These days, buying a used car on a budget can be a challenge. However, if you’re looking at getting into an SUV and have about $12,000 to work with, there are several great options. Here are our picks for the 10 best SUVs you can find for under $12,000, based on Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price.
1. 2012 Toyota RAV4
Roomy and comfortable, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is a fuel-efficient compact SUV that’s known for reliability and high resale value. This RAV4 came standard with an impressive list of safety features, a thrifty 4-cylinder engine, Bluetooth connectivity, and underfloor storage. You might even be able to find a RAV4 in this price range with the optional V6 engine or 3-row seating. See used 2012 Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
2. 2011 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is a benchmark in the compact SUV segment. Its well-designed interior is versatile, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use. The CR-V’s 4-cylinder engine nets fuel economy as good as 28 mpg – or 27 mpg with optional all-wheel drive. You’ll find this Honda has a refined ride, and the interior is fairly quiet. See used 2011 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
3. 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If you want to find a reliable 3-row SUV for a reasonable price, there may be no better place to start your search than with a used Toyota Highlander. In fact, with a $12,000 budget, not only should you be able to find one with the optional third row, but a fuel-efficient hybrid model at that. The 270-horsepower Highlander Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive and has fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway. See used 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models for sale near you
4. 2012 Honda Pilot
With room for eight people, available all-wheel drive, and numerous standard safety features, the 2012 Honda Pilot is a terrific minivan alternative. Its boxy design creates plenty of headroom and cargo space. In addition, despite its midsize SUV dimensions, the Pilot is smooth and roomy, and drives like a large car. See used 2012 Honda Pilot models for sale near you
5. 2013 Mazda CX-5
Thanks to its fantastic handling and steering response, the Mazda CX-5 is the sportiest SUV on this list, but that doesn’t take anything away from its practical nature or impressive reliability. This generation of the CX-5 uses a 155-horsepower engine. That doesn’t make this the most powerful compact SUV you can find for $12K, but with an automatic transmission, you can get 32 mpg – or 35 with the manual transmission. See used 2013 Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
6. 2009 Lexus RX 350
If you’re willing to turn back the clock, you can get into the reliable, upscale Lexus RX 350 for less than $12,000. This midsize luxury SUV has the creature comforts and quiet interior you would expect from a vehicle with the Lexus badge on it. It also boasts generous cargo space, which you can access via the power liftgate. See used 2009 Lexus RX 350 models for sale near you
7. 2013 Subaru Outback
For as long as the Subaru Outback has been on the market, it has established itself as a spacious midsize SUV alternative that’s ready for outdoor adventure. It has the interior room to keep all five aboard comfortable, with wagonlike cargo space for their gear. Even in 2013, the Outback was loaded with safety features, including standard all-wheel drive and an earlier version of the company’s EyeSight driver assistance system. The 2013 Outback was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. See used 2013 Subaru Outback models for sale near you
8. 2014 Nissan Rogue Select
In 2014, Nissan actually had two models of the Rogue on sale, including the previous-generation Rogue, renamed Rogue Select. The Rogue Select was a value choice when new, with a simplified trim lineup and minimal options list. It’s a compact SUV with a simple, straightforward interior with comfortable seats. There’s decent storage space in the cabin and the cargo area, and fuel economy is as good as 28 mpg on the highway. See used 2014 Nissan Rogue Select models for sale near you
9. 2013 Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a 2-row midsize SUV that provides terrific stretch-out space in both rows while leaving 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The interior houses various cool tech features, such as HD Radio and MyFord Touch telematics. This year, the Edge was available with three engines. If fuel economy is top of mind for you, we recommend looking for a model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, good for up to 30 highway mpg. See used 2013 Ford Edge models for sale near you
10. 2014 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano has modern styling and an upscale interior that still look good today. The 2014 model offers better handling than expected from a 2-row midsize SUV yet still has the cargo space and practicality you need. And because of the Murano’s impressive automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), this SUV’s 260-horsepower engine returns 24 mpg on the highway. See used 2014 Nissan Murano models for sale near you
10 Best Used SUVs Under $12,000
- 2012 Toyota RAV4
- 2011 Honda CR-V
- 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2012 Honda Pilot
- 2013 Mazda CX-5
- 2009 Lexus RX 350
- 2013 Subaru Outback
- 2014 Nissan Rogue Select
- 2013 Ford Edge
- 2014 Nissan Murano
