SUVs are the choice car class for most car enthusiasts in the United States. This multifaceted transportation medium has a vast array of strengths, ideal for families heading out for adventure, towing, and even daily driving. And in a time when gas prices are on an upward trend, you can rely on these vehicles to take you the extra mile, all thanks to their aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient engines.
SUVs cater to different gearhead itches. If you’re searching for something that’ll see you conquer boulders and gnarly tracks like a hot knife through butter, the rugged Ford Bronco is an excellent alternative. Do you seek opulence and unfettered comfort? Consider the Lincoln Navigator. That said, if you’ve got deep pockets and are on the lookout for a speedster, the Lamborghini Urus should check that box.
But what happens if you’re on a restrictive budget? Don’t worry. Despite dealerships stashing cars and marking up their prices, there’s a sea of alternatives that’ll simultaneously suit your preferences and be bang for your buck. With JD Power spearheading proceedings, we’ve dug deep to uncover the 10 most reliable used SUVs you can purchase without breaking the bank. These automobiles have built a long-standing reputation for standing the test of time with minimal repairs and maintenance. Bubbling with excitement yet? Let’s get going!
10 2009 Ford Edge – 82% Reliability Rating ($4,567 MSRP)
When the 2009 Ford Edge made its triumphant market entry, it received praise for its laid-back and roomy cabin. This mid-size SUV also offers a smooth ride quality, perfect for long trips with family and friends.
Powering the 2009 Ford Edge is a V6 engine that can put out 265 horses and 250 lb-ft of torque when parsed with a six-speed automatic. That said, if you prioritize fuel efficiency, we recommend scooping an iteration with front-wheel drive as it offers more miles to the gallon than its AWD counterpart.
But the 2009 Ford Edge has certain drawbacks in the mix, notably a casually designed cabin and subpar interior materials. However, these issues are superficial and don’t affect the car’s overall performance. And with an 82% reliability rating alongside a $4,567 MSRP, the Ford Edge is a decent fit for SUV buyers on a budget.
9 2012 Kia Sportage – 82% Reliability Rating ($8,000 MSRP)
Kia used to be revered for unreliability, as most of its offerings were super basic. But things are changing, and the automaker is now churning out sturdier and more alluring automobiles. If you’re in the market for a used, cheap, and reliable Kia, one alternative to consider is the 2012 Kia Sportage.
Coming with an improved suspension, handling on the 2012 Kia Sportage is fluid across the board. Although the 2.4-liter inline-four engine paired with most iterations is underwhelming, delivering just 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, it makes up for this deficiency with decent fuel economy and impressive safety add-ons.
Reliability also comes to the fore on the 2012 Kia Sportage, with JD Power giving it an 82% rating in this department. For $8,000 to $9,000, you can purchase a used variation of this family-friendly SUV to execute your daily driving endeavors with little to no hitches.
8 2012 Honda CR-V – 83% Reliability Rating ($9,658 MSRP)
Although the 2023 Honda CR-V is refined and powerful, a peek at its MSRP might make you shudder, especially if you’re on a well-defined budget capped at $10,000 to $15,000. However, if the significant Honda nameplate still appeals to you, you might want to take a look at what its 2012 format has to offer.
For 2012, the CR-V received a new lease of life, debuting a design that deviated from the boxy architecture that characterized earlier Honda CR-Vs. The 2012 CR-V is also sturdy and will function as intended if you stick to its maintenance routine. In fact, you’ll find variations plowing through the highways with odometers depicting over 150,000 miles — little wonder it fields an 83% reliability rating from JD Power.
Each 2012 CR-V has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This SUV also wields a five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive as standard (AWD is optional). Used variations of the 2012 CR-V feature prices starting from $9,658, and for that price, you’ll land a fuel-efficient SUV that’s reliable and offers a decent dose of performance.
7 2010 Toyota Venza – 85% Reliability Rating ($10,110 MSRP)
The Toyota Venza hit the market back in 2009 as a five-seat mid-size SUV. Although the first model was a success, hosting an upscale interior and state-of-the-art safety features that translated into top-tier safety scores, Toyota ensured that the 2010 model integrated more of the same while fielding technological upgrades like Bluetooth connectivity and a standard USB port.
The Toyota Venza has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 182 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. If you seek more power, opt for a trim fitted with the 3.5-liter V6 that makes 268 horses and 246 lb-ft of torque. However, note that increased performance will adversely impact fuel efficiency numbers when compared to what’s obtainable on the 2.7-liter four-cylinder. Nonetheless, it’s subtle and will be worth the trade-off.
Like its predecessor, the 2010 Toyota Venza is spacious and aesthetically pleasing, with the center console and high-mounted shifter gaining most of the attention. Featuring an 85% reliability rating, the Venza is an all-rounder that offers great gas mileage on its four-cylinder and V6 engines. Considering all the functions it hosts, a $10,100 MSRP plastered on the Venza is an outright bargain.
6 2009 Ford Explorer – 85% Reliability Rating ($4,558 MSRP)
The Ford Explorer is an SUV that can seamlessly handle day-to-day activities and loads of adventures. As a truck-based SUV, the 2009 Ford Explorer has several advantages over regular unibody crossovers in terms of a higher towing capacity (7,285 lbs maximum) and terrific off-road attributes on its 4×4 versions.
The base 4.0-liter V6 engine can generate 210 horses and 254 lb-ft of torque. Handling is excellent, and the interior is comfy despite the cabin fielding subpar materials. Reliability-wise, the 2009 Ford Explorer holds its own (with an 85% rating from the stables of JD Power), and should run just fine with occasional maintenance.
Although the 2009 Ford Explorer isn’t the most stylish 4×4 SUV on the market, its performance, fuel-efficiency, and reliability merits should be enough incentive to spend $4,558 on one.
5 2008 Toyota Highlander – 86% Reliability Rating ($7,481 MSRP)
Since the first Toyota Highlander was released in 2000 (2001 model year), it has been a favorite among car enthusiasts in the United States. But after seven years, the nameplate showed its age, especially within its cabin. As such, Toyota decided to redesign the Highlander for 2008, the most notable change being the “usable” third-row seat dimensions.
The new generation Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s good for 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the 2008 Toyota Highlander integrates a myriad of safety features such as stability and traction control, hill-start assist, and anti-lock disc brakes. You can purchase a used 2008 Toyota Highlander at prices starting at $7,481. With JD Power giving it an 86% reliability rating, you’re guaranteed that upon purchase, you won’t spend a fortune due to constant repairs.
4 2009 Chevrolet Equinox – 87% Reliability Rating ($4.577 MSRP)
The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox rounded up the nameplate’s first generation. Yearning to finish on a high, Chevy stepped things up a notch in the interior with an adjustable split rear seat design that offered more legroom or cargo space, depending on the user’s preferences. Additionally, this model marked the introduction of the speedy Sport trim and luxury-themed LTZ.
Available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, all Equinox models (excluding the Sport trim) feature a fuel-efficient 3.6-liter engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque (the Sport trim has a 264-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine). The 2009 Equinox looks and performs remarkably. Additionally, the Equinox denotes reliability all around (87% rating). These days, you’ll find a decent-looking Equinox with no anomalies for monetary values starting at $4,577.
3 2007 Infiniti FX35 – 88% Reliability Rating ($5,218 MSRP)
The 2007 Infiniti FX35 had a sports car-inspired architecture that wasn’t the usual sight in its class at the time. Although it came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that could make 275 horses and 268 lb-ft of torque as standard, note that there’s an option for a 4.5-liter DOHC V8 that’s rated at 320 horses. Both engine categories are paired to a five-speed automatic transmission that fields a Snow-Mode function that offers traction on slippery surfaces.
While the 2007 Infiniti FX35 is practically built on the toughened iteration of Nissan’s FM platform, it isn’t great for off-roading. However, it rides and handles with a hint of finesse on even tarmacs. So, if you’ve got $5,218 lying around, now’s a good time to consider purchasing this reliable (88% rating) and beastly luxury-based mid-size SUV.
2 2010 Toyota RAV4 – 88% Reliability Rating ($8,181 MSRP)
The Toyota RAV4 currently ranks as the popular choice for gearheads seeking a simple and capable compact SUV. This trifecta of attributes has made the RAV4 revered in the United States — just last year, this model amassed 366,000 sales.
Although the 2023 RAV4 might seem out of bounds for those on a budget under $10,000, you can still key into a model year that denotes the nameplate’s alluring attributes — the 2010 RAV4.
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 brings comfortable seating to the fore, with a third-row seating arrangement being optional. Other perks bound to this RAV4 include 73 cubic feet of cargo space (when the second and third rows are folded) and a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 269 horsepower. In typical Toyota style, the 2010 RAV4 is as sturdy as it gets (88% reliability rating) and offers great mileage. What’s better? You can scoop a pristine-looking variant for just $8,181.
1 2011 Lexus RX 350 – 92% Reliability Rating ($12,764 MSRP)
It’s not everyday you encounter an SUV that showcases a reliability rating trumping the 90% mark on JD Power. But the 2011 Lexus RX 350 does that and more — earning a “best” rating of 92%.
The 2011 Lexus RX 350 comes with a truckload of luxury add-ons, including leather-trimmed seats and steering, dual-zone climate control, power liftgate, and a reclining and sliding second row. That said, the cabin reeks opulence with quality construction that incorporates walnut wood accents.
Underneath the 2011 Lexus RX 350’s hood lies a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 275 horsepower when mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. For $12,764, you can buy into the excellence and luxury brought to the fore on the “timeless” 2011 Lexus RX 350.