Top 10 Used SUVs for Small Families and Solo Drivers

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.

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