These 5 SUVs Are Cheaper New Than Used
Conventional wisdom says that when you drive a car or SUV off the lot, its value drops. Usually, it drops about a third in the first day. But in today’s wild world of used SUVs, some SUVs are worth more used than new. Why? Supply. Buying a new vs. used SUV could be a deal right now.
SUVs are commodities and if you want, for example, a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, dealers don’t have any new ones on the lot. So, buyers are paying a premium for used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUVs. In some cases, more than $40,000 more than an SUV cost new just to have the option to drive one.
We’re not suggesting you should buy and flip a new SUV, but if you wanted to, these five would be our best bets according to new iseecars.com data.
The G-Class is hot, whether you’re a celebrity or not
Ohh, the G-Class. Off-roaders and celebrities alike love the big, boxy, brut of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. They are so hot, a used G-Class is selling for 31.5% more than a new one. But, they’re also expensive, so that means you’ll pay a $40,958 premium just for the pleasure of driving one. What a pleasure, though. G-Class SUVs have some of the finest materials, and technology, that Mercedes can pack into an SUV, but combined with a legit four-wheel-drive system that can get you in or out of almost anywhere a four-wheeled vehicle can go.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is underpowered but popular
Chevrolet Trailblazer is an SUV is worth 14.4% more, or almost $14,000 more, used. That’s a bit surprising. The Trailblazer is a good mid-size SUV that is let down by its small 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder motor paired with a CVT transmission. The combination of 137-horsepower, or 155 with an optional larger three-cylinder, and a heavy mid-sized SUV makes it slow compared to its rivals. But, it is capable and has a ton of infotainment and connectivity options. It also has clever fold-flat seats that allow it to accommodate objects up to 8.5-feet-long.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is selling a 13.5% premium asa used SUV
We’re not surprised to see the RAV4 Hybrid on this list. Used, a RAV4 is worth 13.5% more today, or $5,000 more, than a new one. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid uses a unique system to give it all-wheel-drive prowess. The electric hybrid motor is in the back and it powers the rear wheels when the computer thinks you need it. The RAV4 Hybrid looks a bit funky. But, the RAV4 isknown as a reliable and capable five-seat SUV.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a perennial favorite for hauling
We’re also not surprised the big Chevy Suburban made the list. They’re super popular because they’re huge, truck-like, SUVs that hold eight people in wide-shouldered comfort. They’re selling for a premium of 11.2% or $7,881 used. The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban has a powerful 6.2-liter V8 available in two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and a 10-speed automatic.
The GMC Yukon is like a dressed-up Suburban
Like its Chevrolet sister, the Yukon is a truck-based SUV that holds up to eight passengers. It’s selling for 10% more used, or $7,233 more. With the second and third rows folded, it has a truck-like 122.9 cubic-feet of room in the back, and can tow up 8,400 pounds. The Yukon is known as the slightly dressed up version of the Suburban, and it can be ordered in offroad AT4 trims, or ultra-lux Denali.
