The Best Used Hyundai SUVs to Buy

Hyundai has quietly become one of the most popular brands in the used SUV market. The combination of generous standard features, strong reliability scores, and an industry-leading 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty gives used buyers more coverage than almost any other major brand. U.S. News & World Report has named Hyundai the Best SUV Brand multiple years running, most recently for 2026, recognizing the lineup's combination of safety, reliability, space, and value¹ For dealers, Hyundai SUVs offer something rare: vehicles that buyers actively seek out by name, with a value story that practically sells itself. These four models cover every size class in Hyundai's lineup and represent the strongest wholesale picks available.

Top Used Hyundai SUV Car Models

2021 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is Hyundai's best-selling SUV and the cornerstone of its lineup. The 2021 model is the final year of the third generation, offering a refined and well-proven package before the full 2022 redesign. It comes in six trims with two engine options: a base 161 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an available 181 hp 2.4-liter, with fuel economy rated at 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.² The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Tucson a full five-star overall safety rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.² Every 2021 Tucson comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, with a predicted reliability score of 88 out of 100, rated "Great."² Hyundai's 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty transfers to subsequent owners within the coverage window, which adds meaningful value in the used market.²

2020 Hyundai Kona

The Kona is Hyundai's subcompact crossover and one of the more personality-driven small SUVs in its class. It ranked #1 in the 2020 Affordable Subcompact SUVs category with a score of 8.4 out of 10, recognized for its upscale interior quality, solid safety scores, and punchy available turbo engine.³ Two engine options are available: a base 147 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway, and a more spirited 175 hp turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 28 mpg city / 32 mpg highway.⁴ The 2020 Kona earned a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100, rated "Great,".³ Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and forward collision warning across all trims, while the top Limited and Ultimate trims add leather seats, wireless charging, and adaptive cruise control.³

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Santa Fe sits in the sweet spot of Hyundai's two-row midsize SUV lineup, offering more space than the Tucson without the size commitment of the Palisade. It won the Best 2-Row SUV for the Money award for 2022, with a score of 7.8 out of 10.⁵ The base SE runs a 191 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic, while upper trims offer a 277 hp turbo four-cylinder.⁵ Every 2022 Santa Fe comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning, making even the base trim genuinely well-equipped.⁵ Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway on the base engine in AWD configuration, and the Santa Fe can seat up to five passengers with 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.⁵

2022 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is Hyundai's three-row flagship SUV and one of the most interior-rich vehicles in the midsize class. It ranked #2 in the 2022 Affordable Midsize SUVs category with a score of 8.2 out of 10, and was a finalist for Best 3-Row SUV for the Money.⁶ A 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque powers all trims, paired with an eight-speed automatic, with fuel economy rated at 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.⁶ It seats up to eight passengers across three rows, and every 2022 Palisade comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, five USB ports, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.⁶ The 2022 model added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features for the first time, upgrading the safety suite across the entire lineup.⁶ It earned a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100, rated "Great," and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.⁶

Find the Best Used Hyundai SUV Inventory with ACV Auctions

From the Tucson to the Palisade and the Kona, ACV Auctions connects dealers with nationwide access to in-demand used Hyundai SUV inventory. Every vehicle listing is backed by a transparent condition report featuring 60+ images, OBD-II diagnostics, undercarriage views, and engine audio, so you know exactly what you are bidding on. Sign up with ACV Auctions today to source the used Hyundai car inventory your customers are searching for.

Sources

1. "Hyundai Named 2026 Best SUV Brand for Second-Consecutive Year by U.S. News & World Report." PR Newswire, prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-named-2026-best-suv-brand-for-second-consecutive-year-by-us-news--world-report-302621163.html. Accessed Apr. 2026.
2. "2021 Hyundai Tucson." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/tucson/2021. Accessed Apr. 2026.
3. "2020 Hyundai Kona." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/kona/2020. Accessed Apr. 2026.
4. "2020 Hyundai Kona Performance." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/kona/2020/performance. Accessed Apr. 2026.
5. "2022 Hyundai Santa Fe." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/santa-fe/2022. Accessed Apr. 2026.
6. "2022 Hyundai Palisade." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/palisade/2022. Accessed Apr. 2026.