Armed with a budget of $15,000, we took on the challenge to find the best SUVs on the market for this price point, and boy, did we have some options. While it may not seem like a lot of money, $15,000 can actually get you pretty far in your search for an SUV.
Not only that, but the options we came across also had some notable features, like newer technology, including Bluetooth capability, so you could still pair your phone to the car, built-in navigation systems, and reverse cameras, so you’re not relegated to the Stone Age of SUVs. Some of these cars may feel dated, which can’t be helped, but they’re far from ready for the junkyard.
What We Looked For
To bring you the most accurate representation of used SUVs on the market, we sorted through the various listings on sites like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), and Edmunds to see what dealerships across the country had to offer. We then decided to dig a little deeper. Used vehicle prices vary significantly by region, mileage, trim level, and condition, so listings may fall above or below these ranges.
We refined the search to vehicles generally ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on model year, condition, and regional pricing, so you can get the best bang for your buck and a vehicle that will last for years.
2013 Toyota Highlander
Toyota has consistently kept up with the Highlander design over the past decade, though there may have been a few stylistic changes here and there. One thing that hasn’t changed is that this is one of the roomiest SUVs on the market, with available seating for seven people. Edmunds notes the 2013 model also came in a hybrid version, which can fall under $15,000 depending on mileage and market.
KBB lists the value for the 2013 Highlander starting at $11,805, with the hybrid sitting at just over $13,000, comfortably within our established budget.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
According to KBB, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is on the smaller side of SUVs. However, for this model year, Hyundai revamped the design, including boosting the interior space, which comfortably holds five. Newer technology features for the time, including available driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking on higher trims. Fuel economy varies by trim and drivetrain, with most models returning mid-20s MPG combined.
According to KBB, the fair purchase price is between $8,000 and $9,000, though we did see models with advanced add-ons that boosted the sticker price.
2017 Ford Edge
A $15,000 budget will get you a younger Ford Edge, and one that routinely showed up in our search was the 2017 model. This midsize SUV has gained accolades for its ride comfort and quiet cabin. It also seats three adults comfortably in the backseat. It has a host of safety features, including ABS, front and side airbags, and the available Ford SYNC features, including Emergency Assistance when properly equipped and paired.
The KBB value for the 2017 Edge starts at $9,113 for the SE Sport Utility 4D, but the highest trim, the Sport SUV 4D, is valued at $13,148.
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
One look at the 2014 Tiguan and you’ll notice it’s tiny for an SUV, but don’t let that deter you. It has many good qualities, such as good fuel economy and a smooth, responsive ride. When new, one criticism of the 2014 Tiguan was that it offered less for the price than comparable vehicles like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester of the same model year. Still, for our established price point, it might be worth it.
KBB has listed the value of the 2014 Tiguan as between $7,000 and $9,000, depending on the trim.
2018 Nissan Rogue
Don’t count out the Nissan Rogue, especially not since KBB says we can get a 2018 model, just seven years old, with our budget. It’s compact, yes, but it offers plenty of space and is a comfortable ride, even on long drives. This model year could be optioned with ProPilot Assist on select SL trims for semiautonomous driving.
Kelley Blue Book lists the 2018 Rogue’s fair purchase price starting at $11,453, with the hybrid and SL Sport Utility 4D trims in the low $13,000s.
2018 Mazda CX-3
If you’re looking for sporty fun in your SUV search, check out the 2018 CX-3. According to Edmunds, it’s not just practical, as you can also find models optioned with higher trims, which could include leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, and a moonroof. You won’t find a ton of room in this SUV (look to the bigger CX-5 for that), but you’ll appreciate its handling when you whip it around corners. It has since been discontinued, but used models still float around dealerships, according to our search.
KBB says a fair purchase price for a 2018 CX-3 ranges from $10,871 to $12,047.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Edmunds says the 2019 Equinox is considered a more compact SUV with seating for five. There are many safety features, including available blind-spot monitoring and optional parking sensors, and a forward collision alert that sounds a loud alarm. One of its shortfalls, though, is its smaller cargo space, so you might have to get crafty on large shopping trips or if you’re traveling with lots of luggage. But it does get a combined 28 MPG, which is excellent for an SUV.
Three 2019 Equinox trims fall within our $15,000 budget, according to KBB, including the L Sport Utility 4D ($12,511), the LS Sport Utility 4D ($14,295), and the LT Sport Utility 4D ($14,568).
2015 Honda Pilot
Honda Pilots are decently sized SUVs, and the 2015 model has enough room to seat eight people comfortably (family road trip, anyone?). It might be boxy in appearance, but what it lacks on the outside, it more than makes up for inside. Even with eight people inside, you still have ample cargo room. Don’t expect to get all high-tech with it, though, because it predates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though Bluetooth connectivity is available.
KBB values the 2015 Pilot from $9,361 to $12,787, depending on the trim, all of which fall within our parameters.
2018 Kia Sportage
One of the reasons people turn to Kia is because it has affordable options, and that tracks even with its SUV line. According to Edmunds, the 2018 Sportage received an interior upgrade, making it a more comfortable fit, but it doesn’t have the space that some of the others on this list do. Like the aforementioned Honda Pilot, smartphone integration varies by trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on many models.
KBB lists fair purchase values for three trims, ranging from $9,830 to $13,296.
2017 MINI Cooper Countryman
Dream of zipping around town in your little subcompact SUV? Enter the 2017 Countryman.
It has a modern-retro yet sporty styling that’s sure to catch your eye. It is one of MINI’s roomiest models, and the manufacturer made the 2017 model larger to compete with others in its class, like the Subaru Crosstrek and Audi Q3. It’s roomier, and the drive for this year’s model is smoother than prior, even when coasting over potholes.
The KBB value for the model and its four trims ranges from $10,688 to $14,118.
One Last Note…
Don’t let your budget constraints fail you before you even leave the home. While you’re sure to find several SUVs under $15,000, it’s essential to do your due diligence as well.
Look up the values of any cars you’re considering so you don’t end up paying more than they’re worth. But have fun, too. You’ll be surprised by the gems you can find when you really look.