Best Used SUVs for Road Trips This Summer
Summer in Southern California means one thing for a lot of drivers: the open road. Whether you're heading up the Pacific Coast Highway, cutting across to Joshua Tree, or making the longer haul up to Yosemite, having the right vehicle under you makes a real difference. If you've been thinking about picking up a used SUV for sale before the season really gets going, you're making a smart call. The right used SUV gives you the cargo room, the comfort, and the fuel efficiency to make long drives genuinely enjoyable rather than something you just survive.
At Hawthorne Auto Gallery, we've helped a lot of South Bay drivers find road-trip-ready used cars and SUVs that fit their budget without cutting corners on what matters. This summer, a few models in particular keep coming up as standouts for buyers who want versatility, reliability, and decent mileage on longer hauls. Here's a closer look at what makes a great road trip SUV and which used models are worth your attention right now.
What Makes a Used SUV Good for Long Road Trips?
Not every SUV is built the same, and not every SUV is equally suited for extended drives. When you're evaluating a used SUV for sale with summer travel in mind, a handful of things matter more than the rest.
Cargo space is an obvious one. If you're traveling with family, friends, or a lot of gear, you need room that works in practice, not just on a spec sheet. Legroom in the second row matters too, especially on drives over a few hours.
Fuel economy is another factor that adds up quickly on long trips. An SUV that gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway costs noticeably less to drive from Hawthorne to San Francisco than one averaging 22. Over a few tanks, that's real money.
Ride comfort, driver assistance features, and how well the vehicle handles highway speeds all play into how you feel at the end of a 400-mile day. Modern used SUVs from the last five to eight years tend to come well-equipped in these areas, even in base trims, which makes the used market particularly strong right now for road trip shoppers.
Which Used SUVs Are the Best for Summer Travel?
Several models consistently earn high marks from long-distance drivers, and many of them are available right now in the used car market at price points that make a lot of sense. Here are a few that stand out.
Is the Used Nissan Kicks a Good Road Trip SUV?
The Nissan Kicks might not be the first name that comes to mind when someone says "road trip SUV," but it deserves more credit than it typically gets in that conversation. A used Nissan Kicks is roomy for its footprint, surprisingly generous on cargo space, and one of the better fuel economy stories in the subcompact SUV class.
On the highway, the Kicks regularly returns 36 miles per gallon, which is genuinely impressive for any vehicle and exceptional for an SUV. That kind of efficiency changes the math on a summer road trip, especially when gas prices tend to climb in June and July. The cabin is comfortable, the driver visibility is excellent, and the infotainment system in most recent trims is easy to use without taking your eyes off the road for long.
For solo travelers or couples without a ton of gear, a used Nissan Kicks hits a sweet spot that a lot of other options miss. You get the elevated ride height and storage flexibility of an SUV without paying the fuel penalty that comes with larger vehicles. If you're browsing used SUVs for sale in the Hawthorne area and keeping an eye on your monthly budget, the Kicks is worth a serious look.
Why Is the Used Ford Escape Still a Smart Buy in 2026?
The Ford Escape has been one of the most popular compact SUVs on the road for well over a decade, and that popularity has a lot of practical logic behind it. A used Ford Escape offers a well-rounded package that covers most of what road trip drivers are looking for, and because so many were sold new, the used market has a strong supply of well-maintained examples at competitive prices.
Cargo room in the Escape is genuinely useful — the rear seat folds flat, and with it down you get enough space to pack for a week-long trip without playing Tetris. The front seats are comfortable over long stretches, and later model years include driver assistance tech like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, which all contribute to a less fatiguing highway experience.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Escape are also available in the used market and are worth considering if most of your driving involves getting out of the LA metro area before settling into highway miles. The fuel savings over a summer of weekend trips can add up to more than you might expect.
A used Ford Escape is one of those vehicles that doesn't demand a lot of attention or justification. It simply works well for a wide range of drivers and situations, and the used pricing reflects years of strong resale values moderating into genuinely accessible territory.
What Other Used SUVs Are Worth Considering for Summer Road Trips?
The Nissan Kicks and Ford Escape are two of the more compelling options right now, but they're not the only ones worth your time.
The Toyota RAV4 remains one of the most sought-after used SUVs on the market, and with good reason. It's roomy, efficient, and has a long track record of reliability that makes it a confident choice for high-mileage driving. Hybrid versions in particular are excellent for long drives with mixed conditions. Availability in the used market can be tighter and pricing reflects that demand, but if you find a clean example, it's hard to talk yourself out of it.
The Honda CR-V is another vehicle that earns its reputation through sheer competence. It has one of the best rear-seat and cargo combinations in the compact SUV class, the turbocharged engine is responsive without being thirsty, and the interior is well put together in a way that holds up over years of use. A used CR-V from the last several model years gives you a lot of what new car buyers were paying a premium for, at a meaningfully lower price.
For buyers who want something a step larger, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have made a strong case in recent years as the best three-row SUVs for the money. A used Telluride in particular has become a benchmark for value in its segment. If you're traveling with a larger group or want the flexibility of a third row, either of these is worth including in your search.
How Do You Buy a Used SUV for Sale Without Getting Burned?
Buying a used car or SUV is never a completely risk-free process, but a few straightforward habits make a significant difference in how the purchase turns out.
Start with the vehicle history report. A report through Carfax or AutoCheck will surface accident history, title issues, odometer discrepancies, and service records. It doesn't tell you everything, but it tells you a lot, and any seller who won't provide one should give you pause.
Get a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic before you sign anything. This is especially important for vehicles outside of factory warranty coverage. A good inspection typically costs between $100 and $150 and can surface issues that aren't obvious on a test drive. If the seller or dealer declines an inspection, walk away.
Test drive at highway speeds, not just around a parking lot. Road trip performance is different from city driving, and you want to know how the vehicle behaves at 70 miles per hour, not just how it handles a left turn. Pay attention to wind noise, how the brakes feel at speed, and whether the transmission shifts smoothly under load.
Ask about the vehicle's maintenance history. Regular oil changes, timing belt or chain service if applicable, and brake and tire records all tell you how the previous owner treated the car. A clean maintenance history on a used SUV is one of the best signals you can find.
Ready to Find Your Summer Road Trip SUV in Hawthorne?
If you're looking for a used SUV for sale in the Hawthorne area, Hawthorne Auto Gallery has a rotating inventory of used cars and SUVs across a range of makes, models, and price points. We're located in the South Bay and serve drivers from Inglewood, Torrance, Gardena, El Segundo, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Summer doesn't wait, and the best used SUV inventory moves quickly once the season picks up. Browse what's available on our lot online, or come by in person and we'll help you find something worth driving this summer.