Likelihood is, for those who’re an American, what you actually need to park in your driveway is a rugged-looking however carlike crossover or SUV. The utility car section has taken off over the previous few a long time 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 all people 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 value of round $10,000.
We challenged the Autoblog editors to seek out an amazing, 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 dimension 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 adverts, the place you may slim down your selections utilizing your location and sliders for value and mileage. Take note of the deal ranking to be sure to’re getting the very best value attainable.
When you’d be higher served with a coupe, sedan, hatchback or wagon, click on right here for that checklist. Or, in case your tastes run nearer to the perimeter of the automotive section, check out our Used Automobile Highlight collection the place we spotlight fascinating and generally forgotten vehicles from the previous. For the remainder of us preferring to remain nearer to the mainstream, the choices under all boast not less than common anticipated reliability scores (typically better-than-average) and had 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 at present greater than regular. Some automobiles really useful under could also be troublesome to seek out under $10,000 with low mileage and/or fascinating choices. Meaning consumers could have to buy round longer than they might count on or journey farther than they’d wish to get the very best deal. Or, alternatively, spend just a bit bit extra money they’d wish to get precisely what they’re on the lookout for.
2013-2016 Kia Soul — Subcompact crossover
We kick the get together off with the smallest of all of the utility automobiles that fall into our checklist. The Kia Soul is an odd duck, and we’re fairly positive its consumers prefer it that manner. 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 method not like anything. The Soul would not provide all-wheel drive, so if that is a necessity we might suggest the subsequent car on our checklist. What it does provide is a sporty feel and appear, good inside house due to its boxy design, a variety of elective engines and transmissions, and first rate reliability and effectivity scores.
Discover a Kia Soul on the market close to you
2006-2011 Honda CR-V — Compact crossover
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 stable alternative within the used compact crossover section, however we usually want the Honda CR-V’s sportier driving dynamics, high quality inside elements, revvy engines and general refinement. Nearly any 12 months ought to be a stable alternative, so simply search for one close to you with the choices you need, the mileage you are comfy with and the value you may afford.
Discover a Honda CR-V on the market close to you
2008-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Midsize SUV
The Jeep Grand Cherokee might be the car most individuals consider once they consider a typical SUV. All the section was invented by the Wagoneer of the 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 had been supplied, the most typical being the sufficient 3.7-liter V6, the upgraded and fascinating 4.7-liter V8 and the satisfyingly highly effective 5.7-liter Hemi. When you’re on the lookout for energy, the 2009 and 2010 Hemis supplied 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. In all types, 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
2007-2008 Lexus RX 350 or 400h — Midsize luxurious crossover (two-row)
The Lexus RX principally invented the premium midsize crossover section when it debuted for the 1999 mannequin 12 months in america. It is the automaker’s best-selling car, boasting stellar reliability scores over its whole run of manufacturing, an aesthetic and opulent 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 bought 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 expensive substitute merchandise if it ever fails.
Discover a Lexus RX on the market close to you
2007-2009 Acura MDX — Midsize luxurious crossover (three-row)
Earlier than we go into anything in regards to the Acura MDX, it is essential to notice that we’re narrowing this particular advice to the 2007 by 2009 mannequin years. These had been the final three years that Acura fitted the MDX with a five-speed computerized transmission earlier than changing it with a more recent six-speed unit. Whereas that additional 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 change. It is safer to stay with the five-speed model. With that out of the way in which, the Acura MDX ably presents a stable compromise between luxurious, functionality, dynamics and effectivity.
Discover a Acura MDX on the market close to you
2009-2012 Ford Flex — Giant crossover (three-row)
We mourned the Flex’s passing with a heartfelt eulogy once we discovered that the 2019 mannequin 12 months could be its final. The Flex was all the time an fascinating car that supplied a versatile and roomy inside on account of its boxy exterior form, a strong elective EcoBoost V6 engine, all-wheel drive and a novel sense of favor. Ostensibly lining up in opposition to three-row crossovers just like the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot, the Flex is a horny possibility for households that need the roominess and flexibility of a minivan however don’t love 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 paying homage to a minivan’s leading to better cargo house again there than is typical for a three-row crossover.
Discover a Ford Flex on the market close to you
2003-2009 Lexus GX 470 — Giant luxurious SUV (three-row)
The Lexus GX has confirmed to be one of the vital dependable automobiles bought in America over the previous couple of a long time, often 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 presents seven-passenger seating with a barely undersized third row that flips down from the edges of the cargo space. On the practicality aspect, the LX 470 is not as large inside because it appears to be like 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
2008-2015 Nissan Armada — Fullsize SUV
The most important car on our checklist 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 is not going to be a cost-effective car to drive, nevertheless, so if the house and energy aren’t actually mandatory, 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
