Best Used SUVs Under $15,000

The most reliable used SUVs you can find under $15,000, ranked by NHTSA recall and complaint history, brand-tier reliability, and documented known issues.

Ranked by CarScorer’s public reliability score — a model-level estimate from brand reliability, NHTSA recalls and complaints, and curated known issues. It is not a per-listing deal score; score a specific VIN for a full breakdown.

1
2020 Nissan Rogue6.2 · Solid choice
Final year of second gen — familiar CVT concerns; inspect carefully above 80k miles.
$14,000–$20,0001 recall149 complaints
2
2018 Mazda CX-56.2 · Solid choice
Best-in-class driving feel — turbo option adds power, non-turbo adds reliability.
$14,000–$20,0003 recalls117 complaints
3
2016 Subaru Crosstrek5.7 · Do your homework
Reliable AWD crossover — head gasket history on earlier models is worth checking.
$9,000–$14,0001 recall131 complaints
4
2020 Hyundai Tucson5.5 · Do your homework
Pre-redesign final year — mature, well-debugged example of the third-gen platform.
$15,000–$21,0001 recall176 complaints
5
2020 Kia Sportage5.5 · Do your homework
Strong warranty transferability when original owner — check remaining coverage.
$14,000–$20,0002 recalls159 complaints
6
2017 Toyota RAV45.2 · Do your homework
Strong reliability and safety — one of the top-ranked used SUVs in this price range.
$13,000–$18,0003 recalls305 complaints
7
2019 GMC Terrain4.7 · Do your homework
Solid compact SUV with wide dealer support — minor infotainment complaints.
$14,000–$19,0003 recalls181 complaints
8
2018 Subaru Forester4.7 · Do your homework
Last of the fifth-gen — reliable 2.5L and comfortable SUV for the price.
$12,000–$17,0003 recalls493 complaints
9
2019 Buick Encore4.3 · Higher risk
Small luxury crossover — AC issues and CVT reliability are key concerns.
$11,000–$16,0002 recalls84 complaints
10
2018 Subaru Outback4.0 · Higher risk
Practical AWD wagon-crossover — well-proven 2.5i engine is highly reliable.
$14,000–$20,0003 recalls807 complaints
11
2019 Kia Sorento3.5 · Higher risk
Pre-redesign — 3.3L V6 optional; 2.4L available in EX is the reliable commuter spec.
$15,000–$21,0002 recalls423 complaints
12
2020 Chevrolet Equinox3.5 · Higher risk
Revised infotainment and improved build quality — 1.5T most common and supportable.
$15,000–$21,0004 recalls303 complaints

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