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The SUV class is the most popular and versatile among drivers. Many modern drivers associate the SUV with being a family-friendly method of transportation. However, the vehicle class's formative years had catered to off-roaders and adventurers, and many of them still do. Here at Rusty Wallace Hyundai, we know a thing or two about performance. (After all, just look at who our founder is!) If you're looking for a dealership with used cars for sale in Knoxville and an off-road-ready SUV is on your mind, we're the location you should visit. more We have many used SUVs that are primed and ready to help facilitate your next adventure. These models have all-wheel or four-wheel drivetrains and off-road-tuned suspensions for those who prefer to spend their time away from the pavement. Get behind the wheel of one of these four SUVs to get the edge you need at a fraction of the cost. The Jeep Wrangler No other vehicle is more synonymous with off-roading than the Jeep Wrangler. From its days overseas in World War II to becoming the premier option for adventurers in the 1980s, the Wrangler is truly in a class all its own. Its lengthy time in production has seen the vehicle adapt with the times to become a marvel at both off-roading and innovation regarding its technology. The Wrangler comes in multiple trims and can be equipped with one of numerous powertrains that push performance to the limit. Knoxville drivers who crave power and prestige will love the 470-hp 6.4L HEMI V8 on the 2022 model's Rubicon 392 trim. Drivers who enjoy off-roading performance and great fuel economy going hand-in-hand would love one of that year's 4xe trims, which gets 20 MPG combined and 22 miles of all-electric range. In addition to its off-roading prowess, the Wrangler is an SUV with many features that enhance time behind the wheel. Like all Jeep vehicles, the Wrangler has an intuitive infotainment screen powered by Uconnect. Off-roaders will stay safe and connected, regardless of where their travels might take them. Its exterior also stands out. The doors and top can be removed, transforming the SUV into an instant dune buggy. Lastly, its elevated ground clearance makes roadblocks and obstructions a non-issue on the road less traveled. The Ford Bronco The Jeep Wrangler isn't the only off-road-ready SUV in town with removable doors and tops. Its biggest rival, the Ford Bronco, is just as versatile and tech-savvy. The Bronco comes in nearly as many trims as the Wrangler and has some unique advantages that will please Knoxville drivers who enjoy spending their time away from the pavement. The 2023 Ford Bronco came with one of two engines, both offering remarkable performance. Drivers can choose between a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that produces 300 hp or a turbocharged 2.7L V6 with 330 hp. Both engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission to give you the smoothest performance Ford offers. In addition to its power, the Ford Bronco has tech-savvy attributes that heighten its ability while off-roading. It has an immersive infotainment screen with SYNC technology that features natural voice recognition and navigation. The Bronco's GOAT (Goes Over All Terrain) drive mode selector allows the SUV to adapt to multiple environments, allowing Knoxville drivers to go wherever they wish. Off-roaders who enjoy having style and flair as well as a means for adventure will love the vibrant trims of the Bronco, such as the retro Heritage Limited, which pays homage to the Bronco models of the past while including the modern attributes that make it one of the hottest SUVs on the road today. The Toyota RAV4 Raw power and high ground clearance have always been top traits sought by off-roaders. However, not all SUVs that are built for adventure are known for high fuel economy and a quality of engineering that allows them to go without repairs for several years. Then, there's the Toyota RAV4. Designed to be fuel-efficient and offer power for adventure, the RAV4 has the economical off-roader in mind. The RAV4 has available AWD and has long been a favorite among drivers who enjoy their adventures as much as they love going long distances between fill-ups. Since 2021, the RAV4 has come with two AWD-exclusive hybrid powertrains designed to cut fuel costs. That year, a traditional hybrid setup paired with a CVT produced 219 hp while achieving 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, for a combined 40 MPG. Off-roading performance and fuel economy are intertwined in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the RAV4. A 2.5L four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and 18.1-kWh battery together produce 302 hp. In 2021, the PHEV powertrain made 38 MPG combined and allowed for 41 miles of all-electric range, making it ideal for Knoxville drivers who want a vehicle that's fit for both adventuring and getting around town. A bonus of owning a RAV4 is the multiple standard safety features that Toyota equips all its vehicles with. It's an exceptional choice for Knoxville drivers who want an SUV that covers all the necessary bases. The Subaru Forester If you ask any off-roader who lives in Knoxville what the cornerstone of this activity is, they'll most likely tell you all-wheel or four-wheel drive. Having power directed to all four wheels is necessary for traversing the trickiest terrain. Luckily, Subaru has equipped most of its fleet with standard AWD for several years, giving drivers a leg up on the competition. Subaru's Forester is a compact SUV with AWD that is versatile both on and off the pavement. Models built before 2025 come standard with a 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a CVT, allowing the Forester to grant drivers favorable fuel economy figures. For example, a 2023 Forester can achieve 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, for a combined 29 MPG. The Forester is an ideal choice for the modern family who likes adventure, particularly with its 74.2 cu.ft. of total storage space and plentiful safety features included. A used Forester also benefits from an infotainment screen, which keeps it connected to apps and other technologies. When the weekend comes around, the SUV's elevated ground clearance makes navigating any trail easy. Finding Your Next Off-Road-Ready SUV Many drivers in Knoxville have their own opinion of the ideal off-road-ready SUV, and we'd love to help you find what best suits your needs. If you're looking for an SUV designed from the ground up for off-roading, a used Wrangler or Bronco will suit your needs perfectly. Both SUVs have powerful engines, removable tops and doors, and technologies that make off-roading more exhilarating. If you like off-roading but are keen on reducing fuel costs, a used hybrid Toyota RAV4 can get you to your next adventure while going farther between fill-ups. Family-oriented drivers who enjoy their weekend adventures will love the versatility of the Subaru Forester. No matter what you might be looking for in a used off-road-ready SUV, you can find one here at Rusty Wallace Hyundai. We've been serving Knoxville for years and aim to do our best for every customer.

You’re on a tight budget and need a practical two-row SUV that seats at least five people, offers modern amenities, delivers solid comfort, and achieves excellent fuel economy. Whether you’re a solo driver seeking a versatile subcompact or a small family in need of a capable compact SUV, the market has plenty of choices. If you want to narrow your search to the best used cars for sale in Knoxville, a dealership like Rusty Wallace Hyundai offers a wide selection from top brands to match your needs. Here’s a look at 10 excellent used SUVs worth considering. Hyundai Kona SEL There are two generations of Kona models, but a first-generation Hyundai Kona SEL makes the most sense on a budget. The standard 2.0L I-4 engine provides the best fuel economy at up to 29 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The built-in infotainment suite features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing easy access to productivity and entertainment. Features like the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite and a robust active driver assistance suite are also included. The aggressive exterior styling makes the Kona SEL a good choice for those in the market for a subcompact solo-focused SUV that is easy to maneuver, easy to park, cost-effective to maintain, and a fun choice for drivers who enjoy exploring Knoxville's active nightlife and seasonal events. Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend A first-generation Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend is a great choice for a subcompact SUV for family and solo driving. You can easily navigate around Knoxville’s urban streets or the more remote locations with the Bronco Sport. This five-seater sports a turbocharged EcoBoost I-3 engine delivering up to 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy reaches up to 25 MPG city and 30 MPG highway with all-wheel drive, making it practical for year-round driving in Knoxville’s varied conditions. The Big Bend trim, in particular, provides you with all the basics in safety, infotainment, and terrain traversal for adventure-minded drivers, without being too costly. Toyota Corolla Cross S Hybrid If you want SUV space with sedan-like efficiency, the Toyota Corolla Cross S Hybrid is hard to beat. Since 2023, it delivers up to 45 MPG city and 38 MPG highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on this list. Whether you're a solo commuter or you're doing a lot of daily driving with or for the family, a Corolla Cross S Hybrid is a cost-effective and feature-rich subcompact SUV that seats up to five people. It comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes driver alerts and active safety assists, as well as a full infotainment suite featuring smartphone integration, Wi-Fi hotspot support, and Bluetooth streaming. The stable suspension and all-wheel drive design make it convenient for year-round driving. Mazda CX-30 S Preferred The Mazda CX-30 is a relatively recent addition, but it still packs a good punch for its size thanks to its feature lineup. Starting with the 2021 model year, the Mazda CX-30 S Preferred has managed to blend style, comfort, and capability into a single subcompact package. Heated power seats with memory settings make it an all-season performer, perfect for cold Knoxville mornings or hot summer afternoons. It's also a nice option if you have a small family and you want to prioritize comfort and accessibility, thanks to the remote entry and remote start functionality. It couples nicely with the fully integrated infotainment suite and active driver safety assists. Dodge Hornet GT If you’re looking for compact size with sporty performance, the Dodge Hornet GT is worth a look. Having been available since 2023, the Hornet is powered by a 2.0L Hurricane turbocharged I-4 producing 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s quick off the line, but still practical with a full suite of safety features. This entry-level trim is the most affordable option, but it also provides a good suite of basic amenities, like cloth seats, smartphone integration, and climate control. Where the Dodge Hornet GT really shines is in its on-demand performance. If you're a commuter looking to get to work quickly, while having plenty of stability control thanks to the all-wheel drive configuration, the Hornet GT makes for an excellent option. Jeep Compass Latitude If you're an active adventurer and enjoy engaging in plenty of outdoor activities around popular places like Lakeside Getaway or Honeysuckle Springs, one of the best value adventure-ready SUVs you can find is a second-generation Jeep Compass Latitude. The Latitude is a step up from the entry-level Sport, offering more comfort amenities and premium cabin materials. The Latitude also has a larger infotainment screen, depending on the model year, making it easier to utilize maps or navigate to more remote locations. As a daily driver for a small family or an outdoor adventure vehicle for a solo driver, a used Jeep Compass Latitude makes for a good choice. Kia Soul S One of the most popular subcompact SUVs on the market is the Kia Soul. If you're looking for a cost-effective option, a third-generation Kia Soul S is worth considering. The Kia Soul S hits a sweet spot with upgraded tech, including a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen and advanced driver assistance, all at an affordable price. The 2.0L I-4 engine offers respectable fuel economy, up to 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Contemporary styling and modern tech features make the Kia Soul S a great subcompact option for solo drivers looking for a hip SUV that is practical and fun to drive. Chevy Equinox LT Reliable and affordable, third-generation Chevy Equinox models are plentiful in the market. More specifically, Equinox LT models offer a nice mix of standard comfort, convenience, and tech features all in one for a good price. Cloth seats, climate control, remote access, and a robust tech suite featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless streaming, and the Chevy Safety Assist provide everything you need from a compact SUV. Whether you're a solo driver looking for a good daily driver or needing a good SUV for your starter family, the Chevy Equinox LT makes for a versatile used SUV for Knoxville drivers. Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid One of the most popular compact SUVs on the market is the Toyota RAV4. If you're shopping for high-quality used cars, the RAV4 XLE Hybrid is worth consideration. Fifth-generation RAV4 XLE Hybrid models are perfect for shoppers looking for amazing fuel economy and comfort in one package. It's a step up from the LE, with extra amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control and smart access. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid returns up to 41 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. The comfort and convenience features combined with the long range make it a worthwhile purchase. Nissan Rogue SV The third-generation compact Nissan Rogue SV can seat up to five passengers across its two rows, featuring front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It has a maximum fuel economy of 30 MPG in the city and up to 37 MPG on the highway, making it excellent for solo commuters regularly commuting into Cedar Bluff or East Knoxville. The capacity also makes the Rogue a good option for small families, doing regular errands or having to pick up or drop off the kids at school. The Nissan Rogue SV’s spacious cabin, excellent fuel economy, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 make it ideal for navigating Knoxville’s rush-hour traffic. ProPilot Assist reduces driver fatigue on longer commutes while keeping you confident on the road.