Introduced in 2017, the mid-size Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the brand’s most capable off-road machine. And it’s still on the market today essentially unchanged for the last four years. It’s one notch up over the already capable Colorado Z71 and features two inches of additional ground clearance, additional and more robust skid plates, rock sliders to protect its body, and, most importantly, front and rear electronic locking differentials, which are rare in a factory-built pickup.

Special shocks that soak up the roughed terrain are also part of the ZR2 package, along with a 31-inch Goodyears on 17-inch wheels. Chevy also widened the truck by 3.5 inches and fitted flared fenders and a new front bumper for more clearance. Extended cab and four-door crew cab body styles were available, and Chevy offered a 3.6-liter gas V6 with over 300 horsepower or a torquey and more fuel-efficient 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder. Trucks in good condition cost around $30,000.

Chevrolet

2017-2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The popularity of serious factory-built off-road machines began with the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup back in 2010, and it’s still the king of full-size off-road pickups. It’s now in its second generation, but first-gen Raptors in good condition are out there, and they cost about half as much as a new one. Extended cab and more popular crew cab models were offered, and every first-gen Raptor was V8-powered. The first year a 5.4-liter V8 was standard and a 6.2-liter V8 was optional. In 2011, the smaller engine was dropped and the 6.2-liter, which produced 411 hp, became standard. Both engine were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

These steel-bodied trucks also feature an electronic-locking rear differential, hill-descent control, an off-road mode, a stronger fully boxed steel frame, 3-inch-diameter shocks supplied by the legendary off-road suspension company Fox Racing Shox, industry-leading amounts of wheel travel, and 35-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires. Prices start around $25,000.

Ford

F-150

2010-2014 Ford F-150 Raptor

In 2014, GM redesigned its popular full-size pickups. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra were both new from the ground up. Two years later, the trucks received new grilles, headlights, and tailgates, and both came with off-road-ready packages. The Chevy Silverado Z71 and the GMC Sierra All-Terrain X both featured a locking rear differential, knobby 18-inch Wrangler DuraTrac tires, and an off-road-ready suspension with shocks sourced from Rancho, another legendary off-road suspension company. Skid plates and hill-descent control were also standard.

Both were powered by a 5.3-liter V8, but the GMC also got a performance exhaust system that added 10 hp for a total of 365. An eight-speed automatic was also standard. Chevy sells considerably more Silverados than GMC moves Sierras, so it’s much easier to find a Silverado Z71 on the used market, but All-Terrain X GMCs are out there. Prices start around $28,000.

2016-2018 GMC Sierra All-Terrain X or Chevrolet Silverado Z71

The third-generation Jeep Wrangler is known as the JK. Compared to its predecessor, the TJ, it got a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, but it was 2 inches shorter. It was also wider, so there’s more room inside, and these were the first Wranglers with power windows, a touchscreen, and stability control. In 2011, the interior was revamped again, gaining automatic climate controls. In 2007 the JK also gave us the first four-door Wrangler, the Unlimited. 

A coil spring suspension remained, but JKs ride better than previous Wranglers. The hardcore off-road Rubicon model, with front and rear locking differentials, now had a disconnectable front sway bar to increase suspension travel. A new 3.8-liter V6 made 202 hp. It was backed by a six-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The far superior 285 hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a new five-speed automatic arrived in 2012, while a six-speed manual remained standard. Prices start around $10,000 for the oldest JK Wranglers.

Jeep

2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler

When you think off-road, you probably don’t think Lexus. But the luxury brand’s mid-size SUV, the GX 460, has the chops to change your mind. Think of it as a V8-powered Toyota 4Runner, which is basically what it is, sharing much of its chassis with that SUV, which includes a long-travel suspension and four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. 

The second generation of the GX was introduced way back in 2010, and it’s miraculously still on sale today, living one of the longest lives in SUV-land. Unlike the V6-only 4Runner, however, the GX is packing a 4.6-liter V8 with considerably more torque and over 300 hp. These trucks are quick, and they’re just as capable as a 4Runner off-road, which makes the GX one of the best-kept secrets in the off-roading world. But word is getting around. Prices start at about $15,000.

Lexus

2010-2015 Lexus GX 460

Another truck with an unusually long shelf life is the second generation of the Nissan Frontier, which was introduced in 2005 and remains in production today. In 2009, Nissan introduced the Pro-4X off-road package to the mid-size pickup, and it quickly gained respect in the off-road community for its rugged components and solid engineering. Nissan even went so far as to include special seat bottoms for more support out on the trail. 

But the real magic is underneath the Frontier, with larger 31-inch off-road tires, shocks from legendary suspension supplier Bilstein, and unique bushings for more control while rock crawling and navigating rutted trails. Nissan also added skid plates to protect its gas tank, oil pan, and transfer case, a locking rear differential, and hill-descent control. The Pro-4X was available with 2WD and 4WD, so know what you’re buying. Prices start at about $9,000.

Nissan

2009-2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

This is the beast of the bunch. The big dog. And it’s a rottweiler. Ram’s Power Wagon is based on the three-quarter-ton Ram 2500, and it’s the only pickup out there that features front and rear solid axles each with an electric locking differential. Taller springs were also standard, along with Bilstein shocks, 33-inch tall tires, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch mounted behind its front bumper. Compared to a standard Ram 2500 4x4 it has about 2 inches of additional ground clearance.

It also has considerably more suspension articulation thanks to a disconnecting front stabilizer bar and a unique upper axle mount in its front suspension. Every Power Wagon is powered by a 410-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and has a transfer case with a steep 2.64:1 low range for crawling and climbing. Prices start at about $35,000.

2017-2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

Introduced way back in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner has been a favorite of off-roaders ever since. The fifth-generation of the SUV debuted in 2009 and is still sold by Toyota today. It has been offered with many TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road suspension packages over the years, but the best is the TRD Pro, which was introduced in 2015 and still remains available.

Ideal for off-road enthusiast families, the spacious V6-powered 4Runner TRD Pro features body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle suspended by coil springs, which give it a smooth ride. It also features special shocks and off-road tires, and it sits about an inch taller than a standard 4Runner while offering more wheel travel and articulation. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select and crawl control systems were standard along with an aluminum front skid plate and a locking rear differential. Prices start around $30,000.

Toyota

2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Another iconic Toyota 4x4 is the Land Cruiser. First introduced to America in the 1960s, it’s been an off-road favorite for over 50 years. Today’s Land Cruiser, known as the J200 by enthusiasts, was first introduced way back in 2007, which makes it a proven off-road beast that can tackle any terrain.

This is the largest SUV on this list, so the Land Cruiser isn’t the best on tight trails, but it’s ideal for overlanding and crossing vast expanses of wide-open terrain. These trucks are packing large 5.7-liter V8s with almost 400 hp, four-wheel drive systems with low range, independent front suspensions, and solid rear axles. Toyota also included its crawl control and its hydraulic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which allows for greater wheel articulation. Prices start just under $20,000 for an early J200 Land Cruiser.

Land Cruiser

 2007-2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota’s TRD division is best known for its off-road suspensions on the mid-size Tacoma pickup. There have been many TRD packages over the years, including the TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, and the ultimate TRD Pro trim levels. They’re all quite capable in the dirt, but the TRD Pro, which was first introduced in 2017, is by far the best.

Underneath, the Tacoma TRD Pro is similar to the 4Runner TRD Pro, though this pickup gets rear leaf springs. Standard equipment includes special shocks, an aluminum skid plate, additional ground clearance, more suspension travel, a locking rear differential, 16-inch wheels wrapped in knobby rubber, Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, and its unique crawl control, which is basically off-road cruise control. Without a locking front differential, it isn’t quite as capable as the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, but it’s still off-road royalty. Prices start right around $30,000.

2017-2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

10 Best Used Vehicles for Off-Road

Buying a used car should not mean you are settling for less than the best. In fact, the used car market is full of any number of good options – each offering an array of high-tech and luxury comfort features. To help with your search for a good used car at an affordable price, UsedCars.com has gone ahead and done a little research for you.

Best Used Cars

Acura

Alfa Romeo

Aston Martin

Audi

Bentley

Buick

Cadillac

Chrysler

Dodge

Ferrari

FIAT

Genesis

Honda

Hyundai

INFINITI

Jaguar

Karma

Lamborghini

Land Rover

Lincoln

Lucid

Maserati

Maybach

Mazda

McLaren

Mercedes-Benz

MINI

Mitsubishi

Panoz

Polestar

Porsche

Rivian

Rolls-Royce

smart

Subaru

Tesla

Volkswagen

Volvo

Hatchbacks are a great option for those who want a little more flexibility when it comes cargo-carrying abilities. They make it possible to store large, bulky items that wouldn’t stand a chance of fitting in even the largest of trunks.

There are lots of hatchback options, from compact cars to hybrids to electric options. If the prices of new models are too high, then there are plenty of great used hatchbacks to choose from. Here are the 10 best used hatchbacks under $10,000.

10 Best Used Hatchbacks Under $10,000

There are lots of used sedans out there, which can make choosing the right one for you something of a challenge. This list of the best used sedans under $10,000 includes something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for fuel efficiency, luxury, or a reliable family car, there’s a sedan on this list that’s perfect for you. The one thing they all have in common is that they're very budget-friendly. 

10 Best Used Sedans Under $10,000

To help you with your search for a used car that offers reliability, style, and safety, but at a price that you can afford, UsedCars.com has put together this list of the best used cars for under $10,000. Thanks to ever-rising standards in reliability, safety, and engineering, the average lifecycle for all cars continues to increase. This is great news for the used car buyer with a limited budget.  Here are our top 4 cars.

Best Used Cars Under $10,000

A minivan is a perfectly designed vehicle for a large family. With its small nose and low floor, it puts nearly all of its considerable footprint into a roomy passenger cabin. That means there’s three adult-friendly rows of seats along with a useful amount of cargo capacity. 

But most brand-new minivans cost $30,000 or more. When your budget is tighter, though, don’t despair. You can still find a used minivan for less than $10,000. For today’s article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best minivans under $10,000. We’ll discuss their pros and cons, and how far back in time you’ll likely need to go if you want a decent van at this low price. We’d also encourage you to prepare for some repair costs; minivans under $10,000 are cheap for a reason, and most either have less-savory reliability reputations or are older vehicles in worse condition and with high mileage.

Best Used Minivans Under $10,000

10 Best Used Convertibles

10 Best Used Cars for Off-Roading

10 Best Used Cars for New College Graduates

10 Best Used Cars for Parents

10 Best Used Cars for Teens

Gas-electric hybrids cut your fuel bill, but sometimes they’re a little expensive. Fortunately, you can save money with one of these 10 best used hybrids. 

10 Best Used Hybrids

Best Used Electric Cars Under $30,000

Best Used Electric Cars Under $40,000

Best Used Electric Cars to Buy in 2023

Best Used Cars With Blind Spot Warning

Best Used Cars With Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Under $25,000

The Best Used Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $30,000 

10 Best Luxury SUVs Under 40K

10 Best Used Sports Cars for Teens

10 Best Used Sports Cars Under $10,000

Most Affordable Used Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs

10 Best Used Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs

Best Used Electric Cars Under $20K

Top 10 Special Bargain Used Cars 

The original definition of a muscle car was simple: It was a comparatively inexpensive car with the biggest, baddest engine the manufacturer could shoehorn into the engine bay. Luxury features and bling were not part of the equation.
People think of muscle cars as a 1960s phenomenon, but in fact today’s used muscle cars are better than ever. To prove it, here are 10 late-model muscle machines you can buy on the pre-owned market.


Top 10 Used American Muscle Cars

To get more truck and more off-road capability for their money, many consumers are buying used pickups and SUVs equipped with special off-road packages right from the factory. It’s a great way to get special off-road-tuned suspensions, beefy tires, increased ground clearance, skid plates, and locking differentials for a fraction of the cost compared to what you’ll find at the new car dealers. From Chevys to Fords, Toyotas to Nissans, there are dozens serious off-road-ready and highly capable pickups and SUVs out there to choose from. Here are the 10 best used trucks for off-road.

If you’d love to get behind the wheel of a sporty car but think that they’re probably a waste of money, then one of our 10 affordable used sports cars should be right up your alley. There are two main reasons to buy a used car: to get into something you would otherwise be unable to afford or to let someone else pay for the depreciation that comes from driving a new car off the dealership lot. Of course, a used vehicle is a bit of an unknown, which means that you do have to assume some risk, especially if you are buying a car that’s coming out of warranty. But if that tradeoff seems worth it, then the next few pages are for you.

10 Affordable Used Sports Cars

It’s summertime. The weather has improved, and when you’re driving you hanker for the open-top experience of a convertible. But when you think about for a bit, you might realize that buying a convertible is a big commitment — maybe bigger than you’d like. Well, just because you are turning your back on a convertible purchase doesn’t mean that you can’t gaze upward and see the sky over your head and/or feel the wind tickle your temples. The answer to your quest is a car with a panoramic roof. Such a roof will allow you to peer upward to see the heavens, and it will likely open up so that outside air can come breezin’ on in. Though they differ in their details, the typical panoramic roof is like a moonroof on steroids. It is bigger and it might feature more than one clear or tinted panel, one or more of which might open. If you’re in the market for a used car right now, why not look for one with a panoramic roof? Here are the 10 best suggestions.

10 Best Used Vehicles With Panoramic Roofs

Sharing the family car seems like a great idea when your teenager gets a driver’s license. That idea works out only until you all need to be in a different place at the same time. Too many drivers and not enough cars isn’t convenient, so often the best decision is to buy your teenager a car of their own. Teenagers don't need a fancy sports car. They just need something safe and reliable that can do the job of getting them around town and maybe see them off to college. Here are 10 safe used cars for teenage drivers who need a car of their own.

10 Safe Used Cars for Teenage Drivers

When they’re shopping, many people pay a lot of attention to the price of the cars they consider. It’s hard not to take that into consideration because most of us have to figure out how we can wedge a car payment into our monthly budget. So the price often is a key factor in deciding to choose one model versus another.
But there’s more to the cost of owning a car than its initial price. You will also have state and local fees, insurance, maintenance, and repairs to pay for. If you finance the car, you’ll have the loan cost (interest) to consider as well. A big cost that many people never even think about is depreciation: the car’s loss in value over time. All of these factors go into a car's cost of ownership, and cost of ownership is — all in — what you really pay for your car. Determining the cost of ownership for used cars is more difficult than for new cars because each used car is unique in the number of miles it has been driven and how it has been taken care of. But one thing is certain — smaller cars have the lowest cost of ownership. For this list, we looked most closely at 2016 model year vehicles, but the recommendations hold true for approximately 2014 to 2019. Here are the 10 used cars that cost the least to own.


10 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Own

Any car expert worthy of the label will tell you the best new cars make the best used cars. And the best used cars are durable, reliable, practical, fun-to-drive, and attractive, because no one wants to drive an ugly car. But some used cars are better than others, and some are great values. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve selected 10 of the best used cars that are great values — focusing on mainstream-brand sedans costing no more than $20,000.

10 Used Cars That Are Great Values

We conceived this list of the 10 used cars that cost the least to maintain after doing extensive research on the subject with well-regarded sources. The used cars we describe are 2016 models (four to five years old), but in general, the information applies to cars two to three years older and two to three years newer. Here are the 10 used cars that cost the least to maintain.

10 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Maintain

The average transaction price of a new car just keeps increasing. Even the global pandemic couldn’t stop the continued escalation of vehicle prices. Today’s new cars are well-built and are excellent values, but if you’d like to save yourself some money — or treat yourself to a luxury model you might not be able to afford new — a great alternative is a certified pre-owned car. Vehicles that have been certified by their manufacturers are relatively new, low-mileage cars that are extensively examined by trained technicians. In addition, they are backed by warranties that most often include lengthy powertrain coverage and might also include perks like roadside assistance. Here are the top values in CPO cars that you can buy for under $25,000.

10 Best CPO Cars Under $25,000

The great thing about buying a used car is that the lower prices of used cars versus new cars open up more possibilities. Where your budget might restrict you to a compact sedan from a mass-market brand if you purchased the car new, it might permit you to purchase a larger car from a luxury brand if you are willing to purchase a used model. Of course, buying a used car has its difficulties. Foremost among them is the fact you often buy a used car “as is.” That means you have very little recourse or protection if something goes haywire. The answer is buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. That enables you to take advantage of the rapid depreciation most cars experience during their first years while giving you a warranty from the manufacturer if something goes wrong. To demonstrate the logic of this approach to car-buying, we have gathered 10 cars from luxury brands that are available for less than $40,000.

10 Best CPO Cars Under $40,000

Today’s cars are the safest the auto industry has ever produced. Generally speaking, they provide superior protection should you be involved in a collision, and the latest models are also packed with sophisticated accident avoidance systems and driver aids that help you avoid an accident in the first place. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this list of 10 used cars under $25,000 with standard and optional accident avoidance systems and excellent crash test scores. Since most are just two to three years old, they can be found with low mileage and be purchased through a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.

10 Used Cars Under $25,000 With Accident Avoidance Systems

Buying a car for your teen driver typically involves a balancing act. On one side of the ledger, you want to choose a vehicle that is as safe as possible. On the other side, you have that old adversary called cost.
If cost were no object, choices would be far easier, but most of us face budgetary constraints every day, and it is no different when the time comes to obtain a vehicle for our teen drivers. Certainly, the purchase price of the vehicle is one constraint, but another very important variable is the cost of insurance. Over time, insurance costs will constitute a significant outlay. And that is why we decided to compile this list of the 10 most affordable vehicles to insure for your teen.

10 Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure for Your Teen

It's a lot of fun to get a new car. Obtaining a brand new, pristine amalgam of shiny steel, crystalline glass, and jet-black rubber is good for the ego. Of course, having some money in the bank can be a lot of fun, too. It might not be as exciting as the visceral thrill of a new car, but it can certainly be satisfying. And if you're looking for that kind of quiet satisfaction, you have come to the right place. Financial experts are nearly unanimous on the idea that to maximize the effectiveness of your transportation dollar, you should buy a used car and then keep it for as long as you possibly can. Why is the right used car a financial boon? First, a used car will be much expensive to buy than a new car of a similar size. Second, a used car that is several years old will typically lose its value at a lower rate than a new car. Yes, you might have to forego the ego stroke of getting a brand-new car, but you can bask in the knowledge you are creating a better financial future. To assemble this list that identifies the 10 best high-mileage used cars, we examined cars that are about five years old and chose the most reliable. We believe these are the cars most likely to comfortably exceed 100,000 miles.

Best High-Mileage Used Cars

There are cars you buy for fun, cars you buy to boost your ego, and cars you buy for a particular task — like commuting, for instance. The auto industry knows this, and it has created more than 350 models designed to cater to your every whim. Then there are cars you buy because you want and need transportation.

Impressing the people across the street becomes far less important than having an inexpensive vehicle that will get you back and forth to your job every day. And that is where reliable 10-year old cars come in. Compared with a new vehicle and even compared to a late-model used vehicle, 10-year-old cars are cheap. But unless you like standing by the side of the road waiting for the tow truck to arrive, you want something more than just the average 10-year-old car. You want one of the most reliable 10 year-old-cars on the market. Here are our well-researched and well-considered picks.

Most Reliable 10-Year-Old Cars

Yes, we live in an SUV era, but there is something extremely useful about a good hatchback. The typical hatchback is economical to purchase, costs little to operate and insure, and can haul a surprising amount of stuff. Additionally, hatchbacks are typically more fun to drive than the typical small SUV, which tends to have a higher center of gravity and be skewed completely in favor of hauling people and stuff instead of hauling down canyon roads. Because hatchbacks are relatively inexpensive to purchase new, they are even better values as used cars. One sweet spot revolves around models that are just a few years old. Many of them are of the same generation as the 2021 model, which means they typically have similar levels of safety equipment and creature comforts — but someone else has paid for their first few years of depreciation. Here are 10 good used hatchbacks that should provide you with excellent service for years to come.

10 Good Used Hatchbacks

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks

10 Best Used Small Trucks

Trucks have become the new everyday vehicle for millions of people because modern pickups deliver a unique mix of ultimate utility and comfort that few other vehicles can. Automakers have responded by adding more luxury, better tech, and a load of clever options that make trucks more useful, desirable, and expensive. Buying used can save you thousands of dollars over new, and certified pre-owned (CPO) is even better.
Vehicle manufacturers must authorize dealers before they can certify vehicles. The process involves a rigorous inspection, and only vehicles within a certain age and mileage range qualify. While CPO vehicles can be a little more expensive than other used models, they typically come with long manufacturer warranties that cover a large portion of vehicle systems. That peace of mind is worth the extra cost, and you'll typically end up with a much nicer vehicle overall, as CPOs are held to a higher standard.
Which certified pre-owned pickup truck is right for you? There are so many great choices that it's hard to go wrong. We've gathered a list of our favorite recent model-year CPO trucks. Let's get started. 