Top 11 Most Reliable SUVs Under $25K (KBB Ranked)
Buying a reliable SUV on a budget is not easy, but Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has highlighted several models that deliver long-term dependability without breaking the bank. These SUVs combine strong engines, low maintenance issues, and impressive resale value. If you want an affordable vehicle you can trust for years, this list is your perfect starting point.
2018 Toyota Highlander
Oh man, the Highlander KBB’s top pick, and honestly, why wouldn’t it be? This thing’s like the minivan your dad wished existed, roomy as hell for the whole fam, super safe with all those crash ratings, and it sips gas better than you think for a three-row beast. You can snag a nice XLE around $22,000 or even a loaded Limited Platinum if you’re lucky, and Toyota reliability? It’s legendary, dude, these things hit 300k miles like it’s nothing. Comfy seats, quiet ride perfect for road trips, though the styling’s kinda vanilla, you know? But who cares when it doesn’t break.
2020 Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot, yeah, this is Highlander’s chill cousin same vibe but with that Honda smoothness. Three rows, V6 that pulls strong, and on 25k you get AWD and leather in the EX-L, like around $23,000 easy. KBB loves it for being versatile, spacious, and dead reliable; no weird rattles or electronics going nuts after a year. I mean, it’s not the sportiest, but for hauling kids or gear? Spot on. Sometimes I think, wait, is it too big for city parking? Nah, handles fine.
2021 Honda CR-V
CR-V, ugh, this one’s a no-brainer compact but feels huge inside, great mpg, and KBB calls it their old Best Buy for a reason. Grab an EX-L with leather for about $21,000, turbo engine’s peppy, safety tech everywhere. Super practical, folds flat for cargo, and Hondas just don’t die, you know? Compared to newer ones, this year’s a steal quiet, comfy, though the ride’s a tad firm. Honestly, if you’re solo or small fam, this over Pilot every time.
2020 Toyota RAV4
RAV4, Toyota’s cash cow everyone’s got one for a reason. KBB digs the value, reliability, and how it does everything right; XLE Premiums go for $24,000 ish, AWD standard now, decent power. It’s not flashy, but boxy shape means mad space, good off light dirt roads too. Fuel economy’s solid, like 30 mpg highway beats a lot of these. Side thought: bland looks, but who buys an SUV to turn heads? Nah, this’ll outlast your mortgage.
2022 Subaru Forester
Forester Subaru’s boxy buddy, standard AWD and 8.7 inches ground clearance, so snow or trails? No sweat. KBB rates it high for room, safety gear, 33 mpg highway—snag one under $25k no problem. Headroom’s insane, cargo bay swallows bikes, reliable as heck though watch for head gaskets on older ones. Feels rugged but drives nice; I was meh on the looks at first, like a taller Outback? But nah, it’s comfy daily. Great for outdoorsy types.
2022 Mazda CX-5
CX-5, oh yeah, Mazda’s fun one KBB loves the driving feel, turbo with 250 horses in Grand Touring for around $24,500. Stylish, luxurious inside, AWD now standard, reliable too without being boring. Sporty handling like a hot hatch but taller fuel decent, comfy seats. Not the roomiest, but who needs huge if it corners like that? Honestly, this might be my fave; changes mind mid-sentence, wait no, RAV4 for spac both killer though.
2020 Kia Telluride
TellurideKBB’s old Best New Model, three rows of wow for base LX at $23k used. Roomy cabin, sharp looks, tech-loaded, and reliable enough to win awards. V6 pulls the weight, comfy ride feels premium without the badge snobbery. Warranty’s still on some, huge value. Downside? Thirsty on gas, but for family hauler? Chef’s kiss. Like, why pay more for German stuff that breaks?
2022 Subaru Crosstrek
Crosstrek, smaller Forester vibe pet-friendly, off-road ready, cargo space surprises. KBB praises safety scores, AWD grip; Sport or Limited under $22,000. Practical for adventures, decent mpg reliable Subaru core. Tiny but tough; city parking king, though highway wind noise? Eh. Great if you’re solo or couple, not massive fam.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Kona Electric whoa, EV under 25k? 258 mile range, top Ultimate trim loaded for $24k ish, KBB Best Buy roots. Stylish, zippy in city, fun driver new safety tech. No gas hassles, charges quick-ish, reliable battery. Weird for SUV fans? Nah, perfect urban runabout. Quiet, peppy changes mind, pricey to charge? Still cheaper long run.
2021 Buick Enclave
Enclave, quiet luxury seats seven plush, smooth ride for road trips, Premium or Avenir around $24,500. KBB notes cargo, comfort, safety adds. V6 power, cushy feels upscale without BMW bills. Reliable enough, big inside. Gas hog? Yeah, but serene cruiser. Underrated gem.
2019 Mazda CX-9
Wait, sneaking in CX-9 three-row Mazda magic, sporty like CX-5 but bigger. KBB vibes from lists, reliable, fun; under $25k for nice ones. Turbo zip, premium feel space for all. Beats bland midsizers; signature or grand touring? Steal.
