Crossovers and SUVs accounted for nearly 53% of US passenger vehicle sales last year 2022. That’s roughly 7.3 million SUVs sold in just one year, more than the combined sales of sedans, hatchbacks and pickup trucks.
Monocoque and body-on-frame crossovers SUV offer the benefits of sedans and compact trucks in one package. For example, some crossover SUVs have passenger comfort and maneuverability that are comparable to some family sedans. What’s more, SUVs themselves can also have higher ground clearance, more cargo and passenger capacity, a higher towing rating, and better road visibility than you might find in some compact or midsize pickup trucks. Finally, vehicle crash studies have concluded that during frontal crashes, occupants of crossovers and SUVs tend to be better protected than those inside sedans and hatchbacks.
Due to the size, versatility and popularity of crossovers and SUVs, they are often more expensive than the average family sedan or work truck. To avoid overspending at dealerships, many Americans flock to the used car market for the best deals on used SUVs for sale.
When choosing between used SUVs for sale, it is important to prioritize the reliability of the car as a selection criterion. The most reliable car, SUV or truck will save you from expensive and unplanned repair and maintenance costs in the future. Keep in mind, though, that while it’s easy to see rust spots on an SUV or hear its squeaky springs and hinges, it’s not as simple to determine engine problems until you’ve driven the vehicle in different conditions for one time. This is where expert reliability ratings and consumer reviews come in.
Based on cross-referenced reliability, vehicle review and price data from Consumer Reports (CR), JD Power and Kelley Blue Book (KBB), here are 10 cheap used SUVs, all under $15,000. with the most reliable internal combustion engines. (ICE).
10 The 2017 GMC Terrain has a proven power plant
The 2017 GMC Terrain is the last model year of the nameplate’s 1st generation, which used to be classified within the midsize crossover size class (it moved to the compact size class in 2018) . For 2017, the Terrain came with a base 2.4-liter I-4 engine (182 hp, 172 lb-ft of torque) and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine (301 hp, 272 lb-ft) .
As the eighth installment of the pioneering generation, the 2017 GMC Terrain had already overcome most of the reliability problems of the previous models. CR gave the 2017 Terrain a 5/5 reliability rating for the “engine main” and “engine cooling” categories, meaning its major engine components (engine block, intake manifolds intake/exhaust, timing chain, turbocharger, etc.) and cooling system. (radiator, coolant lines, water pump, etc.) were very reliable. The 2017 Terrain also received a score of 4/5 for “minor engine,” meaning there were some issues with minor engine components (eg, engine mounts, oil seals, pulleys, the ECU, etc.). However, CR still gave the 2017 GMC Terrain an overall reliability score of 5/5, and JD Power echoed that with a “great” quality and reliability rating of 87/100.
The 2017 GMC Terrain currently sells for $13,950 to $18,475 on the used car market.
9 The 2014 Honda Pilot has a solid six-cylinder
The Honda Pilot is the largest model of the Japanese brand in the SUV segment. For 2014, the mid-size 7- to 8-seat Honda Pilot used a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provided 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque (fairly conservative for its displacement).
CR gave the 2014 Pilot a 4/5 reliability rating for the main engine category due to an isolated incident that required an engine rebuild. This incident aside; however, CR gave the 2014 Pilot a perfect 5/5 reliability rating for the minor and engine cooling categories and a decent overall reliability rating of 4/5. JD Power also gave an excellent quality and reliability score of 84/100, which helps this Honda midsize crossover maintain a resale value of $13,225 – $16,525 today.
8 The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has a firm Skyactiv Mill
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover that uses the Japanese manufacturer’s sporty yet fuel-efficient Skyactiv engines. For 2016, the CX-5 came with two engine options: a 2.0-liter I-4 engine (155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque) and a 2.5-liter I-4 mill (184 hp and 185 lb-ft).
CR gave the 2016 Mazda CX-5 a 5/5 reliability rating for the main engine and cooling categories. However, due to some customer-reported issues with oil leaks and the engine control unit (ECU), the 2016 CX-5 only received a 4/5 reliability rating for the minor engine category . However, CR still gave the 2016 Mazda CX-5 an overall reliability rating of 5/5, which is pretty good for a 7-year-old compact crossover that currently fetches between $14,100 and $16,275 on the used car market.
7 The 2016 Honda CR-V comes with VTEC validation
The 2016 Honda CR-V won KBB’s Best Buy award for the small SUV group, and with good reason. The 2016 CR-V was also the last installment of the model’s fourth generation and was more reliable than previous model years in its batch. For the 2016 model year, Honda gave the CR-V a 2.4-liter VTEC I-4 engine that produced 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of twist.
CR gave the 2016 CR-V a 5/5 rating for the main engine and cooling categories. Incidents of roof leaks in the distribution chain; however, it resulted in a 4/5 reliability rating for the minor engine category. All in all, the 2016 Honda CR-V is a pretty reliable compact crossover, as evidenced by CR’s 5/5 overall reliability rating and JD Power’s 83/100 quality and reliability score. A pre-owned 2016 Honda CR-V currently sells for $16,275 to $20,675.
6 The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has a Six-Banger sound
The 2017 Chevy Equinox is an affordable yet powerful compact crossover. For the 2017 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox came with a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (182 hp, 174 lb-ft) and a formidable 3.6-liter V6 engine (301 hp, 272 lb- feet).
CR gave the 2017 Chevy Equinox a score of 5/5 in the main engine and engine cooling reliability categories, as well as overall reliability. A used 2017 Chevy Equinox still sells for $13,200 to $16,475 today.
5 The 2015 Nissan Rogue carries a faithful four-cylinder
The Nissan Rogue, also known as the X-Trail in certain markets, is a relatively large 5-seat compact SUV, with an optional 3rd row seating configuration for small passengers. The 2015 Nissan Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 engine rated at 175 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque.
The 2015 Nissan Rogue received perfect 5/5 reliability ratings from CR for all three engine-related categories. However, CR only gave the 2015 Rogue an overall reliability rating of 4/5 due to some complaints about squeaky body parts and faulty power equipment issues. However, this is still a great overall score, complemented by JD Power’s “great” quality and reliability rating of 82/100. You can drive home a used 2015 Nissan Rogue today for $10,925 to $13,575.
4 The VVT-i mill in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 is verified for reliability
The Toyota RAV4, the world’s best-selling SUV in 2022, made this list of SUVs with the most reliable engines. For the 2014 model year, the ICE Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter engine that produces 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.
CR gave the 2014 RAV4 a 5/5 reliability rating for the engine in major and minor categories. Unfortunately, some issues with the water pump resulted in an engine cooling reliability score of 4/5. However, CR still gave the 2014 Toyota RAV4 an overall reliability score of 5/5, and JD Power chimed in with an “average” reliability score of 79/100 (two points shy of a “great” score from 81-90). Today, a used 2014 Toyota RAV4 can still fetch between $14,250 and $16,425.
3 The 2012 Lexus RX uses a firm six-cylinder
The Lexus RX was the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States in 2022. For the 2012 model year, this luxury crossover SUV came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 270 hp and 248 lb- ft of torque for the pure ICE variant. The Lexus RX hybrid used the same V6 and combined it with an electric motor to produce a total system output of 295 hp.
The 2012 Lexus RX received a reliability score of 5/5 for the major engine and cooling categories, as well as a score of 4/5 for the minor engine category due to some reported oil leaks . However, CR still awarded the 2012 Lexus RX an overall reliability score of 5/5, and JD Power joined in the praise with a quality and reliability rating of 89/100. With such great ratings, it’s no wonder this 11-year-old mid-size SUV still sells for $14,725 to $15,775 on the used car market.
2 The 2011 Toyota Highlander comes with an impeccable Inline-4
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a 7-seat mid-size family SUV that entered the market with three engine options: two gas mills and a hybrid engine. The base I-4 engine produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 3.5-liter V6 could produce 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The 2011 Highlander Hybrid was also rated at 270 hp from a 3.3-liter V6 that was boosted by two electric motors.
CR gave the 2011 Toyota Highlander a 5/5 reliability rating for the main engine and cooling categories, but some oil leakage issues resulted in a 4/5 reliability rating for the category minor of the engine. Overall, the 2011 Highlander remains very reliable, receiving an overall reliability rating of 5/5 from CR and a quality and reliability rating of 81/100 from JD Power. This mid-size family SUV still sells for $11,475 to $14,225 in today’s used car market.
1 The 2008 Toyota 4Runner uses no-fault blocks
Unsurprisingly, rounding out this list of used SUVs with durable engines is another Toyota. The 2008 Toyota 4Runner was the penultimate model year of the nameplate’s fourth generation (2002 to 2009). For 2008, Toyota’s off-road, body-on midsize SUV still used a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produced 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. A smaller V6 alternative produced 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque for the 2008 4Runner.
CR gave the 2008 Toyota 4Runner a score of 5/5 for all three engine reliability categories, as well as a perfect overall reliability score of 5/5. JD Power also reported a strong quality and reliability score of 87/100. Today, a used 2008 Toyota 4Runner can still fetch between $11,400 and $13,600.
