Used SUV Options That Are Perfect for the Daily Colonie Drive

Shopping for a used SUV is a smart way to get the most out of your investment. Not only can you take advantage of the reduced prices associated with a previously-owned vehicle, but you also have the opportunity to find exactly what you want in an SUV. Whether you refuse to drive a vehicle without heated seats or need something that can handle family expansion, you’ll find it here at one of our many DePaula Auto Group locations, as we have the used SUVs for sale near Colonie you’re looking for.

But for drivers who are just getting started with their SUV shopping process, it can be hard to tell where to start. What makes one SUV better than another? Ultimately, most shoppers are looking for a good price on a vehicle with low mileage, but beyond that, what should drivers look for in a used SUV? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular pre-owned SUVs on the road today to get a little insight into which is which, and what might– or might not– work for you and your daily driving needs. When you’re ready for a test drive, stop into one of our locations, and our knowledgeable team will be happy to help.

The Toyota RAV4 and Highlander

The Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander frequently appear on “Best SUV” lists compiled by experts for their reasonable price tags, low cost of ownership, and wide range of options and features. The five-seat RAV4 is heading into its fifth generation for 2026 or 2027, but the fourth-generation models manufactured between 2019 and 2025 are an excellent consideration for drivers looking for something that handles I-87 with ease, while making daily errand-running a breeze.

Starting with the 2019 model year, the Toyota RAV4 has been offered with a choice of a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine or a hybrid variant with an electric motor. Non-hybrid models are offered with front- or all-wheel drive, while hybrid models are exclusively all-wheel drive.

Those looking to get a little mud on their fenders might consider the Toyota RAV4 Adventure, which offers multi-terrain drive modes and standard all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. Introduced in 2020, the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road model adds a TRD-tuned off-road suspension along with all-terrain tires and skid plates, depending on the year you choose.

The Toyota Highlander began its fourth generation in 2020. With three rows of seats accommodating seven to eight passengers, versatility is key in the Highlander. With all seats occupied, you’ll have 16 cu.ft. of cargo space to contend with. Folding the second row increases that to 48.4 cu.ft., while lowering both rows provides an incredible 84.3 cu.ft. of space that makes stopping at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in the same trip possible. Equipped with a 295-hp V6 engine that produces a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs, the Highlander is equally happy going camping in the Catskills and hitting the highway for a weekend getaway.

The Honda CR-V and Pilot

The Honda CR-V and Pilot are perhaps the most direct competitors to the Toyota RAV-4 and the Toyota Highlander, but as with all manufacturers, there are distinct differences. The CR-V offers two rows of seating for five passengers. The Pilot, on the other hand, allows drivers to fully configure the three rows of seating for seven to eight passengers as needed, with a choice of a second-row bench, captain’s chairs, or a bench with a removable center seat. The cargo space can also be adapted to include or exclude seating, allowing between 18.6 and 87 cu.ft. to arrange as needed.

Both the CR-V and the Pilot entered their current generation in 2023 with a total redesign, though many experts feel the prior generation of each model was still quite relevant and enjoyable, with high safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 CR-V remains very true to its daily-driver mission, with a spacious 41.3 inches of rear-seat legroom and power-adjustable Body Stabilizing Seats in the front, both designed for long drives but equally appreciated for carpooling during the rainy season. All-wheel drive is also optional.

For extra comfort, choose an EX trim or above, which offer heated front seats, along with top tech features like Traffic Jam Assist, which not only keeps you at the right speed in traffic but also helps you stay centered in your lane.

In addition to its flexible interior, the Honda Pilot is known for its all-around proficiency, including a TrailSport model with a raised, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, exclusive all-wheel drive capability, and a TrailWatch camera system that helps drivers find their ideal path when exploring some of the unmaintained roads along Rt-9.

The Subaru Forester

Many people think of the Subaru Forester as one of the more aggressive adventure vehicles. While its standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and 182-hp BOXER engine give it capability beyond the pavement, the Forester is equally at home on your daily commute.

In contrast to many off-road-ready vehicles, all Forester models have been equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-centering assistance, since the fifth generation debuted in 2019.

Since then, the Forester has gained more road-worthy equipment, including automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a designated washer for the rear window and camera, helpful during the winter when Colonie roads are equally snowy and salty.

And those who are truly looking for a dedicated off-road SUV may look no further than the Subaru Forester Wilderness model, which joined the lineup in 2022. Outfitted with a specialized suspension that increases ground clearance to 9.2 inches, a modified transmission for low-range articulation, and a 180-degree view of front travel.

The Kia Telluride

Since its introduction in 2020, the Kia Telluride has taken the roads by storm, providing drivers with a three-row, eight-passenger SUV option that can truly meet the expectations of many different drivers. The Telluride will be taking the 2026 model year off for a makeover; the returning 2027 Telluride is expected to be bigger and bolder than ever. Still, the first-generation models produced between 2020 and 2025 have received tremendous praise from all types of drivers.

Offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the Kia Telluride has an astonishing amount of luxury-focused features for an SUV of its size and price range. Base LX models can include leatherette seating, independent second-row climate controls, and an infotainment screen that has grown from eight to 12.3 inches over the past several years.

It’s also possible to find top-shelf features like heated and ventilated seats, a Harman-Kardon surround-sound audio system, and a heated steering wheel with rain-sensing windshield wipers, all of which adapt the Telluride to Colonie’s varied seasons.

Find a Great Used SUV at One of Our Many Dealerships

Buying a used SUV is a fantastic way to shop for exactly what you want at a price that makes sense for you. We are living in a time when there is no shortage of capable, dependable SUVs to help take you everywhere you need to be, each day of the year.

At the same time, there are quite a few used SUVs that have gained a reputation as ideal daily drivers. We’ve presented several options here, but it’s always good to keep in mind that your vehicle is where you may spend a good portion of your day, and that’s why it’s important to choose one that you can truly love driving. Not sure which pre-owned model best fits your needs and budget. Our DePaula Auto Group team is ready to find you the ideal fit. Contact us or swing by one of our dealerships today to get started.