Make Sure Your Used SUV Has All-Wheel Drive

The next time you’re looking for an SUV, you should consider if the one you are eyeing has all-wheel drive, especially if you’re shopping for used cars. Colorado is known to get icy and slippery in the winter, and you don’t want your SUV struggling in such conditions. When you take to the road with your family, you should have full faith that your vehicle will get you where you want to go safe and sound. That’s why all-wheel drive, along with other safety features, should be on your mind when you’re hunting for a new ride.

Here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep, we’ve proudly sold used all-wheel drive SUVs to our customers around Colorado for years. Whether you’re driving the local streets of Colorado Springs or commuting to Denver, you deserve to be able to travel with peace of mind, no matter the conditions. We’re going to talk a bit today about what makes all-wheel drive such an excellent option for your SUV and what used SUVs you should keep an eye out for. Then, you’ll want to stop by our dealership and find one for yourself so you can travel safely and in style. Our customer service experts are always eager to help you find the used car of your dreams.

Why All-Wheel Drive Is Great for Colorado Drivers

On average, several feet of snow fall onto Colorado Springs every year. It can be a lot more than that in a bad year or higher up in the mountains. We know that you probably can’t count the number of times you’ve had to shovel your vehicle out of the snow in order to get onto the road, only to discover the roads are also in really poor shape. But you have somewhere to be, right? So, you have no choice but to trek forward.

Buying a used SUV with all-wheel drive means snow doesn’t have to ruin your day anymore. This feature can make the task a lot easier if you’re needed at work or still have to get the kids to school. All-wheel drive ensures that your vehicle has better traction on the road, making it far less likely that water, ice, or snow will cause your SUV to hydroplane or veer out of its lane. If one tire runs into trouble, the other tires are evenly powered by your SUV thanks and can compensate for the loss of one tire’s control. All-wheel drive does not guarantee you’ll never have an issue, but it does substantially reduce the odds that Colorado winters will ruin your day.

But that’s not all it can do for you. All-wheel drive can make acceleration easier, so if you’re traveling up to Denver on I-25, you can merge and pass with ease and very quickly match the pace of other vehicles. If you’re towing, all-wheel drive can make that simpler, too, thanks to the extra power you have when taking off. That’s doubly important in our state, where elevation can change rapidly; you don’t want to find yourself struggling up a hill every day.

Top Used SUVs With All-Wheel Drive

#1 – Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is a classic go-anywhere SUV with some of Jeep’s most advanced all-wheel drive systems. It was reintroduced to the market in 2014, meaning there are plenty of used examples available to Colorado shoppers at affordable prices. Three different all-wheel drive systems are available, depending on the model year and trim. Active Drive I is the most basic option, but Active Drive II adds a low range for additional torque to help you get unstuck in bad conditions. Finally, Active Drive Lock is only found on the Cherokee Trailhawk and includes both a low range and a locking rear differential for unmatched traction from a used compact SUV.

#2 – Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 was introduced in 2013 and debuted Mazda’s SKYACTIV-Drive all-wheel drive technology. This system is a perfect match for the CX-5 as this SUV is renowned for its precise steering and command on the road. Drivers already feel safe behind the wheel, knowing the SUV responds to a gentle touch and has excellent acceleration. Combine that performance with its comfortable interior, and a used CX-5 is a smart purchase for single drivers who want to impress passengers or family drivers who want their kids to be cozy and safe during a trip across Colorado. All-wheel drive just adds an extra level of excellence to this already outstanding SUV.

#3 – Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos stands as another great option for SUV drivers who want an all-wheel drive SUV. Introduced in 2021, this nimble subcompact SUV can manage the streets of Colorado Springs or Denver no matter the weather’s mood that day. Kia’s SUVs are known for their affordability and fuel efficiency, so torque-vectoring all-wheel drive capability will be far from the only benefit you’ll get. It’s a newer SUV, but with four model years under its belt, there are plenty of options for used car buyers to choose from. With its roomier interior, the Seltos is a great purchase for individuals who want to vacation in the Rocky Mountains or drive to warmer destinations outside of Colorado.

#4 – BMW X5

If you’re looking to pull up to restaurants or clubs in Colorado Springs in style, making a really good impression on those who gaze upon your vehicle, it might be time to invest in a used BMW. The X5 is the luxury brand’s original SUV, first hitting the roads in 1999. It is a gorgeous sight to behold, with a glossy exterior, luxurious seating, and powerful engines. It also comes with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system so that when you’re showing off in your SUV, you still have full command of the road you’re on. That goes great with the stellar horsepower the X5 can give you, horsepower that makes this SUV one of the most potent options on the market today. In terms of luxury, you can’t really find a better pre-owned SUV available.

#5 – Ford Bronco Sport

For those looking for adventure, perhaps camping or climbing in the Rocky Mountains or going out into the Colorado Desert, you want a capable, off-road-friendly option like the Ford Bronco Sport. Introduced in 2021, this is a great used SUV for journeying off the beaten path. It has an exciting exterior design that’s a throwback to Fords of old, which means it’s a head turner on the road. It not only has standard all-wheel drive, but its Badlands trim has an enhanced twin-clutch system designed to give you the best traction imaginable. It beats out almost all other compact SUVs when it comes to off-roading while still providing stellar fuel efficiency.

A Used All-Wheel Drive SUV Offers Performance and Value

Now that you see the benefits of all-wheel drive and just how many options there are for an SUV with this feature, you might be wondering whether to buy used or new. The benefits of buying used are numerous. For one, your buying options multiply. You don’t have to worry about current models being in stock, nor do you need to be despondent because a model you like has been discontinued. The used market has more choices for you than the new market by a mile.

For another, used SUVs will be more affordable, but you’re not sacrificing much––if anything––when it comes to performance. Due to the quality and care put into modern vehicles, many now last for years and years, so buying used means you’re buying smart and making an investment that will pay off in the long term. When you have all-wheel drive in a state like Colorado, you’re ensuring that your SUV will last even longer.

Buying used should not be seen as a fallback option; it should be seen as the best option. You can ask anyone here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep: used cars are the smart option for any driver. We’ve seen customer after customer thrilled with what their used SUV can do. The story always ends up being the same: they get outstanding performance, safety, and comfort at a far lower price. Who wouldn’t want that?