What is the best used SUV to buy? Consult this list of models under $10,000

There's no getting around it: New car prices remain high since the pandemic, and many lightly used cars also cost a pretty penny. Still, there are a number of quality newish used sedans and hatchbacks under $10,000, and if you look carefully, you'll find SUV options, too.

To ease your quest for dependable transportation, we've done the research for you. Our picks for the best used SUVs under $10,000 come from the 2015-2018 model years and meet stringent pricing, safety and reliability criteria. Let's dive in.

About MotorTrend's methodology:The Buyer's Guide recognizes how important a used car purchase can be, which is why we take this so seriously. Our methodology considers cars with multiple trim levels at or under the $10,000 mark to be recommended. Additionally, the vehicles on this list receive an Average or Great reliability score fromJ.D. Power. We also consider safety ratings fromIIHS andNHTSA when recommending used cars on this list; a five-star NHTSA overall score isn't required but is preferred.

2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax: Subcompact SUV

Pros: Comfortable on the highway and well-suited for city life, the Chevrolet Trax is a no-nonsense runabout. There's plenty of infotainment tech onboard for a vehicle in this segment; the relatively large touchscreen included from 2017 onward supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi hot spot compatibility. While the Trax doesn't excel in many other areas, fuel economy is decent and safety scores and reliability are good.

Cons: Don't buy a Chevy Trax from this generation if driving excitement is what you seek. Although a competent commuter vehicle, the Trax's lackluster acceleration and unrefined drivetrain contribute to a bland personality at best. Finally, a lack of modern active driver assistance features could rule out the Trax for some shoppers looking for safety tech that automatically intervenes.

2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax: Subcompact SUV

Specifications

• Approximate Price: From $8,000
• Safety Ratings: 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 24-26/30-34 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 378-406 miles
• 0-60 mph Acceleration: 9.0-10.1 seconds

2015-2018 Kia Soul: Subcompact SUV

Pros: Cheap and cheerful, the Kia Soul boasts a spacious interior that belies its diminutive exterior dimensions. Passengers and cargo have plenty of space. The turbocharged engine option developed plenty of torque.

Cons: The Kia Soul isn't particularly quiet, exhibiting lots of road and tire noise. Kia Soul models from this generation had minimal tech, both in terms of infotainment and driver assistance features.

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2015-2018 Kia Soul: Subcompact SUV

Specifications

• Approximate Price: From $6,500
• Safety Ratings: 2015-2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick, 2018 Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 23-26/30-31 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 369-398 miles
• 0-60 mph Acceleration: 8.3-9.2 seconds

2015-2016 Buick Encore: Subcompact SUV

Pros: With modern styling and pleasant driving dynamics, the Buick Encore is a maneuverable small SUV. It surprises with hatchbacklike handling and a tidy turning radius. Strong safety scores, respectable fuel economy and a usable interior sweeten the deal.

Cons: The Buick Encore's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine isn't strong, and the small SUV is weighed down by its available all-wheel-drive system. A narrow rear window obstructs visibility. Neither the 2015 nor 2016 model years were offered with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

2015-2016 Buick Encore: Subcompact SUV

Specifications

• Approximate Price: From $5,900
• Safety Ratings: 2015-2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 23-27/30-33 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 364-420 miles
• 0-60 mph Acceleration: 8.5-10.7 seconds

2015-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Compact SUV

Pros: A smooth ride and relatively nimble handling make the Chevrolet Equinox appealing as a daily driver. Inside the cabin, the Equinox treats passengers to plenty of legroom to be comfortable. An available V-6 provides decent acceleration.

Cons: You won't be wowed by the Equinox's build quality. The interior feels cheap, and Chevy uses a lot of plastic materials throughout the cabin. The entry-level four-cylinder engine isn't very powerful.

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2015-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Compact SUV

Specifications

• Approximate Price: From $8,700
• Safety Ratings: 2015-2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 4 Stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 16-22/23-31 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 338-489 miles
• 0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.8-9.2 seconds

Best Used SUVs Under $10,000:

• 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax
• 2015-2018 Kia Soul
• 2015-2016 Buick Encore
• 2015-2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Photos by MotorTrend staff and Manufacturer