Yahoo Autos Best Used SUV buys for $15,000 | Used Vehicle Spotlight
If the last several years worth of automotive sales data has proven anything, it's that lots of buyers want to park a shiny new crossover or SUV in their driveways. But not everyone can afford to pay over $40,000 for the 'ute of their dreams. Thankfully, the popularity of utility vehicles means there are plenty of good choices on the used vehicle market.
We've assembled a list of solid used SUV and crossover options for a budget of $15,000. As you'll see, buyers looking for vehicles at this price point will have to be willing to buy a vehicle that's a few years old that will likely have 50,000 or more miles on the odometer. We've only chosen vehicles that have at least average reliability ratings from available online sources like Consumer Reports and dashboard-light.com.
Our used vehicle listings can be helpful to find a good deal near you. Set the range of model years you are shopping for, narrow the offerings down by a radius around your ZIP code, and pay attention to the deal rating on each listing to see how a vehicle compares with others in a similar area.
Best subcompact SUV for $15,000: 2018-2020 Hyundai Kona
Click here for used Hyundai Kona listings
Our top pick for the smallest class of crossovers and sport utility vehicles is the Hyundai Kona. The little cute ute first hit the marketplace for the 2018 model year and was immediately one of the best vehicles in its segment. We recommend looking for a Kona with all-wheel drive — even if you don’t really think you’ll need it — in order to reap the ride and handling benefits of the AWD model’s multi-link rear suspension setup. The Kona’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes an adequate 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, but the available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine’s 175 ponies and 195 lb-ft is an attractive option if it falls into the buyer’s price range.
The Kona’s extroverted exterior styling stands out against some of its more staid competitors, but the Hyundai’s well-executed interior design is appreciated. The Kona is a bit on the small side, even judged against some of its popular rivals in the subcompact segment like the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek. If you need a bit more rear-seat and cargo space, we recommend taking a look at the Crosstrek, though you’ll have to pick one a few years older than a comparably priced Kona (likely the previous-generation model).
Alternative pick: 2015 Subaru Crosstrek
Click here for used Subaru Crosstrek listings
Best compact SUV for $15,000: 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5
Click here for used Mazda CX-5 listings
Compact SUVs have pretty much taken over from the midsize sedan as the vehicle of choice for the majority of American families. That means they have to offer all things to all people, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. The Mazda CX-5 has long been considered the driver’s choice in the compact crossover segment. The fact that it’s generally reliable, well assembled and draped in attractive bodywork is icing on the cake.
As much as we’d love to recommend Mazda’s latest CX-5, which was introduced for the 2017 model year, it’s just a wee bit outside our $15,000 budget. Fortunately, the previous CX-5 was also one of the best vehicles in the segment. The base 2.0-liter engine makes 155 horsepower; the larger 2.5-liter’s 184 horses and 185 lb-ft is a worthwhile upgrade. Either way, the CX-5’s emphasis on dynamic handling is its best quality.
Another compact crossover worth considering on the used market is the Honda CR-V, although its popularity will make it harder to find a good one at the right price. As is the case with the CX-5, it’s not really possible to score the latest generation of Honda’s best-seller, but the previous version is still plenty likable. It’s also tops in projected reliability.
Alternative pick: 2015-2016 Honda CR-V
Click here for used Honda CR-V listings
Best two-row SUV for $15,000: 2013-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Click here for used Jeep Grand Cherokee listings
