Reinvigorate Your Commute: The Top Three SUVs for the City

Did you know that the Cincinnati metropolis stretches outside Ohio and into the neighboring states of Kentucky and Indiana? Greater Cincinnati is known for its beautiful skyline and vibrant population of artists, athletes, adventurers, professionals, business owners, entertainers, couples, families, and so many others. This vibrant population is the heartbeat of Cincinnati and is often the culprit of the city’s narrow streets, busy intersections, and rush-hour traffic. Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s likely why you’re searching for Cincinnati used cars.

We’re here to take your search one step further by showcasing the best SUVs for city driving. We know that our customers have a variety of needs, but when it comes to driving in town, efficiency, maneuverability, and comfort are key. You’ll find this golden trifecta in the models below as well as plenty of other perks that make these three SUVs the best for Cincinnati drivers.

Got Personality? Check Out the Kia Soul

It’s only fitting to start our list of city-friendly SUVs with the bold Kia Soul. Inspired by the wild boar and their significance in Korean culture, the Soul came to life in 2005 when automotive designer Mike Torpey sketched a wild boar wearing a backpack. Three years later, Torpey saw his design come to life in the Soul that was meant to embody the wild animal’s strength and capability. The Soul does that and so much more.

With every new generation released, the Soul continues to embody the versatility, capability, and strength of its muse. This makes the subcompact crossover an exceptional SUV for the city because it can easily navigate a congested city street, comfortably haul both passengers and cargo, and match your sense of adventure mile for mile. So, which model should you look for on the used lot?

• First-generation (2009-2013): A solid purchase if you’re on a budget, the first-gen Soul is a great value because of its numerous special edition models (Denim, Dragon, Tiger, and Flex) and a variety of features like its flat-folding rear seat, LED lighting, variety of engines, and extended exterior color palette.
• Second-generation (2014-2019): The second-gen Soul adds spaciousness, capability, and personality with unique design details like interior lighting around the speaker surrounds. The model also adds more modern technology like smartphone streaming with integrated Pandora.
• Third-generation (2020-Present): If you’re looking for the latest tech, the third-gen Soul is a must-buy on the used lot. It boasts smartphone integration, a 7-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display, and Kia’s intelligent variable transmission that maximizes efficiency and performance to make the Soul more affordable and fun to drive.

Looking for Adventure? Find Your Way in the Jeep Compass

What immediately comes to mind when you think of the Jeep brand? Do you think of rugged capability? While you might not need that rugged capability in the city during your 9-to-5 workweek, Jeep lives for the weekend and when you’re off the clock. That’s the time for adventure and the inspiration for models like the Compass, which debuted in 2007 and marked Jeep’s entry into the crossover segment.

The first few years for the Compass weren’t wildly successful, but that all changed in 2011 when Jeep took the Compass back to its roots. The Compass earned its Trail Rated badge in 2011 and proved it belonged in the Jeep lineup. That’s why experts recommend starting your search for a used Compass with 2011 or newer models.

• First-generation (2007-2016): Earning its Trail Rated badge in 2011, the first-gen Compass is a great value and offers plenty of capability and versatility both in town and on the trail.
• Second-generation (2018-Present): Sharing design features with the larger Grand Cherokee, the second-gen Compass lives up to its crossover name to deliver exceptional versatility and best-in-class capability. These models offer the latest technology and Jeep’s legendary 4WD systems, with models like the Trailhawk offering the best performance and greatest value courtesy of exclusive features like the Selec-Terrain traction management system.

Tired of Your Boring Commute? Take It to the Next Level in the Ford Escape

While Ford once led the American automotive industry, it was late to the party in the new millennium––a time when automakers like Honda and Toyota were cashing in on the growing popularity of small SUVs. Ford made up for its delay with the introduction of the Escape, which boasted the same style and ruggedness of Ford’s larger SUVs. This made the Escape just as popular as models like the Explorer and Expedition, thus sealing its fate in Ford’s lineup for years to come.

Now in its fourth generation, the Escape made its debut in 2001 and immediately garnered praise for its spaciousness and capability. The first-gen Escape was in production until 2007, during which time buyers had the choice between trims like the XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, Limited, and Hybrid, the latter of which was introduced in 2005. While many first-gen Escapes are still on the road today, you’re more likely to find a second, third, or fourth-generation on the pre-owned lot.

• Second-generation (2008-2012): The second-gen Escape features a more rugged design that likens the SUV to the larger Explorer and Expedition. It also gets more power under the hood with beefier engines that deliver better performance and handling.
• Third-generation (2013-2019): The third-gen Escape is a great value since Ford redesigned the Escape from the bottom up in 2013. This generation sees a sleeker exterior design, new technology like the MyFord Touch infotainment system, conveniences like remote start, and driver-assist tools like blind-spot monitoring.
• Fourth-generation (2020-Present): Better handling, more state-of-the-art technology, and exceptional safety tools are everything you’ll find on the fourth-gen Escape. This generation also offers two hybrid powertrains that make the Escape an exceptional buy for city drivers looking to save on fuel.

What Will You Drive?

How exciting is your daily commute? Do you find yourself dreading rush-hour traffic, frequently stopping for fuel because of poor gas mileage, or replanning your route because your current vehicle is impossible to maneuver in certain parts of town? What if we told you that all of this could be remedied?

Every vehicle serves a unique purpose, which is why you wouldn’t expect a full-size truck to perform well on the racetrack or a sedan to reliably tow a heavy load. It’s also why you should tailor your search for used cars in Cincinnati to the best models for city driving. The Kia Soul, Ford Escape, and Jeep Compass are three of the best SUVs for city drivers because of the versatility, maneuverability, and efficiency they offer. These SUVs can easily transition from your daily commute to your weekend adventures, whether that means shopping at your favorite boutiques downtown or venturing outside the city for a camping trip with friends.

The Soul offers loads of personality and versatility with a cargo area that’s ideal for both passengers and cargo. The Escape likens itself to Ford’s larger SUVs and delivers an exceptional suite of tools, while the Jeep Compass will continue to perform long after the pavement ends. Choosing the best SUV for your driving needs in and out of the city all depends on you––your priorities, budget, lifestyle, and driving needs. What matters most to you in an SUV, and what will breathe new life into your daily commute? It’s time to find out!