12 Used Small SUVs That Are Still Worth Every Penny

In a world where new car prices keep climbing, used small SUVs have quietly become the smart driver’s secret weapon. They’re practical, easy to park, and often come loaded with modern features all without the new-car sticker shock. The best part? Some of these models hold up so well that even a few years old, they still feel fresh behind the wheel. From dependable favorites like the Honda CR-V to surprisingly durable options like the Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Crosstrek, these 12 small SUVs prove that “used” doesn’t mean “settling.” In fact, you might just find your next reliable ride for half the price of new.

Honda CR-V

Okay, obviously, right? The CR-V. It’s the golden retriever of cars – just universally good and dependable. I’m talking like, 2015-2017 models. They run forever, the interior is weirdly spacious, and the rear seats fold flat with that one magic lever. It’s not exciting, I mean, at all, but it’s so competent. You can probably find a really decent one for, I dunno, $14,000 to $18,000? Maybe less if you hunt. It’s just a appliance, but in the best way.

Toyota RAV4

This is the CR-V’s eternal rival. And honestly? You can’t pick wrong. The RAV4, especially from that same 2015-ish era, is a tank. It’ll go 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat. The V6 models from a bit earlier are surprisingly quick, but even the 4-cylinder is fine. It’s a bit noisier than the Honda, I think, but who cares? You’re looking at similar prices, maybe a grand or two difference depending on the day. A utterly safe bet.

Mazda CX-5

Now, if you want something that’s actually… nice to drive. The CX-5, like the 2016 and up models, they just feel more premium. The interior is way nicer than the Honda or Toyota, and it handles like a car, not a loaf of bread. It’s kinda fun! The early ones might burn a little oil, I think? But nothing catastrophic. For a used SUV that doesn’t feel like a punishment, this is it. Probably in the $15,000 to $20,000 range for a good one.

Subaru Forester

The Forester is for a specific person. You know, the one who might actually go on a dirt road or has to deal with snow. The all-wheel drive is standard, and the visibility is insane – it’s like a fishbowl on wheels. They’re super practical. Just, uh, watch out for the head gaskets on the older non-turbo models, that was a thing. But a 2015 or newer? You’re golden. I’d say… $16,000 and up? Worth it for the capability.

Ford Escape

Okay, the Escape gets a bad rap sometimes, but the 2017-2019 models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine are actually really solid. They’re zippy! And the interior is… fine. It’s fine. But because it’s a Ford and not a Toyota, the prices are way more attractive. You could snag a nice one for like, $13,000 to $17,000. Just, for the love of all that is holy, avoid the older ones with the Powershift transmission. Stick with the automatics.

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai really stepped up their game in the mid-2010s. The 2016 Tucson and up are great. You get a ton of features for the money, and that 10-year/100,000-mile warranty? A big chunk of that transfers to you, the second owner. That’s huge peace of mind. They’re stylish, comfortable, and not gonna lie, a great value. I’ve seen them for around $14,000 to $18,000. A seriously smart buy.

Kia Sportage

It’s basically the Tucson’s twin, right? Same platform, same engines. So everything I said about the Hyundai applies here. The styling is a bit… polarizing, I guess? Some people love the weird looks. But you get that same amazing warranty and a really solid, comfortable ride. Prices are usually just a tiny bit lower than the Tucson, so maybe start here if you’re bargain hunting.

Nissan Rogue

I know, I know. Everyone groans. But the Rogues from about 2017 onward? They fixed a lot of the issues with the CVT transmission. Not all, but a lot. And the interior is so practical, and those Zero Gravity seats are legitimately comfortable. You can find them everywhere for cheap. I’m talking like $12,000 to $16,000. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you get a good one and change the transmission fluid like clockwork, it’s a ton of car for the money.

Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox is… it’s fine. It’s like a comfortable shoe. The 2018 and newer models are much better than the old ones – way more efficient and reliable. They’re quiet, the ride is smooth, and they’re just easy to live with. Nothing exciting, but sometimes you don’t want exciting, you want dependable. And you can find a ton of them for well under $20,000. A perfectly sensible, boring choice.

Jeep Cherokee

Not the Compass! Never the Compass. But the Cherokee, specifically the ones with the 3.2L V6, are actually pretty robust. They’ve got a more sophisticated four-wheel drive system if you need it, and they’re surprisingly nice on the inside. They look… unique. That front end is, uh, a choice. But for a capable, midsize-feeling SUV that’s not a Wrangler, it’s a good pick. Prices are all over, but maybe $15,000 to $22,000.

Kia Soul

Okay, is it an SUV? Technically… a crossover? I don’t know, but it functions like one. And they are ridiculously practical. The boxy shape means so much headroom and cargo space. And they’re cheap to buy and run. A 2017 or newer Soul with the 2.0L engine is a little workhorse. You can get a really nice one for, like, $11,000 to $15,000. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s a fantastic value. Don’t sleep on the toaster.

Lexus RX

Wait, hear me out. This is the wildcard. A used Lexus RX, like a 2010-2015 model. It’s a Toyota underneath, so the reliability is legendary. It’s unbelievably comfortable, quiet, and feels luxurious even now. You’re paying for premium gas and maybe a bit more in insurance, but the purchase price? You can find these with reasonable miles for $18,000 to $25,000. For a vehicle that’s this nice and this reliable, that’s a steal.