Interest rates will finally be coming down soon, and used car prices slowly have been coming back down to earth over the past two years, meaning your dollar goes a bit farther now than it used to. If you’re looking for a reliable SUV on a budget, there are lots of choices, whether you need a family SUV with 3-row seating, a compact SUV that gets good gas mileage, something that’s good on unpaved roads, or something with a sporty flair.
Here are 10 of the best used SUVs you’ll find for less than $15,000.
1. 2015 Honda CR-V
When new, the 2015 Honda CR-V won the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award in its class. It was and is a smart, practical, efficient crossover with car-like manners and more cargo space than you’d expect. Our budget should stretch to the loaded Touring model in most areas. See used Honda CR-V models for sale near you
2. 2013 Toyota Highlander
The 2013 Toyota Highlander isn’t all that different from a brand-new model. It has seating for seven, an available 270-horsepower V6 engine, a hybrid option, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and even a center-stow seat for easier third-row access. Look for loaded V6 or Hybrid models on our budget. See used Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
3. 2015 Honda Pilot
If you need a bit more space, the 2015 Honda Pilot seats up to eight occupants and fits up to 87 cubic feet of cargo into its hold. Available all-wheel drive pairs with a standard 250-horsepower V6 engine. Our budget should afford top-spec Touring models with leather upholstery and even a rear-seat DVD system. See used Honda Pilot models for sale near you
4. 2014 Toyota RAV4
Practical, smart, and similarly sized to the CR-V, the 2014 Toyota RAV4 is another no-brainer for most folks — it’s just a good fit. While there’s a rare all-electric version of the 2014 RAV4, our budget is better spent on the XLE or Limited models with upgrades like a JBL premium audio system, power moonroof, and heated front seats. See used Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
5. 2016 Mazda CX-5
For a fun, sporty, and stylish option, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a great choice, matching the RAV4 and CR-V for practicality while adding a dash of zip to your daily driving. Our $15,000 budget should afford even the fully loaded Grand Touring trim. See used Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
6. 2017 Subaru Forester
Standard all-wheel drive and ample cargo volume (up to 74.7 cubic feet) make the 2017 Subaru Forester not only a value, but an inherently practical choice, especially for those who see severe winters. Our $15,000 budget should afford a Touring or Limited model, but the Forester 2.0XT turbocharged powertrain is likely just out of reach. See used Subaru Forester models for sale near you
7. 2017 Ford Edge
The 2017 Ford Edge is a bit larger than the RAV4 and CR-V, offering more interior space and cargo volume, but not as large as the Pilot or Highlander, making it easier to maneuver and park. On our budget, look for loaded top-spec Titanium or Sport models. See used Ford Edge models for sale near you
8. 2018 Nissan Rogue
A perennial underdog in the cutthroat compact SUV segment, the 2018 Nissan Rogue is nonetheless a capable and functional SUV with remarkable value. Our budget affords your choice of hybrid or conventional powertrain, the loaded SL trim, and all-wheel drive. See used Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
9. 2018 Mazda CX-3
Like the slightly larger CX-5, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 is a sporty, fun-to-drive choice among SUVs, and also practical. The 2018 model gets a range of active safety features and an improved suspension. Look for top-spec Grand Touring models with leather upholstery, a moonroof, LED headlights, and Bose audio. See used Mazda CX-3 models for sale near you
10. 2019 Hyundai Tucson
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is the newest offering on this list, and a legitimate competitor to the CR-V and RAV4, meaning it’s a practical vehicle with a thoughtful layout and features. Our budget should afford the nicely equipped SEL trim, although if you don’t mind higher mileage, you may find Limited models within reach. See used Hyundai Tucson models for sale near you
10 Best Used SUVs Under $15,000
- 2015 Honda CR-V
- 2013 Toyota Highlander
- 2015 Honda Pilot
- 2014 Toyota RAV4
- 2016 Mazda CX-5
- 2017 Subaru Forester
- 2017 Ford Edge
- 2018 Nissan Rogue
- 2018 Mazda CX-3
- 2019 Hyundai Tucson
