It can be difficult to find a great deal on any used vehicle for $10,000 or less these days, let alone a good example. When it comes to used compact SUVs, however, the hunt can be a bit easier, as these were popular when new and are, therefore, plentiful on the used market. As always, when shopping for a good deal on a used vehicle at lower price points, it’s more important to find a well-maintained individual vehicle than to find a particular year model or trim level.
Here are 10 of the best used compact SUVs under $10,000 you’ll find on Autotrader.
1. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox’s handsome looks and balance of space versus exterior size make it an attractive choice even a decade on. On our $10,000 budget, you should find even top-spec LTZ models within reach, although midtier LT models may be more plentiful. If you don’t need a V6 engine, the base 182-horsepower 4-cylinder is quite efficient, scoring 32 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive or 29 mpg highway with all-wheel drive (AWD). See 2013 Chevrolet Equinox models for sale
2. 2015 Ford Escape
Easily the newest SUV on our list, the 2015 Ford Escape is also one of the sportier options, with a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available on our budget. Better yet, the top-spec Titanium trim should also be within reach, bringing features like a panoramic moonroof, an 8-inch center display, and even optional extras like automatic parallel parking. See 2015 Ford Escape models for sale
3. 2010 Honda CR-V
The 2010 Honda CR-V was a segment leader when it was new, and it remains one of the best compact SUVs you can find for less than $10,000 because of its all-around competence, efficiency, and reliability. Once again, the top-spec EX-L trim should be available, with leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a 270-watt audio system, among other upgrades. See 2010 Honda CR-V models for sale
4. 2009 Honda Element
If you need a vehicle that’s a bit more rough-and-tumble than the CR-V (or most of the rest of this list), consider the 2009 Honda Element. With a washable, waterproof interior, the Element is great for muddy or messy activities, dogs, kids, or just life in general. On our budget, look for the midrange EX for maximum value. The Element has a devoted following, meaning there aren’t many on the market, so we recommend searching for several model years to find one in your budget. See 2009 Honda Element models for sale
5. 2013 Hyundai Tucson
Although it’s just at the end of its original factory warranty, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson remains a strong value, with a choice of efficient 4-cylinder engines, available AWD, and even an available manual transmission on base models. Fortunately, our budget affords the top-spec GLS with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and more. See 2013 Hyundai Tucson models for sale
6. 2013 Kia Sportage
The 2013 Kia Sportage is closely related to the Tucson above but offers a much more potent 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine upgrade option, making it the better choice for those seeking to add some zoom to their errands. However, if you buy the turbo engine, ensure all recalls have been addressed. The top-spec trim should be within reach, with a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and even a cooled glovebox. See 2013 Kia Sportage models for sale
7. 2011 Subaru Forester
For those facing more significant winter weather, gravel roads, or just rough terrain, the 2011 Subaru Forester could be a great fit, as it offers up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance and comes standard with AWD. For our money, both the relatively efficient base 4-cylinder and the 224-hp turbocharged XT model are within reach. See 2011 Subaru Forester models for sale
8. 2008 Toyota RAV4
Like the CR-V, the RAV4 is one of the compact SUV segment’s reigning monarchs. The 2008 Toyota RAV4 remains a great example of the line despite approaching a decade-and-a-half in age. Look for models fitted with the 269-hp V6, which are rated for slightly better highway gas mileage than the 100-hp-weaker 4-cylinder and should be within our budget. See 2008 Toyota RAV4 models for sale
9. 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
For an affordable, stylish European take on the compact SUV, look no further than the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. Easy to maneuver and responsive, the Tiguan is a great urban or suburban runabout and should be available in all but top-spec SEL form on our budget, along with AWD, heated front seats, and even options like a panoramic sunroof. See 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan models for sale
10. 2011 Volvo XC60
Another European entrant, the 2011 Volvo XC60’s look and feel is decidedly more premium than most of this list yet available on our budget in the powerful, nicely-equipped T6 or 3.2 R-Design form. The T6 gets a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and standard AWD, while the 3.2 R-Design gets a 240-hp engine and offers AWD as an option. See 2011 Volvo XC60 T6 models for sale
Best Used Compact SUVs On a $10,000 Budget
- 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2015 Ford Escape
- 2010 Honda CR-V
- 2009 Honda Element
- 2013 Hyundai Tucson
- 2013 Kia Sportage
- 2011 Subaru Forester
- 2008 Toyota RAV4
- 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2011 Volvo XC60
