10 Best SUVs Available Used in North Carolina
Consumer Reports updated their 10 Best SUVs rankings for 2025. Seven of the ten are hybrids. All ten are available used from NC dealers right now, and every one of them includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning as standard equipment.
Consumer Reports Top 10 SUVs (2025)
- Toyota Crown Signia - Score: 89, 37 MPG overall
- Honda Passport - Score: 88, 285-hp V6, standard AWD
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid - Score: 88, 35 MPG, seats 7-8
- Subaru Forester Hybrid - Score: 87, standard AWD
- Subaru Forester - Score: 85, standard AWD
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid - Score: 84, 34 MPG overall
- Honda CR-V Hybrid - Score: 83, 35 MPG overall
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Score: 83, 35 MPG, 3 rows
- Subaru Crosstrek - Score: 82, standard AWD
- Kia Sportage Hybrid - Score: 82, 36 MPG overall
Midsize SUV Winners
Toyota Crown Signia (2024-2025)
Ranked #1 by Consumer Reports with a score of 89. The Crown Signia is a hybrid-only tall wagon that gets 37 MPG overall and has a 530-mile cruising range on a single tank. CR praised its quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. As a newer model, used supply is limited, but early examples are already saving buyers thousands over sticker. Browse Crown Signia inventory
Honda Passport (2023-2025)
Ranked #2 with a score of 88. The redesigned Passport pairs a 285-hp V6 with standard AWD. Unlike most modern SUVs, it keeps physical buttons and knobs for climate and audio - no fumbling with a touchscreen on I-85 through the Triad. The TrailSport trim adds skid plates and all-terrain tires for weekend trips to the Uwharrie trails. Browse Passport inventory
Best 3-Row SUVs
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (2024-2025)
Ranked #3 with a score of 88. The Grand Highlander stretches the regular Highlander's wheelbase to fit a usable third row. It still manages 35 MPG overall - the most fuel-efficient 3-row SUV you can buy. Seats 7-8 passengers, runs on Toyota's 12.3-inch infotainment system, and has the cargo space for a full beach weekend at Wrightsville. Browse Grand Highlander inventory
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (2024-2025)
Ranked #6 with a score of 84. The Santa Fe Hybrid gets 34 MPG overall from its turbo-four hybrid system. Dual 12.3-inch curved displays handle infotainment and gauges. The cargo area is generous with a wide hatch opening - good for loading sports gear after a Cary soccer tournament. Hyundai's value pricing undercuts the Toyota competition. Browse Santa Fe Hybrid inventory
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2020-2024)
Ranked #8 with a score of 83. The Highlander Hybrid gets 35 MPG overall and can run on electric power alone at low speeds. Seven or eight-passenger configurations are available. Toyota's track record means this SUV will still be running strong at 200K miles. Used 2020-2022 models sit in the $32,000-$40,000 range from NC dealers. Browse Highlander Hybrid inventory
Best Compact SUVs
Subaru Forester (2022-2025)
Ranked #4 and #5 by Consumer Reports - the Hybrid scored 87, the conventional model scored 85. Both come with standard AWD and excellent outward visibility. The Hybrid gets 34 MPG versus 29 for the standard version. For drivers who make the mountain run to Asheville on I-26 through winter weather, standard AWD is not optional - it is essential. Browse Forester inventory
Honda CR-V Hybrid (2023-2025)
Ranked #7 with a score of 83. The CR-V Hybrid pairs a 2.0L four-cylinder with electric drive for 35 MPG overall. Honda's hybrid system simulates gear shifts so it feels like a normal automatic - no rubber-band CVT sensation. The rear seat is one of the roomiest in the compact class, and driver safety systems come standard on every Hybrid trim. Browse CR-V Hybrid inventory
Subaru Crosstrek (2021-2025)
Ranked #9 with a score of 82. The Crosstrek is a raised Impreza with standard AWD and X-Mode for light off-road use. The 2024+ models got a more powerful 180-hp 2.5L engine. At 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it handles the sand access roads at the Outer Banks and gravel Forest Service roads in Pisgah without scraping. Browse Crosstrek inventory
Kia Sportage Hybrid (2023-2025)
Ranked #10 with a score of 82. The Sportage Hybrid gets 36 MPG overall - quicker and quieter than the conventional Sportage. Comfortable front seats with generous rear headroom and legroom. Higher trims include blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning as standard. Used 2023 models start around $26,000 from NC dealers. Browse Sportage Hybrid inventory
Why Hybrids Dominate the Rankings
Seven of the ten SUVs on this list are hybrids or have hybrid variants. That is not a coincidence. Modern hybrid systems add 5-8 MPG over conventional powertrains without sacrificing performance or long-term reliability. For NC drivers averaging 12,000-15,000 miles per year, the fuel savings from a hybrid add up to $1,000+ annually compared to a conventional SUV at $3.25/gallon.
Buying Tip
Consumer Reports buys and tests every vehicle they review at their own 327-acre track. Their Overall Score combines road test performance, predicted reliability from member surveys, owner satisfaction, and safety ratings. If a vehicle makes this list, it passed more than 50 independent tests.
Find Your SUV in North Carolina
Below you will find Consumer Reports' top-rated SUVs from verified NC dealerships, filtered for 2018 and newer models. Every SUV listed here earned CR's recommendation through independent testing.
