7 Small SUVs Worth Buying (Even With High Mileage)

With the average price of a new car hovering around $49,000, buying a used car could help you save thousands of dollars. At the same time, you don't want to buy a lemon that will leave you stranded on the side of the road or force you to spend a lot at the repair shop.

Fortunately, there are some highly rated, extremely solid used options out there that you can trust, even if the miles are starting to pile on. Choosing a reliable used vehicle is one of the smartest money moves for car owners who want to maximize value without sacrificing dependability. Review our list of seven small SUVs that stay reliable even after years of driving.

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The Honda CR-V has a lot going for it, including a comfortable ride, a roomy interior, and a peppy engine. RepairPal gives the 2019 Honda CR-V a 4.5/5 Excellent rating, putting it among the top 10 compact SUVs.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2019 CR-V a 5/5 safety rating, so you can feel confident driving for years to come.

The Mazda CX-5 is a strong option because it has an attractive, upscale cabin aesthetic and stays quiet while driving on the highway. If you choose the 2019 version, you can opt for a turbocharged 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that churns out an impressive 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Earlier versions lack this option, so they can feel a bit sluggish.

RepairPal gives the 2019 Mazda CX-5 a 4.5/5 Excellent rating, and the NHTSA gives it a 5/5 safety rating. It's also worth noting that the 2019 CX-5 has only had two recalls.

The Ford Escape has a surprisingly roomy interior for a small SUV. It does lack some of the storage space SUV owners might prefer, but that's a sacrifice you make for a bigger cabin. It's also known for giving drivers a smooth ride and comfortable seats.

RepairPal gives the 2022 Escape a 4/5 Above Average rating. The NHTSA gives the Escape a 5/5 rating for every year since 2018, so you have plenty of options when shopping for a used model.

The Toyota RAV4 manages to find the right balance between cabin room and storage space. That alone makes it worth considering. Drivers also enjoy a quiet, comfortable ride and easy-to-use controls.

If you want to buy a RAV4 for less than $20,000, concentrate on 2021 and earlier models. RepairPal gives the 2021 RAV4 a 4.5/5 Excellent rating. The NHTSA gives a 5/5 Overall safety Rating for 2021 and every year after, so you can feel safe driving any of them.

Kia is a common option for drivers who want quality without spending a lot of money. The Sportage delivers. Expect a quiet, smooth ride, an attractive dashboard, and a cabin with plenty of room for front and rear seats.

RepairPal gives the Kia Sportage a 4/5 Excellent rating, which is always a good sign for budget-conscious buyers. And you don't need to worry about safety since the NHTSA has given the Sportage a 5/5 Overall rating since 2018.

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson stands out for giving owners a wealth of features at a low price. For about $12,000, you get a terrific infotainment system, a comfortable ride, and interior materials that look like they should cost much more money. Hyundai dropped the Tucson's turbocharged 1.6-liter engine in 2019. That's fine, though, since you'll get more pep from the 2-liter or 2.4-liter options.

RepairPal gives the Hyundai Tucson a 4/5 Excellent rating. The NHTSA has given all but one (2022) Tucson models a 5/5 Overall Safety rating since 2019.

The Subaru Forester does a great job addressing the needs of drivers who want an SUV that also feels a bit like a wagon. It gives you ample cargo capacity, standard all-wheel drive, and a surprising amount of ground clearance. This is a small SUV that you can feel comfortable driving on unpaved surfaces.

If you want a Forester, look for one from 2019 or later. They outshine their earlier siblings. Edmunds makes this obvious by giving the 2019 Forester a 7.8 (Good) rating while the previous year got a 7.3 (Average) rating.

RepairPal gives the 2019 Forester a 3.5/5 Above Average rating. The Subaru Forester gets a 5/5 Overall rating from the NHTSA.

Buying a used small SUV is a great way to save money without compromising on quality… as long as you choose the right model.

Owning a reliable vehicle is crucial, especially when you want to avoid costly repairs. Consider that the typical engine repair costs $5,000 to $10,000. At those prices, it just isn't always worth repairing a used SUV. It makes more sense to choose one that's built to last and could help you save money on car insurance with lower premiums for dependable, safety-rated vehicles.