Reliability scores for used SUVs vary widely once mileage and ownership costs are factored in, and price alone rarely signals which vehicles will last. Independent data on used-vehicle reliability ratings shows a clear gap between models that hold up over time and those that do not, even within the same price bracket. Here are twelve second-hand SUVs that combine strong durability scores with prices under $25,000.
1. Toyota RAV4: The Top Score On This List
The 2019 RAV4 earns an 8.2 reliability rating, the highest of any compact SUV found selling used under $25,000, according to iSeeCars reliability data. Among the twelve SUVs on this list, that score sits at the very top, ahead of every other compact model considered in the same price range.
A high reliability rating still does not replace a pre-purchase inspection, since individual vehicle history varies even within a well-rated model. Buyers comparing listings under $25,000 should request maintenance records before finalizing a purchase.
2. Honda HR-V: The Highest Rating Of The Twelve
The 2021 HR-V rates 8.4 for reliability, with clean examples selling used under $20,000, per iSeeCars’ reliability rankings. That is the highest score of any SUV on this list, placing the HR-V ahead of larger and costlier models found in the same used-car data.
Shoppers should still confirm mileage and accident history on any individual listing, since a high average reliability score does not guarantee every used HR-V is free of prior damage. A clean title and documented service history remain the safest signals.
3. Mazda CX-5: A Strong Score From An Older Model Year
The 2016 CX-5 rates 8.0 for reliability, with examples selling used under $15,000, according to iSeeCars’ used-SUV data. That places it among the top scores on this list despite being one of the older model years included, holding steady alongside SUVs several years newer.
Buyers considering an older, lower-priced example should still budget for a pre-purchase inspection, since age and mileage can mask wear that a reliability score alone does not capture. Full service records help confirm the vehicle matches its rating.
4. Subaru Crosstrek: The Subcompact Class Leader
The 2021 Crosstrek rates 8.0 for reliability, the top score among subcompact SUVs found under $25,000, per iSeeCars’ scoring data. That mark ties it with several larger SUVs on this list despite the Crosstrek’s smaller footprint and lower starting price.
Buyers cross-shopping subcompact SUVs should weigh the Crosstrek’s smaller cargo space against its reliability standing, since size remains the main tradeoff at this rating level. A documented maintenance history still matters before any purchase.
5. Honda Pilot: The Best Three-Row Option Here
The 2019 Pilot scores 8.0 for reliability, the best mark among midsize and three-row SUVs found under $25,000, according to iSeeCars’ reliability findings. That places it among the highest-rated vehicles on this list despite competing in a larger, typically less reliable SUV class.
Families comparing three-row options should still request full maintenance records, since higher seating capacity and towing use can accelerate wear beyond what an average reliability score reflects. A well-documented Pilot remains a strong used pick at this price.
6. Mazda CX-3: A Second Mazda Makes The List
The CX-3 earns an 8.1 reliability rating, with examples selling used under $20,000, per iSeeCars’ ranking data. It is the second Mazda to appear on this list, landing just behind the CX-5 among the highest-scoring SUVs found under $25,000.
Buyers should confirm the specific trim and mileage of any listing, since reliability scores are averages across many vehicles rather than guarantees for a single used example. A documented service history remains the best individual signal.
7. Subaru Outback: A Solid Middle-Of-The-List Score
The Outback rates 7.9 for reliability, with examples listed used under $15,000, according to iSeeCars’ used-SUV rankings. That score places it in the middle of this list, slightly behind the Crosstrek but still ahead of several costlier SUVs considered in the same data set.
Buyers shopping at the lower end of this price range should still verify maintenance history, since a mid-range score on this list can still represent a well-maintained, dependable vehicle. Full records help separate the strongest examples from the rest.
8. BMW X1: The Only European Entry
The X1 earns a 7.7 reliability rating, with examples selling used under $15,000, per iSeeCars’ reliability scores. It is the only entry on this list from a European luxury brand, scoring below the mainstream Japanese SUVs ranked ahead of it but still above several other used SUVs considered.
Buyers should budget for potentially higher repair costs on a used luxury SUV even at a strong reliability score, since parts and labor pricing can differ by brand. A pre-purchase inspection is worth the added cost here.
9. Infiniti QX60: A Value Pick Among Three-Row Luxury SUVs
The 2020 QX60 rates 7.5 for reliability, with an average used price of $19,021, according to iSeeCars’ luxury-crossover data. That places it below most other SUVs on this list but still among the stronger scores found for luxury-badged three-row models.
Buyers comparing the QX60 to the list’s higher-scoring entries should weigh its three-row seating and luxury features against the lower relative reliability mark. Full maintenance records remain the best way to confirm an individual example’s condition.
10. Ford Escape: The Only Domestic Name Here
The Escape earns a 7.6 reliability rating, with examples selling used under $20,000, per iSeeCars’ used-vehicle data. It is the only domestic-brand SUV to make this list, scoring below the Japanese and Subaru models ranked ahead of it.
Buyers should still request maintenance history on any used Escape listing, since the rating reflects an average across many vehicles rather than a guarantee for a single example. A documented service record remains the strongest individual signal available.
11. Nissan Murano: Near The Bottom, Still A Contender
The Murano earns a 7.4 reliability rating, with examples selling used under $20,000, according to iSeeCars’ reliability figures. That places it near the lower end of this list, ahead of only one other SUV among the twelve found under $25,000 with strong durability scores.
Buyers considering a used Murano at this price should request full maintenance records, since a lower relative score on this list makes documented upkeep more important than on the higher-rated entries above it. A clean history matters most here.
12. GMC Acadia: The Lowest Score That Still Qualifies
The Acadia earns a 7.3 reliability rating, with examples selling used under $15,000, per iSeeCars’ full rankings. It is the lowest score among the twelve SUVs on this list, though it still qualifies as a durable used option at its price point.
Buyers should treat a pre-purchase inspection as essential on the lowest-scoring entry on this list, since maintenance history matters most where the average reliability mark is weakest. A well-documented Acadia can still be a sound used purchase.
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