Best Used SUVs Under $20k for 2023
The best used SUVs under $20k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best used subcompact SUV under $20k is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 (8.2 quality rating), with the 2018 Buick Encore being the best used luxury subcompact SUV under $20k (8.4 quality rating). The 2018 Hyundai TUCSON ranks #1 for the best used small and compact SUVs under $20k (8.5 quality rating).
The best used midsize SUV under $20k is the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE (8.5 quality rating), which is also the best used crossover SUV under $20k. Topping the list for the best used luxury crossover SUVs under $20k is the 2018 Buick Encore (8.4 quality rating), while the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder ranks first for the best used three-row SUVs under $20k (8.4 quality rating).
The best used hybrid SUV under $20k is the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid (7.7 quality rating), with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder being the best used 7-seater SUV under $20k (8.4 quality rating). The 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE ranks #1 for the best used 5-seater SUVs under $20k (8.5 quality rating).
The best used 6-seater SUV under $20k is the 2018 Kia Sorento (7.7 quality rating), with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder being the best used 8-seater SUV under $20k (8.4 quality rating). The 2018 Buick Encore ranks #1 for the best used luxury 5-seater SUVs under $20k (8.4 quality rating).
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Used Cars Under $20k Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
