Car shopping on a budget can be fun, even though it might feel a bit tedious at times. You have to wade through all the listings or the inventory at a dealership to find what you want while trying to stick to your very strict budget. But, the good news is if you’re in the market for an SUV and want to spend less than $10,000, you actually have plenty of options to choose from.

Before you say yes to any deal, just double-check those sticker prices to ensure they’re in line with Kelley Blue Book values. If they’re slightly higher, that’s okay, as long as there’s a valid reason for it, like optional packages the original owner opted for.

If you’re looking for a budget SUV, these vehicles are great options!

How We Found These Vehicles

Believe it or not, finding SUVs for under $10,000 isn’t that tricky. For the ones that made this list, we sorted through many reputable car listing sites such as Edmunds, Cars.com, and Autotrader for used SUVs priced at $9,999 or less.

We further narrowed down our search to vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles and only included those that had several listings.

2014 Ford Escape

According to J.D. Power, the 2014 Ford Escape combines reliability with comfort in a decently-priced package. The model has 4 Wheel Drive, for driving in nearly all types of weather, plus a Personal Safety System and stability control to help avoid collisions. Added technology, such as Bluetooth, helps enhance the drive.

KBB lists the value between $5,687 and $6,892, while consumers rated it a 4 for reliability at Edmunds.

2013 Buick Encore

Edmunds tells us the 2013 Buick Encore is a solid compact SUV, ideal for small families. This model year was the debut for the vehicle, and it came with a lot of good feedback, including the availability of high-tech features and a quiet cabin.

The website says the ride is a bit lackluster, but it’s a fuel-efficient choice for an SUV. Prices hover around $4,253 to $5,711 per KBB, and it’s rated 4 out of 5 stars for reliability on Edmunds.

2012 Toyota RAV4

If you’re looking for a reliable SUV that’s been in demand since it first came out, the RAV4 is a great option. According to Consumer Reports, the 2012 model is known for its robust V6 engine and spacious interior, including the cargo space. For an SUV, it gets good gas mileage, a combined 23 MPG.

The Sport Utility, Sport SUV, and Limited Sport Utility are all valued under $10,000 per KBB, and drivers have rated it 4.5 for reliability on Edmunds.

2013 Nissan Murano

The Murano has been around since the early 2000s, and while it was initially a sportier-looking vehicle, that changed for the 2013 model. What it gained, however, was more comfort, and it has plenty of space in the cargo hold and in the rear seats.

There are multiple trims available, with KBB values ranging from $5,652 to $8,798. It also has a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 on Edmunds.

2013 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is one of those SUVs that isn’t compact, but not quite midsize either. Consumer Reports says the 2013 model has a V6 engine for quick acceleration and around 20 MPG per gallon fuel economy. You’re also likely to find this model available in both standard and automatic transmissions, a rarity in newer cars.

KBB values the model from $6,062 to $7,310, depending on the trim. It also has a 4-star reliability rating on Edmunds.

2013 Honda CR-V

If you’re looking for a roomy ride, the 2013 Honda CR-V offers just that. The backseat and trunk space are spacious, fitting your whole family and all your gear. While it handles nicely, the ride tends to be stiff, which means you’ll feel all the bumps and crevices in a road. But, some do have high-tech safety equipment, and the vehicle retains a good resale value.

KBB values for the EX and LX trims are both just under $10,000. Edmunds rates reliability at 4.5 out of 5.

2012 Subaru Forester

Subarus have a history of safety and reliability, consistently earning awards from the IIHS. The 2012 Forester is no different, designed with comfort and safety in mind. It comes with the manufacturer’s standard all-wheel drive and has plenty of space throughout the cabin and trunk. It does wonderfully if you like to venture off-road and offers a 23 MPG combined fuel efficiency.

The 2012 Forester comes in several trims, ranging from $5,197 to $9,176 per KBB. Its reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5.

2014 Mazda CX-5

Want a used SUV that’s sleek and stylish? KBB says the 2014 CX-5 won’t disappoint. To add even more benefit, it includes Skyactiv technologies, which helped to improve the car’s performance and efficiency. It was also named one of KBB’s Best SUVs under $25,000 in 2014.

With KBB values ranging from $8,639 to $9,760, it’s clear that, more than a decade later, the CX-5 has held its value. Consumers have given it a reliability rating of 4.5 over at Edmunds.

2014 GMC Terrain Denali

Did someone ask for a more luxurious look? According to Edmunds, the 2014 GMC Terrain is one SUV that impresses inside and out. Its sleek look combined with its comfortable ride and quiet interior, make it a sought-after vehicle, even years later. There are some downsides, such as lower MPG than expected and a sluggish drive at higher speeds.

The Denali is the top trim in the model line and has a KBB value of $8,906. Owners have given it a reliability rating of 4.

2014 Subaru Outback

In 2012, I bought my first Subaru Outback and it won’t be my last. It looks more like a wagon than an SUV, but definitely falls into the category. The 2014 Outback has ample storage, including significant trunk space, as well as a roof rack for added space. Long drives are no problem with the Outback, which has a very comfortable, roomy interior. You can even use it to tow if you like.

The KBB value of the 2014 Outback ranges from $6,602 to $8,804, and the reliability is a 4 out of 5 stars.

Before We Go…

It may not seem like $10,000 is a lot for a reliable SUV, but you’d be surprised at just how far you can stretch those dollars. Just know you’re not going to get a brand-spanking-new vehicle.

You’ll end up with one that has a bit of mileage and some wear and tear. But, you could score a great deal on a vehicle that lasts you a few years.