Skip to main content

The world of compact SUVs is vast, but finding a great used one can be difficult. For one, no one wants to overspend for a used compact SUV. Additionally, reliability ratings become more critical regarding used vehicles. Luckily, some of the best small SUVs can be acquired for under $20,000. Of course, every used vehicle is a case-by-case situation, but these three compact SUVs are impeccable options.  

The 2016 Ford Escape is a top SUV on the used car market

2016 Ford Escape in red
2016 Ford Escape | Todd Korol Toronto Star via Getty Images

Regarding the best small SUVs on the used market, the 2016 is one for the books. The 2016 Ford Escape comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that makes 168 horsepower. It’s front-wheel drive and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The higher trims of this small Ford SUV have a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four. Regarding speed, it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 6.8 and 9.1 seconds.

The 2016 Ford Escape is also a safe small SUV as it has a four out of five-star rating from the NHTSA. It’s not the best vehicle in its class for safety, but it’s a relatively well-trusted vehicle in this regard. Additionally, it has above average reliability scores. Another advantage to the vehicle is that it has a comfortable and well-made interior. For those wanting a more recent Ford Escape for under $20,000, the 2018 model is also solid. This model Ford Escape has an average price of $10,395.

The 2016 Honda CR-V is another of the best compact SUVs

2016 Honda CR-V is one of the best small SUVs
2016 Honda CR-V | Honda

The 2016 Honda CR-V is another of the best small SUVs on the used car market. The vehicle has a 185 hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine with a CVT. It has both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Regarding speed, the CR-V accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 7.9 and 8.9 seconds. This is also a fuel-efficient used compact SUV as it gets an average of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway.

The 2016 Honda CR-V also has a great reliability score. It has an 83 out of 100 and is considered one of the best small SUVs in this category. In addition, it has a five out of five-star rating from the NHTSA for safety. In fact, this model CR-V was a top safety plus pick from the organization.The 2016 CR-V has an average used price of $17,917.

2017 Kia Sportage 

2017 Kia Sportage from the front
2017 Kia Sportage | Jim Mahoney MediaNews Group Boston Herald via Getty Images

The 2017 Kia Sportage is another top compact SUV priced under $20,000. According to Edmunds, it has a 2.4-liter inline-four engine with a maximum output of 181 hp. It’s a front-wheel drive vehicle that uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle can also be all-wheel drive, and some trims even have a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph between 7.1 and 8.4 seconds. 

The 2017 Kia Sportage also has a pretty solid reliability rating. J.D. Power gave the vehicle a predicted 4.5 out of five rating in the category. So far, this has held for the compact SUV. Additionally, it’s a top safety pick by the NHTSA. Another reason this is one of the best used SUVs is its modern interior with comfortable seating. Overall, it could be an excellent pick for most types of people. The 2017 Kia Sportage has an average market value of $15,654.

Related 3 Fastest Growing Subcompact SUVs So Far This Year

3 Fastest Growing Subcompact SUVs So Far This Year