SUVs are the hottest items in the auto market right now. The demand for SUVs is evident as they have outsold sedans by margins in recent years. The New York Times reports that in 2019, SUVs outsold sedans by two to one, likely indicating a switch in buyer preferences. It’s easy to understand the reasons behind this change since SUVs have many practical benefits. You get a higher ride height, comfortable seating, more room for passengers and luggage, and off-roading and towing capabilities. There have also been a lot of improvements to make SUVs more fuel efficient and better performing. Additionally, the availability of different classifications, such as crossover, compact, mid-size, coupes, and large SUVs, attracts a broader market.
Unlike a decade ago, the SUV market has more players involved, with conservatives like Ferrari joining in to give us one of the fastest SUVs in 2023. However, the rise in demand translates to soaring prices for most of the reliable and luxurious SUVs. Today, you’ll have to cough up at least $28,400 to get your hands on a modest 2023 Honda CR-V LX. For such a price, you could get the top-of-the-line Honda CR-V EX-L back in 2010, hypothetically speaking. All is not lost, though. The used car market has a lot to offer at a much more affordable price. If you’re looking for dependability, these are some of the most reliable SUVs under $20,000.
The customer reviews on CarSurvey, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book(KBB) helped compile this list of reliable used SUVs. Edmunds was also instrumental in gauging their price points.
10 2006 Toyota Sequoia
The 2006 Sequoia manages a 4.9-star reliability rating on Kelley Blue Book from over 600 customer reviews. Impressive, right? As a full-size SUV, this Tundra-based Sequoia checks all the right boxes. The eight-seater comes with ample legroom, headroom, and 128.1 cubic feet of cargo space. It runs on a 273-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 gasoline engine and with a 26.4-gallon tank, expect to spend anywhere between 14-15 mpg combined, depending on the trim. The 2006 Sequoia also has a host of safety and driver assist systems. The best part? It will only cost you around $10,000.
2006 Toyota Sequoia Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
An owner on Kelley Blue Book who recently bought a 2006 Toyota Sequoia heaps a lot of praise on the “best large SUV ever.” The owner claims to have purchased the SUV while it was at 135,000 miles, and the only major issue is that the air suspension needs new airbags.
- Problems Owners Report: Rust on rear door wells
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 135,000 miles.
9 2005 Lexus GX 470
If you prefer the premium side of life, a Lexus GX will fit the bill. Besides its high-reliability ratings, this gem comes with all the bells and whistles of a luxury SUV. The five-seater SUV comes standard with leather seats, and the rear row has a sizable foldable center armrest for added comfort. The front bucket seats are heated and include power-adjustable lumbar support. Besides the 11 speakers, a subwoofer and speed-sensitive volume control are included for optimal sound experience. A 270-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 engine powers the Lexus GX 470; you’ll need less than $17,000 to get your hands on this SUV.
2005 Lexus GX 470 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
An owner on CarSurvey gave it a 9/10 reliability score claiming the engine has good acceleration, and the SUV has a smooth and quiet ride. In another review on Edmunds, a used GX 470 owner boasting a 50-car collection gives the SUV a 4/5-star rating for reliability and recommends it for adventures since it goes just about anywhere.
- Problems Owners Report: Low gas mileage, about 15 mpg
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 66,000 miles.
8 2008 Acura RDX
Are you looking for something with a luxury touch? Perhaps the 4.7-star rated RDX is what you need. Despite its size, this compact SUV has ample room for five passengers on its leather upholstered seats. It’s powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that churns out 240 ponies and utilizes a shiftable five-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. It comes with convenience and luxury features, including a remote-controlled lift gate, moon roof, heated front seats, and a leather upholstered steering wheel. The fuel economy is at 19 mpg combined.
2008 Acura RDX Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
On CarSurvey.org, a North American owner of a 2008 Acura RDX summed up the review in one word – fantastic! They give the SUV a 10/10 reliability score, probably for experiencing little to no issues with the vehicle. According to this owner, the interior of the RDX is gorgeous, and the AWD system is also dependable in winter driving conditions. They purchased the SUV at 140,000 miles and have had to replace some components, including the AC compressor at 155,000 miles and the front struts and rear shocks at 250,000 miles.
- Problems Owners Report: Rust and turbo issues
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 178,000 miles.
7 2010 Toyota RAV 4
The RAV4 is another Toyota SUV that deserves to be on this list. The Toyota RAV4V is a bestseller. And with a 4.7-star reliability rating on KBB, it’s easy to understand why it’s popular. This third-gen RAV is available in three trims, Base, Sport, and Limited, and you can either get it in front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configurations. The 2020 RAV4 comes with front bucket seats and can carry five to seven passengers. Every trim is available either with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that generates 179 horsepower or a 269-horsepower 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine. A used 2010 Toyota RAV4 will cost you as low as $8,000.
2010 Toyota RAV 4 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Recent reviews on CarSurvey.org on the 2010 RAV4 paint the right picture of just how reliable this SUV is. One North American owner of a Base RAV4 with a four-cylinder engine highly recommends this SUV. They give the RAV4 a 10/10 score on reliability and with the only thing disappointing being the sound system. Another owner with a Limited trim RAV4 that runs a V-6 strongly recommends it due to its impressive power and car-like handling capabilities.
- Problems Owners Report: Noisy cabin
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 87,000 miles.
6 2007 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is a full-size SUV with enough space to fit either five or seven passengers. It’s available in three trim levels, Base, Sport, and Limited, with the most popular top-of-the-line Limited trim being a seven-seater by default. The 2007 Toyota Highlander comes with a 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.3-liter V-6 engine producing 155 and 215 horsepower, respectively. The drivetrain is either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive. For convenience, your mirrors are heated, and you also get cup holders for the rear passengers. Expect to spend anywhere from $7,000 to get a used one.
2007 Toyota Highlander Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
There are more than 44, mostly positive, reviews of the 2007 Toyota Highlander. On a recently updated review, an owner claims they use it as a daily driver and in all climates. They praise it for its competence, towing capacity and mention that it’s good even on snow and sand, giving it a five-star rating for reliability. Another owner claims that even though the SUV is “boring,” they love its consistency and “bulletproof” nature.
- Problems Owners Report: Noisy cabin and rough rides
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 128,000 miles.
5 2009 Lexus RX 350
Lexus is a luxury brand, and even with a used RX 350, the odds are stacked in your favor. The starting price on the used car market is below $18,000, which is quite fair considering you’re getting a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 powerhouse that can punch from 0-60 MPH in a decent 7.3 seconds. This mid-size SUV seats five passengers and has about 38.3 cubic feet of space for your cargo. You get bucket front seats, but perhaps the most outstanding features are the dual-zone climate control and wood trimmings on the center console, doors, shift knob, and steering wheel.
2009 Lexus RX 350 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
A owners on CarSurvey rates the 2009 RX 350 at 9/10 on reliability, having bought it with only 10 miles on it. Another owner on Edmunds, who got their used 2009 RX 350 in 2017, gives the SUV a 4/5-star rating on reliability in a recently updated review. The only issue they encountered was an oil leakage due to a pinhole in the oil cooler hose.
- Problems Owners Report: Faulty oil cooler line
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 70,400 miles.
4 2007 Infiniti FX35
Nissan’s Infiniti rarely gets it wrong in terms of luxury offerings in its vehicles. The 2007 Infiniti FX35, in particular, is a marvel. This sporty crossover luxury SUV comes standard with leather seats, the front bucket seats are power-adjustable, and the driver’s seat includes lumbar support. You get Bose speakers and stereo, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an alloy and leather-trimmed center console, shift knob, and doors. The FX35 is available in RWD and AWD drivetrain configurations and utilizes a 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, towing about 3,500 pounds. A used Infiniti FX35 costs less than $12,000.
2007 Infiniti FX35 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
An FX35 owner on CarSurvey rated the SUV 10/10 on reliability. They acquired the SUV at 79,000 miles and claimed it’s “one of Nissan/Infiniti’s best cars,” mainly due to its incredible performance. A owners on Edmunds claims they “love the way it handles like a sports car.” They give the FX35 a 5/5 rating on reliability and claim they have not had a significant issue with the SUV.
- Problems Owners Report: No auxiliary connection and faulty navigation
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 98,000 miles.
3 2009 Nissan Xterra
The Xterra is rated at 4.7/5 stars for reliability on KBB. It’s available in four trims: base X trim, S, SE, and Off-Road. The SUV is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 gas engine that pumps 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The 2009 Xterra is available in a variety of powertrains with a mix of rear-wheel- or four-wheel-drive and five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. It’s worth mentioning that the SE trim is only available with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the Off-Road is only available as 4WD. A used Xterra costs less than $15,000.
2009 Nissan Xterra Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
A owners on Edmunds sold their 2009 Xterra in 2023 with over 280,000 miles on the odometer. They claim that good maintenance is the key to keeping this versatile SUV in shape and the engine running. Another owners on KBB rates the Xterra at 5/5 stars on reliability. They also claim to own A 2004 Xterra and have not had significant issues with either.
- Problems Owners Report: Bad fuel economy
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 64,000 miles.
2 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
This full-size SUV is available in three trims, the base LT, an off-road-focused Z71, and the premium LS. It’s powered by a V-8 engine with a 4.8-liter displacement, punching 285 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque or a 5.3-liter displacement generating 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. This sheer power allows the Tahoe to haul up to 7,700 pounds. Three-zone climate control is standard, and it’s possible to get one with bucket seats on the second row, all for a price lower than $12,000.
2006 Chevrolet Tahoe Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Two owners on CarSurvey give the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe a 10/10 rating for being reliable. One of the owners claims the Tahoe LT is “a reliable and powerful daily driver.” They got the SUV at 190,140 miles, and the worst of the issues they’ve had is with the starter motor. An owner of a Chevy Tahoe LS on Edmunds claims they purchased it new in 2006, and the only disappointment is falling gas mileage.
- Problems Owners Report: Noisy ride and low gas mileage
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 240,000 miles.
1 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This SUV impresses on various fronts. It’s available in three trim levels, Laredo, Limited, and Overland. All trims feature a rear-wheel- or four-wheel-drive configuration. A 192-horsepower 4.0-liter inline-six engine powers the Laredo and Limited trims, while the overland boasts a 4.7-liter V-8 engine with 265 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Laredo comes with cloth seats, but the other two trims have leather seats as standard. According to Edmunds, purchasing a used 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee will cost you less than $12,000.
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
This SUV gets a 9/10 reliability score from two North American owners on CarSurvey. Another owner describes their 4.7-liter v-8-powered Grand Cherokee as “the most quick and fun to drive in its class,” probably having “the most well-controlled solid axle suspension design.” The praises do not end there. A recent review on Edmunds reads, “When I purchased my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it had low miles 40,000. I have hit 310,000 miles on it. All I can say is nothing but good things.”
- Problems Owners Report: Noisy power steering, power window motor failure
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 248,000 miles.
