What’s not to love about a good compact SUV? Just the right amount of space for people and things without being bulky or hard to park, plenty of capability and utility without being grossly inefficient, and still relatively affordable. A good used compact SUV is a win-win-win.
Here are 10 of the best used compact SUVs you’ll find for less than $20,000.
1. 2018 Honda CR-V
When new, the 2018 Honda CR-V was KBB’s highest-rated compact SUV, eclipsing even the RAV4, which is second on our list; that’s no small accomplishment, and one based on its flexible, functional cabin, ease of driving, peppy engine options, and standard safety features. Shopping tip: Look for LX and EX models on our budget, with features like LED headlights, smartphone integration, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
See used 2018 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
2. 2018 Toyota RAV4
For those who like the CR-V but prefer Toyota, the 2018 RAV4 is a very close second to the Honda, thanks to its standard Toyota Safety Sense-P suite on all models, Toyota reliability and ease of use, and the availability of a hybrid rated at 32 mpg combined. If you opt for the hybrid, you’ll get AWD by default.
See used 2018 Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
3. 2020 Mazda CX-5
Whether you’re a “Zoom-Zoom” era Mazda fan or one who believes “Driving Matters,” you’ll appreciate the 2020 Mazda CX-5‘s incorporation of the brand’s fun-to-drive ethos into an eminently practical, stylish, and comfortable compact SUV. Look for Touring or perhaps even Grand Touring models on our budget.
See used 2020 Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
4. 2019 Subaru Forester
The 2019 Subaru Forester is available with all-wheel drive in all trims. Our budget should allow us to upgrade to the Limited trim, which features leather upholstery, LED steering-responsive lights, a power rear liftgate, heated seats, and more.
See used 2019 Subaru Forester models for sale near you
5. 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
If you’re a fan of American hardware, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid choice, with a roomy 5-passenger cabin and comfortable seats, including a reclining second-row bench. Ample standard safety and tech features mean that even base models are a good value, but our budget should afford the nicely specified LS or LT models.
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6. 2020 GMC Terrain
Closely related to the Equinox, the 2020 GMC Terrain is a year older but slightly classier in design and equipment. Solid ride quality, available all-wheel drive on the SLE model that best fits our budget, and standard smartphone integration give the Terrain plenty of appeal to go with its rugged suburban style.
See 2020 GMC Terrain models for sale near you
7. 2021 Hyundai Tucson
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson might not have the name recognition or the long histories of the CR-V and RAV4, but it’s closing in on those stalwarts, narrowing the gap every year. The 2021 Tucson’s blend of an excellent warranty, handsome styling, and many standard features makes it a solid value.
See 2021 Hyundai Tucson models for sale near you
8. 2020 Nissan Rogue
The 2020 Nissan Rogue is roomier than the CX-5 and more efficient than an equivalent Ford Escape. For our money, the SL trim is available with Bose audio, ProPilot Assist driver aids, leather details, and more. If you’re looking for a hybrid Rogue, check out the 2019 model — it was dropped for 2020.
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9. 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
If you need to squeeze occasional 3-row use into a compact SUV format, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice. Nearly sizing up into midsize territory, the Tiguan is spacious and comfortable. On our budget, it’s available in 2.0T SE or SEL trims, with or without 4Motion all-wheel drive.
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10. 2021 Ford Escape
Sleeker and sportier than just about anything on this list except the Mazda CX-5, the 2021 Ford Escape is also available on our budget in top-spec Titanium trim, or as a hybrid, or both. The hybrid gets standard all-wheel drive and 41 mpg combined, making it a great choice for commuters. However, even the non-hybrid is efficient with up to 30 mpg combined, or 28 mpg with all-wheel drive.
See 2021 Ford Escape models for sale near you
10 Best Used Compact SUVs Under $20,000
- 2018 Honda CR-V
- 2018 Toyota RAV4
- 2020 Mazda CX-5
- 2019 Subaru Forester
- 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2020 GMC Terrain
- 2021 Hyundai Tucson
- 2020 Nissan Rogue
- 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2021 Ford Escape
