When you are shopping for a family SUV on Long Island, the used market gives you access to vehicles you might not be able to justify buying new. A used Volvo XC90 that cost $65,000 new can be found for $45,000 with low miles. A used Jeep Grand Cherokee L with three rows and 30,000 miles saves you $15,000 or more over new pricing. The math works in your favor - and the selection right now is the best it has been in years.
This guide ranks the best used family SUVs available on Long Island by what families actually need: interior space, safety features, reliability, and total cost of ownership.
Bottom Line:
- Two-row SUVs (Outback, Grand Cherokee, Explorer) work for families with 1-2 kids and need cargo space
- Three-row SUVs (Grand Cherokee L, Explorer, XC90, Tahoe) are essential for families with 3+ kids or regular carpools
- Safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on most 2022+ used SUVs
- The best family SUV values are 2-3 year old lease returns with CPO certification
How to Choose a Family SUV
Before comparing models, answer three questions:
- How many car seats or booster seats do you need? Two-row SUVs accommodate two car seats across the back row. Three car seats require either a very wide second row or a third row.
- Do you need the third row for adults or just kids? Most mid-size three-row SUVs have a third row suitable for children only. Full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Suburban) have adult-sized third rows.
- What is your cargo situation? Soccer gear, strollers, beach equipment - Long Island family life demands cargo space. A three-row SUV with the third row up has significantly less cargo space than a two-row SUV.
Best Used Two-Row Family SUVs
Subaru Outback - Best All-Around Family Value
The Outback is not technically an SUV, but it functions as one for family use. The rear seat accommodates two car seats with room for a third passenger. The wagon-style cargo area is larger than most compact SUVs, and Subaru’s standard AWD handles every Long Island weather scenario.
Used pricing: $26,000-$32,000 for 2022-2024 models with 25,000-40,000 miles Best for: Families with 1-2 kids who prioritize reliability and all-weather capability Browse inventory: South Shore Subaru | Grand Prix Subaru
Subaru Forester - Best Visibility
The Forester’s upright design provides the best outward visibility in the compact SUV class. A genuine safety advantage when backing out of parking spots at Roosevelt Field or checking blind spots on the LIE. Our Outback vs Forester comparison covers the differences in detail.
Used pricing: $25,000-$30,000 for 2022-2024 models Best for: Families who prioritize visibility and an upright driving position
Jeep Grand Cherokee - Best Two-Row Mid-Size
The Grand Cherokee’s interior was completely redesigned for 2022, and the result is a cabin that feels genuinely premium. The rear seat is wide enough for two car seats plus a booster in the middle. Cargo space is competitive with the segment. Our Grand Cherokee vs Durango comparison covers the towing and space differences.
Used pricing: $28,000-$40,000 for 2022-2024 models Best for: Families who want capability, comfort, and towing in a two-row package Browse inventory: Westbury Jeep CDJR | Garden City Jeep CDJR
Best Used Three-Row Family SUVs
Jeep Grand Cherokee L - Best Mid-Size Three-Row Value
The Grand Cherokee L adds a third row to the standard Grand Cherokee platform. It is one of the most affordable ways to get three rows of seating with genuine 4x4 capability and a premium interior.
Used pricing: $32,000-$44,000 for 2022-2024 models Best for: Families needing occasional third-row seating without stepping up to full-size Browse inventory: Merrick Jeep CDJR
Ford Explorer - Best Three-Row for the Price
The Explorer has been the default family SUV for decades, and the current generation delivers. The third row is usable for kids (tight for adults), cargo space is generous with the third row folded, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite is comprehensive. Our Explorer buyer’s guide covers trims and features.
Used pricing: $28,000-$38,000 for 2022-2024 models Best for: Families who need three rows at the best price point Browse inventory: Levittown Ford
Volvo XC90 - Best Three-Row for Safety
The XC90 is the safety benchmark for three-row luxury SUVs. Every trim includes City Safety automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, run-off road protection, and a full suite of driver assistance features. The interior quality in Inscription trim competes with vehicles costing $20,000 more. Our XC60 vs XC90 comparison helps decide between the two Volvo SUV sizes.
Used pricing: $42,000-$56,000 for 2022-2024 models Best for: Safety-focused families who want luxury without the German price tag Browse inventory: Volvo Cars of Huntington
Chevrolet Tahoe - Best Full-Size Family Hauler
When the mid-size three-row SUVs are not big enough, the Tahoe is the answer. The current generation’s independent rear suspension transformed the third row from cramped to genuinely usable. The cargo space behind the third row actually works for strollers and gear.
Used pricing: $48,000-$56,000 for 2022-2024 models Best for: Large families, regular carpools, or families who need to tow boats or trailers Browse inventory: Paramus Chevrolet
Family SUV Safety Features to Look For
Every used family SUV from 2022 or newer should include these features as standard or near-standard equipment:
- Automatic Emergency Braking - stops the vehicle if a collision is imminent
- Blind Spot Monitoring - alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot (critical on the LIE)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert - warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spots
- Backup Camera - federally required on all vehicles since 2018
- Lane Keeping Assist - provides gentle steering correction if you drift
Volvo leads the class on safety technology, with additional features like run-off road protection and oncoming lane mitigation standard on every model. Subaru’s EyeSight system is also excellent and has been standard across the lineup for several years.
For families evaluating the total cost of different SUVs, our cost of ownership calculator can help compare fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs between models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best used family SUV on Long Island?
It depends on family size. For families with 1-2 kids, the Subaru Outback offers the best combination of value, reliability, and all-weather capability. For families needing three rows, the Ford Explorer offers the best price point, while the Volvo XC90 leads on safety and interior quality. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L splits the difference with 4x4 capability and premium features.
How much does a used family SUV cost on Long Island?
Compact and mid-size two-row SUVs (Outback, Forester, Grand Cherokee) run $25,000-$40,000 for 2022-2024 models. Three-row mid-size SUVs (Grand Cherokee L, Explorer, XC90) run $28,000-$56,000. Full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Suburban) start around $48,000 used.
Should I buy a two-row or three-row SUV for my family?
Two-row SUVs work for families with 1-2 children and offer more cargo space behind the rear seat. Three-row SUVs are necessary for families with 3+ children, regular carpools, or anyone who needs to transport more than five people occasionally. Keep in mind that most mid-size three-row SUVs have a tight third row suitable for kids, not adults.
What is the safest used family SUV available on Long Island?
The Volvo XC90 and XC60 lead the segment in safety technology, with comprehensive standard safety features across all trims. Subaru’s EyeSight system is the best safety suite in the non-luxury segment. All 2022+ models from Volvo, Subaru, Jeep, and Ford include automatic emergency braking as standard.
