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How do you find the most reliable used midsize SUVs that retain the most value over three years? iSeeCars looked at more than twelve million sales listings to find the sport utility vehicles that last the longest, hold value, and have high safety ratings.

The Toyota Highlander is a reliable used midsize SUV that retains value

Reliable midsize SUV that retains value like this red Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander midsize SUV | Toyota

iSeeCars gave the Toyota Highlander an 8.9/10 for quality, putting it first for reliable midsize SUVs. During its analysis, iSeeCars found that the average price for a three-year-old Toyota Highlander is $41,763. It received a retailed value score of 8.2/10 and a reliability score of 8.5/10. Toyota’s Highlander received a safety score of 10/10 from iSeeCars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave it a Top Safety Pick score.

Average 3-Year Old Used Car Price: $41,763

Honda’s Pilot is a reliable midsize SUV that retains value

In second place, the Honda Pilot SUV received high scores all around. The Pilot received a reliability score of 8.6/10 and a retailed value score of 7.4/10. During its analysis, iSeeCars found that the Honda SUV’s average three-year-old price was $38,652. Honda also equips the Pilot with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and room for eight passengers. Its safety score was 10/10.

Average 3-Year Old Used Car Price: $38,652

The Toyota 4Runner is known for its reliability

People love owning the Toyota 4Runner, and it holds its value well, too. This used Toyota SUV is capable off-road but also makes regular daily driving more fun. The 4.0L V6 isn’t new by any means, but it gets the designation of “one of the toughest engines out there” from iSeeCars. It received a reliability score of 8.5/10, a retailed value score of 7.0/10, and another 10/10 score for safety. The average three-year-old used price of the 4Runner is around $45,844, cementing its spot on the list of reliable used midsize SUVs that holds value.

Average 3-Year Old Used Car Price: $45,844

Don’t forget the Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a good option for a reliable used midsize SUV that retains value. With a retained value score of 7.0/10, the average price came in at $29,774. It has above-average fuel economy offering 26 mpg combined. 2019 saw the addition of many standard safety features, making the safety score 10/10. This includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Average 3-Year Old Used Car Price: $29,774

The Ford Explorer represents a good value

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a used Ford Explorer is a good buy. iSeeCars put the Explorer’s reliability at an 8.4/10, which is still a respectable score. The average three-year-old used car price was $43,243, earning a retained value score of 7.1/10. Ford equipped the Explorer SUV with plenty of cargo space in addition to its three rows of seats. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights are standard as of 2020. On a 2019 version, try to find a higher level trim for these safety systems and more.

Average 3-Year Old Used Car Price: $43,244

While a midsize SUV won’t work for all situations, these sport utility vehicles offer the best of both worlds. Used car prices are still leveling off, but you might be able to find a good deal on a reliable used midsize SUV that retains its value.

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