Small SUVs just make sense – they offer a great mix of utility, efficiency, and character. There are also plenty of used options out there for anyone on a tight budget. Here we’ll highlight 8 compact SUVs available right now for around $10,000.
1. 2012 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is the top-selling compact SUV. It offers plenty of practicality, intuitive design, and most of all, the peace of mind that comes with Toyota reliability. If you’re looking to pick up a RAV4 for around $10k, look to a third-generation model from the 2010-2012 model years. Most come with a four-cylinder engine, but a V6 was offered during this time that made 270 horsepower; that’s quite a lot for a vehicle of this size, and no RAV4 has been offered with a V6 since. Find a Toyota RAV4 for sale
2. 2012 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is another great choice among the slew of used compact SUVs available today, and it’s long been the RAV4’s closest competitor. The CR-V was sold in its fourth-generation from the 2012 through 2016 model years, and if you’re looking for a $10,000 CR-V, these are the model years to target. Most you’ll come across will be from the 2012 and 2013 model years. Noteworthy design elements of the CR-V are its D-pillar mounted tail lights and a shift lever located at the bottom of its dashboard, rather than on the console like on most vehicles. Find a Honda CR-V for sale
3. 2014 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai’s compact SUV, the Tucson, offers unique styling, a fair assortment of standard and optional equipment, decent fuel efficiency, and overall good value. While its engine choices leave a little to be desired, it’s relatively easy for those on a $10,000 budget to pick up a slightly newer Tucson than you could a RAV4 or CR-V. We’d focus our search on the 2012-2015 model years. Find a Hyundai Tucson for sale
4. 2013 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is very similar to the RAV4 and CR-V, but offers more in the way of luxury and driving refinement. The first-generation CX-5 was sold from 2013 through 2016; buyers wanting to pick up a used CX-5 for around $10,000 will want to focus on the 2013 and 2014 model years. Under the hood you’ll find a reasonably-efficient naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine sending power to either the front, or all four wheels. A six-speed automatic transmission is most common, though the CX-5 was in fact sold with a manual during this time, but it was only available on FWD models. Altogether, the CX-5 is one of our favorite compact SUVs. Find a Mazda CX-5 for sale
5. 2014 Ford Escape
Ford’s Escape has been a stalwart in the compact SUV segment since it first launched way back in 2001. The third-generation Escape came out for the 2013 model year, and it’s the one we’d recommend to buyers hoping to pick up a used compact SUV for around $10,000. In third-gen form, the Escape was offered with a number of different four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter that made 239 horsepower; impressive for this segment. Find a Ford Escape for sale
6. 2009 Acura RDX
Given that it’s a luxury vehicle, the RDX you’ll be able to afford at this price point will likely be a little older than the other compact SUVs on this list. That said, the first-generation RDX, built from 2007 through 2012, came with a potent 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making an impressive 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which was a lot for the era, and excellent chassis tuning made it fun to drive as well. On top of that, Acura quality means a used RDX should come with a reasonably low cost of ownership. If you want something practical, reliable, and fun to drive for around $10k, a used RDX from between 2007 and 2012 will fit the bill. Find an Acura RDX for sale
7. 2012 Subaru Forester
The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is one of its biggest selling points. Buyers seeking a $10,000 Forester will want to focus on the 2009 through 2013 model years. During this time, two engines were offered; a basic four-cylinder and a turbocharged four-cylinder that made 227 horsepower, which came on the XT model. Six airbags, hill start assist, and a panoramic sunroof are also on tap. A manual transmission was offered, though most came with a dated four-speed automatic. Find a Subaru Forester for sale
8. 2013 Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s top-selling vehicle, used examples of the Rogue are readily available at our desired price point. The Rogue uses a basic four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously-variable automatic transmission. Its powertrain isn’t one of its strong points, though it is reasonably efficient, easy to drive, and earns good safety ratings. Find a Nissan Rogue for sale
8 Best Used Compact SUVs Under $10,000
- 2012 Toyota RAV4
- 2012 Honda CR-V
- 2014 Hyundai Tucson
- 2013 Mazda CX-5
- 2014 Ford Escape
- 2009 Acura RDX
- 2012 Subaru Forester
- 2013 Nissan Rogue