Sports utility vehicles are becoming more attractive to buyers because of their elevated driving positions, spacious cabins, and versatility. The main drawback though of SUVs is how pricey they can be. To bypass the expensive nature of newer SUVs, buying a used model is the savvy way to go.  In order to help you with your search, we’ve gathered some of the reliable three-year-old midsized SUVs based on Consumer Reports data.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

CR loves the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport because of its excellent reliability ratings. On top of that, this particular midsize SUV also has top safety scores. The Sante Fe Sport seats up to five comfortably in its spacious cabin. Road noise is also at a minimum in this SUV. 

The Santa Fe Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that gets a 190 horsepower. For a little more oomph, you can go up to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The Sante Fe Sport is also known for its handy driver-assist features and easy-to-use infotainment. 

2017 Toyota Highlander 

The Toyota Highlander is known for being an all-around great SUV, especially for families. This SUV is one of the most reliable options on the market, adding to consumers’ peace of mind. It is also super spacious and accommodating, which is another perk for growing families. 

The Highlander has a good fuel economy rating with a combined 22 mpg, and there is a hybrid option that’s worth considering too. The 2017 Highlander comes standard with desirable driver-assist features but unfortunately, there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

2017 Lexus RX

This SUV is one of the more compelling options on the list, mostly because CR dubbed the 2017 Lexus RX as “superb.” The 2017 RX is an especially good option if you want luxury but at a discounted price. It’s known for its dependability, as well as its upscale interior. The RX is also known for its smooth driving experience, thanks to its  3.5-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

This SUV is also pretty fuel-efficient and there’s a hybrid option here too. Standard safety features on the RX are good, but you probably won’t like its infotainment system. The infotainment system is cumbersome and works like an old-school computer with a mouse.

2017 Toyota 4Runner 

The 2017 Toyota 4Runner might be your go-to if you’re looking for a ride that can handle an off-roading adventure. It comes with a roaring 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes a 270 horsepower.  This 2017 model made a big splash with its available TRD Off-Road trim levels which enhance a driver’s off-roading experience. The TRD Off-Road trims also offer a sharper interior, compared to the standard model anyway. 

A highlight of the 2017 4Runner is its good safety score ratings but there aren’t many desirable driver-assist features available. On the base model, some consumers have complained that its interior feels cheap and even rigid at times. Because of this, we’d say the 4Runner is more ideal for off-roading and not for everyday rides.