Here’s How to Find the Perfect Pre-Owned SUV for Your Kentucky Lifestyle

Kentucky drivers know that nothing beats an SUV for tackling all the responsibilities of modern life. Whether you’re a daily commuter or CEO of the household, getting where you need to be in an SUV means never worrying about the weather and always having space for all your gear. As your Kentucky used car dealer, you’ll find our lot is full of great SUV options if the time is right for you to get behind the wheel of a new to you SUV.

SUVs are so popular nowadays that buyers can find one in just about any size and configuration. If you’re a college grad who’s just getting started, nothing beats a Jeep Renegade for value and reliability. Growing families gravitate to the Grand Cherokee for its elegant styling and highly functional cabin, and if you need three rows of seats, the rugged Dodge Durango might be your best bet.

As a used SUV buyer, you have plenty of choices for trims and equipment packages, so finding a model with the features you want is easy. Base models priced to sell can be found alongside high-end luxury trims with plush leather seating and advanced technology. Which SUVs are best for Kentucky drivers? Here’s our buyer’s guide, designed to help you choose the perfect SUV for you!

SUVs for Shoppers on a Tight Budget

If you think finding an SUV on a budget is impossible, think again! The Jeep lineup includes a handful of fun entry models designed for buyers looking to keep the purchase price low. Luckily, you’ll still get Jeep’s legendary durability and trail-ready capability and become part of a family of owners who love what they drive.

Shop well within your price range when you decide on a Jeep Compass. These two small SUVs are perfect for first-time buyers. Taking a closer look at the Compass, a subcompact SUV, it’s clear that this little ute is all Jeep. The Compass was completely redesigned in 2017, so used buyers will find plenty of new safety and infotainment technology across the Compass trim range. All trims include a push-button start and keyless entry, and many trims feature large infotainment touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Compass is one of Jeep’s most affordable SUVs.

The Best SUVs for Commuters

Get ready for double-takes as fellow commuters come up alongside you–that is if you’re lucky enough to drive a Jeep Renegade. This subcompact SUV was first introduced in 2015, getting its name from a popular Wrangler trim and taking the subcompact category by storm. Its roomy interior and easy-to-drive road manners earned the Renegade high praise from automotive journalists.

If you love weekend adventures to blow off steam from a long work week, consider the Renegade Trailhawk. This full-time 4×4 Trail Rated Renegade offers a Selec-Terrain system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for easy navigation of varying trail conditions. Kelley Blue Book named the Jeep Renegade one of its “10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” in 2015, triggering high consumer demand.

Not only is the Renegade a great value, but it’s also inexpensive to own, offering an average fuel economy of 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. For commuters, the Renegade offers a roomy interior with comfortable seating for up to five and plenty of convenience features to keep you entertained on your way to work. Newer model years include a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and the option to add a SiriusXM satellite radio subscription.

Family-Friendly SUVs

Would it surprise you to learn that one of the most family-friendly SUVs available is the Dodge Durango? The Durango is unique in the full-size SUV category for its muscle car lines and big V8 power. When you drive a Durango, you’re saying no to vanilla crossovers and an enthusiastic yes to following your own path. Even with all that brawn, you’ll still find three rows of seats and plenty of cargo space–perfect for on-the-go families.

The Durango continuously wins praise for its available HEMI V8 engine, a power plant that delivers 360 horsepower and plenty of torque for brisk acceleration. The Durango is a capable towing machine, offering up to 8,700 pounds of max capability, depending on the year and drive train configuration. This 7-seater offers trims for every lifestyle, including the upscale Citadel trim and the sporty R/T.

This is a rear-wheel drive SUV, which means it rides more like a truck than a car. Still, the Durango’s suspension softens the ride just enough so everyone stays comfortable. All trims feature an ergonomic dash layout that includes an infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect technology. Depending on the model year and trim, your screen could measure up to 8.4 inches and include smartphone connectivity.

Premium Luxury SUV Models and Trims

For those seeking a pre-owned SUV with only the finest finishes and luxury equipment, there’s no better choice than America’s most awarded SUV ever–the Grand Cherokee. With the top-of-the-line trims like the Summit and the SRT offering discerning buyers a fully-loaded cabin, you won’t be disappointed. How do perforated Laguna leather seating and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof sound?

Speaking of sound, some Grand Cherokee trims offer optional high-performance audio systems. Consider how your favorite playlist will sound coming from a 19-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium 825-watt system. Keep the kids busy with an optional rear DVD entertainment center, and level up the luxury with leather door trim and matte carbon accenting on the instrument panels. In short, you can create an oasis in the cabin of your Grand Cherokee.

What if speed and performance are more your thing? Consider a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk featuring a Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that makes an eye-watering 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. You’ll be zipping the kids to their activities behind the wheel of one of the fastest SUVs available. Both the SRT and Trackhawk Grand Cherokee trims come with Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4, and a high-performance Brembo brake package is available on the SRT.

Find the Perfect SUV for Your Lifestyle and Budget

Along with these popular SUV models, you might want to consider a rugged Jeep Wrangler. It’s not typically thought of as a family SUV, but the Wrangler has evolved to include four-door models and trims that add creature comforts like leather seating and upgraded audio systems. Wranglers are “go anywhere” SUVs, making them perfect for unpredictable Kentucky weather.

Whether you find yourself drawn to the economical Renegade or a fully-loaded Grand Cherokee with all the bells and whistles, you’ll have an easier time in wet weather and feel more comfortable behind the wheel during your commute or your Saturday afternoon errands. When nature calls, load up the backpacks and head to Doe Run Lake for a day of hiking. Forget checking conditions since your SUV easily handles muddy dirt access roads.

Life with an SUV means more flexibility and the freedom to tackle life in any weather conditions. Kentucky drivers know they won’t have to sacrifice good looks for utility, especially when they choose a dynamic and Trail Ready Jeep SUV or a sporty Dodge Durango. It’s time to start shopping so you can enjoy all the benefits of SUV ownership.