Whether your family is young and growing or growing older together, having safe and reliable transportation is important. Because there are so many different types of families, we’ve compiled a diverse list of vehicles to suit most of them.
As with any used car list, use the model year suggested here as a starting point for your search, but keep some flexibility to find the best example available in your area. For example, you may want to go a year or two older to afford a car with more equipment, or you may not mind a higher mileage car as long as it’s a bit newer for the same money. There are lots of great used family cars out there; it just depends on what you need for your situation.
Here are 10 of the best used family vehicles under $15,000.
1. 2016 Honda Odyssey
The 2016 Honda Odyssey is one of the handful of year models to offer the HondaVAC built-in vacuum cleaner, included in the top-spec Touring Elite model, which conveniently fits right into our budget. You’ll also get features like a 16.2-inch rear seat monitor, a moonroof, leather upholstery, and more.
See used Honda Odyssey models for sale near you
2. 2015 Toyota Sienna
The 2015 Toyota Sienna doesn’t offer a built-in vacuum or an enormous rear seat display, but it does offer something the Odyssey doesn’t: all-wheel drive (AWD). On top of its all-weather ability, the Sienna is a family favorite for its features, and the XLE and higher trims include leather-trimmed second-row captain’s chairs, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, a power liftgate, and more.
See used Toyota Sienna models for sale near you
3. 2016 Honda Pilot
The 2016 Honda Pilot was the first year of the third generation of the popular 3-row family hauler. Sharp looks that have held up over time and a spacious, functional interior that has helped build the Pilot’s reputation make this a great all-arounder for many kinds of families. Look for the LX and EX models on our budget, although savvy shoppers may find the leather-equipped EX-L within reach.
See used Honda Pilot models for sale near you
4. 2013 Toyota Highlander
Like the Pilot, the Highlander has long been a top pick for families. The 2013 Toyota Highlander is a dependable choice with a roomy 7-passenger cabin, a second row that can convert from 3-across to 2-across seating for easier third-row access, and available all-wheel drive. Our budget should afford the top trim of either the standard or Highlander Hybrid — the hybrid gets an impressive 28 mpg combined with standard all-wheel drive.
See used Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
5. 2019 Kia Sedona
The 2019 Kia Sedona is often overlooked in the minivan segment thanks to the star power of the Odyssey and Sienna, but it’s value-packed and potentially still under warranty, given Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Look for loaded EX or possibly even SX models on our budget, with features like Slide-n-Stow second-row seats that fold up against the back of the first row.
See used Kia Sedona models for sale near you
6. 2017 Subaru Outback
A perennial favorite in places where traction is paramount, the 2017 Subaru Outback is a great all-around vehicle, all year round, with room for family and gear, too. The Outback spans a range of trims from practical and basic to fairly luxurious, and our budget spans them all, so take your choice of cloth or leather seats and an efficient 4-cylinder or a stout 6-cylinder engine. But whatever you choose, you’ll get all-wheel drive. Look for models equipped with the optional EyeSight system for added safety features.
See used Subaru Outback models for sale near you
7. 2016 Toyota Prius V
If efficiency is a priority for your family, the 2016 Toyota Prius V may be a good fit, bringing the efficiency of a Prius hybrid to the world of wagon-like vehicles with flexible interior space. A combined rating of 42 mpg makes the Prius V one of the most efficient family-friendly cars around.
See used Toyota Prius V models for sale near you
8. 2017 Mazda CX-9
One of the most enjoyable 3-row SUVs to drive, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 proves you don’t have to give up on fun when you have a family. Seating for seven, available all-wheel drive, and a premium look and feel inside and out also make the CX-9 a strong pick. The top-tier Signature trim is within our budget’s reach, with luxuries like Nappa leather trim, rosewood accents, LED accent lighting, Bose audio, and more.
See used Mazda CX-9 models for sale near you
9. 2014 Chevrolet Suburban
Easily the largest and brawniest of this bunch, the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban can haul up to nine occupants, tow up to 8,100 pounds, and enclose 137.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front seats. If you need lots of room while also towing a camper or boat, the Suburban might be a great fit for your family.
See used Chevrolet Suburban models for sale near you
10. 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
One of the newest models on our list is also one of the more luxurious options, although our budget is limited to the bottom half of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica trim range, with the Touring Plus and LX likely the best fit. The Pacifica offers a built-in vacuum, Stow ‘n Go second-row seats that stow into the floor, and standard smartphone integration.
See used Chrysler Pacifica models for sale near you
10 Best Used Family Cars Under $15,000
- 2016 Honda Odyssey
- 2015 Toyota Sienna
- 2016 Honda Pilot
- 2013 Toyota Highlander
- 2019 Kia Sedona
- 2017 Subaru Outback
- 2016 Toyota Prius V
- 2017 Mazda CX-9
- 2014 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
