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Best Used SUVs Under $10,000

The average cost of a used vehicle in America is hovering close to $30,000. That makes finding a car, truck or SUV you're happy with for a third of that price a bit tricky. It's far from impossible to find a good used car for $10,000, but you may have to travel to locate the best options, wait for the right deal, and be willing to accept some compromises to find a reliable car that fits your budget.

If you're looking for a used SUV, here's one piece of good news: More new-car buyers want SUVs than any other vehicle type, and that means plenty of them are available on the used market too. A thorough scouring of classified ads along with a deep dive into reliability reports and owner reviews resulted in this list of the 10 best used SUVs under $10,000. We've grouped them below by size and category, starting with the smallest and ending with a large three-row luxury option.

Best used subcompact SUV under $10,000

Used Kia Soul

The Kia Soul doesn't fit nicely into any specific categories. It's halfway between the small hatchback and crossover categories, with an upright design that's both distinctive and space-efficient. Like some other subcompact crossovers, the Kia Soul is available only in front-wheel-drive guise, and if you don't live in an area of the country that gets pounded with inclement weather, that may not be a problem. If the lack of all-wheel drive is a deal-breaker, look for one of the other cars on this list.

If possible, you should search for a Kia Soul with a reasonable number of miles from 2020 or later. The Soul was redesigned for the 2020 model year with a stylish streamlined appearance that looks significantly more modern than the version it replaced. The previous Soul is also a solid choice for the right price, and opting for something a little older could save you a bit of cash on the initial purchase.

Both the 2019 and 2020 Kia Soul score Excellent 4.0 reliability ratings from RepairPal.

Best used compact SUV under $10,000

Used Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has long been one of Edmunds' favorite compact SUVs. Every generation of Honda's strong-selling crossover improved upon the previous, and the model that we've selected that's available for less than $10,000 is roomy, comfortable, efficient and reliable. Just as importantly to many of us, compared to its rivals the Honda CR-V doesn't feel like a boring appliance. In fact, it's pretty fun to drive.

You may have a choice when shopping for a used Honda CR-V within a $10,000 budget between a 2014 and 2015 model. The 2014 edition has a traditional five-speed automatic while the 2015 has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you're trying to decide between the two, a test drive would be wise. Some owners dislike CVTs, while others appreciate the improved efficiency — the 2015 gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, which is a significant improvement over the 2014's 26 mpg combined.

Whether you opt for a 2014 or 2015 model, the CR-V earns an Excellent 4.5 reliability rating from RepairPal.

Best used midsize SUVs under $10,000

Used Honda Pilot

If you're looking for a reliable midsize SUV made by a brand with a strong reputation for reliability, look no further than the Honda Pilot. It's not the most interesting vehicle in its segment, but it offers solid roominess, a comfortable ride and reasonable fuel economy. If you need a third row that can occasionally seat an adult, the Pilot is a solid choice.

The Pilot benefits from Honda's sterling reputation for reliability, and that impacts its resale value on the used market. The 2013 model got an improved touchscreen and a Bluetooth connection that improves day-to-day livability, but the 2012 version is otherwise similar. We'd stay clear of older Pilots due to their insufficient braking performance in our testing.

The Honda Pilot receives an Above Average 3.5 reliability rating from RepairPal.

Used Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai earned its solid reputation in America by offering more for less, and that's exactly what the Santa Fe delivers on the used market. If you want car-like practicality but need three rows of seats, the Santa Fe is a strong option. The Santa Fe and Honda Pilot score similar reliability ratings from RepairPal, but the Hyundai looks and feels more modern inside and out, and it's more powerful and more fun to drive too.

If you're looking for another reason to choose the Hyundai Santa Fe over the Honda Pilot, the ability to score a more recent model year with fewer miles may be the most compelling. The Santa Fe can tow a little bit more weight than the Pilot too.

The Hyundai Santa Fe earns an Above Average 3.5 reliability rating from RepairPal.

Used Toyota Venza

Don't need three rows of seats but still want the roominess and cargo capacity of a midsize SUV? The Toyota Venza may be just what you're looking for. With its low ride height, the Venza drives more like a Camry wagon than a lumbering SUV. Perhaps most importantly, the Venza's strong predicted reliability scores, like many other Toyota models, mean it's less likely to provide lots of trouble-free miles without requiring expensive repairs.

You should steer clear of the 181-horsepower four-cylinder Venza. The optional 268-hp V6 is more rewarding to drive and gets similar fuel mileage. Since the Venza didn't change much between its debut in 2009 through the first-generation model's exit in 2015, you should look for the options content, price, and number of miles it's been driven instead of searching for a specific model year.

The Toyota Venza receives an Excellent 4.5 reliability rating from RepairPal.

Best used full-size SUVs under $10,000

Used Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is an ideal vehicle for large families that need three rows of seats and the ability to tow campers or trailers. It's powered by a strong and durable V8 engine, and the traditional truck-like body-on-frame construction provides a chassis that's designed for hauling heavy loads. That also means it's not as comfortable as modern crossovers that use a car-like unibody structure, and that big V8 is thirstier than the smaller V6s that many of the Tahoe's competitors employ.

You're going to have to look for an older Tahoe to fit under a $10,000 price cap. In this case, the actual model year matters less than the number of miles and the truck's usage history. If you can find a Tahoe from 2011 or later, you may benefit from an integrated trailer brake controller if it's equipped with the optional towing package.

The Chevy Tahoe gets an Above Average 3.5 reliability rating from RepairPal.

Used Ford Flex

Ford styled the Flex like the box it came in. And while that means it isn't everyone's cup of tea, its unique blocky styling may be just the ticket for families that don't want a cookie-cutter crossover. The Flex's boxy shape also means it's spacious inside, with three rows of seats sized appropriately for family duty. It may not be as practical as a proper minivan, but it's the next best thing.

The Flex received a thorough refresh for the 2013 model year. In 2016, Ford's Sync 3 replaced the old infotainment system, so that's a good year to target. If you value performance and high horsepower figures, the optional EcoBoost V6's 365 horsepower is enticing, though the standard 287-hp engine is sufficient for most buyers.

The Ford Flex scores an Above Average 3.0 reliability rating from RepairPal.

Best used luxury SUVs under $10,000

Compact: Acura RDX

Edmunds visitors save an average of $2879 off their new car. How much can you save?

There are two very different versions of the Acura RDX that fall into the $10,000 budget cap. The first generation of Acura's small SUV was very interesting, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque mated to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. It's a sporty option with a firm ride and excellent handling performance.

The second-generation Acura RDX is an entirely different and more mainstream offering. In place of the turbo engine is a comparatively fuel-efficient V6 that spins out more power but results in slower acceleration. The redesigned RDX is also smoother, more comfortable and roomier than the model it replaced.

If you're looking for a luxury crossover that doesn't blend in, the 2009-2012 Acura RDX may be worth a look. For the majority of buyers, though, the softened version that was produced between 2013 and 2018 is a better choice.

Both the 2012 and 2013 Acura RDX earn Excellent 4.0 reliability ratings from RepairPal.

Midsize two-row: Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX, which has long been the brand's best-selling model, blends luxury, reliability, and premium interior and exterior finishes in equal levels. The RX 350 is powered by a smooth V6 engine that's known for its durability, while the RX 450h boasts a hybrid powertrain that offers more horsepower and better fuel efficiency than its less expensive sibling. Either way, RepairPal rates the Lexus RX at 4.5 out of 5 stars for reliability.

To fit into a $10,000 budget, you'll need to look for RX models built between 2010 and 2012. The 2013 version got a minor redesign that included Lexus' spindle-shaped grille, but that's about where prices start to creep out of reach for cost-conscious buyers. While both the RX 350 and RX 450h are worth looking for, the hybrid version may be out of reach for buyers looking to stay around $10,000. If you can find one near you, though, the hybrid RX's fuel savings could add up to a significant savings over the years.

Both the RX 350 and RX 450h score Excellent 4.5 reliability ratings from RepairPal.

Midsize three-row: Acura MDX

The MDX is Acura's best-selling nameplate here in America, and for good reason. The premium crossover is smooth, refined and technologically advanced. Power comes from a 300-hp V6 engine and all-wheel drive is standard. Unlike the Lexus RX, Acura's midsizer features a third row of seats. And in contrast to many three-row utility vehicles, the MDX's way back is roomy enough for adults to use for occasional trips.

The MDX got a full redesign in 2014, but the 2013 edition is more likely to be found for less than $10,000. Its sharp, angular styling still looks modern today, and the fact that it's pretty fun to drive makes the 2013 Acura MDX an excellent choice if you're looking for a midsize three-row luxury SUV.

The Acura MDX scores an Excellent 4.0 reliability rating from RepairPal.

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