Most Reliable Used Cars Under $20k for 2025
These are the most reliable used cars, trucks, and SUVs under $20k, ranked by iSeeCars’ reliability rating which is based on a data-driven analysis of a vehicle's longevity.
Most Reliable Used Cars Under $20k by Vehicle Type
The most reliable used SUV under $20k is the 2019 Ford Flex which has an iSeeCars reliability rating of 9.2 out of 10 and an average price of $18,434. The most reliable used sedan under $20k is the 2019 Honda Civic (coupe) with a rating of 9.1 and a used car price of $19,312. The 2020 BMW i3 (electric) is the most reliable used luxury passenger car under $20k; it has a reliability score of 7.2 and is priced on average at $19,518. The most reliable used luxury SUV under $20k is the 2019 INFINITI QX60, with a reliability rating of 7.8 out of 10 and a used price of $19,817.
The iSeeCars Reliability rating or score for each model is based on an analysis of over 12 million vehicles to determine the longest lasting cars that can surpass 200,000 miles on the odometer.
Most Reliable Used Cars Under $20k
Most Reliable Used SUVs Under $20k
Most Reliable Used Hybrids Under $20k
Most Reliable Used Electrics Under $20k
Most Reliable Used Minivans Under $20k
How We Rank These Cars
The iSeeCars Reliability Rating indicates how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is through a calculation of a vehicle's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.
Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest Reliability Rating. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the most reliable ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, the tie is broken by the higher overall iSeeCars Quality Score. iSeeCars displays comprehensive Quality Scores along with the Reliability Ratings for each model because multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in the iSeeCars Quality Score system.
The overall iSeeCars Quality Score combines analyses of these three factors: reliability, resale value, and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 312 million vehicles as reported in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies. These two factors are combined with NHTSA and/or IIHS Safety Ratings to determine a car's Quality Score.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
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
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).
