Best Used Compact SUVs under $15K for 2020

With many different shapes and sizes, a compact SUV serves as a perfect fit for families with excellent fuel economy, desirable space and sporty exterior, appealing interior and increased cargo.

Feeling the need to upgrade to a compact SUV within your budget? Here are a few best picks and a small list of best used compact SUVs for all budgets with perfect reliability scores.

AVG PRICE: $12,935 – $16,815

PROS: Great Reliability And Safety, Roomy And Elegant Interior

CONS: Some Lacking Quality Cabin Materials, Slow Acceleration

A perfectly reliable compact used SUV, it is one performance driven car with a long list of standard and available features, delivering more than most rivals.

The 2016 Tucson has four available trim levels: SE, Eco, Sport, and Limited. Its base model- SE has a 2.0-liter engine that gives 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it is either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Its standard features include a 5-inch touch screen, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and remote keyless entry.

The other three trims have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that gives 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The top model- Limited comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen, Blue Link telematics, navigation, and leather upholstery.

If you are looking for a larger space for family, you might want to opt out for other models like Honda CR-V.

AVG PRICE: $12,502 – $17,009

PROS: Quality Interior Materials, Wealthy Standard Features, Reliable And Safe

CONS: Four-cylinder Version Feels Sluggish On The Highway

Though pricey, the 2014 GMC Terrain is one of the best in class. It has a high end spacious cabin, offers comfort and an upscale interior.

It is available in SLE (SLE-1 and 2), SLT (SLT-1 and 2) and Denali trim levels. Standard features for the base SLE-1 trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated sideview mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, cruise control, a power height-adjustable driver seat, a sliding and reclining backseat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, OnStar, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen interface

Since the acceleration in the base four-cylinder engine is unimpressive, the optional  3.6-liter V6 becomes a worthy upgrade specially for Highways. Most of its trims have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are available with either front- or all-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its competitors are 2014 Ford Escape and 2014 Kia Sorento.

AVG PRICE: $13,441 – $17,672

PROS: Cargo Space, High Tech Features, Fuel-efficient Turbocharged Engine Options

CONS: Underpowered Base Engine, Base Trim Lack Some Features

A spacious compact SUV, it has a precise steering and agile handling. It is roomy with high quality materials and offers various stand-alone options for you to choose from. It comes in S, SE and Titanium trim levels.

The S starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Since the base trim offers less, most of the buyers start off with an SE trim. The SE comes with 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (179 hp, 177 lb-ft), fog lights, a keyless entry keypad, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, rear air vents, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat., an an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 245 hp, 275 lb-ft with an all-wheel drive. It has a quick and responsive transmission and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine feels quite powerful.

AVG PRICE: $14,676 – $20,238

PROS: Upscale Cabin, Balanced And Sporty Handling

CONS: Less Cargo Capacity, Optional Turbocharged Engine Isn’t Powerful

A very reliable compact SUV, it has near luxury features. However some people yearns for better fuel efficiency and a stronger engine. It has three trim: LX, EX, and SX. The base LX trim comes standard with a 5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, a rearview camera, a USB port, and Bluetooth.

The 2017 new Kia Sportage has two engine options, both in six-speed automatic transmission.The base engine in LX and EX models generates 181-horsepower with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder., while th SX comes with a 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (237 hp in all-wheel-drive models). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all three trims.

AVG PRICE: $10,815 – $13,819

PROS: Excellent Driving Experience, Efficient Fuel Economy, Ample Space

CONS: Sluggish Navigation Interface, Ride Can Get Uneasy On Some Surfaces

The CX-5 from Mazda became the talk of town for its joyous drive and standout performance and sporty styling.  You can definitely go for this used car near you without a doubt! This compact crossover SUV is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The base Sport comes standard with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.  

The base model- Sport comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Mazda comes with an available choice of front- or all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic Is optional.

The CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.