The Best Used SUVs to Boost Your Adventurous Spirit

Did you know there are more than 1200 miles of multi-use trails in New York State? That means there are enough places for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy for a few seasons. From cross-country skiing during the winter or walking and biking during the summer, there’s a trail for everyone. Now all you need to decide is which one you’re headed to first and the best SUV to get you there. You might wonder why you need an SUV to hit the trails, but once you start enjoying the outdoors more, the question will answer itself.

SUVs are typically built to handle rougher terrain, which gets you to some of the more out-of-the-way campsites, but are not necessarily built for heavy off-roading terrain. SUVs also give you flexible cargo space and the option to add accessories, such as roof racks for bikes and kayaks. Plus, SUVs give you more space to include your friends and family in your adventures. To help you determine your best options, consider the following SUVs, and when you’re ready, head to a used car dealership that’s part of one of our many locations here at DePaula Auto Group. We offer an array of SUV models of all shapes and sizes for you to test drive, a friendly atmosphere, and a team who truly cares about your vehicle needs. Come check us out today and take the first step toward adventure.

What Makes an SUV Adventure-Ready?

When choosing your used SUV for hitting the trails around the Albany area, you must first consider what type of adventure you’re looking for. Are you interested in hiking and camping? You might want an SUV that can pull a camper rather than roughing it in the tent. Do you want to check out the trails on a four-wheeler? You’ll need an SUV that gives you confidence while pulling a trailer. Maybe you simply want to hike with your four-legged friend. In that case, cargo space is essential to ensure you have space for your pooch and cargo.

In addition to the cargo space mentioned above, some other things to consider are ground clearance, which is not as important if you don’t plan to go off-road. Still, you’ll be confident to find an independent camping spot with decent ground clearance. You’ll also want to consider if your vehicle has a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive option. Additional check boxes are up to you. Does connectivity matter? It might be essential to have while driving to your destination. Safety and comfort are also important depending on which end of New York state you’re traveling to. Once you’ve determined the most important things to you, our team will be happy to help you break down your options and answer your questions about our selection.

SUVs Built for the Great Outdoors

The Subaru Crosstrek

If you search for the best SUVs, you’ll likely find a Subaru option on the list. Subaru’s are built for durability, and they’ve long been marketed to those with an adventurous spirit. Take the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Not only do you get a smooth ride with a roomy interior, but you also get a large hatchback to help with unloading and loading. Additionally, all Subaru’s come with standard all-wheel drive to help navigate the terrain easier. The Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance also helps.

If you plan to tow a camper or trailer, you’ll get the power you need, as the 2020 Crosstrek can tow up to 1500 lbs. You might also enjoy the X-mode option for driving conditions, including hill-descent control selections and improved terrain navigation when the road gets rockier. This option is available on certain higher-end trims of the Crosstrek. When choosing a model, one of the first things you’ll notice is the amount of space and the options for storage throughout the vehicle. From a bin under the center console to an open area near the gear selector, you’ll be able to keep your things organized and easily accessible.

The Crosstrek truly shines in the cargo area, starting with the rubber mat that provides easy cleanup and protection. You also get a retractable cargo shade to keep your valuables hidden while on the trails; this is standard in all but the base model. If you decide the Crosstrek is the pre-owned SUV for you, you’ll also find plenty of accessory options that can make your adventures even better, from bike racks to cargo carriers and even a ski and snowboard carrier if your outdoor plans are winter-based.

The Jeep Wrangler

It’s hard to talk about outdoor adventures and not talk about the Jeep Wrangler. While it might not give you the cargo space as other SUVs do, the ability to feel the wind on your face as you head toward your destination is a big draw for many. You also have a wide rear swing gate for easy accessibility and some of the best ground clearance you can ask for at 9.7 inches for the standard Jeep and 10.8 inches for the Rubicon. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is built for off-roading but is also great for the daily drive or when heading camping or fishing. If you find one with the Sahara trim, you also get a selectable full-time four-wheel drive, which can be beneficial depending on your chosen activity.

When towing with your Wrangler, your capacity changes whether you have a four or two-door version, with the larger Jeep offering you the ability to haul up to 3500 lbs. Otherwise, you’ll be able to tow up to 2,000 lbs, which is plenty in most cases. One of the nice things about the Jeep’s Cargo area is that the back window glass will pop out, allowing you to safely haul something longer than the space allows. The second row also folds to give you additional room; the 2020 four-door model gives you up to 72.4 cu.ft. When outfitting your Jeep Wrangler, you can add accessories like a cargo carrier that attaches to the back or top of the Wrangler, as well as bike racks and more.

The Nissan Pathfinder

If you need more room for passengers while exploring the great outdoors, the Nissan Pathfinder might be the way to go. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has three rows and room for up to seven people. It also includes a comfortable drive and an optional all-wheel drive system to help you with traction control. You can get an available package for towing that gives you the hitch and wiring you need to haul up to 6,000 lbs.

The nice thing about the Pathfinder is the ability of your passengers to spread out, which might be a good thing after spending quality time with each other for more than a few days. Additionally, you’ll love all the storage options in the Pathfinder, from a large two-tiered center console to a generous glove box, and even more options in the second and third rows. It’s easy to keep things organized and out of sight. You can increase that space with available underfloor storage in the cargo compartment.

The 2020 Pathfinder also gives you expansive cargo space with the option to fold down the second and third rows if needed. There is also a motion-activated power liftgate, perfect for those moments when your hands are full. To help you haul the things needed for your adventure, you can look for a Pathfinder with cross-rail roof bars or have them installed. Nissan also has bike racks and cargo carriers you can add to your Pathfinder.

A Used SUV Can Increase Your Outdoor Fun

The Subaru Crosstrek, Jeep Wrangler, and Nissan Pathfinder are just a few of the used SUVs you can find in one of our many dealerships. If you’re looking for an SUV that helps you get the most out of the many trails and opportunities for outdoor adventure in and around Albany, we have the vast selection you’re looking for to explore your options. Our team will listen to your needs and provide a few suggestions. After the sale, you’ll continue to enjoy the value we offer with state-of-the-art service centers and technicians that take the time to listen to your vehicle concerns, whether you’re in for preventative maintenance or more. At DePaula Auto Group, we go the extra mile to ensure you’re happy with the vehicle you choose for years to come. Visit one of our locations and take a test drive today.