Balancing frugality, utility and quality can be a tough act when shopping for used SUVs under $15,000. To make your search a little easier, we’ve assembled this handy list using our Buyer’s Guide expertise. We’ve scoured the market for listings of used vehicles from the 2020–2023 model years with strong inventory nationwide, while also cross-checking quality, reliability and safety scores. We’ve dug back into our historic Ultimate Car Rankings data to ensure the SUVs on this list meet our standards for drivability and livability. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best SUVs under $15,000.

About MotorTrend's methodology:The Buyer's Guide considers cars with multiple trim levels under the $15,000 mark with fewer than 80,000 miles to be recommended. We prioritize models with an Average or greater score in J.D. Power reliability and take our historic Ultimate Car Rankings data into consideration. We also consider safety ratings fromIIHS andNHTSA when recommending used cars on this list; a five-star overall NHTSA score isn't required but is preferred.

2020-2022 Nissan Kicks - Subcompact SUV

Pros: The first-generation Nissan Kicks exhibits great ride quality and fun driving dynamics. Strong fuel economy is a plus. Nissan equips a strong suite of active driver assistance technology as well as available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cons: The original Kicks isn’t available with all-wheel drive at any trim level. The small SUV’s interior is full of plastic bits, and the cabin gets loud at speed, especially when the small engine works hard.

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2020-2022 Nissan Kicks - Subcompact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $9,900
• Safety Ratings: NHTSA four stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 31/36 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 356 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 10.1-10.5 seconds

2020-2022 Kia Sportage - Compact SUV

Pros: With cool and unusual exterior styling, the previous-generation Kia Sportage is still an attractive compact SUV. Equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, every Sportage receives Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Its standard suite of active safety tech sets it apart as an appealing used SUV for under $15,000.

Cons: The Sportage isn’t as efficient as contemporary compact SUVs, and its interior is cramped. Slow acceleration and stiff suspension are considerations for shoppers interested in a more premium-feeling SUV.

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2020-2022 Kia Sportage - Compact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $11,500
• Safety Ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA five stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 19-25/24-32 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 344-426 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 8.1-9.0 seconds

2020-2022 Chevrolet Equinox - Compact SUV

Pros: When all you need is a spacious SUV with basic equipment, a used Chevrolet Equinox is a solid choice. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth are standard across the entire trim range. The compact SUV offers decent handling for a vehicle in this segment. Owners report great reliability, and safety ratings are high.

Cons: The Chevy Equinox has no pretensions of being a luxury SUV, with cheap materials inside the cabin. Road and wind noise can be an issue. The penalty for decent handling is a harsh ride. Models with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine are quick, but the beefier powertrain was discontinued after 2020 and is harder to find than the default 1.5-liter turbo.

2020-2022 Chevrolet Equinox - Compact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $11,000
• Safety Ratings: 2020-201 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA five stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 22-26/28-31 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 372-421 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 6.6-8.9 seconds

2020-2022 Hyundai Venue - Subcompact SUV

Pros: The well-equipped Hyundai Venue was inexpensive when it first went on sale, making it a solid choice for used car shoppers in the market for an SUV with only one prior owner. Its attractive design, great tech and decent fuel economy make for a nicely packaged daily driver.

Cons: The available manual transmission was only equipped on the 2020 Venue. All others use a CVT that pairs with a weak 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The Venue doesn’t hide its cost-conscious approach to locomotion, either, with cheap materials and a noisy ride.

2020-2022 Hyundai Venue - Subcompact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $9,900
• Safety Ratings: 2020-2022 Top Safety Pick, NHTSA four stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 27-30/34-35 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 357-381 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 8.8 seconds

2020-2021 Ford Edge - Midsize SUV

Pros: The roomy and spacious Ford Edge is worthy of consideration for those in the market for a larger SUV under $15,000. User-friendly infotainment screens support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto amongst other still-relevant technology features. Strong powertrains give the Edge its edge. Quality and reliability scores are strong.

Cons: Inside the cabin, there are some cheap materials that make the interior feel less premium than more expensive used SUVs. Although the Edge’s engine options are powerful, its transmission needs more refinement. The ride is busy, as well.

2020-2021 Ford Edge - Midsize SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $14,500
• Safety Ratings: 2020-2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA five stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 19-21/25-29 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 388-444 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 6.1-7.6 seconds

2020-2021 Nissan Rogue - Compact SUV

Pros: Roomy and fuel-efficient, the Nissan Rogue is the definition of practicality. The SUV has a usable cargo hold and strong safety scores, especially for the 2021 model year. The 2020 Rogue is the final year of the prior generation, so Nissan should have worked out most of the SUV’s kinks. That’s reflected in great quality and reliability scores.

Cons: It's harder to find a 2021 Nissan Rogue under $15,000 as that model year represents the current-generation SUV, but they’re out there. The previous-generation model is the definition of bland, and its dashboard technology is dated.

2020-2021 Nissan Rogue - Compact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $8,500
• Safety Ratings: 2019 Top Safety Pick, 2021 Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 4-5 stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 25-30/32-37 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 392-478 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 8.4-9.5 seconds

2020-2022 Ford Escape - Compact SUV

Pros: Nimble and fun to drive, the Ford Escape is an agile compact SUV. Its strong suite of active safety technology is backed up by commendable crash test ratings. We like the European-esque styling of the 2020–2022 Escape, as well.

Cons: The volume three-cylinder engine isn’t very refined. Additionally, the cabin’s materials are cut-rate, especially at lower trims. If you’re picky about seating, we’ve found these models to have a flat, unsupportive driver’s seat.

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2020-2022 Ford Escape - Compact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $11,000
• Safety Ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA five stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 22-28/31-34 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 408-444 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 6.-8.4 seconds

2020-2023 Kia Soul - Subcompact SUV

Pros: The Kia Soul has a lot going for it as one of the best used SUVs under $15,000. A segment leader when new, the Soul combines fun and practicality with aplomb. Settled ride and cheerful handling help this SUV split the difference between the hatchback and crossover segments. Its excellent infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard amongst other desirable features.

Cons: With no all-wheel drive available, the Soul isn’t our go-to pick for those who enjoy trail driving. Some higher-tech features are reserved for more expensive trims, which is reflected in the used market. Then there’s also the hamster car reputation, which the Soul has struggled to live down even as it has adopted more mature styling.

2020-2023 Kia Soul - Subcompact SUV specifications

• Approximate Price: From $9,500
• Safety Ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA four stars overall
• Fuel Economy: 25-29/31-35 mpg city/highway
• Driving Range: 386-443 miles
• 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 6.5-11.5 seconds

Best used SUVs under $15,000

• 2020-2022 Nissan Kicks
• 2020-2022 Kia Sportage
• 2020-2022 Chevrolet Equinox
• 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue
• 2020-2021 Ford Edge
• 2020-2021 Nissan Rogue
• 2020-2022 Ford Escape
• 2020-2023 Kia Soul

Photos by MotorTrend staff, manufacturer and Alan Muir