The 8 Best Used SUVs Under $15,000 (2024)
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Many of you will agree that shopping for a vehicle under budget can be tricky and overwhelming. But one can argue that shopping is much easier since you have fewer realistic options. If your budget is lower, it’s evident that your options considerably shrink as well.
If you only have 15k to buy an SUV, it’s safe to say that you’re not getting the latest and greatest models with updated tech. However, you should know that $15,000 is a very workable budget for getting a used and decently specced SUV. You just have to do a bit of due diligence to ensure you don’t suffer buyer’s remorse.
For today’s post, we’ll help you buy the best used SUV under $15,000 by picking out various models that offer reliability, practicality, and the best overall value. Let’s take a look.
2014 Honda CR-V ($14,013)
The Honda CR-V is an excellent compact SUV with outstanding reliability and value proposition. There’s a reason why it has remained a highly popular compact crossover for decades now. For a used CR-V, one of its greatest strengths is its sterling reputation for reliability. The CR-V is built to last and boasts a stalwart repair record.
In addition, the 2014 CR-V has excellent safety ratings and plenty of passenger/storage space, making it an excellent family car. Sure, it has a relatively outdated exterior style and a somewhat sluggish powertrain, but it’s to argue with what you’re getting for under $15k.
2015 Subaru Forester ($13,937)
The 2015 Subaru Forester is another best-used SUV under $15,000 and is worthy of a spot on your shortlist. Like many good used SUVs, the main selling point of the Subaru Forester is its practicality and good value. For starters, it’s a Subaru, so you immediately benefit from the standard all-wheel drive for some light off-roading trips and various weather conditions.
Moreover, the 2015 Forester offers a good range of safety and driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. In addition, it has excellent fuel economy and ample cargo space. Meanwhile, its main downsides are the finicky infotainment system and sluggish standard engine.
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2014 Toyota RAV4 ($13,320)
Another best-selling SUV, the Toyota RAV4, is a consumer favorite thanks to its excellent reliability, roomy interior, and superb ride comfort – the 2014 RAV4 delivers precisely what you expect from this lineup. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine won’t blow you away, but it’s decent enough for light driving and is fuel efficient. The main highlight of the 2014 RAV4 is its generous passenger space and class-leading cargo area. Plus, it also has several features that make it a well-balanced ride.
If you’re looking to buy a used 2014 RAV4, one of your primary concerns is the low-rent cabin, which feels spartan at best. Furthermore, the 2014 RAV4 also didn’t do well in safety tests.
2016 Nissan Rogue ($14,717)
Just shy below the $15k budget, the 2016 Nissan Rogue is another solid option for used SUV buyers. The Nissan Rogue made quite a splash in the fiercely competitive SUV market for its sleek styling and driving dynamics of a sedan. For an older model, the interior still holds up as it looks elegant and high-end for its price. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 engine which produces 170 hp – not the quickest out there, but it’s good for city and highway driving. Aside from the underpowered powertrain, the Rogue also received complaints of a noisy transmission, which is worth looking into if you’re buying used.
2015 Mazda CX-5 ($12,810)
One of the lowest prices on this list of the best used SUV under $15,000, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 is another value-filled option. If you want something more of a fun-to-drive SUV, the Mazda CX-5 should impress with its crisp and carlike handling and agility. Plus, it offers good fuel economy, a must for buyers on a budget.
Unfortunately, the 2015 CX-5’s engine isn’t the quickest, and the infotainment system leaves much to be desired, thanks to its complicated operation.
2015 BMW X1 ($12,513)
No, this is not an error. The BMW X1 is actually one of the best used SUV under $15,000, but you do have to search a bit to find the right affordable model for sale. As one of the top dogs in the luxury subcompact SUV segment, the BMW X1 shines with its confident handling, robust engine options, impressive fuel economy, and intuitive infotainment system.
As for the downsides, the main one is that you’re buying a BMW, which means that dealership and repair costs are higher than non-luxury used SUVs. In addition, the rear seats are pretty cramped, and the cargo area could be bigger.
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2015 Hyundai Santa Fe ($13,022)
If you have a growing family but can’t afford most full-size SUVs, the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth looking into. The 2015 Santa Fe is a 3-row family crossover SUV with a relatively refined cabin and plenty of user-friendly tech features. There are also three engine options, but with your budget, you’re likely stuck with the base engine, which isn’t a bad deal with its 190 hp output. Plus, the 2015 Santa Fe boasts excellent safety ratings.
The drawbacks aren’t all that major with this 3-row SUV, as it’s said to have stiff ride quality and so-so steering.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox ($13,097)
The Chevrolet Equinox is a long-running compact SUV that delivers good reliability scores, a smooth ride, and a roomy interior. Even with the base model, you’ll get excellent value because it’s well-equipped, especially regarding tech features. Although the Chevy Equinox doesn’t hold much of its value over time, it’s a boon for used car buyers like you. This means you can get a newer model for less.
The main drawback of this Equinox year is its underpowered 182 hp 2.4-liter base engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Another disadvantage is the aforementioned resale value, which is worth considering if you plan to sell down the line.
Honorable Mentions
Didn’t find what you’re looking for with the above list? Here are more used SUVs for less than $15k:
2016 Jeep Compass ($12,996)
If you’re looking to buy into the Jeep experience, the 2016 Jeep Compass should be a great entry point for less than $13,000. The 2016 Compass is simply a solid choice for a used car due to its affordability, respectable fuel efficiency, and the versatility of offering both off-road capability and daily driving comfort. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver, while the Jeep brand ensures reliability and a strong resale value.
2017 Chevy Trax ($13,249)
The Chevrolet Trax is not the highest-rated nor very well-liked in many automotive circles. Is the 2017 Trax underpowered? Yes. Does the build quality leave much to be desired? For sure. Does it offer good handling and ride comfort? Not really. Does it offer good value? Absolutely. For a little over $13k, you get a relatively recent crossover with generous standard features.
2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ($13,443)
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an SUV that comes with several drawbacks such as a rough ride, weak construction, and an interior that looks cheap. However, it is a reasonably priced three-row SUV (although the third row is tiny) which offers decent fuel economy for less than $15k, making it a good value for money.
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