Used SUVs That Will Save You at the Pump

May 14th, 2025 by

A silver 2023 Jeep Renegade parked near a car dealership.

If you’re on the hunt for an upgrade to your current vehicle but are also shopping on a budget, you’re in luck! Not only do we have an extensive inventory of used SUVs at our car dealership, but our selection can help you save even more money. By shopping for an SUV that has a high fuel efficiency rating, you can expect to save thousands more by making fewer gas station stops over the lifetime of the vehicle. And we’ve got exciting news: many of the most popular automakers today make gas-engine SUVs that get 26 MPG or higher, and we’re not including the savings you could enjoy by choosing a hybrid.

Versatile and Tech-Savvy, You’ll Love Our Used SUV Selection

We have quality models from the most popular automakers that are sure to please anyone shopping for an efficient SUV. Whether you’re wanting to upgrade from a commuter sedan for more versatility or for more legroom and cargo space for your growing family, our used inventory has something for every driver. We’ve put together a list of SUVs to help you determine which model fits your needs best.

The SUVs listed below represent a range of options in different sizes and powertrains, all delivering around 26 MPG combined or more without using hybrid technology (though a few options have hybrid versions). Actual ratings will depend on model year, trim, and features on the vehicle, but this list should help you narrow down what to pick if efficiency is what you crave.

Compact and Subcompact SUVs

Kicking things off, we have the Jeep Renegade. With design elements lifted from iconic Jeep styling, this little but mighty SUV offers a little more capability off-road, but not for the most rugged of conditions. Outdoor adventurers who commute on the weekdays will love the versatility of the all-wheel drive with higher ground clearance, light towing capability, and great fuel efficiency.

Matching that energy, a Toyota RAV4 offers a similar versatility but without the iconic styling of a Jeep. More classic in design, the RAV4 is excellent for young professionals on the go and growing families looking for a great deal for their first family car. You can find a used RAV4 with a traditional gas powertrain, a hybrid powertrain, or a plug-in powertrain.

The Honda CR-V shares a lot of similarities with the Toyota RAV4 and retains its resale value really well. Honda builds cars with quality craftsmanship that delivers longevity and durability for the long miles ahead, all while doing it efficiently to save you frequent stops for a fuel top-off. Both the used RAV4 and CR-V are incredible options for a compact SUV that is easy to maneuver down congested city streets and park in tighter spaces.

The Kia Sportage and Chevy Equinox are two compact SUVs that we think excel at the commuting weekday worker to weekend warrior really well. It’ll be easy taking the kids to their Little League game with seating for five plus rear cargo room; you’ll even be able to add a quick stop on the way home with room for groceries.

When shopping within our impressive inventory for a used SUV, and you have a desire for a more upscale model for smooth driving and a quiet cabin, check out the Buick Encore GX or the Mazda CX-5. These interiors offer more plush interior comfort and finer design along the door panel and dash. These are excellent SUV choices for when the kids are grown or you are a professional who, as part of your vocation, drives clients to various locations.

To wrap up our list of small yet economical options, we’ll mention some all-star subcompact SUVs that we think are great for the individual or couple that want more features and versatility than a commuter sedan can offer. We love the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Buick Envista for their crisp hatchback-inspired profile, awesome features, and even more awesome MPG efficiency.

An orange 2024 Nissan Kicks driving near a city.

Efficient and Fun SUVs

Then there are the fun and expressive models of SUVs for those of us who love to let our personality shine through what we drive. The Nissan Kicks, Chevy Trailblazer, and Ford Bronco Sport offer exciting features and exterior paint colorways that really stand out from the crowd. These three SUVs are not in the same size category, as the Kicks is much smaller than the Trailblazer and the Bronco Sport. What these models share in similarity is more exciting design features, capabilities, and of course, big savings at the gas pump for drivers looking for a used SUV deal and continued savings to work with their budget, not against it.

While we are talking about fun SUVs, let’s not forget to mention the Kia Soul! Funky and exciting in its boxy design that actually offers huge functionality by giving the Soul more cargo, leg and headroom for a surprisingly spacious cabin, this subcompact SUV has also been graced with unique color options that you’ll love.

Bold Yet Still Efficient

For larger SUVs that can also handle getting off the pavement, check out the Subaru Outback, Kia Sorento, and GMC Terrain. Offered in a range of interior luxury but able to kick up the dust when leaving the beaten path, these midsize SUVs can easily handle packing up the family for a long weekend at a peaceful log cabin or camping out under the stars.

Buying Used and Efficient Means Big Savings for You

Buyers like you know that long-term savings from a fuel-efficient SUV are one of the smartest ways to thrive on a tighter budget. The average commute is about 12 miles, but let’s say you have a slightly longer commute since you are looking for something fuel-efficient. We’ll say you drive about 20 miles one way each work day. You’ll want to look for a model that gets at least 26 MPG to see good savings.

Let’s break it down: if you commute 20 miles per workday, five days a week, you’ll drive about 10,400 miles a year. In an SUV rated at an EPA-estimated 26 MPG, you’d use around 400 gallons of gas annually (that’s about $1,360 based on today’s gas prices). In an SUV that only gets 16 MPG, that same commute would require about 650 gallons a year. That’s over $2,200 annually with today’s gas prices.

That’s a difference of 250 gallons and nearly $900 in savings every year, just by choosing a more efficient SUV. That’s money you can put toward more important things, and as a bonus, you’re making a more eco-conscious choice, too.

A red 2021 Kia Sorento driving on a highway.

CBS Quality Cars Has the Used SUV Model of Your Dreams

If you have a particular SUV or feature set in mind, our inventory is sure to have what you are searching for. We will help you discover the used SUV model that meets your needs and offers you all the great features that boost your driving confidence so you can relax more when you’re in the driver’s seat. We’re excited to show you just how much you can save when you purchase a used model versus buying the brand-new version, and as we’ve discussed today, we’ll find you and your family an SUV with a high fuel efficiency rating.

When you visit us, we’ll get you behind the wheel of every SUV that catches your eye so you can discover the perfect balance of comfort, luxury, and performance that will bring you years of driving joy.

Posted in Car Dealership