Buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) SUV is one of the smartest ways to get luxury, space, and reliability—without paying the steep price of a brand-new vehicle. In 2024, with new car prices still elevated and inventory challenges ongoing, CPO SUVs offer exceptional value for U.S. shoppers who want peace of mind and premium features.
In this guide, we highlight the top CPO SUV deals available now, based on warranty coverage, reliability, resale value, and total ownership cost. Whether you’re after a family hauler, a rugged adventure vehicle, or a compact crossover, there’s a certified option worth considering.
What Is a Certified Pre-Owned SUV?
A CPO SUV is a gently used vehicle, typically under 5–6 years old, that has:
Passed a manufacturer-backed inspection (often 100+ points)
Low mileage (generally under 75,000 miles)
A limited factory warranty (extension of the original new vehicle warranty)
Extra perks like roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and vehicle exchange programs
Only franchised dealers (e.g., Toyota dealers for Toyota CPOs) can sell these vehicles under the official CPO program.
Best Certified Pre-Owned SUV Programs (2024 Rankings)
1. Lexus L/Certified Program – Best Overall Luxury Value
CPO Warranty: 2 years/unlimited miles beyond original 4-year/50k warranty
Inspection: 161-point inspection
Perks: Trip interruption, loaner cars, roadside assistance
Why it’s great: Lexus CPO vehicles are known for reliability and luxury feel, with unmatched warranty coverage
Top CPO SUV Pick: Lexus RX 350 (2020–2022)
Typical Price Range: $34,000–$45,000
2. HondaTrue Certified – Best for Long-Term Reliability
CPO Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain + 1-year/12k bumper-to-bumper
Inspection: 182-point inspection
Perks: Up to 2 free oil changes, trip interruption, roadside assistance
Why it’s great: Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability plus solid resale value
Top CPO SUV Pick: Honda CR-V EX or Touring (2020–2022)
Typical Price Range: $25,000–$32,000
3. Toyota Certified Used Vehicles – Best Resale Value
CPO Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain + 12-month/12k bumper-to-bumper
Inspection: 160-point inspection
Perks: Free roadside, rental car coverage
Why it’s great: Toyota SUVs hold value, and CPO pricing is often competitive
Top CPO SUV Pick: Toyota RAV4 XLE or Hybrid (2020–2022)
Typical Price Range: $26,000–$35,000
4. Subaru Certified Pre-Owned – Best for All-Weather Performance
CPO Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain
Inspection: 152-point inspection
Perks: 3-month trial SiriusXM, CARFAX, roadside
Why it’s great: Every Subaru CPO SUV comes with symmetrical AWD—great for winter climates
Top CPO SUV Pick: Subaru Outback Premium (2020–2022)
Typical Price Range: $25,000–$33,000
5. Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned – Best Budget-Friendly CPO
CPO Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain from original in-service date
Inspection: 173-point inspection
Perks: Rental car reimbursement, trip interruption
Why it’s great: Longer warranties than many luxury brands, plus affordable pricing
Top CPO SUV Pick: Hyundai Tucson SEL or Limited (2021–2023)
Typical Price Range: $23,000–$29,000
6. Ford Blue Advantage – Best for Variety of SUVs
CPO Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain + 90-day/4k-mile comprehensive
Inspection: 139–172 points depending on Gold/Blue tier
Perks: FordPass Rewards Points, roadside, towing
Why it’s great: Ford offers everything from compact crossovers to 3-row family SUVs
Top CPO SUV Pick: Ford Escape SEL or Explorer XLT (2019–2021)
Typical Price Range: $21,000–$34,000
Best CPO SUV Deals Available Now (2024)
Here are some notable certified SUV deals available from manufacturers this quarter:
Lexus RX 350 CPO: 3.49% APR for up to 60 months (select regions)
Honda CR-V CPO: 2.99% APR for 36 months + $500 loyalty offer
Toyota RAV4 CPO: 3.9% APR financing through Toyota Financial Services
Subaru Outback CPO: 4.99% APR up to 60 months + 1-year extended warranty offer
Hyundai Tucson CPO: 3.79% APR for qualified buyers
Tip: APR offers change monthly—always check with local dealers and request out-the-door quotes.
Why Buy Certified Instead of Regular Used?
| Feature | Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) | Regular Used |
|---|---|---|
| Factory-backed Warranty | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multi-point Inspection | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always |
| Roadside Assistance | ✅ Often included | ❌ Not included |
| Return Policy / Exchange | ✅ In many programs | ❌ Rare |
| Peace of Mind | ✅ High | ❌ Lower |
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right CPO SUV
If you want the confidence of a new vehicle with a used-car price, a certified pre-owned SUV is the perfect middle ground. In 2024, buyers have more access to manufacturer-backed deals, warranty coverage, and third-row options than ever before.
Best for Luxury Seekers: Lexus RX
Best for Commuters: Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4
Best for Winter Climates: Subaru Outback
Best for Budgets: Hyundai Tucson
Best for Family Size: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander
