Looking at Older SUVs? Pick Honda or Toyota
In the market for a used SUV? Honda and Toyota deserve to be at the top of your list.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
Known for their reliability, efficiency, and low maintenance, Honda and Toyota dominated Consumer Reports’ Most Satisfying 10-Year-Old-SUVs list. The innovative Japanese automakers both offer some of the best affordable cars with great fuel economy and lots of cargo space.
Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, looks into Consumer Reports’ top compact and midsize SUV
picks from Honda and Toyota.Most satisfying used SUV
The Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded, comfortable compact SUV. Starting at around $11,500, the 2012 model offers a spacious rear seat, impressive fuel economy, and straightforward controls. An optional third-row seat can provide seating for up to seven people.
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 sports a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 179 hp. Driving on regular fuel, the SUV gets an overall 23 mpg. For owners looking for an extra boost of power, the optional V6 engine comes highly rated, providing a greater towing capacity as well. When tested, the V6 version gets 22 mpg.
The Toyota SUV received an overall reliability rating of 5 out of 5 from
Consumer Reports
. It also received the same score for its excellent transmission, front access, and usability. For its routine handling, emergency handling, braking, headlights, ride noise, and driving position, the four-door vehicle earned a 4 out of 5. It also scored the same for its front/rear seat comfort, rear access, and interior fit/finish.
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Used SUVs: Honda and Toyota
The 2012 Honda CR-V came in second to the 2012 Toyota RAV4 in the compact SUV category. Ranging between $12,625 and $14,825, the auto gets an owner-reported 24 mpg. The SUV is easy to drive, handles well, and offers ample passenger room.
Great for long trips, the Honda features wide door openings for easy access and a standard backup camera. The CR-V sports a smooth 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 hp. The engine is lively compared to earlier models and produces a refined sound. Front and all-wheel drive are also available.
While the cabin does feature a lot of hard plastics, the front seats are wide and accommodating. The backlit gauges are large and easy to read. Fuel economy and trip information can be found on the full-color screen on the top-center part of the dash. Bluetooth comes standard, and satellite radio is offered on the higher EX-L trims.
The 2012 Honda CR-V earned a 5 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports for its transmission, braking, front access, and engine cooling.
It received a 4 out of 5 rating for overall reliability, routine handling, headlights, ride, and driving position. The compact SUV also scored the same for its front-seat comfort, rear seat comfort, rear access, and usability.
The 2012 Honda Pilot ranges from $11,550 to $14,600 with 19 mpg. The second generation Honda sports a boxy figure and spacious three-row seating. The SUV can seat up to eight people and offers plenty of cargo space.
The Honda boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 250 hp. Testers found the five-speed automatic smooth and responsive. The all-wheel-drive system features a push button lock that is meant to increase traction in slippery conditions.
Owners are especially satisfied by the vehicle’s comfort and rear window glass that can access the cargo area without having to open the entire tailgate.
The 2012 Honda Pilot received a 5 out of 5 for its transmission and climate system from Consumer Reports. For its overall reliability, routine handling, noise, driving position, front/rear seat comfort, front access, rear access, usability, and trunk/cargo area, the SUV scored a 4 out of 5.
The organization gave the vehicle a 3 out of 5 rating for its overall owner satisfaction, acceleration, headlights, interior fit/finish, and a 5 out of 10 for its smog rating.
Used SUVs: Toyota
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $18,350 to $22,400. The midsize SUV gets 18 mpg and features rugged styling and off-road capability. The Toyota hasn’t changed much throughout the years, with its popular truck-based chassis being one of its hallmarks.
The 2012 model impressed owners with its off-road performance and striking ride height. Underbody skid plates come standard, and ground clearance is abundant. The Toyota 4Runner offers a 4.0-liter V6 engine that can pump out 270 hp.
The SUV can tow at least 5,000 pounds in 17.3 seconds, featuring a part-time four-wheel drive system. The top-level Limited trim offers a full-time system, with low-range gearing, hill-start assistance, and descent control.
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner received a 5 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports for its overall reliability and transmission. It earned a 4 out of 5 for overall owner satisfaction, acceleration, braking, headlights, noise, front/rear seat comfort, usability, trunk/cargo area, and climate system.
You can find the 2012 Toyota Highlander anywhere from $13,650 to $16,975. With an owner-reported 20 mpg, the three-row SUV is perfect for a comfy, quiet, compliant ride.
The highlander sports a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 270 hp. The used hybrid version offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine as well, which delivers 280 hp with its combined hybrid system. The responsive eco-friendly version gets 27 mpg.
Consumer Reports gave the 2012 Toyota Highlander a 5 out of 5 rating for its reliability, transmission, rear seat comfort, front/rear access, and climate system.
The vehicle scored 4 out of 5 when it came to overall owner satisfaction, acceleration, routine handling, braking, ride, noise, driving position, and front seat comfort. The Highlander received the same score for its usability and interior fit/finish.
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