During the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislation of provide and demand, in addition to common hysteria, despatched the costs of used autos by means of the roof. Things have since come again to actuality, however now new car costs are getting out of hand and out of attain for most individuals. Given the state of the financial system, it is sensible to buy a used car, particularly for households on a price range, and a pre-owned SUV goes to examine off most of their wants affordably.

Obviously, everybody has a special thought of what constitutes “affordable” however something beneath the typical worth of a brand new car is an efficient place to begin. Unfortunately, in 2024 the typical worth for a brand new automobile is nearly $50,000, which is as bonkers because it sounds. A greater perimeter for affordability is someplace between $13,000 and $35,000. That’s a spread that matches nearly anybody’s price range and permits for a big selection of stable used SUVs from fundamental transportation to a little bit of luxurious.

There’s actually no level in shopping for a used, or perhaps a new SUV if it is not secure and dependable, so TopSpeed has compiled an inventory of the perfect in all classes. Each of those autos has an total five-star security score from the NHTSA, a better-than-average reliability score, and a price ticket that works for everybody. Those searching for full-size SUVs on this record are going to be upset, as a result of, for no matter purpose, they do not do properly in front-end crash-testing and have a higher danger of roll-over.

In order to provide the most recent and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with NHTSA, Edmunds, and Car and Driver.

10 2019 Buick Encore

Starting Used Price: $13,000

The incontrovertible fact that most individuals could not identify something that stands out a couple of Buick is a reasonably good indication that they’ve a repute for making reasonably bland autos. The Encore, nevertheless, bucks the corporate’s mediocre pattern with a stylish subcompact SUV. This little four-door is so filled with options and design aesthetics that it nearly qualifies as a luxurious car.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Buick, and Car and Driver)

The Buick Encore additionally has surprisingly good acceleration for a price range trip. It was priced proper when it was new and a used 2019 mannequin in glorious situation with low mileage could be snagged for as little as $13,000. More than simply fundamental transportation, the Encore offers somewhat style of luxurious with out breaking the financial institution.

Pros

• Quick acceleration
• Loaded with normal options
• Attractive styling

Cons

• Engine sounds bizarre
• Rough trip
• Limited second-row legroom

9 2022 Kia Soul

Starting Used Price: $13,000

The Kia Soul is one other subcompact SUV that’s loaded with features and comfort that comes at an affordable price. Where this tiny crossover actually shines is with the seemingly unimaginable inside area. It is a lot greater on the within than it appears to be like from the road, and an ideal trip for individuals who do not usually match comfortably in a subcompact.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia Soul, and Car and Driver)

Like the Buick Encore, the Kia Soul is a short-wheelbase car, which interprets right into a less-than-smooth driving expertise. It’s not a deal-breaker, neither is it that large of a problem, however do not count on the silky trip of an $80,000 luxurious car from this price range SUV that may be discovered used for as little as $13,000.

Pros

• Roomy inside
• Peppy acceleration
• Great normal tech

Cons

• Rocky trip
• No AWD
• Excessive wind noise

8 2020 Mazda CX-5

Starting Used Price: $18,000

For drivers who need some further efficiency to go together with the practicality of an SUV, the Mazda CX-5 is a good selection. The compact crossover has a sporty suspension, crisp dealing with, and a few highly effective turbocharged engine choices. For the beginning used worth of round $18,000 for a 2020, it is arduous to discover a car in any class that may go like CX-5.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mazda, and Car and Driver)

The Mazda CX-5 has the added benefit of being a sharp-looking trip, with distinct styling that units it other than the conformist mid-size crossover SUV phase. Add within the upscale inside and this is likely one of the finest values within the used market. The solely drawbacks are the inside is much less roomy than rivals, and the gas financial system might be higher.

Pros

• Great driver
• Powerful obtainable engine
• Elegant styling

Cons

• Low cargo capability
• Below-average gasoline mileage
• Puts efficiency over practicality

7 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting Used Price: $22,500

The Hyundai Santa Fe could also be the perfect SUV for families, and a 2020 used one is unquestionably excellent for households on a price range. With loads of inside room and brimming with practicality, it is a not-too-fancy mid-size crossover that delivers worth, security, and dependability above different autos in its class. Available in both FWD or AWD, there are additionally a few engine choices to configure the Santa Fe for a lot of makes use of.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai, and Car and Driver)

The high turbo engine possibility is not probably the most highly effective factor on this planet, however the Santa Fe is not a efficiency mannequin or a severe off-roader, it is a household trip. For a pristine 2022, used base mannequin Santa Fes run round $20,000 and if a purchaser would not thoughts a couple of beauty flaws, they are often had for a grand or two much less. Dealer markup provides some pointless worth, however a little analysis and a few haggling will carry that down.

Pros

• Great worth
• Practical car
• Roomy inside

Cons

• On the sluggish aspect
• Basic inside
• Mediocre gasoline mileage

6 2022 Subaru Ascent

Starting Used Price: $23,500

The Subaru Ascent is the proper mid-size SUV for rising households with three rows of seating. It’s additionally loaded with cubbies and cupholders, making the simplest use of the inside area of any car within the phase. The cabin is plush, the suspension {smooth}, and the turbo engine is competent, which provides as much as a really pleasant driving expertise.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Subaru, and Car and Driver)

The Ascent, like all Subarus, is all-wheel drive, nevertheless it’s road trip all the way in which. For these searching for an off-road Subie, a 2022 Crosstrek will do the trick, and for much less cash. Used 2022 Ascents begin simply above $23,000, however a Crosstrek from the identical yr could be had for as little as $20,000. It would not provide the identical consolation, however there’ll all the time be trade-offs.

Pros

• Spacious inside
• Comfortable trip
• Looks much less like a station wagon than most Subarus

Cons

• Annoying driver’s help system
• Rear seats do not fold flat
• No off-road packages

5 2021 Nissan Murano

Starting Used Price: $25,500

The Nissan Murano has aggressive styling that gives the look it is strictly a efficiency SUV, however on the within, it is a comfy family-friendly car. The normal 260-horsepower V-6 offers it loads of acceleration, however the mid-size crossover actually shines with its way-above-average {smooth} trip and dealing with. It’s the proper mixture of a household each day driver and a weekend adventure-mobile.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan, and Car and Driver)

Probably not a best choice for mountaineering, it’s a nice SUV for nation and mountain highway excursions. While there are different SUVs within the class with a bit extra cargo room, the Murano is spacious sufficient that few would complain. It’s additionally close to the highest within the phase for gas financial system and the value is true, particularly for a used 2021, which begins at round $25,000.

Pros

• Aggressive styling
• Comfy inside
• Good gasoline mileage

Cons

• Low towing capability
• Less cargo area
• All-wheel drive possibility will get costly

4 2021 Ford Bronco

Starting Used Price: $26,500

A model new 2024 Ford Bronco begins at $41,525, however a 2021 used one could be had for about half the value and likelihood is it should be simply pretty much as good. The rebooted Bronco, launched in 2021, offers so many configurations and trims that there’s actually one for each doable use. It generally is a cool-looking grocery-getter or a killer off-road monster.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ford, and Car and Driver)

There’s no method a decked-out Wildtrack goes to promote for that worth, however decently optioned decrease trims are very reasonably priced. Edmunds experiences {that a} 2021 Bronco Black Diamond two-door four-wheel drive with the turbo four-cylinder could be bought for round $26,500 from a personal get together and $28,500 from a vendor. That’s for a car in excellent situation, so if a couple of scratches do not matter, they’re much more reasonably priced.

Pros

• Fun off-road
• Tons of configurations
• Retro-modern styling

Cons

• No V-8
• Cheap inside
• Excessive highway noise

3 2022 Toyota Venza

Average Used Price: $27,000

For an reasonably priced, dependable, SUV that will get good gasoline mileage, patrons cannot go mistaken with a used Toyota Venza. The mid-size crossover takes the sting on the pump away with a solid hybrid engine setup, and it really delivers respectable efficiency. The refined, however stylish physique curves give it a classy look, which is an added bonus to this all-round nice car.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota, and Car and Driver)

The Toyota Venza additionally delivers unprecedented luxurious and options for a mid-level trip, placing it in Lexus territory for a lot much less money. The Venza would not have as a lot inside area for passengers and cargo as many different mid-size SUVs, however that does not imply it has a cramped cabin. With good gas financial system, luxe options, and that legendary Toyota reliability, these infants are a steal within the beneath $30,000 used bracket.

Pros

• Great gasoline mileage
• Luxury options
• Solid trip

Cons

• Smallish cargo capability
• Hybrid engine whines
• Acceleration might be higher

2 2020 Lexus RX

Starting Used Price: $30,000

Speaking of Lexus, the 2020 RX is an ideal used SUV for many who need precise luxurious, reasonably than the luxury-adjacent Toyota Venza. The mid-size crossover from Lexus has a bit more refinement and higher options, however would not take that many extra {dollars} to personal. The RX is somewhat longer and a bit extra roomy than its Toyota cousin, and comes with extra normal options.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Lexus)

A serious part that separates a luxurious trip from a standard one is efficiency, and the RX has that lined with highly effective engine choices. It is obtainable with a smart hybrid set-up, however the formidable V-6 is far more enjoyable. If the price range permits, a implausible luxurious Lexus SUV could be discovered for as little as $30,000.

Pros

• Roomy, luxurious cabin
• Great acceleration
• Impressive normal tech and options

Cons

• Stiff trip
• Steering might be extra responsive
• Third row in identify solely

1 2022 Acura RDX

Average Used Price: $32,500

Hitting the higher stage of five-star reasonably priced used SUVs, the 2022 Acura RDX is a bit pricier than the others on this record, but also maybe the best value. The compact crossover has all of the consolation and efficiency of a full-size luxurious mannequin in a good little package deal. Unlike most small wheelbase SUVs with excessively stiff or spongy suspensions, the RDX rides like a dream.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Acura, and Car and Driver)

Thanks to the Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, the RDX has a full-size luxurious trip with a compact’s agility. It’s additionally a slick-looking crossover that’s loaded with options and a luxurious inside, making for an total spectacular package deal. The solely downside is that it’s a compact, so those that want extra room for teenagers and cargo in all probability wish to look elsewhere.

Pros

• Seriously fast
• Smooth trip
• Top-tier luxurious

Cons

• Awful push-button Infotainment system
• Blind-spot points
• Gearbox could be wonky