Most people don’t start out thinking about their car when they're planning a long-distance move. You're focused on dates, paperwork, and getting from one place to the next. It’s when you’re planning which hotel to stay at near campus when dropping off the kid at college, or when you're deciding whether your Florida winter home has enough towels, that you start to realize your vehicle has to make that trip too.
For many people, an SUV makes the most sense. It has more than enough space and is comfortable for long stretches. Plus, an SUV doesn't struggle once the drive turns into a full day behind the wheel.
All those benefits also run through your mind when it’s time for an upgrade. Finding a way to balance long-distance travel, safety features, and gas mileage all plays a role when buying from the used market. The trouble is that not all SUVs fit into your budget or are available near where you live. That is why knowing the most reliable used SUVs can make all the difference.
The Reality Check of Buying and Shipping a Used SUV
SUVs account for 52% of new vehicle sales because they are versatile, carry more gear, and fit all your family members (including a pet or two). When you’re looking around to make sure you’re getting the best used deal, you can easily get scammed or fork over more money than you can afford.
Even when you do find a great deal on the best used SUV to buy from somewhere like Carvana, there is still the matter of shipping. Just because you have more access to a broader inventory via online tools doesn’t mean the cost to get that vehicle back to your driveway is negated.
The fact is, reliability matters when it comes to long-distance driving, especially in a used SUV. Get it out on the highway for a few hours, and you learn a lot more about it than you will in a week of errands. Some of it is subtle. The engine temperature is creeping up in traffic. On a long incline, the transmission drops a gear and doesn't quite settle right away. Then you start noticing the smaller things. Electrical quirks that used to come and go are back.
Used SUVs are a great value, but not all of them age in the same way. Some models develop known issues after 80,000–120,000 miles. Others hold up well past 200,000 miles with just basic maintenance.
You have to learn how to tell the most reliable used SUV from the rest of the pack so you can enjoy long trips without as many worries about breakdowns or a lack of legroom for your passengers.
What to Look for When Buying a Used SUV
If you’re not sure what features to consider when exploring an SUV or what to check so you have a strong ROI for your cash, here’s a quick rundown:
- Get a vehicle history report for accidents, title statuses, service records, and ownership history.
- Compare the mileage with the vehicle age and engine condition.
- Ask whether there have been any recent repairs or upgrades, such as new tires or a thorough cleaning.
- Look for AWD/4WD, towing packages, and whether there’s a 3rd row or specialty cargo options.
- Look up the specific trim or edition/model version to learn more about special features.
- Ask about rust or corrosion, especially if the SUV is from northern states with salted winter roads.
- Note any safety features or driver’s assistance technologies.
You also want to look into the resale value. Many SUVs hold their value well into the 150,000-250,000-mile range. That can mean you can sell the most reliable used SUV you purchased a few years later to someone looking for a parts car or an in-town option for college.
Most Reliable Used SUV Models for Long Trips
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a great choice if your long-distance travel includes varied terrain, such as dirt roads or uneven pavement. It has a durable body-on-frame construction with an available 4WD system that adapts well to cross-country road trips, including mountain passes and remote destinations. The upright seating position is another benefit, as it reduces fatigue when driving for a long time.
Honda CR-V
Plenty of snowbirds like the Honda CR-V because it’s both highly fuel-efficient and comfortable. It’s a smaller SUV, making it easier to ship, but it has a surprisingly larger cargo area if you have a dog crate or want to go antiquing during your road trip. A lot of college students also check out the CR-V as the best used SUV to buy because it holds its value longer.
Toyota Highlander
For all the families taking frequent trips to grandma’s house, the Toyota Highlander is a great fit. There are many different trims, especially if you want the tow package. The interior is spacious with a decent infotainment system. The optional 3rd row also makes this a solid choice if your family of four is soon to be five.
Lexus GX 460
If you prefer shipping a luxury SUV from New York before your vacation up and down California’s PCH, try the Lexus GX 460. There are premium comfort and tech features on the inside, but also a rugged truck-based platform on the outside. You can handle everything from snowy conditions to remote destinations, while still feeling pampered from advanced audio features and the latest driver assistance options.
Subaru Outback
With the Subaru Outback, you have to pay attention to the trim package. Something like the Wilderness offers many features that are perfect for frequent trips to Minnesota or Maine, but may not be the best for highway driving in Louisiana. Otherwise, you get AWD performance with more than enough storage for skis, kayaks, hiking gear, or dog beds.
Best SUVs for Long-Distance Travel Comparison
Vehicle |
Best For |
Key Road Trip Features |
Typical Fuel MPG |
Average Lifespan |
Typical Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota 4Runner |
Outdoor families, campers, hunters, anglers, overlanders |
Body-on-frame construction, available 4WD, excellent cargo space, high seat position |
17–19 MPG |
250,000–300,000+ miles |
$18,000–$50,000 |
Honda CR-V |
Snowbirds, retirees, college students, small families |
Excellent fuel economy, comfortable ride, large cargo area, easy entry/exit |
28–34 MPG |
200,000–300,000+ miles |
$12,000–$38,000 |
Toyota Highlander |
Growing families, grandparents, road-trip households |
Available 3rd row, smooth highway ride, hybrid option available |
22–36 MPG |
250,000–300,000+ miles |
$15,000–$50,000 |
Lexus GX 460 |
Luxury travelers, retirees, second-home owners |
Premium interior, quiet cabin, full-time 4WD, body-on-frame durability |
15–17 MPG |
250,000–350,000+ miles |
$22,000–$65,000 |
Subaru Outback |
Adventure travelers, pet owners, outdoor professionals |
Standard AWD, roof rack compatibility, versatile cargo space, strong snow performance |
26–32 MPG |
200,000–300,000+ miles |
$10,000–$42,000 |
When Driving the Best Used SUV to Buy All the Way Home Doesn’t Make Sense
When you do find a reasonably priced SUV to bring home, you may not want to fly out and drive it back yourself. While that can be a wonderful excuse for a road trip with the kids, not everyone has the time to coordinate that trip or take vacation days from work.
A much simpler solution is to work with a nationwide auto shipping provider like Nexus Auto Transport. You'll get coordinated door-to-door shipping support from a massive network of vetted, professional carriers. That makes it easier to prepare for your used SUV without stressing over state-by-state road rules.
You can also protect your investment with either open or enclosed auto delivery and receive real-time updates throughout the entire journey. Learn more about how auto shipping works by reading our quick guide.
Start Your Next Used SUV Shopping Trip Today
Merging the unique comforts of a long-distance journey with the right set of SUV features is no easy task. Take your time by reading reviews, writing down the features you want (tow package, infotainment, 3rd row, 4WD/AWD, etc.), and budgeting for reliable car shipping as well.
As long as you go into the deal with eyes wide open, you should find the most reliable used SUVs fit into your family or individual needs well.
FAQs
What mileage is considered too high when buying a used SUV for long-distance travel?
You want to balance the purchasing budget with previous SUV maintenance. A 4Runner that’s been cared for but has 150,000 miles may be more valuable than a poorly maintained CR-V with only 50,000 miles. Look at the whole picture. In general, under 100,000 miles is great.
Should I have a used SUV inspected before purchasing it online or out of state?
Yes. Always get a car history report from Carfax or a similar provider and see if you can hire a mechanic or a nearby friend to do a pre-purchase inspection.
What features should I prioritize if I plan to take frequent road trips with my family?
It depends on where you like to drive. If you’re using a lot of highway miles, you may want adaptive cruise control. If you go on rugged roads, you may want 4WD. Consider your most frequent trips, and that will help dictate features like car space, drivetrain, fuel efficiency, and even the number of charging ports.
How much does it cost to ship a used SUV after purchasing it from another state?
The SUV's size, weight, and distance it has to travel, combined with available carriers and the season of the year, all play a role in shipments. A shipment of 500-1,000 miles may cost between $600 and $1,000, depending on delivery options such as open vs. enclosed shipping or expedited timing.
