Most Popular Used Cars, SUVs, and Trucks, According to Consumer Reports' Members
Our latest analysis reveals that shoppers on our website search for pre-owned models that offer a proven track record of reliability, making them a smart buy
With about 38 million used cars sold in 2025, you have plenty of choices for your next used car, SUV, or truck. So, how do you even begin to create a manageable list of candidates? One way is to examine what people are searching for here, on the Consumer Reports website. The 10 vehicles below represent the top used-car model pages, meaning they’re the vehicles that are most frequently searched for by people visiting our site.
Many of the models below are CR Recommended used cars, which means they scored well in our road tests, have good reliability, have standard electronic stability control (ESC), and performed well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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10 Most Popular Used Models
Toyota RAV4
This generation of the RAV4 is roomy and versatile, two reasons it’s a wise choice. It handles nimbly, and the AWD version gets good fuel economy. But the ride is a bit stiff, and the cabin is rather loud. Most versions are XLE, which adds auto climate control and a sunroof. For a power seat and lumbar support, you’d have to get the Limited. The energetic 2.5-liter engine is paired with a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission. Controls are clear and easy to use, access is easy, and the rear seat is roomy. BSW was standard except on the base LE trim.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V became bigger and more comfortable with this generation. The 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo engine in upper trims delivers quick acceleration. The hybrid is more fuel efficient, but it’s significantly slower and has more engine noise. Handling is nimble and surefooted, and the firm ride is steady and compliant. The interior is very comfortable, quiet, and roomy, particularly the rear seat. The available 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn’t particularly intuitive to use. BSW and RCTW were standard on all trims except the base LX.
Subaru Forester
This popular small SUV delivers a combination of a spacious interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with the continuously variable transmission, yielded fuel economy that was among the best in class at the time. But acceleration isn’t exhilarating, and the engine noise isn’t the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the infotainment system. BSW and RCTW were standard on the Sport trim and higher.
Nissan Rogue
This generation of the Rogue is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It’s powered by a 201-hp, 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that’s teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination produces virtually no turbo lag and supplies a healthy midrange punch. In our tests, the Rogue returned good, but not standout, fuel economy. The interior space and quality of materials have improved, but the third-seat option is no longer available. The Rogue has a composed ride and nimble handling. The controls are easy to use, but it may take some getting used to the electronic gear selector.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has a comfortable ride, secure handling, and a roomy second row. In 2023, Toyota replaced the V6 engine with a 265-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine has a lot of torque, but has a growly, slightly rough character at low speeds. We got 22 mpg in our tests. The hybrid version has less power but gets an excellent 35 mpg overall. Interior fit and finish improved with this generation, particularly in higher trim versions. Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations were available; however, the third row is quite small. Controls are easy to use. BSW and RCTW were optional on the regular Highlander, but standard on the hybrid version.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 features a responsive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers competitive yet not outstanding fuel economy in our tests, while providing quick acceleration and ample power. A 227-hp turbo four-cylinder was also available. The peppy engines and spry, nimble handling made the Mazda enjoyable to drive. It has a supple and absorbent ride and significantly less cabin noise than older models. The cabin is versatile and well trimmed. The infotainment system is challenging to use because it’s operated by both a rotary controller and buttons mounted between the front seats.
Ford Escape
The Escape’s standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine provides sufficient oomph, but it transmits an annoying vibration at low engine speeds. The hybrid version eliminates that problem and is very fuel efficient. The optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is smoother and more powerful. The ride has an underlying firmness. Handling is quite nimble and secure. But the brake pedal is oversensitive. Controls, including the rotary gear selector, are easy to use. The front seats are a bit flat, but the rear seat is quite spacious when in the rearmost position. The 2023 model year features a standard 12.3-inch center screen with the Ford Sync 4 system, an available 13.2-inch screen, updated styling, and the option to include lane-centering assistance with adaptive cruise control.
Subaru Outback
The Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine does the job, but it can feel strained under stress. The 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. Some infotainment system tasks, however, require more than one step. Thoughtful details, such as built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. BSW and RCTW were optional.
Ford F-150
The F-150 remains a dependable workhorse, boasting a quiet and spacious crew cab interior. The popular 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 provides effortless acceleration and respectable fuel economy, achieving 19 mpg overall. The hybrid powertrain gets 20 mpg overall. The F-150’s ride and handling have shown slight improvements, and the Sync 4 infotainment system is easy to use. BSW and RCTW were optional.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox has plenty of high-tech features, accomplished road manners, and a roomy interior. However, it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise of good performance and fuel economy from its standard engine, and the interior features some budget-friendly touches, although the seats are quite comfortable. The only engine available was a 170-hp, 1.5-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic. BSW and RCTW were optional.
11th Through 20th Most Popular Used Cars
