11 SUVs You’ll Never Regret Buying Before You Retire

Discover the 11 best SUVs to buy before you retire reliable, comfortable, and built to last. These models offer the perfect mix of space, safety, and long-term value for your golden years.

Toyota Highlander

Okay, first up, Toyota Highlander. Honestly, I see these everywhere, and for good reason, right? The thing’s reliable like old socks, not flashy but just, uh, solid, you know? The hybrid is an option, which is neat for those “I should be greener” moods. The interior’s roomy, kids can fight in the back without smacking each other too much. Price? About $40,000 or so, depending how fancy you wanna get. I mean, yeah, it doesn’t make anyone’s pulse race, but you don’t get a Highlander to impress the neighbors. You get it because it works and doesn’t break down just as warranty ends.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V’s kinda like that friend who’s always on time and brings snacks. It’s super practical, never complains, just gets the job done. The price hovers around $30K, a bit more if you go for the hybrid or want leather seats. I mean, it’s not a hot rod, but if you care about gas money and space for groceries, this is the one. Side thought: my neighbor’s been driving the same CR-V since, like, the early 2010s and it’s still ticking. So, yeah, Honda magic? Something like that.

Subaru Outback

Ah, Subaru Outback. This is the unofficial ride for people who own three dogs or hike every weekend. It’s technically a crossover, but who cares, it has that rugged “take me to the woods” vibe. All-wheel drive is standard, which is sweet if you get snow or, uh, mud. The price sits somewhere around $30 to $40K. Honestly, I like how it isn’t huge but feels big inside. And those roof racks? Perfect for pretending you’re outdoorsy even if you just haul pool noodles. Outbacks last forever or, well, until you hit a moose, whichever comes first.

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer is like America in SUV form, big and a little showy, but honestly, kinda lovable too. You’re probably looking at $38K up to maybe $50K if you want it fancy. The third row is actually useful, unless you try fitting grown adults there, then it’s more like “pretend you enjoy being cramped” seating. The Explorer’s got decent tech, drives smooth, feels, well, substantial. If you’ve hauled a baseball team, you know what I mean.

Mazda CX-5

If cars were flavors, the CX-5’s like surprise vanilla. Seems plain but really, it’s kinda delightful. You drive it and it just feels right. Snappy steering, nice materials inside, and you don’t need to spend a fortune, around $29K to $38K. Are people sleeping on Mazdas? Maybe. Should you do the same? Nah. Get the turbo, honestly. It looks sleeker than most in its price range. It isn’t a limo, but it doesn’t feel cheap.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee. It’s a Jeep, so you get that whole “I’m tough, I climb mountains” branding, but, honestly, most people just drive them to Target. It’s mid-size, comfy, sometimes thirsty for gas, and new ones start at about $40K, go higher for fancy trims. Good for towing, and people say the tech is actually friendly. You feel kinda cool driving one, just hope reliability doesn’t bite you, cause, uh, Jeep.

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Palisade really surprised me. I always thought Hyundais were just okay, but this one really brings big vibes. Plush interior, a ton of space, and honestly, it’s pushing luxury if you squint. Around $40K, but you get all the bells and whistles without the German car money. I weirdly love the infotainment, feels smart but not confusing. People will ask if it’s a Mercedes, and you just sip your coffee and smile.

Kia Telluride

Nobody shuts up about the Telluride and honestly, I get it. It looks good, like “I actually have taste.” Comfort? Definitely. Tech? Very solid. About $38K or so, and it’s worth every dollar. Kia’s warranty is best in the game, so that’s peace of mind for ages. You throw kids, dogs, groceries back there, and it still shines by the weekend. Maybe too popular sometimes, but that’s not really a bad thing.

BMW X5

If you secretly wanna flex but need to haul golf clubs, BMW X5 is kinda perfect. Starts at about $65K, sometimes more, but you feel fancy, can’t deny it. It’s so smooth, full of cool gadgets, and feels like you should be picking up business clients even if all you’re doing is grabbing groceries. Repairs can sting, sure, but if you’ve got the dough and wanna say “Yup, I made it,” why not.

Lexus RX

Lexus RX—classic, hands down. So many retirees grab these, and it makes perfect sense. Luxury-smooth but not in-your-face, enough style to feel upscale. Price is around $50K, give or take the extra options. Seats are just squishy enough, the tech is easy, and it always drives quietly. The hybrid doesn’t quit, either. You get plush comfort, good reliability, and, bonus, people wave at you in traffic.

Volvo XC90

Last up, Volvo XC90. If safety’s your jam, Volvo’s got you. XC90 looks grown-up, is packed with all the safety stuff and has a seriously comfy interior, sorta spa-like. Price? About $57K, so yeah, bit of a splurge. It’s got the whole Swedish peace vibe, three rows, and no one whines about seat space. Volvos make you wanna drive carefully, which is pretty awesome.