The American SUV market has been one of the most competitive automotive sectors in the past two decades. With buyers shifting away from sedans in favor of larger, more versatile vehicles, SUVs have become the backbone of the used-car business.
While new SUVs fly off dealership lots, certain used models are so popular that dealers actively fight to buy them back from their original owners.
These SUVs combine reliability, resale strength, and brand prestige, making them some of the most sought-after vehicles in the secondhand market.
Below, we’ll explore ten SUVs that car dealers in the U.S. consistently chase after, breaking down what makes each one a prized asset in the dealership trade.
1. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a legend in the SUV world, known for its rugged off-road capabilities and bulletproof reliability. Unlike many SUVs that have transitioned toward car-like unibody platforms, the 4Runner remains body-on-frame, giving it truck-like durability.
Dealers love buying these back because used models can often fetch nearly as much as a new one, especially in regions like Colorado, Utah, and Texas, where outdoor lifestyles dominate.
Low-mileage 4Runners rarely sit on dealer lots for more than a few days, making them one of the most valuable trade-ins in the market.
2. Jeep Wrangler
Few vehicles hold onto their value as well as the Jeep Wrangler. Its cult following, off-road pedigree, and timeless design make it a hot commodity in both new and used markets.
Dealers compete fiercely for Wranglers because demand spans from young adventurers to retirees wanting a fun open-air drive. Even with high mileage, a Wrangler in decent condition is considered gold.
The model’s strong resale value is boosted by its customization culture buyers know they can easily modify them with aftermarket parts, ensuring quick turnover on dealership lots.
Also Read: 5 Compact SUVs That Run 250K Miles vs 5 That Don’t
3. Toyota Land Cruiser
Though Toyota discontinued the Land Cruiser in the U.S. after the 2021 model year, demand hasn’t slowed down in fact, it has skyrocketed.
Set to arrive in spring 2024, the Toyota Land Cruiser will debut in three trims: First Edition, 1958, and Land Cruiser. In a rare move for the industry, Toyota is offering two distinct front-end designs for its latest version of the legendary off-roader.
The First Edition and 1958 trims feature a rounded-headlight setup that pays homage to classic Land Cruisers, while the range-topping Land Cruiser trim adopts a more modern look with horizontal headlights and unique trim details. Between the two, the rounded lights feel like the more authentic nod to tradition.
The First Edition will be limited to 5,000 units and comes with exclusive upgrades including a front skidplate, roof rack, and rock rails.
The 1958 model serves as the entry-level trim, simplifying the First Edition’s formula with cloth upholstery in place of leather and without some of the extra accessories. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser trim distinguishes itself with rectangular headlights, a body-colored front fascia, and a longer list of standard features and technology.
Unlike the outgoing 200 Series Land Cruiser, which lived on in the U.S. as the Lexus LX, the 2024 model shifts to a two-row, five-passenger configuration. It drops chrome accents and Toyota badges, save for the wheel center caps, instead spelling out “Toyota” across both the front grille and rear tailgate.
The SUV also embraces rugged design elements, including steel bumpers built for off-road durability. Designers moved the A-pillars back to improve outward visibility, widened the stance for a more confident appearance, and added square side mirrors reminiscent of the classic 70 Series.
Blocky taillights also echo earlier Land Cruisers, while the manually opening rear glass panel is a standout feature that provides either an open-air feel or flexibility for hauling longer items.
Although the Land Cruiser remains a global model, its styling reflects a close collaboration between Toyota’s design studio in Japan and the CALTY design center in Orange County, California, which helped set the tone for the SUV’s modern yet heritage-inspired look.
Dealers are desperate to buy them back because collectors and loyalists are willing to pay top dollar for well-maintained examples. Known for lasting half a million miles or more with proper care, the Land Cruiser represents a blend of luxury and unmatched durability.
With fewer models available each year, dealers see them as an investment as much as a resale opportunity.
4. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has long been America’s best-selling compact SUV, making it a staple in households across the country. What makes it so appealing on the resale market is its reliability, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly practicality.
Dealers fight to buy back CR-Vs because they know a used one will sell quickly to budget-conscious families who don’t want to pay new-car prices. Even older CR-Vs from the mid-2000s remain in demand thanks to their longevity and low ownership costs.
The 2023 Honda CR-V debuts with a completely redesigned exterior and interior, positioning it strongly against rivals in the fiercely competitive compact SUV market. Inside, its design draws inspiration from the Civic, featuring a clean, modern layout enhanced by technology such as an available 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard across the lineup is Honda’s suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Power comes from a 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and either front- or all-wheel drive.
For 2023, the CR-V enters its sixth generation with notable improvements. It’s bigger overall, showcases updated styling, and benefits from a roomier and more upscale cabin.
Honda reworked the standard turbocharged four-cylinder to improve responsiveness and efficiency, while the CVT and all-wheel-drive system have also been refined for better performance compared to the previous model.
Pricing for the 2023 CR-V starts at $29,760 for the LX and climbs to $35,060 for the EX-L. Honda simplified the lineup into five trims: the LX, EX, and EX-L, which are gas-only, and two higher trims offered exclusively with the hybrid setup.
While the hybrid models are the more appealing choice thanks to stronger performance and fuel economy, the EX-L stands out among the gas versions for its robust feature set. It includes leather upholstery, a power tailgate, and a larger touchscreen, making it a well-rounded option for buyers not ready to go hybrid.
Under the hood of the LX, EX, and EX-L is the standard 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It’s paired with a CVT and offers either front- or all-wheel drive.
In testing, the nonhybrid EX-L reached 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is a little slower than many of its competitors as well as the CR-V hybrid. The CVT contributes to engine drone during hard acceleration, though hill-descent control is included on every CR-V to aid on steep or slippery grades.
Most trims ride on 18-inch wheels, and while the CR-V doesn’t handle with the sharpness of the Mazda CX-50 or Volkswagen Tiguan, it delivers a smooth ride with enough capability to keep things interesting.
Also Read: 8 Habits That Kill a Honda Accord Touring Quickly
5. Lexus GX
The Lexus GX often flies under the radar, but car dealers know just how valuable this SUV is in the resale world. Built on the same rugged underpinnings as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a global favorite), the GX delivers both luxury and longevity.
Families who want a luxury SUV without sacrificing reliability often flock to used GX models. Dealers compete for them because demand far exceeds supply, and well-kept examples can command a premium price in markets where dependable luxury SUVs are rare.
6. Subaru Outback (SUV Alternative)
While technically a wagon, the Subaru Outback is often cross-shopped with SUVs and plays a big role in the buyback market.
Its all-wheel drive, practicality, and reputation for safety make it a favorite among buyers in colder climates like New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rocky Mountain region.
Dealers chase Outbacks because they’re highly desirable among families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Low-mileage Outbacks are especially valuable, as they tend to sell quickly without the need for incentives.
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most popular full-size SUVs in America, favored by large families, law enforcement, and even rental fleets.
Its size, towing ability, and strong resale value make it a must-have for dealerships. Dealers especially fight to buy back higher trims like the LTZ or Premier, which combine practicality with luxury features.
The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe remains a full-size SUV with serious truck DNA, essentially an enclosed pickup with three rows of seating. That design delivers impressive towing capability and plenty of useful space, which helps explain its continued popularity despite its poor fuel economy and high price tag.
Buyers can choose between two V-8 engines with rear- or all-wheel drive, and those who opt for the brawnier 420-hp V-8 paired with a 10-speed automatic will find surprising speed in a vehicle this size.
Inside, the Tahoe offers a serene cabin and excellent infotainment integration, though its truck-based platform still shows through in the cramped third row and rough ride over uneven pavement. It’s no minivan substitute, but it isn’t trying to be.
For 2019, Chevrolet introduced a new Premier Plus package, which bundles the larger 6.2-liter V-8 and 10-speed automatic with exclusive styling and trim. Previously, this powertrain was only available with the RST Performance package, but the Premier Plus version swaps the RST’s blackout accents for chrome details, polished 22-inch wheels, and gold Chevy bow-tie badges.
Inside, it adds unique black-and-mahogany leather with Jet Black accents. Rounding out the package are power-retractable running boards, chrome exhaust tips, and premium badging that set it apart.
Pricing for the 2019 Tahoe starts at $49,295 for the LS and tops out at $63,995 for the Premier. Even the base LS is well-equipped, with features such as remote start, rear parking sensors, tri-zone climate control, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with 4G LTE hotspot capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Adding all-wheel drive tacks on another $3000. For buyers who plan to tow, the Max Trailering package is worth considering, unlocking the Tahoe’s maximum 8600-pound capacity.
The Enhanced Driver Alert package brings affordable safety features such as low-speed forward automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, and a split-folding front bench seat option expands capacity to nine passengers.
Under the hood, the Tahoe offers two V-8 engines. The standard 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed automatic provides adequate performance and smooth shifts.
However, the 420-hp 6.2-liter engine paired with the 10-speed automatic makes the Tahoe feel genuinely quick, hustling the big SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds during testing, 1.5 seconds quicker than the base powertrain.
Passing power also improves, with the stronger engine shaving nearly a second off the 50-to-70-mph sprint. While it’s an expensive upgrade, the bigger V-8 transforms the Tahoe’s personality, offering performance to match its size. Properly equipped, the rear-drive Tahoe with the 5.3-liter can tow up to 8600 pounds, while all-wheel-drive versions max out at 8400 pounds.
The Tahoe is known to hold value better than many of its domestic competitors, making it one of the safest bets in the used SUV business.
8. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander offers a perfect balance between family practicality and Toyota’s bulletproof reliability. As a three-row crossover, it appeals to families who want something easier to maneuver than a Sequoia or Tahoe but still roomy enough for kids and cargo.
Dealers love buying these back because the Highlander has one of the highest resale values in its class. Hybrid versions are particularly sought after, as rising gas prices push more families toward fuel-efficient SUVs.
9. Porsche Cayenne
While luxury SUVs often depreciate rapidly, the Porsche Cayenne is an exception. Dealers actively fight to buy back Cayennes because demand for used models is strong among buyers who want luxury performance at a lower entry price.
What was once a controversial move is now one of Porsche’s defining success stories. When the Cayenne debuted in 2002 as the brand’s first SUV, purists were skeptical.
Two decades later, it’s an icon. Now in its third generation and joined by the Cayenne Coupe, it blends Porsche’s unmistakable design DNA with real-world practicality and some of the sharpest driving dynamics of any SUV on sale.
For 2022, the only change is the addition of PCM 6.0, the latest infotainment software that finally integrates Android Auto alongside wireless Apple CarPlay. In today’s luxury midsize SUV segment, the Cayenne goes head-to-head with rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and Audi Q8.
Pricing is steep, and Porsche doesn’t shy away from charging extra for features other brands include as standard. But what you get is a genuine Porsche experience. On the road, the Cayenne feels more like a Panamera with added muscle than a traditional SUV, with surprisingly strong off-road performance to boot.
Even its hybrids deliver driving fun; when Porsche’s plug-in was evaluated for SUV of the Year, judges consistently noted just how enjoyable it was. For outright performance, the Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S E-Hybrid sit at the top, while the coupe version has even been called “a 911 in SUV clothing.”
Under the hood, few SUVs offer as much variety. The base model uses a 335-hp turbo V-6, while the lineup builds through the E-Hybrid, Cayenne S, GTS, and Turbo before topping out with the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which combines a twin-turbo V-8 and electric power for a staggering 670 hp. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Acceleration is strong across the board, from the base Cayenne’s 5.1-second sprint to 60 mph down to the Turbo’s sports-car-like 3.2 seconds. The hybrids also deliver impressive efficiency, with the E-Hybrid rated at 46 mpg-e and capable of running on electric power alone for short distances.
Safety is solid, but Porsche makes you pay for more advanced driver aids. Automatic emergency braking is standard, while adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system are optional. The Cayenne earned a five-star overall rating from Euro NCAP, though it hasn’t been tested by U.S. agencies.
Cargo space is respectable at 27.2 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.3 cubic feet with them folded, though both the BMW X5 and Land Rover Defender offer more room. Inside, every Cayenne comes with a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen running the updated PCM 6.0 system.
A 10-speaker system is standard, Turbo models get a Bose 14-speaker setup, and the Burmester 21-speaker upgrade is available across the board for true audiophiles.
The Cayenne only seats five, and Porsche hasn’t introduced a three-row version yet. That said, the brand is already developing a larger flagship SUV, likely with an electric option, that will sit above the Cayenne in the lineup.
For now, the sweet spot is the Cayenne E-Hybrid, which delivers more power and torque than the GTS while returning better efficiency and offering 17 miles of all-electric driving range.
Even older Cayennes carry prestige thanks to Porsche’s badge, and higher trims with V8 engines or performance packages are especially valuable.
Unlike some European luxury brands, Cayennes are known to last when properly maintained, making them a favorite in the resale market.
10. Ford Bronco
Since its reintroduction in 2021, the Ford Bronco has been one of the hottest SUVs in the U.S. market. With waitlists for new models stretching months (and sometimes years), dealers often turn to buybacks to satisfy customers who don’t want to wait.
The Bronco’s retro-inspired design, off-road capability, and cult following make it one of the most in-demand vehicles today. Dealers can often sell slightly used Broncos for close to if not more than the original sticker price, especially in trims like the Wildtrak and Badlands.
Ford has revived an icon with the modern Bronco, and it’s important not to confuse this full-size version with the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport.
While the Sport has proved itself a surprisingly capable crossover, the proper Bronco is built to go head-to-head with off-road legends like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Defender. The 2022 model year saw the arrival of the Bronco Raptor, but the hybrid variant many have been waiting for still hasn’t shown up.
In reimagining the Bronco, Ford nailed the balance of retro-inspired style, near-limitless off-road capability, and the chops to take on Jeep directly.
Inside and out, the design is bold, the cabin is packed with useful tech, and passenger space is generous, more so than its Wrangler rival. Yet for all of its strengths, the Bronco struggles in key areas.
Ride quality is rough, and early models were plagued by poor build quality, from rattling window glass to noisy roof panels and flimsy cabin materials. Ford may iron out these issues in newer models, but even if not, the Heritage Edition’s throwback styling gives it some undeniable charm.
Power comes from a choice of turbocharged engines, all with 4WD as standard. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbo-four making 275 hp and 315 lb-ft on regular fuel, or 300 hp and 325 lb-ft with premium.
It pairs with either a 10-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual that features an ultra-low crawler gear. In our testing, a manual-equipped two-door Bronco Badlands hit 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Fuel economy is disappointing, with ratings ranging from 16 to 20 mpg city and 17 to 21 mpg highway.
The Raptor, launched for 2022, takes the Bronco’s off-road focus to extremes. With its reinforced drivetrain, 37-inch all-terrain tires, 13.1 inches of ground clearance, race-ready suspension, and heavily revised frame and skidplates, it might be the most capable factory off-roader yet.
The wide-body stance, unique fender treatments, and rock-ready hardware make it stand apart from every other Bronco variant.
This package transforms the Bronco into a trail monster with 35-inch tires, Bilstein shocks, locking front and rear axles, a disconnecting front sway bar (standard on Badlands), and beefier fenders. It’s the go-to choice for those who want maximum off-road capability without jumping all the way to a Raptor.
As for trims, the purest version of the Bronco formula might be the most satisfying. A base two-door on steel wheels with the Sasquatch package delivers the core experience at a lower price, and in Eruption Green Metallic, it looks every bit the modern classic Ford intended it to be.
The SUV market in the U.S. isn’t just about shiny new models; it’s about the long-ter
These ten SUVs stand out because they retain their desirability, whether for reliability, off-road capability, or luxury appeal. That’s why car dealers are constantly chasing them down for buybacks they know these SUVs will move quickly and bring in strong profits.
For car owners, this means holding onto one of these models could be as good as holding onto an investment. If you ever plan to trade in, don’t be surprised if the dealer is eager to make you an offer you can’t refuse.
