5 small used SUVs for under $20,000, per Edmunds

Main Street shoppers looking for an SUV on a tight budget can consider used “extra-small” models, according to a list from Edmunds shared with The Associated Press. Edmunds’ pitch centered on the idea that while buying a new SUV may be out of reach—given the average new-vehicle cost hovering around $50,000—used purchases make it “easy” to get into an SUV category for less than $20,000.

Edmunds said it compiled five vehicles it described as strong choices for affordability, fuel economy and everyday practicality. The first pick is the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which Edmunds praised for versatility and said offers ample headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows, along with a “pretty big cargo area.” Edmunds added that all-wheel drive is available and that Trailblazers come with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Edmunds also framed the Trailblazer’s performance around engine options. It said the latest-generation Trailblazer arrived for the 2021 model year, with acceleration from the base 137-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder described as “leisurely,” while an optional 155-horsepower turbo three-cylinder provides more responsiveness. Edmunds said Trailblazers with all-wheel drive come with the more powerful engine as standard.

The list then turned to the Honda HR-V, which Edmunds described as Honda’s smallest SUV. Edmunds said a test drive shows how much cargo and passenger space the HR-V can provide, and it highlighted outward visibility as a practical benefit for maneuvering in traffic and parking. Edmunds identified one drawback—slow acceleration, particularly when trying to get onto the highway—while saying that fuel economy remains “pretty good,” and noting the HR-V is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

For shoppers hunting specifically under $20,000, Edmunds said the HR-V “came out” for the 2016 model year and that vehicles from its debut through about the 2022 model year are likely to stay under that threshold. Edmunds pointed to a 2022 HR-V EX as an example, noting it includes heated front seats, keyless entry and advanced driver aids.

Edmunds’ fourth vehicle on the list is the Hyundai Kona, which it said draws attention immediately due to distinctive styling, even if buyers might not love the look. Edmunds emphasized driving characteristics, saying the Kona, when equipped with its optional turbocharged engine, gets up to speed quicker than most vehicles in its class and offers sporty handling around turns. Edmunds also said the Kona provides many features for the money.

Edmunds directed buyers to the Kona’s model timing as well, saying it first debuted for the 2018 model year and was redesigned in 2024. It said shoppers should have little trouble finding a 2022 Kona for under $20,000 and called 2022 a good year to focus on because it received updates, including a larger center touchscreen. Edmunds added that all-wheel drive is available on every trim level and that the more powerful turbocharged engine shows up on the Limited or N Line trim level.

Rounding out the list, Edmunds recommended the Kia Soul, describing it as boxy and blending SUV and hatchback elements. Edmunds said the Soul earns praise for value and practicality, with an upright shape that provides passenger room and cargo capacity, and it described standard features as generous for its price. Edmunds said the Soul is also fun to drive and that a strong turbocharged engine is available on the Turbo trim, while noting that buyers cannot get the Soul with all-wheel drive.

Edmunds then highlighted the Subaru Crosstrek as its top recommendation for drivers who want a used small SUV that helps them get “out into nature.” Edmunds said standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance give the Crosstrek more off-road capability than the other vehicles on the list, and it said the interior is simple but spacious for front and rear passengers. Edmunds also suggested it may fit well for camping or hiking, or for places with snowy weather.

Edmunds said Crosstrek buyers may need to look to 2021 or older models to stay under $20,000, and it called out slow acceleration as a negative aspect. It said shoppers can help mitigate that by getting a 2021 Crosstrek in either the Sport or Limited trim, and it added that starting with that year, Subaru outfitted these Crosstreks with a more powerful engine.

Edmunds said in closing that an extra-small used SUV is “far more than a means of pinching pennies,” and it described the five vehicles as options that will not “break the bank” while delivering style and substance.