It’s not just new cars that people are after. The used car market is full of good cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans that are available at prices far lower than a brand new car.
iSeeCars, a car search engine, analyzed over 6.1 million cars from model years 2011 and newer to determine the used cars that demonstrated long-term reliability and have an average safety rating of at least 4 stars out of 5 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Shoppers with a budget of $20,000 can purchase the following reliable SUVs that are less than 10 years old.
2013 Acura MDX
Photo courtesy of Acura
Average Used Price: $17,138
The 2013 Acura MDX is a good handling car with plenty of cargo space and accurate steering, which makes it easy to park. It’s an all-wheel drive model that seats up to seven people in three rows. J.D. Power rates the 300-horsepower SUV as being pretty reliable.
2013 Ford Expedition
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Average Used Price: $17,175
The Ford Expedition is a hauler that easily moves a large family whether it’s in a rear- or all-wheel drive configuration. If you don’t fill it up with people and instead need to haul cargo, you’ll be pleased with how easily the third row folds down. Ford has made the model capable of towing up to 9,200 pounds.
2013 Toyota Highlander
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.
Average Used Price: $18,239
Americans have long loved the Toyota Highlander and it’s easy to see why. It’s a comfortable three-row family hauler. When it was new, it was considered well appointed compared to other midsize SUVs. It was also available in four-wheel drive, making it a good daily driver in all climates.
2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.
Average Used Price: $18,270
The 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had the advantages of the 2013 Highlander but without the four-wheel drive option. Toyota filled that void by offering superior fuel economy and more rapid acceleration thanks to the hybrid powertrain.
2014 Dodge Durango
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
Average Used Price: $18,494
The Dodge Durango is available as either a two- or three-row SUV. It delivers a smooth ride across all grades and has a luxe interior in its highest trim levels. The Durangos infotainment system is easy to use and it was available in all-wheel drive when it was new.
2014 Honda Pilot
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $18,591
The 2014 Honda Pilot is reliable and spacious but doesn’t have an exhilarating engine or luxe interior. Still, it’s a solid choice for families on the go, even used.
2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
Average Used Price: $18,794
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban makes an idea people hauler for many reasons. It has plenty of passenger space, can haul and tow a fair amount, and is stable on the road. It’s easy to drive and delivers a good amount of cargo space.
2016 Honda CR-V
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $19,061
The 2016 Honda CR-V is a two-row SUV that has a lot that small families are looking for. Its cargo area is huge, there’s plenty of legroom in both rows of seating, and it’s regarded as being generally reliable.
2011 Cadillac Escalade
Photo courtesy of Cadillac
Average Used Price: $19,472
The 2011 Cadillac Escalade’s best attributes in 2011 are much the same as they are in the 2020 model. It has a spacious cabin for the first two rows of passengers, a competent engine, and a luxe interior in top trim levels. It delivers a comfortable ride and came in both rear- and four-wheel drive when it was new.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
Average Used Price: $19,529
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe delivers nearly all the same things that the Chevrolet Suburban does. After all, they’re mostly the same vehicle. Though it seats up to nine people in three rows, that third row is cramped for adults.
2012 GMC Yukon
Photo courtesy of GMC
Average Used Price: $19,801
The 2012 GMC Yukon is the brother of the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe so it shares many of the same features. It’s easy to drive, has a high towing capacity, and has a competent engine (though it’s not too quick off the line). To get the most cargo space from the SUV, you’ll need to lower the third row seats.
