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Best SUVs under $20,000

Explore the best used SUVs under $20,000 of 2024

3 friends road tripping and eating snacks in their SUV. The sun roof is open
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite

1. Ford Escape

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$9,998—$28,998
Estimated combined MPG
(data not available)
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2021 Chevrolet Trax LT

2. Chevrolet Trax

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$12,599—$27,998
Estimated combined MPG
30 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

3. Jeep Renegade

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$11,998—$24,998
Estimated combined MPG
26 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2022 Buick Encore Preferred

4. Buick Encore

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$12,998—$23,998
Estimated combined MPG
26 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

5. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$11,599—$20,998
Estimated combined MPG
21 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE 2.0

6. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$12,599—$22,998
Estimated combined MPG
25 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5
2017 Dodge Journey Crossroad

7. Dodge Journey

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$11,998—$18,998
Estimated combined MPG
21 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5
2019 Ford EcoSport Titanium

8. Ford EcoSport

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$11,998—$20,998
Estimated combined MPG
25 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)

Pros

  • Spacious and upscale interior design

  • Quiet cabin

  • User-friendly technology

Cons

  • Low power and lack of refinement

  • Fuel efficiency disappoints, despite low-power engines

  • Missing key driver-assist equipment found on most rivals

2015 Jeep Patriot High Altitude

9. Jeep Patriot

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$11,599—$15,998
Estimated combined MPG
22 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5
2018 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring

10. Mazda CX-3

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$14,998—$21,998
Estimated combined MPG
29 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5

How we ranked this list

To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2023 through May 2024. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy.

Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.