Cars are costly. The common new automotive value is simply south of $50,000, which places a stunning variety of new automobiles out of attain for the typical particular person. Case in level: a base Honda Odyssey begins at slightly below $40,000. Despite the alarming revelation {that a} totally loaded Honda minivan prices greater than the Civic Type R, the used market is filled with nice choices at an affordable value. Gone are the times when you possibly can decide up a strong used automotive for 2 grand, however if you happen to stretch your price range to $20,000, there may be undoubtedly one thing to suit your specific use case.

We acknowledge that most individuals are out there for automobiles outfitted with all-wheel drive, so each automotive on this checklist has all-wheel drive as normal or as an possibility. Perhaps extra importantly, we perceive that automobiles are the two-ton metallic and plastic highway missiles that your family members trip in, so this checklist has made main issues for security. Now, not each entry manages to incorporate the newest and best in security tech, however all of them obtained excessive scores from the NHTSA.

Once you purchase a automotive, particularly if you happen to’re stretching your price range, you most likely need it to work for greater than ten minutes earlier than leaving you stranded and questioning why the heck a 20-mile tow prices $300. Not solely are most of those automobiles on the newer aspect, however all of them have a strong popularity for reliability, and a few are even identified to exceed 250,000 miles with simply fundamental upkeep.

Though these entries have been chosen for his or her popularity for being primarily trouble-free, we will not specific sufficient how necessary it’s to get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). A PPI can value as a lot as $100, however it’s higher to spend $100 now than pay for a brand new engine or transmission down the road. Finally, get a check drive in earlier than you hand the cash over. $20,000 continues to be some huge cash, so it’s possible you’ll as nicely spend your hard-earned money on one thing you actually like.

In order to provide the newest and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with CarComplaints.com, Motorreviewer.com, and Fueleconomy.gov, and Caranddriver.com. All automobiles included have plentiful examples listed on the market beneath $20,000 with beneath 120,000 miles. The choice course of included quite a lot of automobile varieties and sizes, however reliability and security have been vital issues.

15 2020-2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Price: $19,000 – $20,000

The Subaru Crosstrek is the new poster child for affordable AWD vehicles. While the Impreza is mainly the identical automotive with 3.5″ much less floor clearance, the Crosstrek gives the raised-up crossover model that is been so fascinating within the present market. A 2020 or 2021 Crosstrek might be closest to the highest finish of the price range, however most listings boast mileage between 25,000 and 90,000 miles.

Admittedly, there aren’t as many listings with tremendous low mileage, however the base 2.0-liter FB20D boxer-4 engine is thought to be a reliable powertrain that should not have any downside hitting 150,000-200,000 miles. While the extra highly effective 2.5-liter engine was launched for the 2021 mannequin yr, good luck discovering one for lower than twenty grand. That mentioned, if you happen to choose to row your individual gears, the handbook transmission is just accessible on the bottom engine.

According to CarComplaints, the 2020 and 2021 mannequin years are a number of the least problematic for the Crosstrek. There are some scattered stories of infotainment malfunctions, and earlier fashions had points with the CVT, however for probably the most half, these automobiles seem like fairly strong.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.subaru.com)

Being a more moderen Subaru, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as normal and may be operated by a 6.5″ touchscreen. If you want any driver assistance technology like Subaru’s Eyesight, you’ll have to opt for the Limited trim. Examples are less common than the base or premium trim models at this price point, but with it, you’ll get driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise, as well as a larger 8.0″ infotainment display and leather-based seating surfaces. Ultimately, the Crosstrek is a reliable, cheap-to-operate automobile that features the must-haves for the fashionable shopper.

Pros

• Symmetrical AWD
• 8.7 inches of floor clearance
• Clever use of area

Cons

• Reports of minor electrical points
• Finicky CVT
• Models with 2.5-liter engine prices greater than $20k

14 Volkswagen Taos 4Motion

Price: $18,500 – $20,000

If the Crosstrek is not your cup of tea, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a superb different. Standard on the Taos is a 6.5″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while an 8.0″ is elective. Every Taos comes standard with a customizable and easy-to-read digital gauge cluster. Not solely do you get digital gauges, however relying on the trim stage, you may get heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and even ambient inside lighting.

Our personal automotive journalist, Chris Chin, had this to say in regards to the VW Taos:

The Volkswagen Taos is a superb premium possibility of the entry-level crossover SUV form that balances practicality whereas specializing in the easy joys of driving slightly than expertise or extra. While others spend cash on tech and options, Volkswagen clearly spent its cash within the chassis and suspension departments the place the Taos pleasantly gobbles miles with out sacrificing driver involvement. Do take warning with the choices checklist, nonetheless, as it is not that less expensive than its bigger Tiguan sibling.

The S and SE trims have enticing and cozy fabric seats, however leather-based is obtainable on the SEL. Though the SEL comes with some good options like an even bigger display, adaptive cruise management, and an up to date audio system, the SE is actually the candy spot in the marketplace. Plus, the SE consists of some nice driver help options like a blind spot monitor, rear site visitors alert, ahead collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking, to call a number of.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.vw.com)

The killer tech within the Taos extends past the inside. The EA211 1.5-liter four-cylinder is a revision of the earlier 1.4-liter used within the base Jetta in years prior. The engine may be very technologically superior. It makes use of a variable geometry turbo just like the Porsche 911 and has a particular oval crankshaft torsional cancelation sprocket rather than a typical round cam gear. This reduces the radius in the course of the working stroke, which Volkswagen stories ought to imply much less stress on the timing parts. A timing belt runs the EA211, however the distinctive cam sprockets ought to permit for an extended interval (nearer to 130,000 miles) earlier than substitute.

2022 is the primary yr of the Taos for the North American market. Though we often would not advocate a primary mannequin yr, all of the parts that make up the Taos have been tried and examined in earlier Volkswagen fashions, making for a fairly protected wager on the used market. Please word that although the Taos ought to be a dependable machine, it is nonetheless a German automotive with superior expertise beneath its inoffensive sheet metallic. The 4Motion fashions use a Haldex AWD system, which requires a differential fluid change each 30,000-40,000 miles, and the 1.5-liter engine requires diligent upkeep if you’d like it to reside a protracted, fruitful life.

Pros

• Simple, quick infotainment
• Exceptional gas financial system
• More refined than rivals like Crosstrek

Cons

• 4Motion fashions solely get 7-Speed DCT
• Complicated drivetrain
• Maintenance heavy

13 2020-2021 Toyota Camry AWD

Price: 18,000 – 19,500

For years, the Toyota Camry was devoid of AWD. Thankfully, the choice arrived on the scene for 2020 and formally makes the Camry one of the best options for those prioritizing safety and reliability. Unfortunately, the silky easy 3.5-liter V-6 cannot be paired with the AWD system, however you may nonetheless get the trusty 2.5-liter Inline-4 that ought to final a lifetime.

In reality, there are already a lot of 2018+ examples with over 250,000 miles on the clock presently in the marketplace. The 8-Speed did have some minor points when it was launched in 2018, however since then, Toyota appears to have gotten the programming dialed in. Power from the two.5-liter is not spectacular, however 202 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque is greater than sufficient for the every day commute. Though the XV70 technology Camry was launched in 2018, if you’d like an all-wheel-drive Camry for beneath $20,000, you may need to discover a 2020-2021 mannequin.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from caranddriver.com)

All 2020-2021 Camry’s are outfitted with “Toyota Safety Sense.” Unlike the BMW 3 Series, which charges extra for such features, the Camry comes normal with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a full-speed radar cruise management, lane departure warning with steering help, and computerized excessive beam help. There are some elective security options like energetic blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, clever clearance sonar, and rear cross-traffic braking.

Still, given the smaller variety of all-wheel drive Camrys in the marketplace, it is good to have some driver help security options assured. Thankfully, although Toyota tends to lack within the tech division, the Camry comes normal with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto throughout these years.

Pros

• Bulletproof powertrain
• Easy on upkeep
• AWD system can ship as much as 50% of energy to the rear

Cons

• Lacking on tech
• Only decrease trims accessible on this value vary
• Under price range examples close to 100k miles

12 2019-2020 Honda CR-V

Price: $18,000 – $20,000

The Honda CR-V has lengthy been a staple within the compact crossover section. The excellent news for this checklist: a big proportion of CR-Vs in the marketplace are outfitted with all-wheel drive. The dangerous information: if you happen to’re a fan of old-school, naturally aspirated Honda goodness, you may have to stay to a 2019 mannequin yr. In 2019, Honda nonetheless provided the two.4-liter K24, which produced a wholesome 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. The K24 is a tried and true engine and ought to be a protected wager if you happen to’re the kind of particular person to place 200,000 miles in your automotive.

As an alternate in 2019 and subsequently the one engine accessible for a non-hybrid CVT in 2020, the 1.5-liter turbocharged L15 is Honda’s new normal powertrain used within the Civic, Accord, and HR-V, amongst different issues. Though not as technologically superior because the 1.5-liter within the Taos, the small displacement Honda motor produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque at solely 2,000 RPM. Though the specs are much like the K24, having peak torque at such a low RPM makes the automotive really feel noticeably faster round city.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from hondanews.com)

Unlike the Taos, the Honda falls a bit quick on normal tech. The 2020 mannequin yr consists of lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking as normal, however those self same options have been solely elective in 2019. If you need smartphone connectivity, you may need to go for the EX or greater trim, because the LX solely features a 5.0″ display with out CarPlay and Android Auto.

That mentioned, the 7.0″ infotainment display within the greater trim ranges, although a bit sluggish and clunky, continues to be adequate to get the job accomplished if you happen to’re in search of a contemporary automotive on a price range. The CR-V just isn’t essentially the very best automotive on the checklist, nevertheless it’s bought a greater than acceptable stage of tech, two dependable engine choices (not less than for 2019), and an impressive security document as well.

Pros

• Decent infotainment in all however base LX trim
• IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2019
• Two dependable engine choices

Cons

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto solely in EX trim or above
• No 2.4-liter possibility for 2020
• Not as many normal options for 2019 mannequin yr

11 2020-2021 Mazda3 AWD

Price: $17,000 – $20,000

If the fourth generation of the Mazda3 is ever praised universally, it’s for its elegant design inside and out. The compact Mazda sedan and hatchback are positively punching above their weight on the subject of esthetics, so it would not be a stretch to say it is the very best wanting within the section. Beauty apart, in 2020, the one engine accessible is the 186 horsepower 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4. 2021 launched the two.5-liter Skyactiv-G turbocharged inline-4 that upped energy to 250 horsepower and an astonishing 320 lb-ft of torque.

Unfortunately, although the turbo model is AWD solely, you will not discover many for beneath $20,000. That mentioned, there are many non-turbo all-wheel drive variants on the market that come beneath price range. If you like an odd variety of pedals, you may have to stay with the front-wheel drive variant, however Mazda has blessed us with a 6-speed computerized as an alternative of a droney CVT. All we are able to say is thanks, Mazda.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from information.mazdausa.com)

Standard throughout the vary is radar cruise with cease and go, lane departure warning, lane preserve help, sensible brake help, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. All trims are fitted with an 8.8″ infotainment display that may solely be managed by way of a rotary knob and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as normal.

Not all that dissimilar from Audi’s scroll wheel, the rotary controller is fairly simple to get used to, however the lack of a touchscreen is a little bit of a letdown. Despite the dearth of visibility out the again of the hatchback, the Mazda3 has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick yearly of its present technology. Admittedly, the all-wheel drive Mazda3 is a bit tougher to search out beneath price range than different entries, however its design alone may make it price a highway journey to search out the precise one.

Pros

• The seems to be
• A sturdy, fuel-efficient powertrain
• No CVT…yay!

Cons

• No touchscreen
• Poor rearward visibility in hatchback
• Harder to search out AWD fashions

10 2021-2022 Subaru Impreza

Price: $15,000 – $19,000

The Impreza is nearly every thing the Crosstrek is minus floor clearance. Driver help options like blind spot monitoring, lane change help, and adaptive cruise, in addition to a bigger 8.0″ infotainment display, are elective, similar to on the Crosstrek. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each normal options on even the bottom Impreza.

Due to the Impreza’s impressively low MSRP, examples of the upper trims are available on the used marketplace for nicely inside the $20,000 price range, so if heated leather-based seats, an even bigger infotainment display, and driver help expertise are in your checklist of priorities, discovering the right Impreza ought to be a breeze.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from subaru.com)

As with the Crosstrek, the Impreza solely comes with a 2.0-liter Boxer-4 that produces 152 horsepower. That means the Impreza is down on energy in comparison with rivals just like the Mazda3, Honda Civic, and even the Toyota Corolla. Despite the dearth of grunt, the FB20D is a strong engine that ought to be a protected wager because the miles begin racking up miles.

Sadly, although the Impreza gives a 6-speed handbook, it simply is not superb. It’s floppy, imprecise, and never all that partaking, particularly in comparison with rivals. However, you are presumably contemplating the Impreza as a result of it is low-cost, protected, and dependable transportation; on that entrance, it greater than will get the job accomplished.

Pros

• Cheaper than Crosstrek
• Lots of extremely specced-in price range examples on the market
• Reliable FB20D engine

Cons

• Sluggish powertrain
• Minimal normal options
• A handbook transmission not price saving

9 2018-2019 Audi A4

Price: $15,000 – $19,000

The B9 Audi A4 is getting a bit lengthy within the tooth, however if you happen to’re seeking to purchase used, that works in your favor. Since the B9’s introduction in 2017, there have been updates and facelifts, however from the surface, the 2024 model year doesn’t look drastically different from 2017. On the inside, the sooner 2018-2019 A4 fashions didn’t embody a touchscreen.

However, just like the Mazda, it makes use of a rotary wheel to function the 7.0″ infotainment screen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.3″ display and the 12.3″ Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster usually are not normal. That mentioned, loads of totally loaded examples that match the $20,000 price range may be discovered on the used market if these elective options are containers you need checked.

Driver help options are plentiful for the time, however blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise management, and lane preserve help are solely accessible on the upper Premium Plus and Prestige trims. The base trim does include heated seats, computerized braking, and computerized collision warning, so like right this moment, Audi is something however stingy on the subject of normal tools.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from caranddriver.com)

Under the hood, the third-generation 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged inline-4 powers the A4 to 60 MPH in a brisk 5.3 seconds due to a handy guide a rough 7-speed DCT. For 2018, you may nonetheless have the ability to discover some A4s outfitted with a slick 6-speed handbook transmission. Rowing your individual gears in a luxurious sedan with a potent engine makes the commute infinitely extra enjoyable.

Even with out the handbook, the A4 continues to be partaking to drive because of the 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque powering all 4 wheels. The enjoyable is primarily guilt-free because the EA888 is one of the more reliable turbocharged motors in recent memory. The A4 just isn’t the one luxurious sedan on the checklist, nevertheless it’s positively the very best mix of effectivity, efficiency, and tech if you happen to’re in search of an all-wheel-drive automotive that provides extra than simply the fundamentals.

Pros

• 6-Speed handbook accessible for 2018
• Tons of normal options
• IIHS Top Safety Pick 2018-2019

Cons

• No touchscreen
• More costly to keep up

8 2018-2020 Mazda CX-5 AWD

Price: $15,000 – $18,000

The Mazda CX-5 is fitted with the identical 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 discovered within the Mazda3, although Mazda managed to squeeze out one further horsepower on this utility. The Skyactiv-G is a superb engine and Mazda has tuned this household crossover to be a surprisingly partaking driving expertise.

Anyone who has been behind the wheel of a late mannequin CX-5 can attest to the surprisingly good steering really feel from the electrically assisted rack. Perhaps extra satisfying is the best way the chassis feels on a twisty highway. It’s not that different automobiles on this checklist do not surpass the driving pleasure the CX-5 brings, however the truth that a household crossover is as enjoyable to drive because the CX-5 reveals Mazda’s dedication to creating driving satisfying for everybody.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from mazdausa.com)

For 2018 and 2019, radar cruise with cease and go, lane departure warning, lane preserve help, sensible brake help, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert can be found choices however not normal. In reality, in 2018, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t even accessible. Thankfully, 2019 launched smartphone connectivity on the upper trims, and 2020 made these options normal.

Much just like the Mazda3, the CX-5 receives a 5-star security ranking from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick within the years we have included on this checklist. With costs ranging as little as $15,000 for the 2018 mannequin yr, there are nonetheless loads of 2019 and 2020 CX-5s that match the price range. Depending in your belief within the Skyactiv-G, examples may be discovered with anyplace from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Other crossovers included on this checklist could provide higher gas financial system, normal options, and extra charismatic engines, however the CX-5 stands out for its attractiveness and surprisingly good driving dynamics.

Pros

• Great steering and throttle response
• Beautiful exterior
• Limited highway noise at excessive speeds

Cons

• Fuel financial system falls wanting rivals
• Driver help options not normal 2018-2019

7 2013-2018 Lexus GS 350 AWD

Price: $14,000 – $19,000

The Lexus GS was discontinued after the 2020 mannequin yr, so it tends to fly beneath the radar. Additionally, the bigger dimension and RWD-based structure are inclined to scare off potential consumers. The all-wheel drive variant, nonetheless, is the extra frequent approach you may see the GS specced, particularly if you happen to reside in New England.

The all-wheel drive is, after all, what you are right here for, however what is going to preserve you driving the GS 350 is the engine. 2013 and 2014 fashions are outfitted with the 2GR-FXE, whereas the 2015-2018s get the 2GR-FKS still used in Lexus and Toyota products in 2024. Both are port and direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engines which are well-known for his or her sturdiness and penchant for lasting 250,000 miles as long as you are form sufficient to alter the oil on occasion.

Though the rear-wheel-drive model will get an 8-speed computerized, all-wheel-drive fashions need to make do with solely six ahead gears. Though a bit antiquated by comparability, the 6-speed is a stout, time-tested unit that shifts easily and may contribute to the luxurious expertise the GS goals to supply.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from lexus.com)

The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is most notable for the fashionable shopper. Though the GS 350 has some good options for its time, as with most Lexus merchandise, you sacrifice some tech within the quest for long-term sturdiness. That mentioned, an elective heads-up show, intuitive park help, and blind spot monitoring are options that could be price looking for out on the used market. The GS 350 may be discovered for between $14,000 and $19,000, relying on the yr, trim, and mileage. Low mileage examples are plentiful on this value vary, however with the GS we would not fear about excessive mileage.

The GS, even in F-Sport trim, isn’t any sports activities sedan, however if you happen to want a cushty, luxurious all-wheel drive cruiser which you could rely on, the 2013-2018 GS 350 is a incredible alternative.

Pros

• IIHS Top Safety Pick 2013
• Smooth, dependable V-6 engine
• Comfortable trip

Cons

• Poor gas financial system
• CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable

6 2017-2018 BMW 330i xDrive

Price: $14,000 – $18,000

In 2024, BMW costs further for heated seats and driver help aids. The identical is true for the ultimate years of the F30 technology. Despite the basic BMW exterior design, the F30’s interior is a far cry from the current G20 3 Series. The 330i does have Apple CarPlay, however Android Auto just isn’t accessible till the following technology 3-Series.

Most normal luxurious options like heated seats, adaptive cruise, and even a backup digicam have been elective on the 330i (in 2018, the backup camera was standard), so be certain to take a look at which listings provide the options you want. Driver help tech is restricted, however lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking assist have been accessible and optioned on many fashions listed on the market on this value vary.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from caranddriver.com)

It’s amazing that you can buy a modern manual BMW sports sedan for beneath $20,000 that does not crumble, however that is precisely what the 330i is. Equipped with the modular B48 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4, the 330i produces 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Though the B48 will not be as dependable or low-cost to keep up because the 2GR V-6 within the Lexus, it is a well-built engine that ought to be a protected wager even on the used market with over 100,000 miles. 330i xDrive fashions may be discovered within the $14,000-$18,000 vary, anyplace from 40,000 to 100,000 miles.

The 330 could not have the basic straight-6 BMW roar whenever you put your foot down, nevertheless it’s a really competent performer and, in contrast to the Lexus GS, is designed to be a driver’s automotive slightly than only a comfortable strategy to journey.

Pros

• A correct sports activities sedan
• Reliable, environment friendly powertrain
• Available 6-speed handbook

Cons

• Limited normal tech
• Cheap plastics within the inside
• Android Auto not accessible

5 2012-2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic

Price: $12,000 – $16,000

2012 to 2016 was an exciting time for the E-Class. In 2014, it obtained a significant refresh, which added a bunch of options and noticeably modified the design. The pre-facelift automobiles have a sure magnificence with the cut up headlight design, however later fashions included extra tech that could be fascinating if you happen to’re in search of a mid-size luxurious sedan. 2012 and 2013 fashions did provide lane departure warning, driver drowsiness detection, and site visitors signal recognition, which have been new options on the time.

In 2014, Mercedes launched cutting-edge options like collision prevention help, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise management with steering help, energetic lane protecting help, brake help plus, and cross site visitors help. Keep in thoughts that different automobiles of the identical classic did not incorporate these options till a number of years later. It’s typical of Mercedes to be forward of the sport. Heck, you would even get an energetic parking help and a 360-degree digicam…not dangerous for 2014.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.mbusa.com)

As for value, a beat E350 4Matic may be discovered for beneath $10,000, however a strong one with between 50,000 and 100,000 miles tends to fall between the $12,000 and $16,000 vary. Earlier mannequin years utilized the M272 3.5-liter V-6, however we’re recommending the 2012-2016 E350, which has the 60-degree M276 3.5-liter V-6.

The M272 just isn’t a nasty engine by any stretch, however the M276 is taken into account the extra dependable of the 2, and whenever you’re out there for a used German luxurious automotive, reliability is important. Ultimately, the E350 4Matic is an opulent, feature-heavy, elegant, all-wheel-drive sedan that may be bought and maintained on a price range.

Pros

• Tons of security expertise
• Old-school Mercedes sturdiness with the M276
• Lots of consolation options like heated and ventilated seats

Cons

• Limited fashionable tech options
• No CarPlay or Android Auto
• More costly to keep up than different automobiles on the checklist

4 2012-2016 Volvo XC70 3.2/T6 AWD

Price: $12,000 – $16,000

The XC70 occupies a really distinct area of interest out there. Wagons are out of vogue even though they provide as a lot versatility as most crossovers minus the added value of a crossover’s dearer consumables. The massive downside most individuals have: they’re not tall sufficient. People like being up excessive, and whereas the XC70 isn’t the tallest automobile, it does present a seating place that’s extra akin to a extra conventional crossover like Volvo’s personal XC60. The further floor clearance is sort of a pleasant combo with all-wheel drive.

On the within, the XC70 is all about practicality. When it involves space for storing, it truly beats out the XC60 and different crossovers in that section. It beats crossover contemporaries just like the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 by greater than 3 cu-ft. The XC70’s 33.3 cu-ft could fall wanting the bigger Toyota Highlander’s huge 40 cu-ft behind the second row, however with the seats folded down, the XC70’s 72.1 cu-ft is nothing to scoff at.

Admittedly, it nonetheless doesn’t beat the Highlander (83.7 cu-ft), nevertheless it’s approach forward of the Q5 and XC60. The XC70 doesn’t simply have numerous cargo area, nevertheless it’s additionally bought tons of shoulder and legroom within the entrance and rear seats, so even if you happen to’re 6’4, you possibly can unfold out whilst you cart round Christmas bushes in your big storage space.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.volvocars.com)

When it comes to safety, Volvo is always near the top of the heap. The lights are xenon energetic bending, so that you’ll truly have the ability to see into tight corners at midnight. Not solely that, however collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring (BLIS), lane departure warning, driver alertness monitoring, and site visitors signal recognition can be found.

Despite the age of the XC70, we advocate it. It nonetheless comes filled with necessary options. Naturally, heated seats, an honest sound system, and a local navigation system can be found, so as with every automobile on the checklist, be sure to discover an instance with the choices which are extra necessary to you.

The XC70 we’re recommending comes fitted with both a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 or a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. Both engines do have some minor points and Volvo’s from this period can develop some electrical issues that may persuade you the automotive is haunted.

That mentioned, each engines should not have any downside hitting 200,000 miles as long as you might be diligent with routine upkeep. Plenty of sub-100,000 mile examples may be discovered for beneath $16,000, however if you happen to’re not bothered by greater mileage, you will discover examples beneath $10,000. That mentioned, we’d advocate discovering a clear, decrease mileage instance that’s been nicely taken care of by earlier homeowners.

Pros

• 300 horsepower from the three.0-liter
• Less costly to keep up than most German rivals
• Unending cargo area

Cons

• Potential for electrical gremlins
• Limited fashionable tech and no smartphone connectivity

3 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4

Price: $11,000 – $16,000

How did it take us this long to get a Toyota RAV4 on the list? When you consider a dependable, protected, all-wheel drive automobile for beneath $20,000, the very first thing that ought to come to thoughts is a RAV4. Given its age and the truth that it’s not a luxurious automobile, the RAV4 may be very restricted on fashionable options.

Depending on the trim, it is vitally practical and has facilities like Bluetooth connectivity, tire strain monitoring, and dual-zone local weather. Surprisingly, there may be an possibility for navigation, blind spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert system. In 2017 and 2018, the Rav launched Toyota Safety Sense, which provides a complete host of energetic security options. This consists of computerized emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping help, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise management, computerized high-beam headlights, and a rearview digicam as normal. Psst…hey BMW…take notes.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from toyotacertified.com)

The RAV4’s 2.5-liter 2AR-FE engine is a incredible engine. However, it is not with out its flaws. Some will devour oil at greater mileage and search for leaks from the timing chain cowl and camshaft place sensor. That mentioned, the 2AR is one in every of Toyota’s fashionable ceaselessly engines, together with the 2GR-FE or the 1UZ-FE. On prime of engine and transmission, the remainder of the RAV4 has been put collectively fairly nicely too.

The early 2013–2014 fashions did have some stories of points with the navigation, nevertheless it’s unlikely you’d even need to use such an antiquated system anyway. The 2013 and 2014 mannequin years additionally obtained a “Poor” ranking from the IIHS on the Small Overlap Frontal Test. Thankfully, Toyota addressed the issue shortly, and the 2015-2018 mannequin years obtained a “Good” ranking.

Pros

• Bulletproof engine and transmission
• Lots of cargo area
• Toyota Safety Sense in 2017+

Cons

• 2013 and 2014 in danger in overlap crash
• Finicky native navigation in early fashions
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

2 2010-2015 Lexus RX 350

Price: $10,000 – $15,000

Everyone who goes automotive searching often needs two issues: deal and AWD. Much to the chagrin of many consumers, many “good deals” are solely good as a result of the automotive is a mechanical or electrical nightmare ready to occur. As the reliability czar, please cease shopping for used Chevy Equinoxes. They will value you a ton of cash in repairs and upkeep.

Thankfully, if you happen to’re in search of a protected AWD automobile with legendary reliability and a surprisingly low asking value, the 2010-2015 Lexus RX 350 has you lined. Some of our readers could already be acquainted, however the RX350 is another beneficiary of the incredibly durable 2GR-FE V-6. In the RX, the 2GR produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.

For a automobile that weighs 4,343 kilos, that’s adequate for a 7-8 second 0-60 MPH time. With AWD, gas financial system isn’t too shabby both, with 18 MPG within the metropolis and 24 MPG on the freeway. AWD often incurs a big lower in gas financial system, however the FWD model solely manages a single MPG greater on the freeway. That is, largely, because of the Active Control AWD system, which may ship as much as 100% of energy to the entrance wheels throughout sure driving circumstances to enhance gas effectivity.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from pressroom.lexus.com)

The RX additionally boasts a incredible security document with 4-star rankings for frontal and rollover and 5 stars for aspect impression. Some RX trims featured a pre-collision system, which is basically a precursor to “Lexus Safety Sense.” The RX additionally included the same old suite of security options, together with knee airbags, making them a protected alternative even for youthful, much less skilled drivers.

If you do purchase one in every of these to your youngster, you’ll be glad to know that the tech is fairly restricted. You can discover these with the elective navigation system, backup digicam, and heads-up show, however as is typical for Lexus, the focus is more on comfort and reliability than cutting-edge tech.

If you’re in search of some fancier options on a price range, there are many RX 350’s with the elective 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson sound system, heated and ventilated entrance seats, and even voice recognition. Plenty of properly specced examples may be discovered for between $10,000-$15,000 with round 70,000-130,000 miles on the clock. You may even get them cheaper if you happen to’re okay with 150,000-200,000 miles. With some automobiles, such excessive mileage might be scary, however with 150,000, the 2010-2015 RX 350 is simply getting began.

Pros

• Bulletproof powertrain
• Good security options (even by fashionable requirements)
• Comfortable, quiet inside

Cons

• No fashionable tech or smartphone connectivity
• Native navigation is a joke

1 2012-2015 Volvo XC60 3.2/T6 AWD

Price: $10,000 – $15,000

The 2012-2015 Volvo XC60 is the most affordable automotive on this checklist and ought to be one of many most desirable to the modern consumer. First issues first, the tech might be a dealbreaker if you happen to require fashionable infotainment methods and smartphone connectivity. If you are able to do with out all that, this automotive is fairly distinctive worth for the cash.

A big proportion of XC60’s have been fitted with native navigation, blind spot monitoring (BLIS), and a brand new function from Volvo on the time known as City Safety. The system makes use of a closing velocity sensor to find out the danger of a rear-end collision. If it determines there’s a reputable danger, the system can truly brake the automotive by itself to stop an accident. This, together with a slew of different normal security options, means the XC60, regardless of its age, is extremely protected and completely suited to youngsters simply hitting driving age.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.volvocars.com)

When it involves trim, we advocate the XC60 3.2 AWD or T6 AWD. Specifically, the B6324S5 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine provided from 2011-2014 and the B6304T4 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. Both engines have popularity for long-term reliability, and lots of examples may be discovered with over 200,000 miles on the clock.

The reliability could also be strong, however be careful for electrical issues and better upkeep prices. For some inexplicable motive, Volvo thought it smart to place an inline-6 engine transversely mounted in these automobiles, so working room is minimal. That mentioned, with strong reliability, distinctive security, all-wheel drive, and a quiet, snug driving expertise, these automobiles are a strong deal on the used market.

Pros

• Stout inline-6 engine choices
• Legendary security
• Blind-spot monitoring

Cons

• No fashionable tech
• Minor electrical gremlins
• Limited working room in engine bay