10 of the Best Used Medium SUVs

If you’re after a slice of the premium life, then the Audi Q5 is a great place to start. This mid-size SUV is very well appointed throughout, with good materials and a strong build quality making this an ideal load-lugger for families. A good variety of engines remains there to choose from and you can even opt for range-topping SQ5 models – which used a potent turbocharged diesel engine – if you’re after something a little faster. However, even ‘standard’ diesel and petrol engines offer more than enough pace for most occasions.

As with all Audi models, expect slightly higher bills when it comes to routine servicing, but the upshot is that you’ll be getting a mid-size SUV which still feels special to this day thanks to its smart looks and feature-laden interior.

The Nissan Qashqai is really seen as the main choice in this segment. Seen as the original crossover, this mid-size model has only gone from strength to strength with each passing generation. This particular version of Qashqai is when this Nissan hit its stride, offering the space and practicality wanted by families alongside a good range of engines which made it inexpensive to run.

It’s quiet and refined during motorway driving, too, and while it is offered with some smaller-capacity petrol engines, it remains the diesels which bring the best possible efficiency for longer-distance drivers. Just watch out for cars on larger alloy wheels as the ride suffers as a result.

Hyundai’s ever-popular Tucson was a natural fit for this list, with this mid-size SUV’s strong reliability, well-appointed interior and even driving experience making it into the correct choice for all types of drivers.

It may feel a little cheap in some areas of the cabin, but the Tucson doubles down when it comes to equipment and outright spaciousness, both of which help to make it a perfect fit for people who want to get a lot for not too much money. Later versions of the Tucson gained mild-hybrid technology to help boost efficiency, but fear not as even earlier models were still very good on fuel.

The Kia Sportage is now one of the UK’s best-selling cars, and it was the last-generation model (sold between 2016 and 2021) that really helped to drive this popularity. It shares plenty in common with the Hyundai Tucson above, and brings a great sense of value-for-money thanks to its plentiful equipment and good build quality.

The Sportage is a very spacious mid-size SUV that makes a lot of sense for families. There are loads of used examples to choose from, and a great range of versions including four-wheel-drive models and the stylish GT-Line trim level that is very desirable to buyers. If you buy a later example it will still be covered by Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty.

If you want a mid-size SUV that you can enjoy driving, we strongly recommend looking at the second-generation BMW X3, sold between 2010 and 2018. Courtesy of some great engines and the German firm’s trademark enjoyable handling, the X3 feels as good to drive as many smaller hatchbacks.

The X3 also has a brilliantly made interior, with its iDrive infotainment system continuing to be fantastic to use. There’s still more than enough interior space and used prices aren’t as expensive as you expect – starting from around £5,000 for clean examples.

If you’re looking for something a bit different to the usual premium German marques, we recommend a look at the Lexus NX. Slotting in underneath the RX, this mid-size SUV was first introduced in 2014 and lasted in its first generation until 2021.

Famed for its reliability and impeccable Lexus dealer network, the NX is one of those cars you can buy with confidence. Though it was briefly offered with a petrol engine, the vast majority of examples will be the self-charging hybrid powertrain that Lexus, and its parent brand Toyota, are renowned for.

Though the Skoda Karoq doesn’t have the same badge appeal as many others on this list, that most certainly shouldn’t stop you from considering this brilliant mid-size SUV. The Karoq replaced the Yeti, and is renowned for its brilliantly practical interior, with a huge boot and lots of rear-seat space.

This Skoda is also a very easy car to get used to, with an ergonomic interior layout, a comfortable and refined driving experience and generous equipment levels too. With excellent reliability to go with it, there’s very little to complain about with the Karoq.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a sibling car to the Volkswagen Tiguan, but brings a classier design and slightly plusher interior, albeit for a premium. But it’s an excellent mid-size SUV that is an ideal option for families because of its roomy and versatile interior, with sliding rear seats being especially helpful.

The Tiguan is in plentiful supply on the used market, too, though limited depreciation means you’ll be paying more for a used example – especially the most desirable R-Line versions. There is a broad range of Tiguans available too, from efficienct diesels to plug-in hybrids to a top-spec sporty ‘R’ model.

Peugeot’s original 3008 was a fairly underwhelming choice, but the second generation model – introduced in 2017 – was a significant improvement, and helped to turn this French firm into the more premium marque it is today.

The 3008 stands out with its futuristic design inside and out, while also boasting a huge boot. It’s a good steer behind the wheel, too, being comfortable and refined, but also quite engaging when conditions allow. There’s an excellent range of versions available, too, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids.

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense SUV that will prove brilliantly reliable, we highly recommend a look at the fourth-generation Toyota RAV4. Around half of examples you’ll see for sale will come with four-wheel-drive, which makes this SUV impressively useful in trickier weather conditions.

The RAV4 is by no means premium, but offers superb build quality and feels like it was made to last the test of time – little wonder there are so many higher-mileage examples for sale. Toyota also introduced a hybrid engine to the RAV4 as part of a mid-life update in 2016, with these being the most desirable.