In the United States, it has become increasingly difficult to find a new SUV priced below $20,000. However, the market offers a variety of excellent used SUVs (crossovers) with prices below $20,000.
In the summer of 2016, the Toyota RAV4 outsold the Toyota Camry for the first time, marking a historic shift in dominance from traditional sedans to SUVs. SUVs have since become the mainstream vehicle type on the roads due to their versatility, offering a range of body sizes and prices to suit almost every buyer’s lifestyle and budget.
As new car prices in the United States escalated significantly, many buyers turned their attention to the second-hand market. Purchasing a used SUV that is a few years old is often a wise choice, as they are generally much cheaper than their new counterparts, and unless the model has undergone significant redesign, buying a slightly older SUV does not compromise on features or functionalities.
In light of this, “U.S. News & World Report” compiled a list of the best used SUVs with an average selling price below $20,000.
These models, while not the most luxurious on the market, each have their own advantages to meet the budget needs of most buyers.
Lowest Average Price: $13,801
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 9.1/10
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 underwent a comprehensive redesign, entering its second generation as a compact SUV. Despite receiving only minor upgrades thereafter, it remained a top contender in the compact SUV rankings of “U.S. News & World Report.” The only notable drawback is that it has less cargo space compared to most of its competitors.
The CX-5 excels in stylish design and driving pleasure. It offers strong power and excellent handling. While the suspension is tuned on the firmer side, the ride experience remains comfortable. Furthermore, its fuel efficiency surpasses the average in its class.
“U.S. News & World Report” also recommends the 2018 and 2019 models, albeit at slightly higher prices.
Lowest Average Price: $17,362
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.9/10
This Honda model is well-suited for daily commuting with spacious interior, smooth driving, and excellent fuel efficiency. It also boasts impressive safety ratings and a well-designed interior with soft-touch materials used in the cabin.
Additionally, the 2017 and 2019 CR-V models are also commendable choices.
Lowest Average Price: $19,715
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.6/10
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is an outstanding subcompact SUV with rich standard features, good seat support, and spacious interior. The interior quality rivals models with significantly higher prices. On the road, this Mazda model leads its class in performance, offering excellent handling that makes driving both easy and enjoyable.
If the 2022 model is hard to find, the 2020 and 2021 CX-30 models are very similar, and their prices may be slightly lower.
Lowest Average Price: $10,349
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.6/10
The 2015 Nissan Murano is the oldest model on the list, but its age doesn’t hinder it from being a worthy consideration. It is also the lowest priced SUV on the list.
The 2015 Murano underwent a comprehensive redesign. While its power might not match some midsize SUVs in its class, its engine provides enough power for daily commutes. The Murano features upscale interiors, comfortable seating, smooth driving experience, and user-friendly technology features.
Although the prices of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Murano models are slightly higher and low-mileage sources are relatively harder to find, they are still quality choices within this price range.
Lowest Average Price: $11,893
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.5/10
The 2018 Hyundai Kona combines eye-catching design and rich features within a compact body size. Despite being a subcompact SUV, it offers spacious seating and an intuitive infotainment system. It also scored well in crash tests.
While the 2018 Kona is the most budget-friendly model in the Kona series, the 2019, 2020, and 2021 models have similar designs and performance. These three model years are easy to come by in excellent condition and priced below $20,000.
Lowest Average Price: $11,409
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.5/10
The Mazda CX-3 had a relatively short market life, debuting in 2016 and ceasing production after 2021. During its sales period, it was a reliable choice for subcompact SUV buyers. The CX-3 shares many similarities with the CX-5 and its successor, the CX-30. With responsive handling, it offers a level of driving enjoyment that few competitors in its class can match.
Its drawbacks include slightly underpowered performance at high speeds and cramped rear seating and cargo space, leading Mazda to replace it with the CX-30. Although the 2016 model currently has the lowest price, you can still find well-maintained 2018, 2019, or 2020 CX-3 models priced well below $20,000.
Lowest Average Price: $13,811
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.4/10
The design of the Dodge Durango has remained largely unchanged over the years, with even the 2026 model retaining the familiar overall form. The good news is that if you fancy the 2026 Durango, purchasing the 2016 model would offer nearly the same experience.
This midsize SUV is known for its powerful engines, offering options of 295 and 360 horsepower, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, excelling among its peers. The Durango provides spacious seating in the first two rows, excellent cargo capacity, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
However, the ownership costs of the Durango are comparatively higher, with reliability ratings below average, indicating that long-term expenses might exceed those of its competitors. Additionally, its safety ratings are disappointing, and like many three-row midsize SUVs, the third-row seating space is cramped.
Lowest Average Price: $14,620
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.4/10
The Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign in 2016. While its performance might not be groundbreaking, the engine provides ample power for a comfortable driving experience. The interior boasts quietness, spaciousness, and excellent workmanship; rear space is more generous than some rivals, making it practical for families needing to install child safety seats.
The “U.S. News & World Report” named the Pilot as the “2016 Best Value Three-Row SUV” and the “2016 Best Family Three-Row SUV.” The 2017 and 2018 Pilot models are also solid choices, although finding a well-maintained model below $20,000 could be more challenging.
Lowest Average Price: $12,858
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.3/10
The Kia Soul was discontinued after the 2025 model, but throughout its entire lifecycle, it consistently stood out as one of the best subcompact SUVs in the market.
Compared to its competitors, the Soul offers superior passenger and cargo space (especially in the trunk), along with many user-friendly tech features. It delivers a fun driving experience, agile handling, and the standard engine power is quite generous. The “U.S. News & World Report” rated this car as the “2020 Most Cost-Effective Subcompact SUV” and one of the “Best Cars for Teens.”
Lowest Average Price: $16,318
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.3/10
The 2016 Lexus NX stands out on this list as the only luxury model. However, this does not mean it compromises on quality; on the contrary, it is one of the highest-rated models in its class, offering excellent value.
The NX boasts attractive interior and exterior designs, comfortable and spacious seating, and ample engine power thanks to its turbocharged engine. It features great fuel economy, steady handling, and a smooth ride. Furthermore, you can also find the 2015 or 2017 NX models within this price range, although locating the latter might require some additional search efforts.
Lowest Average Price: $19,939
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.2/10
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an enlarged version of the original Bolt two-door car, standing out as the highest-priced model on the list. It is also one of the newest models featured and the only electric vehicle.
The Bolt EUV boasts a single-charge range of up to 247 miles and features fast charging capabilities.
Lowest Average Price: $12,426
“U.S. News & World Report” Rating: 8.0/10
The Honda HR-V shares similar design styles with the CR-V, inheriting many of its pros and cons, just in a smaller body size.
Although the HR-V’s performance may be mediocre, this Honda model offers agile handling, decent ride comfort, upscale cabin materials, and spacious passenger and cargo space.
The “U.S. News & World Report” named the HR-V as the “2017 Best Family Subcompact SUV” and the “2017 Best Value Subcompact SUV.”
Within this price range, you can also find the 2018 HR-V, which is almost identical in specifications, and even some 2019 and 2020 models with enhanced safety and infotainment features.