3 Surprising Used SUVs You Might Want to Skip for a More Reliable Option
The automotive industry did not make it through the global pandemic without any damage. That is obvious when you look at some cars, trucks, and SUVs from the last few years. Some of these used SUVs have had problems from the start, resulting in a subpar ownership experience. Don’t blame Mitsubishi, Dodge, and Ford too much. One bad apple doesn’t ruin the bunch of SUVs. There is a more reliable used SUV suggestion after each skip-worthy one staying within the budget.
What used SUV is not worth the money right now?
Some used SUVs are a bargain, while others can cause headaches. When U.S. News ranked the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, it came in at the bottom of the subcompact SUV segment. The Outlander Sport almost came in dead last, and it doesn’t even have a great price. It did win one award despite all of its poor reviews, though. Starting around $22,595, some of the competition is flat-out better and cheaper.
Drivers noted that the used SUV from Mitsubishi has a very firm ride that borders on uncomfortable. The suspension allows you to feel every bump on the road, which is never good. On top of that, the base engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder that just doesn’t have enough power. Though it makes a lot of noise, it doesn’t go anywhere with speed.
A better choice would be the 2023 Hyundai Kona. It starts at only $20,263 and has a nice interior and comfortable ride.
Which used SUV from 2020 should you skip?
Also on the list of used SUVs that aren’t worth it, the 2020 Ford EcoSport actually came in behind the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The Ford EcoSport has an acceptable ride and a good infotainment system. It does not have great engine choices, even though there are two options. Choose between a 123-horsepower three-cylinder or a 166-horsepower four-cylinder. Neither one feels powerful enough to move the EcoSport around town.
The cabin of the EcoSport isn’t very noteworthy, and the used SUV lacks many standard features which impact its safety scores. While blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert are available, neither is standard. The only standard driver assistance feature listed is a rearview camera. Even though it starts at $19,995, there are better options in the same price range.
For less than $20,000, the 2020 Kia Soul is a funky but better ride. It has a spacious and versatile cargo area and plenty of new technology. Kia’s Soul also earned high safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA.
What used SUV should you buy instead?
This is the end of the line for the 2020 Dodge Journey, but this used SUV isn’t one to buy for the memories. The midsize SUV category is one of the most competitive, and the Journey just didn’t have the magic formula. This was the final year for the lackluster used SUV, which came in last on the list of similar vehicles. Though it has low ownership costs, the Dodge Journey wasn’t impressive in many other areas.
Dodge only offered one four-cylinder engine with 172 horsepower. It didn’t seem powerful enough to power the SUV around town. Additionally, the Journey’s cabin could use some upgrades. For the $23,675 starting cost, there are better vehicles out there. It has very few standard safety systems, only including a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
For instance, the 2020 Ford Edge has higher scores and a similar price. It also comes with more standard safety features than the Dodge Journey. Even though some of these used SUVs come up short, the more reliable counterpart is a good place to start. 2020 was rough for all of us, even for these subcompact and midsize SUVs.
