How to Choose the Best Used Family Vehicles

When you’re looking to buy a used vehicle, you’ll want something reliable and affordable. The last thing you want is to spend money on a used car or SUV only to end up with a vehicle that spends more time in the shop than on the road; this will not only cost you a great deal in repairs but also deprive you of your main source of transportation. Choosing a used family vehicle is even more complicated because, in addition to affordability and reliability, you’ll want something safe and roomy.

This is why when you are identifying a “used car dealership near me,” you’ll want to partner with one that has a diverse selection of great used cars and SUVs so you can find the ideal family vehicle. At Riverton Chevrolet, we have a vast inventory of used models to choose from, with many exceptional ones that will work well as a used family vehicle.

Three-Row SUVs

The category that is often the top choice for families is three-row SUVs. These larger vehicles provide enough space to fit up to nine passengers, depending on whether you choose a full-size or midsize model. The key difference is that a full-size model will give you more space, but it is more expensive, less fuel-efficient, and harder to maneuver; this is why many family drivers opt for a three-row midsize SUV.

Midsize SUVs

Chevy Traverse: Near the top of the list, the Traverse began a new generation in 2024 with an I-4 gas engine, but you can easily find older models with a V6 engine. Although the Traverse comes with front-wheel drive, you can find a used one with all-wheel drive for improved traction. This is one of the most affordable three-row SUVs on the used market, and the brand’s Chevy Safety Assist suite will help you avoid accidents.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is another popular three-row midsize SUV to buy used. Like the Traverse, it has active safety features and is available with all-wheel drive. You can also find a used hybrid version of the Highlander, which will improve your fuel economy.

Honda Pilot: This is one of the most popular three-row models. Honda has a knack for maximizing interior space and comfort; not only do you get plenty of cup holders and USB ports strategically located throughout the cabin, but you can find a used Pilot with a second-row bench seat for fitting eight passengers.

Ford Explorer: Like the Highlander, you can find a used Explorer with a hybrid engine; this will save you money on gasoline in the long run, even if a used hybrid model may cost a bit more than one with a conventional gas engine. This model also has one of the best ratings for reliability.

Cadillac XT6: If you can spend a little more for a used family SUV, then this Cadillac may be the one for you. It has an elegant interior and some high-end features you won’t find on other SUVs. In addition, the XT6 has a track record for safety and reliability, which are two key factors for a used family vehicle.

Full-Size SUVs

Chevy Tahoe: If you need more space than you’ll get in a midsize SUV, then a used Tahoe should suit you. With its expanded cargo space and roomy cabin, the Tahoe allows you to take the entire family on a road trip, with enough space for everyone’s luggage. You can find a used Tahoe with four-wheel drive, which is ideal for a family that loves camping.

Chevy Suburban: One of the largest full-size SUVs, the Suburban is likewise excellent for a family vehicle. This model will give you an incredible amount of cargo space, which can come in handy if you have young athletes or musicians who need to be able to haul their gear to the next game or concert.

Ford Expedition: Ford’s full-size SUV also makes a great option as a used family vehicle. Featuring the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, a used Expedition will provide you with the safety you need to ensure you can deliver your precious cargo to school each day.

Compact SUVs

Young families who are just starting out might consider choosing a compact SUV. While smaller than three-row SUVs, these will still give you the reliability and safety you seek in a family vehicle. In addition, compact SUVs are easy to drive, more fuel efficient, and less costly than larger models.

Chevy Equinox: One of the most popular compact SUVs, the Equinox is a solid combination of roominess and affordability, with many standard features on every used model, ensuring you can get more for your money.

Toyota RAV4: The best-selling non-truck in America, the RAV4 is also one of the longest-running compact SUVs. With available all-wheel drive, you can get exceptional traction in a used RAV4. Those who want to save at the pump can also pay a little extra for a brilliant hybrid powertrain.

Honda CR-V: This five-seat model is another excellent option for a growing family. The CR-V has everything that Honda is known for, with an economical engine, great interior features that maximize functionality, and plenty of standard safety and driver assistance features.

Ford Escape: Another model you can find with a hybrid engine, the Escape has built its reputation on sleek styling and solid fuel economy.

Midsize Sedans

Once the most common family vehicle, the midsize sedan has lost market share to crossover SUVs over the past two decades. However, if you have a smaller family, a midsize sedan can be the ideal used vehicle for you; they tend to provide exceptional fuel economy, with more recent models also equipped with the latest safety and driver assistance features.

Chevy Malibu: One of the longest-running models in the Chevy lineup is also an ideal used family vehicle. A used Malibu is very affordable, fuel-efficient, safe, and reliable, making it a great choice for you.

Toyota Camry: Still one of the best-selling sedans in America, the Camry provides sporty looks and top marks for safety and reliability. A used Camry makes an ideal used car for a smaller family.

Honda Accord: Just like every other used Honda, you’ll find that a used Accord provides exceptional interior space and solid reliability. Honda has also been offering a hybrid version of the Accord since 2023, which will give you exceptional fuel economy figures.

Kia Optima: For those families that love technology, it is hard to beat a used Optima. This sporty sedan has been offering more standard safety and infotainment features for longer than most other models in its class.

Make Your Next Family Vehicle a Used One

Buying a used vehicle gives you more options than a new one, as there are more preexisting vehicles than there are new ones made each year; this gives you a much more expansive selection to look through. In addition, a used model costs less than the same one bought new at a comparable trim level.

Your choice starts with the auto class. While larger families need a three-row SUV, others can get by with a compact SUV or a midsize sedan. Once you have your class decided, we can show you recommended models with high levels of safety and reliability. Come in today, and drive home in your next used family vehicle from us!