Top 10 best used SUVs

Top 10 best used SUVs

If you are looking for the best used SUV in 2026, the goal is to choose a model that is versatile, comfortable, and reassuring in winter, while still pleasant to drive in everyday life.

Among reliable SUVs in Quebec, the option of all-wheel drive is often considered for more stable handling on our snowy roads. The models in this top 10 are frequently recommended because they combine a solid balance of space, driving enjoyment, safety technologies, and overall value.

Do not hesitate to come get advice from our experts at Arbour VW in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal.

2020 - 2023 Hyundai Tucson

Among the best used SUVs offering strong value, the Tucson is a compact model that evolved quickly. For 2022, Hyundai introduced a generation with a striking style: the radiator grille visually integrates the lighting, which gives a more sculpted and distinctive front end. It is the kind of SUV that gets noticed in a parking lot, yet it still works well day to day.

front side view of a 2021 Hyundai Tucson

On board, the cabin is generally modern, with a cleaner dashboard on the more recent trims. You also appreciate the sense of space in the front and rear: for a family, a dog, or simply to avoid feeling cramped, the Tucson plays its role well.

2019 - 2023 Mazda CX-5

Among the best used SUVs, the CX-5 is the compact SUV that tries to make you forget you are driving an SUV. Its reputation comes from the mix of precise steering, more dynamic road manners, and careful fit and finishes.

front side view of a 2021 Mazda CX-5

The Car Guide sums up its positioning well: a popular Japanese SUV, refined and pleasant to drive, without sacrificing comfort. The all-wheel-drive trims (depending on the year and trim) are especially appreciated here.

Inside, the CX-5 focuses on ergonomics that are quickly understood, with clear controls and a natural driving position.

2019 - 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Among the best large pre-owned SUVs, the Atlas is Volkswagen Canada's full-size SUV, and on the used market, it can be configured with three rows of seats for a maximum capacity of 7 passengers. It offers real presence on the road and a clearly family-oriented mission.

In a market where many 7-passenger SUVs end up looking alike, the VW Atlas stands out with a very North American approach: volume, width, and a sense of space that makes life easier when you carry a lot of people.

Across these years, you get a vehicle well suited to hockey team runs, weekends at the cottage, or simply the family routine, without every trip turning into a game of Tetris.

front side view of a 2021 VW Atlas

Access is easy and the cabin is spacious. The second-row seats are welcoming, and the third row is more usable than on several "compact 7-seaters". Cargo space varies depending on whether the seats are up or down, but the Atlas remains a logical choice for those who want a generous feeling of space and comfort on board. If you are wondering which is the best large used SUV, the Atlas checks all the boxes.

2022 - 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos is one of the best small used SUVs aiming for a sought-after balance: an urban footprint, yet with dimensions and cabin space generous for its class. The Car Guide describes it as a small SUV intended to replace the Golf in our market, for its pleasant driving experience and remarkable practicality.

front side view of a 2022 VW Taos

In practical terms, this translates into a vehicle that is easy to park and manoeuvre, while offering a rear seat and cargo area that suit local reality (groceries, stroller, sports bags, etc.). The driving position is high without making you feel like you are in a truck, and the interior vibe is typically Volkswagen: understated, functional, and designed for daily use.

In Quebec, the VW Taos often attracts those who want a compact SUV with enjoyable driving, generous space, and notable agility, with an overall more European personality.

You could even say it might be the best used SUV under $20,000, depending on the model year and trim selected.

2019 - 2022 Subaru Forester

The Forester is practically a Quebec classic for a simple reason: it is designed around use where all-wheel drive and stability are not "luxury" options, but the baseline. What also stands out is the sense of visibility and practicality. The Forester often feels like it has large windows, a square cabin, and angles that are easy to judge for easy manoeuvrability.

front side view of a 2022 Subaru forester

2019 - 2022 Honda CR-V

front side view of a 2022 Honda CR-V

The CR-V is the example of a compact SUV that does almost everything correctly: space, comfort, smooth driving, and overall efficiency that fits daily life. In these model years, several trims rely on a 1.5L turbocharged engine, which allows some of the segment's lowest consumption figures (depending on configuration).

At the wheel, it is generally an SUV you forget about, given the less powerful powertrain. That said, it remains easy to drive, with light steering and a relatively compliant suspension.

2018 - 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan occupies an interesting spot: a compact SUV with a larger-vehicle footprint than certain rivals, notably when it comes to length and cargo space, depending on configuration. In terms of personality, it has that typical Volkswagen character with a calm driving experience, a clean cabin, and a robust build.

By checking the VW Tiguan specs , you clearly understand it is a compact SUV, practical and particularly suited to everyday life.

In winter, the all-wheel-drive trims (depending on the year and trim) are often popular for stability and confidence at the wheel, especially during heavier snowfalls.

front side view of a 2021 VW Tiguan

2017 - 2020 Toyota RAV4

front side view of a 2020 Toyota RAV 4

The RAV4 is often seen as an ultra-rational choice, though the generation around (and that includes) 2019 added a dose of character. It features a more rugged and adventurous look, as well as a modernized architecture with gains in efficiency.

What we like about the RAV4 in these model years is its versatility: easy to handle in the city, reassuring on the road, and capable enough for outings off the beaten path, without claiming to be an extreme 4x4.

Another advantage is its reliability, which means that if your budget is extremely tight, you might find a much older model year that lets you land one of the best used SUVs under $5,000.

2018 - 2020 MAZDA CX-5

The 2018 to 2020 CX-5 keeps the Mazda DNA: an SUV that delivers more driving pleasure than average without demanding major compromises on comfort. Even though equipment will change according to model year, the overall experience stays similar, with engaging steering, a well-finished cabin, and a careful design.

front side view of a 2020 Mazda CX-5

2018 - 2022 Kia Telluride

front side view of a 2020 Kia Telluride

We decided to add the Kia Telluride to include an SUV that can seat up to 8 passengers and can tow up to 5,000 lb., depending on the trim and model year. That is why it quickly carved out a place as a "big family vehicle," much like the VW Atlas. It does remain more expensive on the used market than the latter.

It offers a wide cabin, a high driving position, and a well-presented interior.

So, which is the best used SUV in 2026?

Feel free to visit us at Arbour VW, your Volkswagen dealer in Laval, near Boisbriand and Blainville, to discuss your needs for a used SUV and to view our in-stock models. In addition to answering your questions, our experts can also share current Volkswagen special offers in Laval and advantageous Volkswagen financing solutions.

In the meantime, here is a summary table of the best pre-owned SUVs. To make the comparison easier, all models compared are from the 2022 model year:

Models (2022) Powertrain (main) Power (HP) / Torque (lb-ft.) Max. towing (lb.) Cargo space (L) Average price used
Hyundai Tucson 2,5 L GDI 187/178 3 500 1,095 to 2,119 ≈ $23,900
Mazda CX-5 2,5 L Skyactiv-G 187/186 2 000 871 to 1,680 ≈ $29,500
VW Atlas 2.0 L TSI turbo 235/259 2 000 583 to 2,741 ≈ $32,200
VW Taos 1.5 L TSI turbo 158/184 Not recom. 790 to 1,866 ≈ $21,500
Subaru Forester 2.5 L Boxer 182/176 1 499 883 to 2,101 ≈ $37,100
Honda CR-V 1.5 L turbo 190/179 1 499 1,110 to 2,146 ≈ $31,200
VW Tiguan 2.0 L TSI turbo 184/221 1 499 1,065 to 2,081 ≈ $24,900
Toyota RAV4 2.5 L 203/184 1 500 1,059 to 1,977 ≈ $32,100
Kia Sportage 2.4 L GDI 181/175 2 000 869 to 1,702 ≈ $22,000
Nissan Rogue 1.5 L turbo 201/225 1 349 1,028 to N/A ≈ $23,300
Kia Telluride 3.8 L V6 GDI 291/262 5 000 1,305 to 2,455 ≈ $40,500
Models (2022) Powertrain (main) Power (HP) / Torque (lb-ft.) Max. towing (lb.)
Hyundai Tucson 2,5 L GDI 187/178 3 500
Mazda CX-5 2,5 L Skyactiv-G 187/186 2 000
VW Atlas 2.0 L TSI turbo 235/259 2 000
VW Taos 1.5 L TSI turbo 158/184 Not recom.
Subaru Forester 2.5 L Boxer 182/176 1 499
Honda CR-V 1.5 L turbo 190/179 1 499
VW Tiguan 2.0 L TSI turbo 184/221 1 499
Toyota RAV4 2.5 L 203/184 1 500
Kia Sportage 2.4 L GDI 181/175 2 000
Nissan Rogue 1.5 L turbo 201/225 1 349
Kia Telluride 3.8 L V6 GDI 291/262 5 000
Models (2022) Cargo space (L) Average price used
Hyundai Tucson 1,095 to 2,119 ≈ $23,900
Mazda CX-5 871 to 1,680 ≈ $29,500
VW Atlas 583 to 2,741 ≈ $32,200
VW Taos 790 to 1,866 ≈ $21,500
Subaru Forester 883 to 2,101 ≈ $37,100
Honda CR-V 1,110 to 2,146 ≈ $31,200
VW Tiguan 1,065 to 2,081 ≈ $24,900
Toyota RAV4 1,059 to 1,977 ≈ $32,100
Kia Sportage 869 to 1,702 ≈ $22,000
Nissan Rogue 1,028 to N/A ≈ $23,300
Kia Telluride 1,305 to 2,455 ≈ $40,500

* All prices are estimated averages and come from the same site (vmrcanada.com) to try to create a fair comparison.