Interest rates may finally be coming down a bit soon, and used car prices have been slowly coming back to earth over the past few years, meaning your dollar goes a bit farther now than it did in the not-too-distant past. 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. 2016 Honda CR-V
When new, the 2016 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.
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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.
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3. 2016 Honda Pilot
If you need a bit more space, the 2016 Honda Pilot seats up to eight occupants and fits up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo into its hold. Available all-wheel drive pairs with a standard 280-hp V6 engine. Our budget should afford the EX-L trim or perhaps even top-spec Touring models with leather upholstery and even a rear-seat DVD system.
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4. 2016 Toyota RAV4
Practical, smart, and similarly sized to the CR-V, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is another no-brainer for most folks — it’s just a good fit. The best fit for a $15,000 budget is likely the XLE model with upgrades like a JBL premium audio system, power moonroof, and heated front seats.
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5. 2018 Mazda CX-5
For a fun, sporty, and stylish option, the 2018 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.
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6. 2018 Subaru Forester
Standard all-wheel drive and ample cargo volume (up to 74.7 cubic feet) make the 2018 Subaru Forester not only a value, but also an inherently practical choice, especially for those who see severe winters. Our $15,000 budget should comfortably afford a Touring or Premium model. The fun, punchy Forester 2.0XT turbocharged powertrain is also likely just within reach for determined buyers.
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7. 2019 Ford Edge
The 2019 Ford Edge is a bit larger than the RAV4 and CR-V, offering more interior space and cargo volume, but it’s 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. The powerful ST trim is likely still out of reach, however.
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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.
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9. 2020 Mazda CX-3
Like the larger CX-5, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 is a sporty, fun-to-drive choice among SUVs, and also practical. The 2020 model is the first to get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup. Look for top-spec models on our budget, with leather upholstery, a moonroof, LED headlights, and Bose audio.
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10. 2019 Hyundai Tucson
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is one of the newest offerings 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
- 2016 Honda CR-V
- 2013 Toyota Highlander
- 2016 Honda Pilot
- 2016 Toyota RAV4
- 2018 Mazda CX-5
- 2018 Subaru Forester
- 2019 Ford Edge
- 2018 Nissan Rogue
- 2020 Mazda CX-3
- 2019 Hyundai Tucson
