Best used medium SUVs under $40,000

The rise of SUVs is unstoppable and the top-selling mid-size segment offers the widest choice of makes and models.

That’s great news if you are buying used, so here’s a few to whet your appetite.

If you are seeking a big dose of premium in your medium SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan delivers.

The second-generation model provides plenty of interior roominess and a decent cargo area.

Power comes from a 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine bolted to a seven-speed auto, driving all four wheels.

Safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, lane departure warning, a reversing camera and self-parking capability.

Inside, the Tiguan Comfortline feels like a much more expensive vehicle with high quality materials and excellent fit and finish.

There are selectable drive modes, sat-nav within the infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, a leather-bound steering wheel and a powered tailgate for added convenience.

Service intervals are at 15,000km, and when new it came with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, the balance of which is obviously still in place for 2019 models.

Find a Volkswagen Tiguan under $40K on carsales

For under 40 grand you can snare the range-topping Kia Sportage GT-Line with its 135kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine bolted to an eight-speed auto and on-demand all-wheel drive system

Also included are high-calibre driver assist features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera and blind spot sensors.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto come standard, along with rear parking sensors and even self-parking.

Leather trim decks out the interior, with the front seats heated and ventilated, plus there’s a sunroof and, for the enthusiast driver, a range of drive modes.

Should you need to change it, the spare wheel is full-size for added convenience.

Add to this a seven-year warranty and low ownership costs.

Find a Kia Sportage GT-Line under $40K on carsales

While perhaps not as stylish as some SUVs, the Subaru Forester springs from a deep well of substance with a proven track record of reliability and longevity.

The Premium grade sits mid-range and provides ample boot space and plenty of room for passengers, who benefit from the dual-zone climate control, 360-degree cameras, collision mitigation systems, auto lights and wipers and a raft of driver aids like traction and stability control, plus lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring.

Being a constant all-wheel drive renders the Forester surefooted in all conditions. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol engine and CVT automatic transmission provide ample power, but can be a bit thirsty around town.

You should be able to nab one with the balance of new car warranty.

Find a Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium for under $40K on carsales

Here’s the mini-me Range Rover that is very capable both on- and off-road, just like all Rangies.

The Range Rover Evoque dazzles with its compact styling, and as you’d expect it has a long list of standard equipment plus a longer list of options.

Bear in mind its age precludes it from featuring the likes of Apple CarPlay and other infotainment features.

The interior is very luxurious though a bit cramped in the back and the five-door model offers easier passenger access.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces ample power and is economical, with long service intervals (26,000km) keeping ownership costs down.

Find a Range Rover Evoque SD4 Dynamic for under $40K on carsales

The popularity of the Mazda CX-5 isn’t an accident. It has been the mid-size benchmark for many years with its quality fit and finish, and excellent driving manners.

It’s roomy and comfy for five and the top-dog Akera variant comes with a swathe of driver assist tech and other safety features with front, side and rear cameras, adaptive cruise control, ‘forward and reverse’ autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross traffic alert and blind spot sensors.

Inside, there are leather seats (front powered and heated) and a leather-clad steering wheel, climate control, head-up display and a reasonably current infotainment system.

Power comes from a perky 140kW/251Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Its only downside is a service interval that’s shorter than that of its rivals.

A bonus is finding one with a bit of new car warranty left.

Find a Mazda CX-5 Akera AWD for under $40K on carsales

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