Whether you’re looking for small, midsize, or large SUVs, these six pack in loads of features, versatility…and you’ll only find them on the used car lot.
With thousands of vehicles in our inventory, we’re here to help make car research easier for you. We’ve partnered with car review experts from Edmunds to weigh in on what matters most when you’re looking to buy a truck or car.
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SUVs have all but made the traditional car extinct. Their roomy interiors, abundant cargo space, and comfortable ride have made them the vehicle of choice for most shoppers. But while SUVs continue to dominate, some arguably great ones have been discontinued due to a fickle market or too many competitors, and now they’re only available used.
We're going to look at six discontinued midsize SUVs that remain compelling picks for active lifestyles, based on their price, utility, or comfort.
Ford Flex
Years available: 2009-2019
Average CarMax price: $19,654
Pick because: Tons of space for passengers and cargo
Pass because: Not as comfortable as rivals
The Ford Flex is a big, boxy SUV that offers seating for seven and a bunch of cargo capacity. The 2019 Edmunds review of the vehicle said that "if you can't fit all your stuff in the Ford Flex, you might have too much stuff." That remains true. Its 20 cubic feet of storage with all the seats up slightly trails the modern Kia Telluride, but its gear-hauling capacity is its strongest feature. By the time the Flex was discontinued in 2019, it had gone a decade without being redesigned. That meant the interior felt less modern and its advanced driver aids were only available on higher trims (unlike competitors offering those types of features as standard). It might not be as comfortable over long drives as others, but the Flex is a good option if you’re looking for a traditional family hauler.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Years available: 2017-2019
Average CarMax price: $22,669
Pick because: Handy in bad weather and ample cargo space
Pass because: Standard touchscreen is difficult to use
The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack takes one of the German automaker's most popular vehicles, the Golf, and stretches it out to offer more cargo space. The Alltrack also features a higher, seven-inch ground clearance, making it more than capable in bad weather or on weekend trips in a variety of locations. The Alltrack has more in common with the Subaru Outback than the Jeep Wrangler, combining everyday utility with the ability to reach camping sites off the beaten path.
Jeep Cherokee
Years available: 1990-2001, 2014-2023
Average CarMax price: $21,987
Pick because: Useful cargo space and standard smartphone integration
Pass because: Worse fuel economy than rivals
The Cherokee is a two-row SUV that lives up to the Jeep badge by offering a comfortable ride whether you're on a two-lane highway or ambling over a rocky road. The Jeep Cherokee has been around for quite some time, but look for second-generation models (2014 and newer). Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ were added to the vehicle in 2018 and the Jeep's technology holds up well to modern standards. Keep in mind, most advanced driver aids are available on lower trims, but if you’re looking for adaptive cruise control, you’ll need to find a Cherokee with the Limited trim. If you’re looking for a more capable version of the Cherokee, be sure to check out the Trailhawk.
Jeep Renegade
Years available: 2015-2023
Average CarMax price: $20,122
Pick because: Easy-to-use technology features
Pass because: It's noisy on the highway
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV, like the Mazda CX-30 or Chevy Trailblazer, that offers a little more personality than some of its rivals thanks to its funky styling. Don't confuse the similarly boxy Renegade for a Wrangler, of course, but—especially in Trailhawk trim—this little Jeep is just as adept at making grocery runs as it is getting you out to remote campsites. Its ride is stiffer than its competitors, and its boxy shape means facing lots of wind noise on highways. And keep in mind that adaptive cruise control is only available on the high-end Limited trim. But if you're looking for a small SUV with a little personality, the Renegade is a good choice.
Mazda CX-3
Years available: 2016-2021
Average CarMax price: $19,945
Pick because: Fun to drive and good fuel economy
Pass because: Cramped back seat and little cargo room
The Mazda CX-3 was discontinued to make way for the Mazda CX-30, an SUV of similar size but with more modern features and technology. But the CX-3 holds its own as a sporty SUV that, while quite small, offers impressive fuel economy and is fun to drive and nice to look at. The CX-3's ride is comfortable and its front seats are pleasant during long drives. The EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive CX-3 will get 31 mpg in combined driving, which helps make up for its smaller-than-average cargo area.
Buick Encore
Years available: 2013-2022
Average CarMax price: $18,799
Pick because: Interior is very quiet
Pass because: Ride isn't very comfortable
The Buick Encore, not to be confused with the Buick Encore GX that replaced it, offers some signature Buick elegance in a very small package. The interior is extremely quiet, even when you're driving on the highway. But that comfort isn't carried over to the suspension or front seats, which limits its capability as a road tripper. Lots of technology, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, are offered as standard features on 2017 and newer model years. Its storage falls behind similarly sized rivals, but the cabin will feel plenty roomy for most passengers.
Conclusion
These midsize SUVs may be discontinued, but they still offer a lot of value. Cargo space, good fuel economy, and unique styling can be timeless—there's bound to be a used midsize SUV that fits your needs.
Jake Sundstrom has worked in the automotive industry since 2017 and written hundreds of car related articles over the course of his career. Jake is an editor at Edmunds, where he helps produce the best used car content on the web. He has also contributed to the National Hot Rod Association and other motorsport publications. When he's not writing about cars, he's probably driving them to his next vacation; he's still working out how to get a Wrangler from Los Angeles to Maui.
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