No matter what sort of SUV you’re looking for — big, small, or medium, efficiency-first or heavy duty, there are bargains to be found in today’s used SUV market. With $20,000 to spend, your selection includes some nearly new models, some recent hybrids, and some older models with serious capability on-road and off. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a taste of it on this list.
Here are 10 of the best used SUVs you’ll find under $20,000.
1. 2015 Toyota Highlander
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is safe, comfortable, reliable, spacious, and feature-packed — everything you want in a family-oriented SUV. At this price point, look for the Highlander XLE trim level. If you want the excellent hybrid version, look for a 2014. See used 2015 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
2. 2015 Honda Pilot
Squared-off good looks and a well-designed 8-passenger interior set the 2015 Honda Pilot apart from the crowd. It has fuel-efficient performance, plus strong reliability and resale value to sweeten the deal. See used 2015 Honda Pilot models for sale near you
3. 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The first-ever hybrid model of the iconic compact SUV, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid made a lot of sense then and continues to now. Available on our budget in top-spec XLE and Limited trims, the RAV4 Hybrid scores 34 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the highway and comes with a power moonroof, power liftgate, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive, and if you’d rather not have the hybrid, there’s a reasonably efficient base 4-cylinder, too, which defaults to front-wheel drive. See 2016 Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
4. 2016 Honda CR-V
Although it’s not a hybrid, the 2016 Honda CR-V won Kelley Blue Book’s Small SUV Best Buy Award when new, meaning it was the best compact SUV on the market. These days, you can find even top-tier Touring models for less than $20,000, packing all-wheel drive (AWD), leather upholstery, a premium audio system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. See 2016 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
5. 2019 Subaru Forester
One of the newest SUVs on this list, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a smart-sized 5-passenger SUV that bridges the gap between city-friendly and wilderness-capable. For this model year, the Forester was all-new, with a roomier interior filled with smart storage spaces. For our $20,000 cap, your best bet is the Forester Premium. See used 2019 Subaru Forester models for sale near you
6. 2017 Mazda CX-5
For a sportier choice that’s still as practical, efficient, and comfortable as you want for the daily grind, consider the 2017 Mazda CX-5. Stylish looks and a premium cabin are also part of the mix, with our budget affording fully loaded examples. That means amenities like leather seating, Bose audio, advanced driver-assist safety features, a head-up display (HUD), and even heated rear outboard seats. See 2017 Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
7. 2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
Another hybrid compact SUV value is the 2018 Nissan Rogue, with 33 mpg in town and 35 mpg on the highway (31/34 mpg with AWD), and a great deal of equipment in the SV and SL trims at the sweet spot of our budget. Look for models equipped with the optional Sun and Sound Touring package and its panoramic sunroof. See 2018 Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
8. 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
If your need for an SUV includes large cargo capacity, reasonable payload, or considerable towing capacity, the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe will probably meet your needs. Based on GM’s full-size truck line, the Tahoe fits 108.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row, seats up to nine, and can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly configured. See 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe models for sale near you
9. 2015 Dodge Durango
One of the most handsome SUVs ever to grace the road, the humble 2015 Dodge Durango‘s spacious cabin and bold stance hint at its placement somewhere above the midsize SUV class but below the full-sizers like the Tahoe and the Ford Expedition. With a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in reach of our budget in the form of the Durango R/T, this option puts V8 capability — like 7,400 pounds of towing capacity — in a nimbler package. See 2015 Dodge Durango models for sale near you
10. 2020 Chevrolet Trax
For a nearly brand-new SUV that’s also great in the city, the 2020 Chevrolet Trax offers a high driving position, seating for five, and 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space in a compact but comfortable package. Our budget should afford the top-spec Premier model, which comes with Bose audio, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded safety features. See 2020 Chevrolet Trax models for sale near you
10 Best Used SUVs Under $20,000
- 2015 Toyota Highlander
- 2015 Honda Pilot
- 2016 Toyota RAV4
- 2016 Honda CR-V
- 2019 Subaru Forester
- 2017 Mazda CX-5
- 2018 Nissan Rogue
- 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2015 Dodge Durango
- 2020 Chevrolet Trax
