There's something for everyone here.
Congratulations—you've started shopping for your next vehicle! But where can you start your search? And how can you identify the best compact cars, trucks, sedans, and SUVs out there?
We've punched in the data and done the work for you, with this updated and categorized list of the best used cars for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax sales data.
Keep reading to discover 127 vehicles across these categories:
Used Cars
Small Cars
Midsize Sedans
Hatchbacks
Used SUVs and Minivans
Compact SUVs
Crossover SUVs
Midsize SUVs
Large SUVs
SUVs with 3 Rows
Minivans
Used Luxury and Performance Cars
Luxury Cars
Luxury SUVs
Muscle Cars
Sports Cars
Manual Transmission Cars
Used Trucks
Pickup Trucks
Small Trucks
Budget-Friendly Used Cars
Under $15,000
Under $30,000
Cars with AWD
AWD Cars
AWD SUVs
Hybrid & Electric Used Cars
Electric Cars
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid SUVs
Used Cars with Good Gas Mileage
High-MPG Cars
SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage
Used Cars
Small Cars
Size matters when you're driving—and parking—in an urban landscape. A small or compact car is ideal if you're a city dweller, or if you regularly travel into town for errands or meetups. Based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021, these are the five best compact options for style on a smaller scale.
Midsize Sedans
Drive anywhere in comfort with a midsize sedan. Choose from this list of the best used midsize sedans (based on CarMax sales data from June 1, 2021, through November 30, 2021) for smooth handling and upscale ride satisfaction.
Hatchbacks
It's easy to see why hatchbacks are so popular. Compact dimensions make parking a breeze, and cargo space is maximized by that handy hatchback opening. Check out five of the best, based on CarMax sales data from August 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022.
Discover more used sedans and used car research here.
Used SUVs and Minivans
Compact SUVs
Utterly versatile and a whole lot of fun, a compact SUV is a great companion for city living and weekend adventures. Choose one of these exciting compact SUVs from our best-of top five, based on CarMax sales data from February 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021.
Crossover SUVs
Take off for the mountains or cruise downtown with a cup of coffee by your side; a crossover SUV is at home doing both. Smooth and adaptive handling ensures you can take on any adventure that comes your way. Here are five of the best crossover SUVs, based on CarMax sales data from May 1, 2021, through October 31, 2021.
Midsize SUVs
The perfect fit for active families and friend groups, a midsize SUV is a wise move if you're looking to accommodate kids and cargo on short and long journeys. Based on CarMax sales data from May 1, 2021, through October 31, 2021, these are the five best used midsize SUVs for your consideration.
Large SUVs
Take the leap and go for a large SUV. Not only do they bring power to practical tasks like hauling and towing, but their spacious and comfortable interiors keep your passengers happy, too. Get to know the top five large SUVs (based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021) and identify the right one for you.
SUVs with 3 Rows
For large families, big errands, and traveling with your four-legged friends, having a spacious three-row interior is a huge plus. Find your ideal three-row SUV from this top five list, based on CarMax sales data from May 1, 2020, through October 31, 2020.
Explore more used SUV research today.
Minivans
If versatile configurations of seats and cargo space are a must-have, you'll love what a minivan can do. Enjoy modern tech, spacious interiors, and plenty of trim levels to trick out your family ride. Choose a minivan from this top five, based on CarMax sales data from May 1, 2021, through October 31, 2021.
View more used minivan research here.
Used Luxury & Performance Cars
Luxury Cars
Elevate your daily drive with a luxury car. For stylish exteriors, the latest in high-end tech, and the enviable comfort of a plush interior, these top five luxury cars (based on CarMax sales data from April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021) are sure to please.
Luxury SUVs
Luxury SUVs offer high-end driver satisfaction and passenger comfort in one deluxe package, with powerful engines, stunning interiors, and the latest in tech. These are five of the best luxury SUVs for you to consider, based on CarMax sales data on all SUVs sold with average prices over $35,000 from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021.
Find more used luxury car research.
Muscle Cars
The brawny growl of a turbo engine from the hood of an iconic muscle car is a spine-tingling experience that never loses its appeal. For driving thrills and curb appeal that pops, choose one of these popular muscle cars, based on CarMax sales data from June 1, 2021, through November 30, 2021.
Sports Cars
Stand out from the crowd with a sports car—you'll love how it makes you feel! Roaring engines, deluxe finishing, and iconic exteriors mean every journey in a sports car is an event for the senses. Check out five of the best (based on CarMax sales data from June 1, 2021, through November 30, 2021) to see which one suits your personal style.
Looking for more used sports car research?
Manual Transmission Cars
If passion for driving is a priority, you'll appreciate the synergistic experience of a manual transmission car. Every maneuver is yours to control as you engage the stick shift and handle anything the road has to offer. Here are the best manual transmission cars, based on CarMax sales data from May 1, 2020, through October 31, 2020.
Used Trucks
Pickup Trucks
The ultimate work companion that also has your family covered for daily errands and weekend trips away, a pickup truck can handle challenging terrain, trailer towing, and the best in tailgate parties. Pick your favorite from this impressive selection of the best pickup trucks out there, based on CarMax sales data from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.
Small Trucks
When work duties and family commitments keep you busy, you'll appreciate the versatility of a small truck. From loading up your flatbed with tools and equipment to planning family fishing trips with space for all your gear, these are the best small trucks for the job, based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021.
Check out more used truck research here.
Budget-Friendly Used Cars
Under $15,000
Sticking to your budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on the driver tech and entertainment features that matter to you. If you're shopping with a fixed figure in mind, these are the top five used cars under $15K, based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021.
Under $30,000
With a budget of $30K, you can be assured of style and substance from your next used car. This list of the top five vehicles under $30K is a great place to start your search and is based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021.1 Please be aware that certain model years and upper trim configurations may bring the prices of some of these vehicles over $30,000.
Cars with AWD
AWD Cars
It's easy to welcome seasonal weather when your vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive. Drive with confidence thanks to the traction and control offered by an AWD car and pick one from this list of the five best out there, based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021.
AWD SUVs
Get behind the wheel of an all-wheel-drive SUV and you've got an all-access pass to all types of terrain. With grippy handling and traction to steady your path no matter the conditions, an AWD SUV is the ultimate in utility driving. For fun on the move, check out the best AWD SUVs based on CarMax sales data from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021.
Hybrid & Electric Used Cars
Electric Cars
If you're committed to making green-conscious choices, how about driving electric? With fun features like instant torque and regenerative braking, and conveniences like at-home charging, this is an exciting time to join the electric revolution. Here are the best used electric vehicles, based on CarMax sales data from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.
Hybrid Cars
Harnessing the power of a gasoline engine with the convenience of an onboard electric motor, hybrid cars are a sensible option if you clock up the miles with short daily journeys and longer trips. For fewer fill-ups, check out the best used hybrid cars, based on CarMax sales data from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.
Hybrid SUVs
If your lifestyle includes commuting, school drop-offs, errands, and driving to lots of weekend activities, a hybrid SUV can help you make the most of your fuel economy. The best used hybrid SUVs featured here are sure to please, and are based on CarMax sales data from September 1, 2021, through February 28, 2022.
Find more used hybrid and electric car research.
Used Cars with Good Gas Mileage
High-MPG Cars
When value matters more than ever, it's always a plus point when your vehicle's fuel economy takes you farther down the road for less expenditure. To help you identify which used cars offer good fuel economy figures, take a look at this list, based on CarMax sales data from August 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022, and using city and highway fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov.
SUVs with the Best Gas Mileage
If you crave the sporty looks and spacious interior of an SUV, how about some tidy performance figures to go with it? A hybrid SUV packs a one-two punch when it comes to driver experience and economical gas mileage. The top five featured here (based on CarMax sales data from July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, and using city and highway fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov are all worthy of consideration.
Make your next used car your best yet. With a vehicle for every lifestyle featured here, this is the start of something good.
More research? Sure! Check out our used car research homepage for more.
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