of a larger SUV.

SUV with the convenience of driving a vehicle. Furthermore, it’s quite secure, as well.

Featuring Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, the 2021 CR-V offers sufficient power delivery with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. As Hondas are typically known for their reliability, a pre-owned 2021 CR-V will likely cost you around $23,128 on average.

4 2020 Ford Explorer

Model Specifications

The fourth addition to our compilation is the second Ford showcased. The Explorer has garnered iconic status in the world of SUVs ever since its establishment in 1991. Over the years, it has been the top-selling SUV in America due to its versatility in handling on-road, off-road, and everything in between. Since the introduction of an optional third row in 2002, it has become even more practical as a family-oriented vehicle.

The 2020 Explorer also boasts a substantial amount of power. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine can deliver 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a thrilling ride. Those looking for a secure SUV should be prepared to spend approximately $25,520 in today’s market for a pre-owned 2020 Ford Explorer.

5 2020 Mazda CX-9

Model Specifications

The Mazda CX-9, often underestimated, used to be the primary SUV of the Japanese car manufacturer until the launch of the CX-90 in 2024. Despite being discontinued, it was part of Mazda’s collection beginning in 2007 and enjoyed decent sales figures. It also earned numerous accolades over its existence, highlighting its capabilities as a family-friendly vehicle.

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a 2.5-liter SkyActiv turbocharged inline-four engine that generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when using 87-octane gasoline. The output increases to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane fuel. For individuals interested in purchasing a used 2020 CX-9, the anticipated cost is approximately $23,273.

6 2020 Hyundai Palisade

Model Specifications

The Hyundai Palisade made its debut in 2020 amidst great excitement and media coverage. It stood out as one of the most innovative designs to enter the consumer market at the time, and it was reasonably priced as well. Over its five-year existence, the Palisade earned several safety and construction quality awards.

Presently, although it has only been in existence for five years, a second-hand Palisade is relatively affordable, though not as budget-friendly as one might anticipate for a pre-owned Hyundai. The 3.8-liter V6, offering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, is not the most fuel-efficient option either. Despite this, it achieved a five-star safety rating in its initial year. The average price for a well-maintained, low-mileage 2020 Palisade is around $28,229.

7 2020 Lincoln Corsair

Specifications

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair injects a touch of opulence to our compilation. Introduced in 2020 as a successor to the MKC, Lincoln’s upscale variation of the Ford Escape. The Corsair moniker holds historical significance, notably used by Ford’s now-defunct division, Edsel, in 1958 on the Edsel Corsair.

Aside from its Ford lineage, the Corsair boasts robust construction. In 2020, it achieved a five-star safety rating, credited to enhancements Ford implemented on its 2020 Escape frame, which the Corsair shares. At its base level, Lincoln utilizes a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 280 lb-ft of torque. The average price for a used 2020 Corsair stands at approximately $23,667.

8 2019 Audi Q3

Specifications

Audi’s Q3 is the smallest SUV in their lineup, belonging to the subcompact category. It was first introduced in North America in 2015 and has since garnered strong sales and positive feedback from owners. The 2019 model year marked the debut of the second generation of the Q3, which significantly improved upon the first generation, transforming it into a well-rounded subcompact SUV.

The Q3 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in its base trim. Despite its compact size, it boasts impressive safety features, earning a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

9 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander

Model Specifications

Interestingly, a Mitsubishi has made it onto our list. In recent years, Mitsubishi has become associated with budget-friendly cars like the Mirage. However, affordability often comes with compromises. Many loyal Mitsubishi enthusiasts have felt disillusioned, particularly after the discontinuation of the Lancer.

Despite its tarnished reputation, the Mitsubishi Outlander has demonstrated strong safety credentials. With a five-star safety rating, it presents a compelling choice for families in search of a new SUV. Though underpowered with only 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque from its 2.4-liter engine, its three-row capacity and reasonably priced $21,074 make it a viable option.

10 2019 Lexus UX 200

Specifications of the Model

Our final inclusion in this list is the 2019 Lexus UX. A notable attribute of owning a Lexus is its renowned Toyota craftsmanship, recognized globally for its exceptional quality. Another positive aspect of being under Toyota’s umbrella is Lexus’ commitment to safety. The 2019 Lexus UX upholds this tradition tremendously.

The 2019 UX secured its five-star safety rating with flying colors, excelling in nearly every category. However, despite its exceptional safety features for an SUV, it lacks speed. With its 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing only 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, don’t expect to outpace many competitors when merging onto highways.

References: Edmunds.com, Automobile-Catalog.com