Finding the Right Used Toyota SUV Can Be Easy

We might be a bit biased, but as far as we’re concerned, the Toyota lineup is one of the best selections of vehicles you can find anywhere. In particular, we love that you can truly find just about anything available from Toyota, from nimble sports cars that are perfect for zipping along back roads to hard-working trucks and SUVs designed to meet any need. While some people think of SUVs as strictly family vehicles, the reality is that SUVs have replaced sedans for many drivers as the perfect way to get around, no matter how many passengers they have.

As your used Toyota dealer, we are incredibly proud to be able to offer you a wide range of different pre-owned Toyota models to choose from. If you are looking for a used Toyota SUV, then things can get a bit tricky because you have so many amazing vehicles available to you. To help with that, we thought it would be fun to take a look at the lineup of Toyota SUVs you will typically find as you shop used models to see what you should expect from them. This will make it a lot easier to narrow down your options and focus on what will work for you.

The Toyota Corolla Cross

First introduced for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is one of the newest models in the Toyota lineup and a great example of gorgeous design and impressive performance. As a subcompact SUV, a used Corolla Cross is a great choice if a smaller model will work well for you or if you are trying to stick to a strict budget as you shop. Even when new, the Corolla Cross has a low starting price, which makes it even better when you look at used options. A competent engine makes this model fun to drive, plus you can find modern features and options since any Corolla Cross you come across will be from the last few years, making this a great choice all around for a wide range of drivers.

The Toyota RAV4

Going from one of the newest Toyota SUVs on the market to one of the oldest, the Toyota RAV4 is an incredibly popular vehicle and is generally considered the first compact crossover SUV to hit the road. The first RAV4 model came to the US for the 1996 model year, and it has been a favorite of many drivers for nearly 30 years. Its compact design means it is perfect for city driving or fitting into a scaled-down lifestyle, though it still has plenty of room inside for bringing friends and family along with you. As you look at used RAV4 models, we suggest focusing on anything after 2013, which marked the fourth generation of the RAV4. You should pay particular attention to models from 2016, when the fourth-generation RAV4 received a facelift, or the 2019 model year, which launched the fifth generation for this sleek little ride.

The Toyota bZ4X

If you’re looking at recent pre-owned Toyota SUVs, the bZ4X is a good one to keep in mind if you are interested in a battery electric vehicle (BEV). While BEVs aren’t right for every driver just yet, this is a terrific choice if you think one might work for you. First released for the 2022 model year, the bZ4X is much like the Corolla Cross in that you will find modern features and technology in every example since it has only been around a few years. This is a compact crossover that’s similar in size to the RAV4, giving you a great blend of stylish interior features and sporty all-electric performance.

The Toyota Venza

If you want an SUV with fantastic fuel economy but you’re not quite ready to check out a BEV model, then the Toyota Venza is a terrific choice. The Venza first hit the road for the 2009 model year, so it hasn’t been around as long as something like the RAV4, but you’ll find a lot more of them as used models compared to recent offerings like the Corolla Cross. If you are interested in older versions of the Venza, then focus on 2013 through 2015, which is when the first generation enjoyed a facelift and update. The Venza was discontinued for several years after 2015 but returned for the 2021 model year as a compact hybrid SUV. This means you can enjoy a comfortable interior and a great ride while going further without stopping for gas.

The Toyota 4Runner

For a larger used SUV, look for the Toyota 4Runner, which is a midsize model that has been incredibly popular since it first hit the road for the 1984 model year. That makes it one of the longest-running models you will find on the market, and the 4Runner continues to live up to its incredible legacy year after year. While this beauty got its start as a compact SUV, it has been a midsize model ever since the mid-1990s. As you look at pre-owned 4Runner models, you don’t need to search through all 40 years it’s been available; instead, focus on the fifth generation that kicked off with the 2010 model year. A facelift and major update for 2014 revised the look and feel of the 4Runner, so keep that in mind as you consider used options from the last few years.

The Toyota Highlander

One of the largest models in the Toyota lineup, the Highlander is a bold SUV that delivers powerful performance and gorgeous style. First released for the 2001 model year, the Highlander has proven itself time and again in the decades since it first hit the road. Although this is a midsize model, you will find three rows of seating inside the Highlander, making this a fantastic choice if you have a growing family and need a used SUV with plenty of room inside for kids to pile in before you hit the road. While a third-generation Highlander was released in 2014, we suggest looking for 2016 or later models when it received a stunning facelift. You might also go for a model from 2020 or later when Toyota kicked off the Highlander’s fourth generation.

The Toyota Sequoia

If a large SUV is what you’re looking for, then Toyota has you covered with the full-size Sequoia, a big and powerful model that’s designed to dominate the road. Toyota launched the Sequoia for the 2001 model year alongside the Highlander, setting the stage for one of the most impressive SUV lineups in the auto industry. This is a large, beautiful beast of an SUV with plenty of room inside for a growing family or everything you need to bring along with you, like camping supplies, luggage, or anything else. As you look at used models, keep an eye out for the 2018 Sequoia, which saw a facelift and update for its second generation.

How to Find the Perfect Used Toyota SUV

As you can see, the Toyota lineup gives you a number of SUVs to choose from, and that’s not even including brand-new models that are just hitting the road now and will undoubtedly prove quite popular when shopping for used vehicles in the next few years. Having so many amazing vehicles available to you can get pretty confusing, which is why it helps to choose a dealership that puts your needs first and has great people ready to assist you with everything you want. Choosing the right used Toyota dealer makes everything simpler, plus you get a better selection of fantastic models to pick from. Check out our selection at Toyota of Bowling Green and give us a call when you’re ready to experience a better way to shop for a used SUV.