The best used small SUVs to buy are the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 for overall reliability and resale value, the Mazda CX-5 for driving feel and interior quality, and the Subaru Forester for standard all-wheel drive. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage offer the most features for the money, and the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 are smart picks if you want something smaller and cheaper.
Small SUVs are the most popular vehicles on the road for a reason: they fit in a city parking spot, carry a week of groceries or a weekend of gear, and many offer all-wheel drive for PA and NJ winters. Here is how the top used models compare and what to check before you buy.
Best used small SUVs at a glance
- Best overall: Honda CR-V
- Best for reliability and resale: Toyota RAV4
- Best to drive: Mazda CX-5
- Best for winter: Subaru Forester
- Best value: Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage
- Best budget pick: Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30
Our top picks, compared
Honda CR-V
Huge rear seat and cargo area for its size, good fuel economy, and a long reliability record. If you are looking at 2017 or 2018 models with the 1.5L turbo, ask whether any oil dilution updates were completed by a Honda dealer.
Toyota RAV4
Known for durability and strong resale value. The hybrid version is one of the most efficient SUVs you can buy and comes with all-wheel drive. Still deciding between these two? Read our Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 breakdown.
Mazda CX-5
The best-driving SUV in the class, with an interior that feels a step above its price. It uses a traditional automatic transmission, which many owners prefer. Cargo space is a bit smaller than the CR-V or RAV4.
Subaru Forester
All-wheel drive is standard on every one, along with big windows and excellent visibility. A great fit for snowy commutes and weekend trips to the Poconos or the Shore.
Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage
Lots of tech and safety features for the money, often priced below comparable Hondas and Toyotas. Check how much of the original factory powertrain warranty remains on the specific vehicle.
Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30
Subcompact SUVs that cost less to buy and insure and are easier to park. You give up some rear-seat and cargo room compared to the bigger picks above.
How to choose the right small SUV for you
- Do you need all-wheel drive? It helps in snow, but good tires matter just as much. See AWD vs. FWD vs. RWD.
- How much do you drive? High-mileage commuters should look hard at the RAV4 Hybrid or CR-V Hybrid. Read hybrid vs. gas to run the numbers.
- Who rides in back? Car seats and teenagers favor the CR-V and RAV4. Solo commuters can save with an HR-V or CX-30.
- What is your budget? Value picks like the Tucson and Sportage can get you a newer model year with more features for the same money.
Need more room? If a small SUV feels tight, step up to a midsize like the Toyota Highlander. Our RAV4 vs. Highlander vs. 4Runner guide and list of the best used SUVs for families can help.
What to check before buying a used small SUV
- Review the vehicle history report for accidents, title issues, and mileage consistency.
- Confirm there are no open safety recalls.
- On all-wheel-drive models, make sure all four tires match in brand and wear.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially oil changes and transmission service.
- Test drive on the highway and listen for transmission hesitation or whining.
- Check that the rear hatch, infotainment, and driver-assist features all work.
Shop used small SUVs at CarVision
Test drive the top small SUVs
Compare a CR-V, RAV4, CX-5, and more side by side at either CarVision showroom, then talk through financing that fits your budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best used small SUV to buy?
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are the best overall used small SUVs thanks to their reliability, space, and resale value. The Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage are also strong choices.
What is the most reliable used small SUV?
The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have the strongest long-term reliability reputations in the class, with the Mazda CX-5 close behind.
Which used small SUV is best for snow?
The Subaru Forester has standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance. All-wheel-drive versions of the CR-V, RAV4, and CX-5 also handle winter well, especially with good tires.
Which used small SUV gets the best gas mileage?
Hybrid models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid get the best fuel economy in the class while still offering all-wheel drive.
What is the cheapest reliable small SUV?
Subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 cost less to buy and insure. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage also offer strong value in the compact class.
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