Consumer Reports Lists These Used Two-Row Midsized SUVs as the Best in Fuel Economy

Not in the Market for a Compact SUV?

Earlier we had discussed about finding a good used SUV that is reasonably fuel-efficient compared to its bigger brothers with a recommended selection of compact SUVs analysts at Consumer Reports identified as great buys for the cost-conscious car buyer.

But what if a compact SUV just doesn’t cut it because you need a little more room for passengers and cargo for a family trip? And, you need to find a model with reasonable fuel economy as well?

Related article: Used Hybrids and Hatchbacks with the Best Fuel Economy Say Consumer Reports Analysts

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, you can have it all---price savings, plenty of room for most families, and fuel efficiency by choosing used two-row SUVs that have 5 years of depreciation behind them and are proven to still possess acceleration, braking, and fuel economy that is on par with brand-new cars.

“These vehicles typically sell for about half of what they cost when they were new—or even less,” stated CR analysts.

To help steer you toward the best choices available today, CR analysts put together a list of the most fuel-efficient 5-year-old midsized SUVs that you can buy right now to meet all of your midsized SUV needs.

As such, a summary of the 8 models listed is provided below with the addition of safety features included or not in some model trims.

Relates article: Consumer Reports Lists Their Choice of the Top 6 Most Reliable Reduced Price Used Midsized SUVs

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle’s features, please visit the Consumer Reports website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

Most Fuel-Efficient Used 2-Row Midsized SUVs

1. 2017 Lexus RX
Price Range: $32,700 - $38,925
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
Safety features: “All 2017 RX’s get the Lexus Safety System + as standard equipment, with FCW, AEB, and lane departure warning, and BSW was standard on all RX Hybrids” say CR analysts.

2. 2017 Subaru Outback
Price Range: $19,750 - $26,375
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Safety features: “For 2017 the EyeSight suite of advanced safety gear, which includes FCW and AEB, became standard, though BSW was still optional,” according to the newsletter.

3. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Price Range: $17,125 - $21,825
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Safety features: Backup camera became standard in 2017, but AEB with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning were only provided as an option for the original buyer.

4. 2017 Lexus RX
Price Range: $32,700 - $38,925
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
Safety features: FCW and AEB come standard on all trim levels, but BSW was optional on the regular RX.

5. 2017 BMW X5
Price Range: $27,150 - $49,100
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Safety features: CR analyst recommend to “…find a version with the Driver Assistance package and the Driver Assistance Plus package to get FCW, AEB, and BSW.”

6. 2017 Ford Edge
Price Range: $16,800 - $24,275
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Safety features: CR analysts warn that on this model “Thick roof pillars challenge rearward visibility, so try to find a version with the optional BSW and rear cross traffic warning systems. FCW was available on the Titanium and Sport trims.”

7. 2017 Nissan Murano
Price Range: $18,950 - $24,625
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Safety features: “Higher trims of the Murano were available with active safety features, such as FCW and BSW, so try to find one with those important features” recommends the staff of Consumer Reports.

8. 2017 Kia Sorento
Price Range: $17,050 - $24,200
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Safety features: “All versions were available with FCW and AEB, except the base L trim,” notes CR analysts.

And finally…

For more about smart shopping for used vehicles, here are three selected articles to help you find the right car:

• The Best Used Car (Almost) No One Knows About

• Consumer Reports Recommends Avoiding These Used Car Models This Summer

• What to Do with a Used Car That Needs to Go

COMING UP NEXT: Best Floor Jack Comparison Tests Reveal Which Harbor Freight Jack to Buy and Which to Probably Avoid

Timothy Boyer is Torque News reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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