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These Once-Forgotten SUVs Are Surging In Value

Cameron Eittreim September 20, 2023

The SUV market has changed dramatically since the ’80s when they were used for off-roading or getting around on the ranch. Today’s SUV models have become much more advanced and luxurious. In between that period of innovation and design lay SUV models that were forgotten in the wind. So with the current trend of everything retro being worth something way more than it was, we’ve seen classic SUV prices spike like never before.

Many of these SUV models were very common. But due to current consumer interest, they are now worth gold. We looked at some of the most common models that you’ll see that are now worth double what they used to be. Some of these SUVs are quite capable off-road while others are comfortable enough to be a modern daily driver. Whatever classic SUVs you like, there is sure to be a model that you’ll enjoy having in your garage. Let’s remember these once-forgotten SUVs right here.

Mercedes Benz ML320

When Mercedes-Benz jumped into the crossover SUV craze in the late ’90s, the ML320 headlined that run. The ML320 was a fairly modest SUV that had a decent amount of capable luxury. The odd shape of the model was pure Mercedes, but drivers knew that there was something special about it. The ML320 was the definition of groundbreaking. Its unique styling and the new technology took it to another level (via JP Motor Pool).

Today the ML320 is worth a pretty penny, especially for a low mileage example. The capable off-road system and the luxurious interior made it a great choice for consumers. The bulletproof reliability was also a very strong aspect of the ML320, with many examples of the SUV clocking in at over 300k on the odometer.

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Infiniti QX4

The original Infiniti luxury SUV was a welcomed addition to the lineup. It was brought on to compete with the offerings coming from Lexus at the time. The Qx4 was one of the most reliable SUV models from this era. You’ll still see examples of this SUV on the road today with a great deal of mileage on them (via Motor Trend).

The QX4 was comfortable and luxurious, which is why people went for it. But the luxury didn’t stop at the exterior as the interior was comfortable as well. The durable Nissan V6 under the hood was a highly regarded engine. And the fact that the QX4 is a capable off-road rig makes it an even better investment for most drivers to look into.

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Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln was responsible for creating the large luxury SUV boom that we have today. The original Navigator was so popular that it saved the brand from extinction in the late ’90s. Seemingly everyone had to have a chrome-dipped Navigator as the rap community embraced the big, shiny SUVs. This is why the Aviator was a nice try at shrinking the Navigator and selling it to another audience (via Car & Driver).

Unfortunately, the Aviator never caught on with consumers and it didn’t sell very well. But the Aviator has recently become worth quite a bit of money because of what’s under its hood. The engine was shared with the Mustang Mach-1 sports car, which means that the Aviator had a hidden gem under the hood. They continue to rise in value and eventually there won’t be many left.

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1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) — Photo Credit: Car Domain

Jeep Grand Cherokee (First Generation)

This was the original reason why Chrysler purchased American Motors Company. The reason behind it was the fact that AMC was developing the Grand Cherokee and Lee Iacocca knew there was money in the future of SUVs. The original Grand Cherokee was a luxurious model and much more modern than the outgoing Wagoneer. With a potent V8 engine under the hood and a reliable design, the Grand Cherokee was capable and modern at a time when consumers wanted more (via Motor Trend).

Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited — Photo Credit: Auto Trader

A new generation of drivers has embraced the first generation Grand Cherokee and as a result, they’re getting harder to come by. There were a few of these models that were rarer than others such as the 5.7L model. The beautiful styling of the Laredo was also a very positive attribute for the Grand Cherokee. A clean, low mileage example is still a comfortable ride.

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Acura SLX

The SLX was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. However, the problem was that the Trooper was already a dated model by that time. The SLX had no major improvements over the Trooper other than the SLX badging and special paint scheme. Nevertheless, these have started to gain value as reminiscent consumers look toward SUVs from their childhood (via Motor Trend).

The SLX was only manufactured for a few years and the final editions are the most modern and comfortable. The Isuzu underpinnings make the car extremely capable at going off-road which is a good thing. The unique styling of the SLX and the Trooper are rugged and still handsome today. Although the SUV wasn’t the most refined thing on the road, it is unique to look at.

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Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The Cayenne was a game changer, most notably because it was the first Porsche SUV ever made. Likewise, it was also one of the first exotic SUV models to ever hit the market. The high-performance pedigree of a Porsche was crammed into a beautifully sculpted SUV that still looks good today. The Cayenne Turbo was a whole new level of performance in its own right, breaking many speed records at the time. They sunk in value for years but now they are gradually starting to increase (via Motor Biscuit).

Porsche aficionados understand it was something special, and there weren’t a lot of the first-generation Cayennes produced. The high-performance aspect of the Cayenne made it a more capable SUV than others. And just because it was a Porsche that didn’t mean that it couldn’t hang off-road either. The Cayenne was a masterful example of excellent engineering and a high-performance package put into one.

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BMW X5

BMW was in a transition period by the late ’90s and it was time to introduce some newer modern models. A luxury SUV was a natural next step because both Lexus and Mercedes-Benz had introduced their own SUV models. The original X5 was basically like a tall 5-Series and that was a good thing. It had excellent driving characteristics and a notable exterior appearance unlike anything else on the road. The performance of the X5 was also quite exhilarating at the time and it performed well on the track (via Car & Driver).

The X5 was the noteworthy SUV of the future and helped define the BMW brand for another decade. These older first-generation models were cheap for quite some time but now the values are steadily rising. The X5 delivered an excellent driving feel and response that still holds well today. Even getting behind the wheel of a first-generation X5 in 2023 will leave you feeling like you’re in an expensive ride.

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Lexus RX 300

If there’s one thing that can be said for Lexus, it’s that they’re innovative. The original RX300 was a gamble and far ahead of its time. Nevertheless, the SUV was put into production and became a smash hit. If the exterior of the RX300 looks familiar it’s because most automakers have adapted this styling for their modern-day crossovers. But back then, the RX300 was in a league of its own and it flourished. The performance of the RX300 was excellent, and the interior was luxurious and packed with features (via AutoBlog).

The RX300 did a great job of introducing the world to a comfortable crossover vehicle. The high level of refinement and engineering was standard fare for Lexus back then. Consumers who wanted something a bit different than the norm went for the RX300, so it did quite well. These days the RX300 is a wonderful example of a classic car that still provides plenty of reliability and comfort, it’s not uncommon to see one of these with over 400,000 on the clock.

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Subaru B9 Tribeca

Sometime in the mid-2000s, Subaru decided that they were going to style the entire vehicle line with a jet plane look. Things didn’t turn out very well with that. But one unique model that came out of it was the B9 Tribeca. The unique styling of the B9 wasn’t something that most drivers liked, it was the polar opposite. For the 2011 and 2012 model years, the Tribeca was the worst-selling car in America (via Car & Driver).

But now that the models have been discontinued and consumers are looking for used car deals, the Tribeca has managed to increase in value. The B9 had a lot of unique and excellent features which included a high level of luxury equipment and a Boxer engine. Although it didn’t earn the reputation of one, the Tribeca was a premium SUV offering, and as such there’s a great level of luxury that comes with it.

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Lexus RX 350

Introduced as the second generation of the Lexus crossover, the RX350 improved on everything the RX300 did. The styling was modernized and beautiful and the RX350 was a lot larger than its predecessor. Another interesting thing about the RX350 was the improved performance under the hood. There were a few special editions of the car as well and even today the RX350 from this generation doesn’t feel like a dated car in any sense (via Car & Driver).

The value of these cars has continued to rise because of their bulletproof Lexus reputation. The reliability is undeniable and the build quality was some of the best to come out of a Toyota factory. The RX350 stayed on the market for quite a while because the design was so good. The value of this generation is remaining steady because it’s a great deal for the price. You get the high-end Lexus luxury of a modern vehicle and enough off-road capability to enjoy a weekend ski trip or hike.

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Acura MDX

The Acura SLX didn’t go over very well, but by the 2000s, Acura wanted another attempt at the SUV market. This offering was a lot better as it was based on the Honda Pilot. The first generation MDX was stylish, offering great luxury and performance for the price. The styling was so much better than the SLX and consumers embraced the MDX wholeheartedly. Sales numbers for this SUV were much better and it fared better on the market as well, which is why you still see them on the road (via Consumer Reports).

The MDX redefined Acura’s standing in the SUV segment and the luxury car market. The design was a lot better and a lot more capable off-road and in town. The refinement took the MDX to the next level and consumers were quite happy with the product. There weren’t a lot of SUVs from this era that offer the kind of value that the MDX did for the price.

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2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Even in the middle of an economic recession, Mercedes managed to offer a great SUV. The second generation M-Class, which hit the market in 2008, was a notable upgrade over the outgoing model. Every inch of the SUV was completely upgraded and changed to reflect the new design philosophy. The engine was upgraded dramatically and the interior was a lot more luxurious as well. The M-Class from this generation has managed to increase in value because it offers a nice modern ride for the price (via Edmunds).

There was also an AMG model that’s worth considering that added ample horsepower into the mix. This SUV came out when the crossovers were more widely accepted and a lot of what you’ll find here you see on SUV models today. But the M-Class was still a very capable model as well with an all-wheel-drive system that was very advanced for the period.

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Lincoln MKX

The MKX was one of the first modern models in the Lincoln lineup to use the new alphanumeric naming scheme. It was based on the Ford Edge but offered a notable amount of luxury upgrades. Perhaps most notable of all was the improved performance and refinement and the fact that the MKX was another modern crossover. Nowadays these cars are the norm, but back then every new model that came out was a revelation. Ford rolled the dice and the MKX became one of the best sellers in the Lincoln lineup (via Car & Driver).

The value of these cars has remained steady as it doesn’t depreciate like other models have. The MKX was also one of the most reliable Lincoln models to hit the market in a long time. The beautiful exterior and the high amount of luxury helped the car to maintain a stellar reputation that still holds today. The MKX was a winning combination of luxury and refinement in every piece.

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BMW X3

The X3 was another modern crossover SUV that continued to improve on changes in the industry. The X3 had everything special about the X5 and compacted it, which a new segment of drivers were looking for. The performance of the X3 was the real surprise, and most owners were raving about just how well this little SUV drove. But don’t let the small size fool you because the X3 was also a very capable off-road model as well. It had an advanced suspension system that allowed it to go just about anywhere (via Car & Driver).

The X3 was a welcomed addition to the lineup and to BMW enthusiasts who wanted something smaller and more fun to drive. The compact driving detentions and high level of luxury and refinement are what have helped keep this generation popular. The values for this model have remained steady and it continues to offer a lot for the price.

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Acura RDX

If the MDX was a success then the RDX was an even bigger success, right? Not so much. But it did offer a unique body style for the period that would have been popular today. Nevertheless, the RDX has been developing a loyal following as new cars are harder to come by these days. There were a lot of things the RDX did quite well. The performance was much better than you’d expect for the period and the design was completely modern with a lot of new luxury refinements to choose from (via Car & Driver).

The RDX was an excellent crossover that never got the attention that it deserved when it was new. But nowadays, the car has become quite the collector’s item and managed to gain a following. The design was compact enough to be trendy and comfortable in the city, yet modern enough for most drivers. Not to mention the fact that you get the bulletproof Honda reliability that comes with owning an Acura product.

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Lexus GX 470

The Lexus GX was an entirely new full-size SUV that was introduced in 2002. The GX was based on the Toyota 4Runner but the overall detentions were increased and a V8 engine was added into the mix. The GX 470 had several advanced features that made it unique in a crowded field of other models. This wasn’t a competing model with the Lexus LX, but instead an alternative. Although the GX was never that popular in recent years the SUV has started to gain traction because of the off-road capability and the V8 engine (via Car Buzz).

Back when these SUVs were starting to lose value, you could pick one up for a low price. But nowadays the value has increased dramatically because the package offers a little bit of everything. The GX was one of the most well-designed Lexus products of the 2000s and there’s a lot that it has to offer in terms of value and refinement.

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Infiniti FX

Infiniti launched several unique models in the 2000s, but perhaps one of the most unique offerings was the FX. The thing that made the FX unique was the fact that it was based on the Nissan Z sports car. So consumers got sports car styling that was wrapped up in a beautifully sculpted SUV model. The FX wasn’t the most capable at going off-road, but it did have an AWD drive system if you encountered snow or ice. The FX did a great job of introducing an entirely new demographic into the Infiniti showroom and was quite popular (via AutoBlog)

The first generation FX models have largely been forgotten but they represent one of the best values in the automotive world right now. The exceptional styling and one-of-a-kind performance are just things that you don’t find on most SUV models. Not to mention the fact that the first-generation FX is still as fun to drive now as it was back in the 2000s.

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Yukon Denali

The Denali was a knee-jerk reaction by GM to compete with the Lincoln Navigator when it hit the market. The Navigator became such a success that GM had to launch something quickly. The original Yukon Denali took everything good about the 1990s Yukon and added some pizzazz. Its luxurious interior was two-toned and comfortable. The exterior was also a lot smoother and offered a great deal of style that the Yukon model hadn’t had prior. The Denali has become quite the sought-after collector’s item (via Edmunds).

It was a successful foray into the luxury SUV world by GM, and it managed to set the groundwork for the Denali brand. These first-generation models are hard to come by in clean condition, which is why a clean one will set you back a pretty penny. But the bulletproof reliability and handsome full-sized SUV looks haven’t faded even after almost 30 years.

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GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition

A lot of people don’t realize that there was a Diamond Edition Jimmy in the 2000s. It was sort of a stopgap until the Envoy hit the market and it offered quite a unique package. In addition to the obvious exterior enhancements, the interior was also a lot more luxurious than you’d expect. It had stitched leather seating and several improvements on the inside. The Diamond Edition was also an off-road capable vehicle with an improved suspension and a beautiful set of allow wheels to complement everything (via Auto Trader).

The Diamond edition Jimmy is one of the most unique models that came out in the 2000s because of its rarity. You’ll never see one of these on the road that often and when you do it’s a special sight. The GMC brand was moving toward being more of a premium product in the 2000s and the Diamond Edition was one of the first offerings.

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Cadillac Escalade

After GM had success with the Yukon Denali, the Cadillac Escalade hit the market. Everything about the Escalade has been a game changer and every generation gets better and better. But the original three generations of the Escalade are the best models to look for because they offer such a high level of value for the price. The Escalade had the potent 5.3L V8 under the hood, which was also one of the most reliable engines ever made. Numerous luxury enhancements made the Escalade great (via Motor Trend).

The Escalade offered a lot of features that are hard to find on SUVs nowadays and was more than capable of towing as well. The value of the original Escalade models has continued to increase as more people learn about this great SUV. The stellar build quality and appearance have made the original Escalade models worth more and more.

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Isuzu Rodeo

The Rodeo was one of the first mainstream SUVs on the market. It offered the first complete package for a midsized SUV that consumers were looking for. The capable SUV wasn’t the most refined or the most expensive, but it did everything just right. Isuzu has become a forgotten blip here in America but there was a time when the Rodeo was quite popular. The Rodeo had a truck-based platform that helped it to perform quite well off-road, something even SUV models don’t have today (via Car & Driver).

The Rodeo did a great job of offering a comprehensive off-road package when it was new. Nowadays, the Rodeo offers a great deal as a pre-owned SUV for those who want something fun to throw around on a trail. The value of the Rodeo is continuing to rise because it was one of the most capable models from the period. An entirely new generation of enthusiasts is learning what Isuzu was and how great the Rodeo was in its prime.

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Isuzu VehiCROSS

The Isuzu VehiCROSS was a last-ditch effort by the automaker to invoke some excitement in their brand. The problem was that no one wanted the vehicle even though it had a unique outward appearance. Underneath it was nothing more than the same Rodeo that had already been on the market for 10 years. Nevertheless, the Vehicross has since become a sort of cultural phenomenon. Even these days there is nothing else that looks like it on the market, and people still stop and ask questions about it (via Car & Driver).

The vehicle was a notable SUV that didn’t get a lot of attention at the time. These days it’s something unique that offers a great value for the price, and even as the value rises there aren’t a lot of these left on the market. Looking for something unique to take off-roading that isn’t a Jeep? The VehiCROSS might be the ride for you.

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Geo Tracker

The Tracker was once one of the most common cars on the road. However, it was also one of the most capable SUV models that most people didn’t know about. The SUV had a full body-on-frame construction which made it extremely durable and capable. The reliability of its four-cylinder engine was also top-notch and was derived from Suzuki engineering. The removable top also added a unique layer of fun to the ride as these types of SUVs are becoming all the rage nowadays (via Edmunds).

The Tracker has managed to attract a new group of buyers who love its unique style and performance. Although it wasn’t the most popular thing to drive over the past 20 years it’s now becoming a hip fashion statement. The Tracker used to be cheap to obtain but now they’re expensive, sometimes topping $6,000 for one in bad condition.

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Isuzu Axiom

Perhaps one of the most unique offerings of the decade, the Axiom was Isuzu’s take on a high-end luxury SUV. Unfortunately, it never caught on with consumers and the brand was discontinued shortly after it was released. Nevertheless, the Axiom has been gaining traction on the used market in recent years as consumers gravitate toward these forgotten relics of the past. The Axiom was based on the Isuzu Rodeo so it’s quite capable of going off-road coupled with the fact it has a lot of luxury features (via Hot Cars).

Few SUV models have offered such a distinct look as the Axiom did, but sadly it never resonated with consumers. However, there are more fans of the Axiom than ever before, which is why it has become much more popular. The Axiom offers a great deal of value for the price as well as a noteworthy SUV that has a unique look to it that people will ask about.

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These Once-Forgotten SUVs Are Surging In Value

Mercedes Benz ML320

Infiniti QX4

Lincoln Aviator

Jeep Grand Cherokee (First Generation)

Acura SLX

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

BMW X5

Lexus RX 300

Subaru B9 Tribeca

Lexus RX 350

Acura MDX

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Lincoln MKX

BMW X3

Acura RDX

Lexus GX 470

Infiniti FX

Yukon Denali

GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition

Cadillac Escalade

Isuzu Rodeo

Isuzu VehiCROSS

Geo Tracker

Isuzu Axiom

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