Most Reliable Used SUVs for Under $25,000

Looking for a used SUV that carries a reliable reputation? We’re bringing you some of the most reliable used SUVs for under $25,000!

Find Yourself a Reliable Used SUV

A majority of used car shoppers are focused on three things when looking for their next vehicle right now – affordability, reliability, and it has to be an SUV. What if I told you that you could have all three? We’ve compiled a list of SUVs that have some of the fewest recorded recalls, have great experiences from owners, have received commendable reliability scores, can run well into the hundreds of thousands of miles, and come at somewhat of an approachable price point. Obviously, these used SUV choices won’t be completely perfect as part failures happen with all vehicles, but these are well within the top tier in terms of being long lasting, durable vehicles. Here are our picks for the most reliable used SUVs for under $25,000.

Honda HR-V

Starting off the list is a subcompact SUV from one of the most notoriously reliable car brands out there, Honda. The Honda HR-V has been a solid choice since it first debuted in America back in 2016. Our suggestion is jumping for pretty much any of the HR-V models built since that inaugural year as they all can be found for below our price limit and they are all pretty low mileage too. Over the course of its first seven years, the HR-V has only received seven total recalls. That’s a pretty good history that couples nicely with the fact that there have been plenty of HR-V examples in that same time that have stretched out the odometer to over 200,000 miles with little to no problems. Some of the biggest issues you may encounter in the HR-V are lackluster coating and paint quality, underperforming window gaskets, or some uncomfortable seating, all of which are pretty negligible when considering reliability.

Subaru Crosstrek

Another subcompact SUV with a great track record is the Subaru Crosstrek. This rugged little Subaru has multiple years of little to no recalls reported since it began in 2012, with the largest outliers being 2018 (five recalls) and 2019 (seven recalls). Outside of those two years, you can expect a well-rounded commuter SUV that has the potential to last well over 200,000 miles. We suggest going for the used 2020 or newer Crosstrek models as they not only come in under $25,000, but they also don’t have any recorded recalls to date. The biggest point of concern in the Crosstrek is the same one as with any Subaru, head gaskets. The horizontally opposed engines in these Subies suffer from pooling fluids that deteriorate the head gaskets quicker. However, that issue typically becomes apparent around the 120,000-mile mark, so it may only be a moderate headache further down this SUV’s lifespan.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 kicks off our selection of reliable compact SUVs. Toyota is another big name when it comes to reliable vehicles and their RAV4 acts as a good example of that. Almost all RAV4s are considered over engineered daily drivers that have been put together with care. While you can feel pretty happy with just about any used version of this SUV, your best bet in terms of reliability are the models built from 2009 to 2010, 2016 to 2018, and 2021 to now. These time periods in the RAV4’s development are known as the sweet spots where it had fewer recalls and less complaints from consumers. You can expect a used Toyota RAV4 to keep its composure up into the 250,000-mile range with some owners proving that you can push this SUV well past that point.

Mazda CX-5

Since coming on the scene back in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has been a strong performer in terms of handling, power, quality, reliability, and it’s only gotten better in recent years. While pretty much any of the CX-5 models from over the past ten years will provide a great and reliable experience, we’d suggest going with one of the 2017 or newer models as they all have the lowest number of recalls and owners report having significantly less issues with them. While not many people are pushing these Mazdas too high in terms of mileage, you can capably reach 250,000 miles in the CX-5 with few if any issues.

Honda CR-V

The CR-V has had some problem years, but Honda whipped it into shape for 2012 and it’s been a solid performer ever since. With the exception of 2019, there have been three or fewer recalls every year on the CR-V. Not only that, but resources like Consumer Reports and Repair Pal have continually given the CR-V some of the highest ratings when it comes to reliability. You can expect a used Honda CR-V live well into the 200,000-mile mark with numerous accounts of the compact SUV still running with little to no issues as they approach 400,000 miles.

Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox has been around since 2005, but you’ll want to look at 2013 and newer models as that’s where it has excelled in terms of reliability. The second generation had some issues with its four-cylinder engine, so look out for the more reliable and powerful 3.6L V6 for 2013 to 2017 models. These years had relatively fewer recalls and less complaints concerning the V6 (can’t say the same for the four-cylinder). Otherwise, nearly all of the four-cylinder options from the current third generation that started for 2018 have had little to no issues. While the Equinox isn’t eye-catching or an exciting driver, it’ll competently get you where you need to go with little issue. You can expect one of our suggested Equinox models to last over 200,000 miles with only some minor faults like clunky shifting over time and some material deterioration, but it’ll stay up and running.

Honda Pilot

Another Honda SUV that can act as a reliable used option is the Honda Pilot. This mid-size SUV has been around since 2003 and Honda has continually improved upon it since then. The years you’ll want to be on the lookout for are the 2014 to 2015 models from the end of the second generation or the 2020 and up models from the current generations. These select Pilot models have some of the best reliability scores, fewer customer complaints, and typically can be found for under $25,000. Honda Pilot models should continue to stay driving on the road well past the 250,000-mile mark with the only notable issue being some paint deterioration.

Toyota Highlander

Just like Honda, we’ve got another reliable option from Toyota. This time it’s their mid-size Toyota Highlander SUV that has continually received high marks when it comes to its reliability. While nearly any Highlander model will serve you well, we suggest jumping for a 2017 or newer model as they not only have better equipment, but they also provide some of the fewest issues and owner complaints. These select Toyota Highlander models should be more than capable enough to run without much issue well over 250,000 miles, with earlier model examples having gone upwards of 350,000 miles.

Mazda CX-9

Mazda has another SUV in their lineup that has some outstanding reliability as of late. The Mazda CX-9 has been around since 2006, but the second-generation models are the ones to look for. These models have had some of the best reliability marks in the segment with certain years having at most two recalls and complaints from owners are some of the fewest. The Mazda CX-9 will provide you with a comfortable environment and will be more than capable of exceeding a 200,000-mile lifespan with few problems.

Ford Expedition

Now how about a reliable full-size SUV option? For under $25,000 you can find a reliable used Ford Expedition between the 2010 and 2014 model years. This specific point during the third generation of the Expedition experienced some of the fewest recalls, least amount of issues, and had some of the fewest owner complaints. So, you end up with a well-rounded SUV that has enough room for the whole family and enough power to tow around up to 9,200 pounds. The Ford Expedition models from 2010 to 2014 should capably run into the 200,000-mile range with some owners having pushed well maintained examples towards 400,000 miles.