Best Model Years to Look for When Buying Pre-Owned

Shopping for a pre-owned vehicle doesn’t mean settling for outdated technology or missing out on modern features. Certain model years stand out for introducing important updates like improved powertrains, redesigned interiors, or expanded safety technology.

Automakers regularly refine their vehicles, but particular years mark major changes, such as better performance, improved fuel efficiency, or upgraded technology. These updates can help a vehicle feel more modern and deliver a better overall ownership experience.

For shoppers exploring the pre-owned inventory at Thornhill Auto Group, the vehicles below highlight some of the best recent model years for dependable sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans.

What Are the Best Pre-Owned Sedans to Buy?

2024 Toyota Camry

The 2024 Toyota Camry sedan delivers strong reliability ratings, refined ride quality, and multiple powertrain options.

Buyers can choose between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower or an available 301-horsepower V6, giving the Camry a wide performance range for different drivers. Hybrid models also deliver exceptional efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined.

Toyota equips the sedan with the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite, which includes advanced driver-assistance systems designed to improve driver awareness and help prevent accidents.

Additional highlights include:

• 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Available panoramic glass roof that brightens the cabin and enhances interior space
• Available JBL® premium audio system with nine speakers
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat air vents

2025 Toyota Camry

The 2025 Toyota Camry introduces a completely redesigned generation of Toyota’s popular midsize sedan. One of the most significant updates is that every Camry now uses a hybrid powertrain, improving efficiency while maintaining strong performance.

Toyota’s latest hybrid system produces up to 232 horsepower in all-wheel-drive models, giving the new Camry more power than previous hybrid versions while still delivering impressive fuel economy.

Additional highlights include:

• Available electronic all-wheel drive (AWD) for improved traction in poor weather
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
• Available head-up display projects key driving information onto the windshield
• Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad

2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offers dependable performance and affordability, making it a strong choice for drivers who prioritize reliability. Powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, the Corolla delivers impressive efficiency with an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, making it ideal for commuting and daily driving.

Toyota also equips the Corolla with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and driver awareness.

Additional highlights include:

• Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Automatic climate control on most trims
• LED headlights with daytime running lights
• Smart Key system with push-button start on select trims

What Are the Best Pre-Owned SUVs and Crossovers?

2024 Toyota RAV4

For drivers who want a practical compact SUV, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 combines fuel efficiency, everyday usability, and available all-wheel drive. The standard powertrain features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with available all-wheel drive, producing 203 horsepower. Hybrid models significantly improve efficiency, delivering around 40 mpg combined.

Additional highlights include:

• Available hands-free power liftgate for easier cargo access
• Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® compatibility
• Panoramic glass roof available on higher trims
• Available wireless smartphone charging tray

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee represents the latest generation of Jeep’s iconic midsize SUV and blends off-road capability with upscale interior design. Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower, giving it strong performance for towing and highway driving.

Key advantages include:

• Quadra-Trac® four-wheel-drive system available for enhanced off-road capability
• Quadra-Lift® air suspension system that adjusts ride height for different terrain
• 10.25-inch digital driver information display
• Available 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 infotainment system
• Optional McIntosh® 19-speaker premium audio system

2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox stands out in the compact SUV segment thanks to its comfortable ride and practical design.

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower, the Equinox balances everyday efficiency with responsive performance.

The 2022 model features updated exterior styling with a redesigned front grille, new LED headlamps, and revised front and rear fascias for a more refined look.

Additional highlights include:

• Updated infotainment system with a 7- or available 8-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Teen Driver technology that helps monitor new drivers
• Available HD Surround Vision camera system
• Power programmable liftgate

2024 Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers three rows of seating and a spacious interior, making it a strong option for families. The SUV is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 265 horsepower, offering a solid balance of performance and efficiency. Hybrid models deliver up to an estimated 36 mpg combined, making them a more efficient option for daily driving and longer trips.

Additional highlights include:

• Available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Available digital rearview mirror
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ with features like Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Hands-free power liftgate for easier cargo loading
• Available panoramic moonroof
• Second-row captain’s chairs available on select trims

What Are the Best Pre-Owned Pickup Trucks?

2024 Ford F-150

The 2024 Ford F-150 builds on its legacy as America’s best-selling pickup truck with strong capability and multiple powertrain options, including turbocharged EcoBoost engines, a V8, and a hybrid system. When properly equipped, the F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, making it one of the most capable trucks in the segment.

Additional highlights include:

• BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology
• Interior work surface that folds from the center console
• 360-degree camera with split-view display
• Tailgate work surface with integrated ruler and clamp pockets

2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 is widely praised for delivering one of the smoothest rides in the full-size truck segment.

The truck’s coil-spring rear suspension helps improve ride quality compared with traditional leaf-spring setups used by many competitors.

Additional highlights include:

• RAMBox® cargo management system built into the bed sides
• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof available on higher trims
• Digital rearview mirror with integrated camera
• Multi-function tailgate with split-opening design

2024 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 combines strong towing capability with premium interior materials, including available leather seating and wood trim, particularly in higher trims like Denali and AT4. The truck offers multiple engine options, including a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower, delivering strong performance for hauling and towing.

Additional highlights include:

• Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system
• MultiPro tailgate with six configurable functions
• 15-inch head-up display available on Denali models
• Bose® premium audio system

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduced a refreshed interior and upgraded technology, helping modernize the truck’s cabin.

Chevrolet added a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver display to many trims, giving the interior a more advanced and user-friendly design.

The Silverado also offers strong capability with four powerful engine options.

Additional highlights include:

• Multi-Flex tailgate with six configurable positions
• Trailering app with integrated towing diagnostics
• Bed View camera system for monitoring cargo
• Durabed cargo bed with 12 standard tie-downs

What Are the Best Pre-Owned Minivans?

2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Toyota Sienna stands apart among minivans by using a hybrid powertrain in every model, helping deliver impressive fuel efficiency while still providing strong performance.

The hybrid system produces 245 total system horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, which is exceptional for a vehicle designed to carry up to eight passengers.

Additional highlights include:

• Hands-free dual power sliding doors and power liftgate
• Available 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment display
• Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink®
• Four-zone automatic climate control

2023 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica features a versatile interior design and innovative convenience features that make it a strong family vehicle.

Its signature Stow ‘n Go® seating system allows the second-row seats to fold directly into the floor, making it easy to switch between passenger seating and cargo space without removing seats.

The Pacifica is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers about 32 miles of all-electric driving, providing improved efficiency for families seeking lower fuel costs on daily trips.

Additional highlights include:

• 10.1-inch Uconnect® 5 touchscreen infotainment system
• FamCAM™ interior camera that allows drivers to monitor rear passengers
• Stow ‘n Vac® built-in vacuum system available on select trims
• Uconnect Theater rear entertainment system with dual 10-inch touchscreens

How Do You Choose the Best Pre-Owned Vehicle?

When shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, focusing on the right model year can make a significant difference. Some years stand out because they introduced major improvements in reliability, safety technology, or performance.

When comparing pre-owned vehicles, consider:

• Reliability ratings from trusted automotive sources
• Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance
• Fuel efficiency for daily driving
• Vehicle history reports and maintenance records

Where Can You Find Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Near You?

If you’re searching for a dependable pre-owned vehicle, Thornhill Auto Group in Chapmanville, WV, offers a wide selection of options from trusted brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Toyota.

Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, a versatile SUV, a capable pickup truck, or a family-friendly minivan, you can find a vehicle that delivers modern features and long-term value.

Explore Thornhill Auto Group’s pre-owned inventory today and discover a vehicle that fits your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

Q: What model years are best when buying a pre-owned vehicle?

Model years that introduced major redesigns, improved powertrains, or upgraded safety technology often make the best pre-owned vehicles. For example, the 2025 Toyota Camry introduced a new hybrid-only generation, the 2024 Ford F-150 added updated technology, and the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduced a redesigned interior with a larger touchscreen. These updates can make specific model years more desirable than others.

Q: Are newer pre-owned vehicles more reliable?

Not always. Reliability often depends on how mature a vehicle’s design is and whether major issues have already been resolved. Many vehicles from 2022–2024 model years offer a strong balance of modern technology and proven reliability. Models like the 2024 Toyota RAV4, 2023 RAM 1500, and 2022 Toyota Corolla have strong reliability reputations while still offering modern features.

Q: What car brands make reliable pre-owned vehicles?

Several automakers have strong reputations for reliability across multiple vehicle segments. Toyota is widely recognized for long-term durability in vehicles like the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4. Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and RAM also produce durable trucks, including models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500, which consistently rank among the most capable and popular pickups in the market.

* All fuel economy mpg listing in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.