Close 5 Great Used SUVs for Commuters Near Sacramento
While it might not be as demanding as off-roading, towing, or other activities, your daily commute can certainly present its own unique challenges. Most drivers would never dream of venturing off the grid in a low-slung coupe or hooking their boat up to a minivan, but they’re not always as discerning when selecting the ride that’ll shuttle them to every day at the office. A good commuter vehicle needs to offer a unique blend of attributes, from fuel economy and reliability to comfort, safety, cargo space, and those little convenience features that can help get your day off to a productive start. At Future Toyota of Yuba City, we have a wide selection of used SUVs for sale, including some of the best compact, midsize, and full-size models from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, and more. These pre-owned SUVs are an economical alternative to buying a brand-new model and are the perfect companion for a hard day’s work. With so many models to choose from, our selection can be a little overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled a list of five great SUVs for commuters.
#1 - Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid checks just about every box when it comes to those metrics most valued by commuters. Looking for a reliable three-row crossover that won’t kick the bucket when you need it most? Toyota has a stellar track record for dependability. But the Highlander Hybrid is no one-trick pony. This SUV is also one of the safest on the road, with a history of scoring well in crash testing. Newer used models also come standard with Toyota Safety Sense driver assist features.
Unsurprisingly, the Highlander Hybrid also stands out in terms of fuel economy. The crossover’s hybrid powertrain allows the Highlander to achieve excellent fuel economy ratings. Lastly, there’s the matter of passenger and cargo room. With seating for eight passengers (or seven when opting for the second-row captain’s chairs), the Highlander combines the practicality of a three-row model with the efficiency that only a hybrid can offer. The Highlander Hybrid is also surprisingly roomy when comparing cargo capacity, offering plenty of space with both of the back rows folded down. Whether you need to maximize passenger space for the morning carpool or load camping supplies for a weekend getaway, the Highlander Hybrid has you covered.
#2 - Honda CR-V Hybrid
A used Honda CR-V Hybrid might just be one of the best values for those seeking a dependable crossover that won't break the bank. Honda regularly ranks amongst the most reliable automakers, coming close to Toyota. This compact crossover’s affordability is what really earns it a spot on our list. It’s not unusual to find a used CR-V for a very low price, making the crossover a great option for drivers looking for a commuter vehicle that won’t force them to work overtime.
The fifth-generation CR-V, made from 2016 to 2022, hits the sweet spot between price, efficiency, and the modern amenities that are an important part of any vehicular investment. This is especially true of the CR-V’s arsenal of advanced driver-assistance systems, which includes a long list of standard safety and convenience features. From forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking to lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, Honda doesn’t nickel-and-dime customers by reserving essential safety equipment for higher trims or packages.
#3 - Hyundai Santa Fe
You might not know it from its low starting price, but the Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most advanced models in its class when it comes to interior tech and safety features. Features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology come standard on more recent versions of the Santa Fe. Still, the crossover’s comfort and convenience features really set it apart from the crowd. The Santa Fe packs all the expected comfort and entertainment enhancements like heated and ventilated front seats, a digital gauge cluster, and an audio system that’ll make the commute fly by as you listen to your favorite tunes, but optional features like the heated rear seats and heads-up display come as a pleasant surprise.
Recent pre-owned options offer a trio of powertrains, allowing drivers to choose between a standard four-cylinder putting out 191 hp, a turbocharged version producing 281 hp, and a hybrid with 226 hp. The traditional gasoline engines deliver solid fuel economy, but those seeking a more efficient version should look into the hybrid model. On top of the excellent fuel economy, the Santa Fe Hybrid boasts enough range that the average driver should be able to go two weeks between fill-ups.
As far as seating is concerned, it all depends on which year you choose. The fourth-generation Santa Fe, produced between 2019 and 2023, only has two rows of seating. The new, fifth-generation Santa Fe adds a third row, though some adults might find it to be a little cramped. The Santa Fe offers impressive cargo capacity for its class, allowing drivers to tote supplies, groceries, sports equipment, or whatever else the daily commute might have in store, even with the back seats in use.
#4 - Toyota RAV4
Sometimes, going along with the crowd is not a bad idea. The RAV4 is not only Toyota’s best-selling model, it’s also the best-selling SUV in the US market. What makes the RAV4 such a popular choice? Toyota’s rock-solid reputation for reliability doesn’t hurt. Toyota excels in the metrics that are relevant to any driver who isn’t looking to interrupt their commute with a call to roadside assistance. That means you’ll make it to the office with plenty of time to spare instead of sweating through your dress shirt and struggling with a tire iron on the side of the highway.
The RAV4 is also one of the most versatile models on our list. This SUV provides a comfortable, refined ride on the highway and has a well-crafted cabin that reduces road noise when navigating the city. Adding the available all-wheel drive allows the RAV4 to conquer bad weather, while the Multi-Terrain Select feature is great for a wide range of surfaces. Solid safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a generous suite of driver-assist features will allow you to drive with confidence, and plenty of cargo space with the back seats in place will allow the RAV4 to pull double duty as a go-to family vehicle.
#5 - Ford Escape Hybrid
Few hybrid SUVs can match the Ford Escape Hybrid as far as efficiency is concerned. The Escape Hybrid will ensure your hard-earned paycheck isn’t going to waste with endless visits to the pump. The Escape also defies its compact designation to deliver one of the more spacious cabins in its class. If you’re looking to provide a little extra legroom for backseat passengers or accommodate bulkier cargo in the trunk, the Escape’s sliding second row is sure to come in handy. When you’re trying to unwind on the ride home, the SUV’s infotainment system is there to help. Drivers can connect their smartphone to the crossover’s available Bang & Olufsen stereo system, tune into their current podcast obsession, and be back home in their driveway before they know it.
Hybrids tend to experience fewer mechanical problems than their traditional counterparts, meaning you’ll spend more time on the road and less time shopping around for repair quotes when you’re behind the wheel of the electrified Escape. Ford has doubled down on the Escape Hybrid’s dependability by offering a generous 100,000-mile warranty on all hybrid powertrain components. This warranty is even transferred to a second owner, which means drivers who are shopping in the used market will enjoy the same protection as those who shell out for a new model.
Revitalize Your Commute!
The right commuter vehicle can help jumpstart your morning and provide a welcome respite after a long day of meetings and spreadsheets. Any vehicle can get you to and from the office, but the right SUV can help you make the most of your salary and transform the dreaded commute into a restorative experience. Fuel economy, reliability, comfort, and safety all play a part in the driving experience and are particularly relevant when the average American logs around 40 miles in their vehicle each day. The Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid are among our top choices for commuters who are in the market for their next ride. Still, they’re far from the only models you’ll find here at Future Toyota of Yuba City. With our selection of used SUVs for sale, there’s always something new to discover here on our lot!