The Best Used SUVs Under $20,000 for 2023: Capable, Safe, and Affordable (2023)

Advantages: Standard features aboundSubaru Forester. In addition to the brandrenowned AWD system, numerous driver assistance and active safety functions are includedEyeSight-Suite. Ease of use is a high point thanks to the wide-opening doors, large greenhouse, spacious passenger compartment and generous cargo capacity. Subaru does a great job tuning the smooth suspension, as demonstrated by the Forester. Fuel economy is pretty good too.

Disadvantages: Although the Forester was offered with a turbocharged engine at different times, from 2019 to 2021 it wasn't - and mandatory2.5 liter flat four is slow. Acceleration is lethargic to the point where hitting freeway speeds needs careful planning. The groaning CVT automatic it's mated to doesn't help much, especially considering its fake gear shifts, which can jar the cabin slightly.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 19.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Good-Excellent
security rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA Five Star Overall Rating
fuel consumption: 26/33 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 481 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 9.6 seconds

Advantages: A smooth ride andcomfortable seatslet the Murano look a little more upscale. There is also ample space for passengers and cargo. hook a2021 MuranoModel if you can: It comes with a full range of driver assistance features, many of which were optional on the 2020 Murano.

Disadvantages: Since going on sale in 2014, the current Murano generation is showing its age. The infotainment system is slow to respond and its graphics look grainy. The steering effort varies betweenseems too heavy and too light, and spinning the wheel brings out a lot of body tilt. Neither the acceleration nor the fuel consumption of the standard V-6 engine impress.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 18.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Good-Excellent
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 20/28 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 473 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 7.0-7.3 seconds

Advantages: TheMazda CX-30makes an impression that is of higher quality than similarly priced crossovers. Its exterior is elegant while its interiorborders on luxurywith flat applied soft-touch materials. Body aches are never an issue thanks to the ultra-supportive front seats. Mazda's trademark sporty handling has also been incorporated into the CX-30;The small SUV from MazdaIsFun on a winding road. In IntelliChoice reviews, only the 2021 CX-30 S AWD gets a Good Value rating - every other variant from 2020-2021 gets an Excellent rating.

Disadvantages: Although it handles well, the CX-30 is not fast. However, the available turbo engine only improves acceleration when the accelerator pedal is pressedpushed to the ground. The ride quality is overly stiff, making the CX-30feel shy about bumps. The narrow window line and huge D-pillars work together to limit outward visibility. Mazda's non-touchscreen infotainment system and its driver-assistance features take a bit of getting used tosometimes don't help at all.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 18.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Good-Excellent
security rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA Five Star Overall Rating
fuel consumption: 22-25/30-33 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 318-387 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 5.8-8.3 seconds

Advantages: Aesthetically, the Terrain impresses with a unique exterior design andelegant interior design. It's not all just for show, though: the seats are comfortable and roomy, and there's extra underfloor storage beneath the roomy cargo area. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts deftly, and an available turbodiesel engine provides excellent fuel economy.

Disadvantages: Even on top-of-the-line Terrain Denali trims, the material quality is low, and we've heardsome rattling and wind noiseat highway speed. The unconventional arrangement of the buttons takes some getting used to. Note that only FWD models qualify for this list; AWD Terrain models do not deserve an IntelliChoice “Good” rating. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Equinox, the off-road's mechanical counterpart, earns good or excellent ratings with both FWD and AWD.

specifications

Estimated price: 17.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Gut
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 22-28/28-39 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 358-477 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 8.0-9.0 seconds (estimated)

Advantages: space within theHyundai Santa Feis unexpectedly great, giving passengers space to stretch out and making it easier to stow bulky cargo; the seats in the second row can befolded out of the tailgate area. Build quality is good and the overall cabin layout is straightforward and intuitive. In addition to its impressive safety credentials, every Santa Fe comes with a choice of driver assistance and active safety features.

Disadvantages: As spacious and practical as it is, the Santa Fe is neither innovative nor exciting. Fuel economy is acceptable, not exceptional.Also, it's slow, and the ride and handling feel unrefined. Then there is the question of unusual styling. Value and functionality carry the Santa Fe.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 17.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Good-Excellent
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 19-22/24-29 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 395-470 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 6.2-9.6 seconds

Advantages: Style is a strong suit for theKia Sportage. Its design is not intrusive, but draws attention to itself with great attention to detail. The build quality in the cabin feels good, thoughnot every surfaceis treated with quality materials. The infotainment system is functional and user-friendly.

Disadvantages: On this list, the Sportage's price is appealing, but in the compact crossover segment, it isnot very competitive. It is relatively heavy, which negatively affects its acceleration and fuel consumption. The ride quality is too stiff to justify the responsive handling. Additionally, only FWD models receive an IntelliChoice Good Value rating, unlike AWD models. The loading capacity is significantly lower than that of main competitors like thisHonda CR-VAndToyota RAV4- these vehicles do not qualify for this list, but are still better options overall.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 15.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Gut
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 21-23/26-30 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 377-410 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 8.0 seconds

Advantages: fun and funky thatHyundai Konahas an unconventional look and alively driving behavior. It handles well and drives with impressive composure. The technology, infotainment and driver assistance features available all offer top-notch functionality. In general, the Kona delivers an experiencethat feels more expensivethan its price suggests.

Disadvantages: Small car SUVs don't offer a lot of storage space, and thatKona is no exception. Likewise, the front seats are reasonably accommodating, but the rear is quite cramped. TheKona's SUV Qualificationis doubtful considering thatlow ground clearance; despite available AWD, it's more of a tall hatchback.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 15.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Good-Excellent
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 25-28/29-33 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 356-396 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 6.6-8.3 seconds

Advantages: When equipped with either the 1.5 or2.0 liter turbochargerI-4 engine, the escapefeels fun and nimble, even if its 0-60 mph acceleration isn't particularly impressive. It handles well and its braking distances inspire confidence. Rear passengers will find ample leg, shoulder and headroom. There are plenty of places to store small items in the cabin.

Disadvantages: In contrast to theEscapeTurbocharged, its simple 2.5-liter I-4 feels lethargic. Although the handling is decently agile, the ride quality is a little busy. Despite the availability of beautiful trim, much of the cabin feels cheap and plasticky. There is also no way around the Escape'snarrow and ergonomically unfavorableinterior layout. Remember that the current generation Escape,which went on sale for 2020, can be found for under $20,000, but only the Escape 2019 deserves a Great Quality & Reliability rating from J.D. Power.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 16.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Gut
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 21-23/27-30 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 361-408 To us
0-60mph acceleration: 7.3-9.6 seconds

Advantages:Chevrolets Kompakt-SUVdoesn't seem that compact inside, at least not in terms of passenger compartment. Both rows of seats feel spacious, and these thrones are nicely upholstered. The infotainment system's user interface is responsive and easy to navigate. Agile handling is another strength.

Disadvantages: Despite its ample passenger space, the Equinox's cargo capacity is small compared to other compact crossovers. Also, the overall construction and material quality doesn't feel as good as that of its segment competitors. Suspension tuning is too harsh for everyday comfort, plus that1.5 liter engine is underpoweredand does not return excellent fuel economy.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 15.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Good-Excellent
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 25-26/30-31 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 417-421 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 8.7-8.9 seconds

Advantages: Buick may not be a fully fledged luxury brand, but its vehicles often feel premium compared to mainstream competitors. In the case of the Encore, exterior chrome adds some shine while improving ride qualityfeels soft and comfortable. In the Encore's cabin you have a good view of your surroundings and the infotainment system is easy to navigate.

Disadvantages: Although someencoreTrims get nice materials, the entry-level versions, which likely fall below the $20,000 price point, feel quite cheap inside. Although the engine feels decently punchy, its stop-start capability is clumsy. In addition, the Encore's handling that is prone to rolling is no fun. Despite this, its small size makes it maneuverable while also making the cabin less spacious for people and cargo.

specifications

Estimated price: Ab 15.000 $
Value rating from IntelliChoice: Excellent
security rating: NHTSA five stars overall
fuel consumption: 24-25/29-30 mpg city/highway
Drivingrange: 364-378 miles
0-60mph acceleration: 8.5 seconds (AWD)