SUVs have become a go-to choice for Toronto drivers—and it’s easy to understand why.
A good SUV can provide the cargo space of a larger vehicle while remaining practical enough for commuting around the GTA. Add available all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance and increasingly efficient engines, and today’s SUVs can handle everything from a morning commute on Highway 401 to a winter drive north of the city.
The harder question is: which used SUV should you buy?
There isn’t one SUV that’s right for everyone. A downtown commuter may want a compact crossover that’s easy to park, while a growing family may need three rows of seating. Other shoppers may prioritize AWD, fuel economy, luxury features or affordability.
To help narrow down your search, here are 10 used SUVs worth considering when shopping in Toronto.
1. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is an obvious place to start for shoppers looking for a practical compact SUV.
Its combination of manageable exterior dimensions and useful interior space makes it particularly well suited to GTA driving. It’s large enough to handle passengers, groceries and everyday cargo without feeling unnecessarily bulky in city traffic or parking lots.
Depending on the model year and trim, used CR-V models can also offer AWD along with comfort and convenience features such as heated seats, a sunroof and modern driver-assistance technology.
Why consider a used Honda CR-V?
- Spacious interior for a compact SUV
- Available AWD
- Practical cargo area
- Comfortable for commuting and longer trips
- Strong choice for small families
- Wide range of model years and trim levels
A CR-V makes particular sense for someone who wants one vehicle capable of handling commuting, family duties and weekend travel.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is another compact SUV that deserves to be high on the shopping list.
Like the CR-V, it occupies a useful middle ground: more passenger and cargo space than a typical sedan without moving into the dimensions of a large SUV.
Depending on the year, Toronto shoppers can find RAV4s with front-wheel drive or AWD as well as conventional gasoline and hybrid powertrains.
Why consider a used Toyota RAV4?
- Available AWD
- Practical dimensions for city driving
- Useful passenger and cargo space
- Gasoline and hybrid versions available in many model years
- Broad selection of trims and features
For drivers looking for a versatile everyday SUV, the RAV4 is worth comparing directly with alternatives such as the CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue.
3. Mazda CX-5
Drivers who don’t want practicality to come at the expense of an engaging driving experience should consider the Mazda CX-5.
The CX-5 combines compact-SUV versatility with styling and interior design that can feel more upscale than shoppers might expect from the segment.
Many used CX-5 models also feature AWD, making them appealing to Ontario drivers who want additional traction during changing weather conditions.
Why consider a used Mazda CX-5?
- Attractive interior and exterior design
- Available AWD
- Comfortable size for Toronto driving
- Good balance between practicality and driving experience
- Well suited to singles, couples and smaller families
If you’re moving from a sedan into your first SUV but don’t want something that feels excessively large, a CX-5 deserves a test drive.
4. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is an interesting alternative for shoppers comparing compact and midsize crossovers.
One of its biggest advantages is versatility. Depending on the year and configuration, the Tiguan offers generous passenger space while maintaining dimensions that are still reasonable for urban driving.
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is also available on many models.
Why consider a used Volkswagen Tiguan?
- Available 4MOTION AWD
- Spacious cabin
- Good balance of city-friendly dimensions and utility
- Available upscale features on higher trims
- Comfortable highway cruiser
Higher-trim models can include features such as panoramic roofs, leather seating, navigation and additional convenience technology.
For Toronto shoppers wanting a European alternative to mainstream compact SUVs, the Tiguan is worth adding to the shortlist.
5. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has evolved considerably over the years, making recent used examples especially interesting.
Newer generations offer distinctive styling, modern interior technology and available AWD. Depending on the trim, features can include panoramic roofs, leather seating, navigation and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Why consider a used Kia Sportage?
- Available AWD
- Modern technology on newer models
- Comfortable passenger space
- Strong feature availability
- Practical compact-SUV dimensions
A used Sportage can be particularly attractive to shoppers who want a newer SUV with plenty of equipment without necessarily moving into a luxury brand.
6. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape has long been a popular compact crossover and offers Toronto shoppers a broad range of configurations.
Depending on the model year, you’ll find conventional gasoline engines as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
That makes the Escape particularly interesting for commuters.
Someone travelling significant distances around the GTA may have very different priorities from a driver making occasional short trips. Having several powertrain options allows shoppers to choose an Escape that better matches their driving habits.
Why consider a used Ford Escape?
- Compact dimensions
- Available AWD
- Gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions depending on year
- Useful cargo space
- Comfortable everyday commuter
When comparing used Escapes, pay attention to the powertrain and trim rather than looking only at year and mileage.
Two Escapes from the same year can be equipped very differently.
7. Kia Seltos
Not everyone needs a large SUV.
For shoppers who primarily drive around Toronto but want the seating position and versatility of a crossover, a subcompact SUV such as the Kia Seltos can make a lot of sense.
Its smaller footprint can make navigating traffic and parking easier while still providing more utility than many traditional compact cars.
Why consider a used Kia Seltos?
- City-friendly size
- Available AWD
- Good choice for commuters
- Useful cargo versatility
- Modern features available on higher trims
For someone deciding between a sedan and an SUV, the Seltos represents an interesting middle ground.
8. Ford Explorer
Sometimes you simply need more space.
That’s where SUVs such as the Ford Explorer enter the conversation.
The Explorer is considerably larger than compact models such as the Escape, CR-V and CX-5, making it better suited to shoppers who regularly carry multiple passengers or need additional cargo capacity.
Depending on configuration, used Explorers can offer three-row seating and AWD or 4WD capability.
Why consider a used Ford Explorer?
- Multiple passenger seating configurations
- Substantially more room than compact SUVs
- Available AWD/4WD
- Useful for larger families
- Well suited to longer road trips
The trade-off is size.
If most of your driving involves tight Toronto streets and underground parking garages, compare the Explorer’s dimensions with a smaller SUV before making your decision.
If passenger capacity is a priority, however, that extra size can be exactly what you need.
9. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is another SUV worth considering when three-row capability is high on your list.
Its larger cabin makes it more family-oriented than the Tiguan, with additional room for passengers and cargo.
Models equipped with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION system also provide all-wheel-drive capability.
Why consider a used Volkswagen Atlas?
- Available three-row seating
- Spacious interior
- Available 4MOTION AWD
- Good choice for larger families
- Comfortable for highway travel and road trips
For families comparing vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and other three-row SUVs, the Atlas provides another compelling option.
10. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot takes many of the qualities shoppers appreciate about Honda SUVs and packages them into a larger three-row vehicle.
It’s designed for buyers who have outgrown compact crossovers but still want something practical enough to use every day.
Depending on year and configuration, used Pilots can provide AWD, three-row seating and a variety of comfort and convenience features.
Why consider a used Honda Pilot?
- Three-row seating
- Available AWD
- Family-oriented interior
- Good passenger capacity
- Useful cargo versatility
A Pilot can make particular sense for families who regularly need more than five seats but aren’t interested in moving into a minivan.
What Size Used SUV Is Best for Toronto?
Before choosing a specific model, decide which size category fits your lifestyle.
Subcompact SUV
Examples include vehicles such as the Kia Seltos.
These are ideal for shoppers who spend most of their time in the city and want something that’s relatively easy to maneuver and park.
They’re often a natural step up for someone currently driving a compact car.
Compact SUV
This category includes vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage.
For many Toronto drivers, this is the sweet spot.
Compact SUVs generally provide enough room for a small family while remaining manageable for everyday commuting.
Midsize and Three-Row SUV
Vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas provide additional passenger and cargo space.
They’re particularly useful for larger families or anyone regularly travelling with several passengers.
The downside is that you’ll generally have a larger vehicle to maneuver and potentially higher fuel consumption.
Do You Need AWD in Toronto?
This is one of the most common questions SUV shoppers ask.
The answer depends on where and how you drive.
AWD automatically distributes power between multiple wheels when additional traction is required. It can be useful during rain, snow and slippery road conditions.
If your driving regularly takes you outside Toronto during the winter, or you simply prefer the additional traction an AWD system can provide, it may be worth prioritizing.
However, AWD shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for appropriate tires.
A front-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with suitable winter tires may behave very differently in snow from the same vehicle on inappropriate tires.
Think of AWD as one part of your winter-driving setup, not the entire solution.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Used SUV?
Once you’ve narrowed down the models you’re interested in, start comparing individual vehicles.
Don’t assume two SUVs are equivalent simply because they’re the same year, make and model.
Look at:
- Kilometres
- Trim level
- FWD, AWD or 4WD
- Engine and powertrain
- Vehicle history
- Overall condition
- Passenger capacity
- Cargo capacity
- Tires
- Safety and driver-assistance equipment
- Comfort features
- Asking price
Trim level deserves particular attention.
One SUV may have cloth seats and basic equipment, while another version of the same model could include leather seating, heated seats, panoramic roof, navigation, upgraded cameras and additional safety technology.
That’s why comparing the complete vehicle—not just the badge on the tailgate—is so important.
Should You Buy a Used SUV or a Used Sedan?
This ultimately comes down to how you use your vehicle.
A sedan may be the better fit if your priorities are commuting, easy parking and minimizing the amount of vehicle you need.
An SUV becomes more attractive when you regularly need:
- Additional cargo space
- A higher seating position
- More passenger room
- AWD availability
- Greater versatility for family activities
- More ground clearance
Don’t automatically buy an SUV simply because SUVs are popular.
Buy one because the additional capability is useful to you.
Find Used SUVs for Sale in Toronto
The best used SUV isn’t necessarily the model with the highest price, most features or lowest kilometres.
It’s the SUV that fits your lifestyle, driving habits and budget.
Good Fellow’s Auto Wholesalers carries a changing selection of used SUVs and crossovers for drivers throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Our current inventory can include everything from compact crossovers and fuel-efficient commuters to AWD SUVs, luxury models and three-row family vehicles.
You can compare vehicles by make, model, year, price, mileage, body style, drivetrain and other criteria to narrow down the SUVs that make the most sense for you.
Good Fellow’s Auto Wholesalers is located at 3675 Keele Street in Toronto, making us convenient for shoppers from North York and communities throughout the GTA.
Ready to start comparing? Browse our current used SUVs for sale in Toronto and find an SUV that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used SUVs in Toronto
What are some popular used SUVs to consider in Toronto?
Popular options include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, Kia Seltos, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas. The right choice depends on your budget, passenger requirements and driving habits.
What is a good used SUV for a family?
Compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 can provide enough room for many smaller families. Larger families or shoppers who need three rows should consider vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer or Volkswagen Atlas.
What is a good used SUV for driving around Toronto?
Compact and subcompact SUVs are particularly practical for urban driving because they combine cargo versatility with dimensions that remain manageable in traffic and parking lots. Models such as the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape are examples worth comparing.
Should I buy an AWD SUV in Toronto?
AWD can provide additional traction in slippery conditions and may be valuable for drivers who regularly encounter Ontario winter weather. Your tires are also critical to winter performance, so drivetrain shouldn’t be the only consideration.
What should I check before buying a used SUV?
Review the vehicle’s mileage, condition, history, drivetrain, trim level, equipment and asking price. Take the SUV for a test drive and make sure its passenger space, cargo capacity and driving characteristics suit your needs.
Where can I shop for used SUVs in Toronto?
Good Fellow’s Auto Wholesalers offers used SUVs and crossovers at 3675 Keele Street in Toronto. Shoppers can also browse the current inventory online and filter vehicles by make, model, price, mileage and other criteria before visiting the dealership.