Likelihood is, in the event you’re an American, what you actually need to park in your driveway is a rugged-looking however (not less than considerably) carlike crossover or SUV. The utility car section has taken off over the previous few many years to the purpose the place some automakers, together with huge ones like Ford, have deserted sedans and hatchbacks in favor of a bevy of variously sized SUVs and trucklets. Not everyone is able to spend $45,000 on a brand-new SUV, however the excellent news is that there are many good choices on the used market, even on the funds worth of round $10,000.
We challenged the Autoblog editors to seek out a terrific, versatile used crossover or SUV for $10,000 or much less, and that is what we got here up with. We have damaged it down by measurement beginning with the smallest choices, and when there are particular fashions or choices to search for, we’ll attempt to clarify why it issues. Every entry features a hyperlink to our labeled advertisements, the place you possibly can slim down your selections utilizing your location and sliders for worth and mileage. Take note of the deal ranking to ensure you’re getting the perfect worth attainable.
If you happen to’d be higher served with a coupe, sedan, hatchback or wagon, click on right here for that record. Or, in case your tastes run nearer to the perimeter of the automotive section, check out our Used Car Highlight sequence the place we spotlight attention-grabbing and typically forgotten automobiles from the previous. For the remainder of us preferring to remain nearer to the mainstream, the choices beneath all boast not less than common anticipated reliability scores (typically better-than-average) and have been bought in sufficient numbers that there ought to be a number of choices close to you.
It is also value mentioning that used car costs are larger at present than they’ve traditionally been in pre-pandemic days. Some automobiles advisable beneath could also be tough to seek out beneath $10,000 with low mileage and/or fascinating choices. Which means consumers might have to buy round longer than they could anticipate or journey farther than they’d prefer to get the perfect deal. Or, alternatively, spend just a bit bit more cash they’d prefer to get precisely what they’re in search of.
Finest used SUVs and crossovers below $10K
Finest used subcompact crossover: 2013-2016 Kia Soul
Professionals: Sporty driving dynamics; spacious inside for its measurement; good effectivity
Cons: All-wheel drive not obtainable
We kick the celebration off with the smallest of all of the utility automobiles that fall into our record. The Kia Soul is an odd duck, and we’re fairly certain its consumers prefer it that approach. It would not match neatly into any particular class; it is not clearly a hatchback and it is not clearly an SUV. It suits in someplace in between established segments, and does so with a mode not like the rest. The Soul would not supply all-wheel drive, so if that is a necessity we would advocate the subsequent car on our record. What it does supply is a sporty feel and appear, good inside area because of its boxy design, a spread of elective engines and transmissions, and first rate reliability and effectivity scores.
Discover a Kia Soul on the market close to you
Finest used compact crossover: 2006-2011 Honda CR-V
Professionals: Stellar status for reliability; sturdy resale; nice to drive
Cons: Reliability and resale imply larger preliminary value
You most likely noticed this one coming. The Honda CR-V, together with its greatest rival, the Toyota RAV4, is a perennial best-seller in America, and for good cause. It is dependable, it is sensible, and it is affordable pricing would not break the financial institution. The RAV4 can also be a strong alternative within the used compact crossover section, however we typically desire the Honda CR-V’s sportier driving dynamics, high quality inside elements, revvy engines and total refinement. Nearly any yr ought to be a strong alternative, so simply search for one close to you with the choices you need, the mileage you are snug with and the value you possibly can afford.
Discover a Honda CR-V on the market close to you
Finest used midsize SUV: 2008-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Professionals: Glorious off-road functionality; refined journey in comparison with rivals; fascinating Jeep badge
Cons: Not as snug as a extra car-like crossover; inefficient powertrains; bland inside
The Jeep Grand Cherokee might be the car most individuals consider once they consider a typical SUV. Your complete section was invented by the Wagoneer of the Nineteen Sixties, outlined by the Cherokee that debuted in 1984 and refined by the extra upscale Grand Cherokee that debuted in 1993. We’re particularly calling out the third-generation model and narrowing it additional to the 2008-2010 mannequin years that profit from a mid-cycle refresh with up to date styling and a (barely) extra refined inside. A number of engines have been provided, the most typical being the satisfactory 3.7-liter V6, the upgraded and fascinating 4.7-liter V8 and the satisfyingly highly effective 5.7-liter Hemi. If you happen to’re in search of energy, the 2009 and 2010 Hemis provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. In all kinds, the four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee is extra succesful off-road than any of its main opponents.
Discover a Jeep Grand Cherokee on the market close to you
Finest midsize luxurious crossover (two-row): 2007-2008 Lexus RX 350 or 400h
Professionals: Glorious status for reliability; snug journey
Cons: Comparatively costly versus its competitors; probably costly upkeep necessities
The Lexus RX principally invented the premium midsize crossover section when it debuted for the 1999 mannequin yr in america. It is the automaker’s best-selling car, boasting stellar reliability scores over its total run of manufacturing, an aesthetic and splendid cabin, and quiet and serene driving dynamics. All RX fashions have confirmed to be sturdy, however the earlier RX 300 and RX 330 variations used timing belts that want substitute when the upkeep schedule requires it. The later RX 350 acquired a brand new engine that, with 270 horsepower, was extra highly effective and used a timing chain that wants no servicing over its lifetime. The RX 400h makes use of a hybrid powertrain that will increase each energy and effectivity, however the battery may very well be a pricey substitute merchandise if it ever fails.
Discover a Lexus RX on the market close to you
Finest midsize luxurious crossover (three-row): 2007-2009 Acura MDX
Professionals: Good status; sturdy powertrain; three-row seating
Cons: Some years have transmission issues
Earlier than we go into the rest in regards to the Acura MDX, it is essential to notice that we’re narrowing this particular suggestion to the 2007 by 2009 mannequin years. These have been the final three years that Acura fitted the MDX with a five-speed computerized transmission earlier than changing it with a more moderen six-speed unit. Whereas that further gear improved effectivity considerably, the early variations of the six-speed are recognized to have reliability issues that may be very costly to restore or substitute. It is safer to stay with the five-speed model. With that out of the best way, the Acura MDX ably presents a strong compromise between luxurious, functionality, dynamics and effectivity.
Discover a Acura MDX on the market close to you
Finest large crossover (three-row): 2009-2012 Ford Flex
Professionals: Very roomy and versatile; distinctive styling
Cons: Distinctive styling just isn’t for everybody
We mourned the Flex’s passing with a heartfelt eulogy after we came upon that the 2019 mannequin yr could be its final. The Flex was at all times an attention-grabbing car that provided a versatile and roomy inside on account of its boxy exterior form, a strong elective EcoBoost V6 engine, all-wheel drive and a singular sense of favor. Ostensibly lining up towards three-row crossovers just like the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot, the Flex is a pretty possibility for households that need the roominess and flexibility of a minivan however do not like the thought of proudly owning the form of sliding-door household equipment that they grew up with. The deep nicely that the third-row seats fold into is even harking back to a minivan’s leading to higher cargo area again there than is typical for a three-row crossover.
Discover a Ford Flex on the market close to you
Finest Giant luxurious SUV (three-row): 2003-2009 Lexus GX 470
Professionals: Repute for sturdiness and reliability; true off-road capabilities
Cons: Very inefficient powertrain; rougher journey than its opponents
The Lexus GX has confirmed to be some of the dependable automobiles bought in America over the previous couple of many years, usually piling up comparatively excessive mileage with out requiring main repairs, although its 4.7-liter V8 engine does require a timing belt substitute at particular mileage intervals. It is also constructed on high of a really rugged chassis that is shared with the Toyota 4Runner and the Land Cruiser Prado that is bought in markets exterior america. It gives seven-passenger seating with a barely undersized third row that flips down from the edges of the cargo space. On the practicality facet, the LX 470 is not as large inside because it seems or as some comparably sized car-based crossovers. Its V8 engine, five-speed computerized transmission and four-wheel-drive system are sturdy however fairly inefficient.
Discover a Lexus GX on the market close to you
Finest fullsize SUV: 2008-2015 Nissan Armada
Professionals: It is large; sturdy towing talents
Cons: It is large; poor gasoline economic system
The biggest car on our record is the Nissan Armada, a fullsize SUV that shares its underlying chassis and powertrain with the Titan pickup truck. It is highly effective 5.6-liter V8 engine means the Armada is a succesful car for towing, and its cavernous inside with three real-life-sized rows of seats make it fascinating for rising households. It isn’t going to be a cost-effective car to drive, nevertheless, so if the area and energy aren’t actually crucial, one of many smaller V6-powered automobiles we spotlight above, just like the Ford Flex or Acura MDX, could also be a greater possibility.
Discover a Nissan Armada on the market close to you
