Best-selling Used SUVs under $20K
Check out CarMax's best-selling used SUVs under $20K.
We've compiled the 10 most popular used SUVs under $20K with CarMax customers, covering a broad range of sizes and prices. Learn more about how we ranked our list.


1. Chevrolet Equinox
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Generous cargo area
Ample backseat room for adults
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Cons
Sluggish acceleration
Noisy cabin on highway
Heavy steering, bulky handling

2. Ford Escape
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Smooth city and highway ride
Intuitive SYNC® 4 infotainment system
Plenty of engine choices
Cons
Handling lacks liveliness
Transmission can be abrupt when shifting
Body roll in tight corners

3. Jeep Cherokee
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Hybrid powertrain is standard
Fresh design and beautiful cabin
Large back seat and cargo areas
Cons
Sluggish acceleration with no V6 offered
Not as off-road capable as other Jeep models
Tows less than the previous generation

4. Nissan Kicks
CarMax owner rating

5. Buick Encore
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Tiny size makes Encore a good urban runabout
At highway speeds, the interior is remarkably quiet
Fully featured infotainment system
Cons
Offers little in the way of cargo space
Unimpressive fuel economy estimates
Limited number of driver-assist features, and they’re optional

6. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Supportive and comfortable rear seats
Lots of available features
Spacious passenger and cargo areas
Cons
Stiff ride on rough surfaces
Visibility is limited out the rear window
Not as fun to drive as other SUVs

7. Jeep Renegade
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Nimble handling for an SUV
Impressive standard tech features
Cool off-road Trailhawk version
Cons
Small size means less interior room
Shape creates wind noise on the highway
Some go-to comfort features are optional

8. Ford EcoSport
CarMax owner rating
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

9. Hyundai Venue
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Roomy cabin
Nimble and easy to maneuver
Plenty of standard tech features
Cons
Average interior look and feel
Slow acceleration
No all-wheel drive option
Ready to find your next SUV?
How we ranked this list
To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts looked at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2025 through May 2026. 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.
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.
