With the price of used cars sitting higher than usual, Consumer Reports has some suggestions for the best options. These are fuel-efficient used midsize SUVs with two rows from brands like Lexus, Subaru, and BMW.
Consumer Reports recommends the Lexus RX midsize SUV
When it comes to the 2017 Lexus RX hybrid, Consumer Reports picked this fuel-efficient used midsize SUV for a few reasons. The RX racked up all sorts of accolades from CR, such as the “green choice” label and the “recommended” title. This midsize Lexus SUV also had above-average scores on the road test, reliability, and owner satisfaction sections.
The 2017 Lexus RX hybrid has forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) standards. Blind-spot warning (BSW) is optional.
Owner reported MPG: 21 mpg
The Subaru Outback is a solid midsize SUV, according to Consumer Reports
RELATED: Reliable SUVs to Reach 200,000 Miles or More
The 2017 Subaru Outback midsize SUV can do it all. After a recent redesign, the Outback SUV was more capable than ever. It offers a comfortable ride and high marks on the road test. Consumer Reports gave the 2017 Subaru Outback above-average scores in reliability and owner satisfaction areas. Subaru added the EyeSight suite of advanced safety gear, which offers FCW and AEB standard. BSW is optional.
Owner reported MPG: 26 mpg
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is an excellent used midsize SUV
Consumer Reports thought the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was a “well equipped two-row SUV that’s roomy, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and stylish.” The Santa Fe Sport SUV is relatively quiet and gets a solid 23 mpg overall. This used SUV has OK scores on the road test but didn’t quite impress in the owner satisfaction areas. Hyundai also didn’t include many driver assistance features, which seems like an oversight.
Owner reported MPG: 23 mpg
If you are looking for a luxury option, check out the BMW X5
A luxury midsize SUV option with high reliability scores is the 2017 BMW X5. Additionally, Consumer Reports thought the BMW SUV did well on the road test. The X5 had a few complaints lodged when it came to owner satisfaction. But with an impressive 22 mpg combined and a luxury interior, the 2017 X5 kind of makes up for it. “The result is a very comfortable, refined, and high-tech SUV,” Consumer Reports said. If you can find one with the Driver Assistance package and the Driver Assistance Plus package, it will come with FCW, AEB, and BSW.
Owner reported MPG: 22 mpg
The Ford Edge is a solid contender for good used midsize SUVs
The 2017 Ford Edge is more fun than it looks. This midsize SUV has an upscale interior for the price, 22 mpg reported from owners, and a responsive engine. Ford equipped the Edge with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which is easy to use. Consumer Reports says to try and find a Ford Edge with BSW and rear cross-traffic warning since it wasn’t standard. FCW was available on the Titanium and Sport trim levels.
Owner reported MPG: 22 mpg
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Check out the Nissan Murano
If you are looking for a budget-friendly midsize SUV, the 2017 Nissan Murano might work. Consumer Reports thought the 2017 Murano performed well on the road test and said it had a quiet cabin. Owners reported 22 mpg overall, but the owner satisfaction score was only average. The Nissan SUV did score well on the reliability front, though. Top trim levels had FCW and BSW included, so try to find one with these active safety features.
Owner reported MPG: 22 mpg
You may have to look around a little to find one of these used midsize SUVs with extra safety features, but it will be worth it. As cars continue to improve, more new cars include things like blind-spot warning and forward collision warning standard. For now, Consumer Reports has some fuel-efficient options to get you started.
RELATED: All of the Best SUVs on the Consumer Reports 10 Top Picks of 2022
