Crossovers and SUVs have enjoyed massive popularity over the past decade or so, which means that the used-car market is full of excellent options to fit anyone's taste. If you're in the market for a used small SUV, we recommend casting your net wide enough to include the 2017 model year, as that is when many small SUVs began to take hold in the market.
Whether we're talking about an Acura, an Audi, a GMC, or a Volvo, new SUVs are better than ever—though this carries a bit of a price premium. One way to get around this is to let someone else absorb the initial depreciation hit.
A used SUV may not come with a new-car warranty, but later-model options may be available with certified pre-owned (CPO) coverage. Some low-mileage examples might even still be within their original warranty periods. Here are our picks for the best used small SUVs on the market today, spanning a wide price range and a broad selection of automakers.
The Best Used Small SUVs in 2026
- 2018 Honda CR-V
- 2019 Honda HR-V
- 2019 Jeep Renegade
- 2017 Kia Sportage
- 2018 Mazda CX-3
- 2020 Mazda CX-5
- 2018 Nissan Rogue
- 2017 Subaru Forester
- 2017 Toyota RAV4
- 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
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2018 Honda CR-V
Best for: Those who want a practical SUV but don't need to step up to a midsize model
The Honda CR-V is a perennial favorite that received a full redesign in 2017, but its most notable improvement for the 2018 model year was the addition of a rotary volume knob for the stereo. The CR-V has long earned a reputation for being comfortable, practical, and reliable. The 2018 model's 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space put it at the top of its class, and it was equally impressive for passengers, with generous head- and legroom in both rows.
The 2018 CR-V came with a choice of either a 184- or 190-hp four-cylinder engine. Neither was a speed demon, but both delivered strong fuel economy figures. Standard equipment included a 5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch unit that added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V could also be equipped with Honda's excellent Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies.
2019 Honda HR-V
Best for: Those who want a fuel-efficient SUV that's also enjoyable to drive
The HR-V is all about comfortable, spacious, no-fuss commuting. Beyond its smooth ride, the 2019 edition of Honda's smallest crossover SUV was surprisingly generous with interior space, offering 58.8 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded. With the rear seats in place, both rows provided ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The HR-V also brought a clever trick in the form of the Honda Magic Seat system, which enabled multiple cargo and passenger configurations. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added as standard features for 2019, making it an even more compelling buy.
The HR-V's 141-hp engine isn't going to set pulses racing, but it delivered highway fuel economy on par with the Mazda CX-3, and Honda refined the 2019 model's continuously variable transmission (CVT) to improve its overall feel. The HR-V prioritized on-road comfort over sporty dynamics, which suits most buyers just fine. One thing to keep in mind: higher trim levels came with an infotainment system that some found unintuitive. Sticking with the base trim and its straightforward controls may be the smarter move.
2019 Jeep Renegade
Best for: Those who actually care about off-roading
The 2019 Jeep Renegade stood apart from most subcompact SUVs in both looks and capability.
Its tall, boxy proportions delivered excellent driver visibility and a commanding view of the road ahead. At 50.8 cubic feet, its cargo capacity trailed some rivals, but the Renegade's squared-off rear hatch opening made it easier to load taller items into the back. The only American-made SUV on this list received a welcome facelift for the 2019 model year, bringing more contemporary styling. It also came a year after Apple CarPlay was introduced on the Renegade—though that remained an optional feature, so it's worth checking the equipment list on any specific vehicle you're considering.
Powertrain choices for the 2019 Renegade included a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 184 hp and a then-new 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 177 hp. Both had their merits and their drawbacks. The nine-speed automatic transmission drew criticism for its tendency to hunt between gears.
For buyers with genuine off-road ambitions, the Renegade Trailhawk is worth seeking out. It commanded a higher price but came equipped with skid plates, an upgraded four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, and additional ride height.
2017 Kia Sportage
Best for: Those who want to stand out in the parking lot
The 2017 Kia Sportage arrived with bold styling that felt cutting-edge then and still holds up well today. While the Sportage didn't lead the class in fuel economy or cargo volume, it delivered a well-balanced ride and genuinely athletic handling. When shopping for a used Sportage, it's worth skipping the base engine and hunting down a Turbo model instead. Its 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder brings a level of performance that transforms the driving experience.
The Sportage's interior was well-designed and logically laid out, anchored by a standard 5-inch touchscreen. Select models were available with a larger touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 2017 Sportage offered 60.1 cubic feet of cargo space, roughly in line with the class average. Second-row seating was as comfortable and spacious as the front buckets, making it a solid choice for passengers of all sizes.
2018 Mazda CX-3
Best for: Those who wish they were shopping for a hot hatch instead of an SUV
If your driving is primarily on paved roads, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 deserves a close look. It delivered surprisingly sharp, responsive handling that could rival some sporty hatchbacks—especially from the 2018 model year onward, when Mazda introduced its G-Vectoring Control technology to the CX-3. The 146-hp engine offered adequate acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) version returned 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model was nearly as efficient at 27 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Inside, the 2018 CX-3's cabin punched well above its weight class. The upscale, minimalist dashboard had more in common with a sports car than a family hauler. The CX-3 came with a hybrid infotainment interface: touch-operated when the vehicle was stationary, and controlled via a rotary dial in the center console when in motion—a setup reminiscent of systems found in luxury vehicles.
2020 Mazda CX-5
Best for: Those who like the CX-3's style and handling, but need something bigger
Much like its smaller CX-3 sibling, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 delivered refined performance and an upscale interior experience. The CX-5 was fully redesigned for the 2017 model year, and by 2020 it had evolved into something of a bargain luxury vehicle. For a used compact SUV, the 2020 CX-5's design still looks fresh and sophisticated today—and it's likely to age gracefully for years to come. The styling is clean and contemporary, though the large C- and D-pillars do limit side and rear visibility somewhat.
Cargo space was a relative weak point for the CX-5, but it more than compensated with its exceptional cabin quality. The seats were genuinely comfortable, and the fit and finish rivaled vehicles costing considerably more. The MazdaConnect infotainment system featured a rotary dial in the center console, echoing the approach taken by premium brands. The CX-5 also delivered confident acceleration and handling dynamics you'd expect from a luxury SUV rather than a mainstream compact. For 2020, Mazda made its i-Activsense suite of advanced driver-assistance systems standard across all trim levels.
2018 Nissan Rogue
Best for: Families in need of a three-row SUV on a budget
Few compact SUVs can match the 2018 Nissan Rogue when it comes to passenger and cargo versatility. It was one of the only compact SUVs available with an optional third row of seats. For those who only need two rows, the Rogue's 70 cubic feet of cargo space placed it among the class leaders. The third row was snug but serviceable in a pinch, while the first and second rows offered generous head- and legroom.
The 2018 Rogue's control layout was refreshingly intuitive, with physical dials for the radio and climate system right where you'd expect to find them. There was a meaningful price jump between the 2017 and 2018 models, but for good reason: Nissan added standard Apple CarPlay and a range of advanced safety features for 2018. If those are priorities for you, the 2018 model is the one to target. If not, the 2017 Rogue still delivers solid value and comes with several worthwhile driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
2017 Subaru Forester
Best for: Buyers who prioritize space and simplicity
The 2017 Subaru Forester was built around practicality above all else. It came standard with AWD, an off-road-capable 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a class-competitive 74.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The function-first interior design delivered generous headroom and legroom in both seating rows. The dashboard wasn't the most contemporary-looking, but it offered plenty of practical storage and a sensible layout for everyday use.
Some other models on this list edge ahead on fuel economy, particularly when comparing against the available 250-hp engine option. This generation of the Forester came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system and offered a solid array of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, reverse automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
2017 Toyota RAV4
Best for: Anyone looking for a well-rounded used SUV
The 2017 RAV4 brought an impressive 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space to the table, along with one of the most spacious rear seats in the compact SUV segment. The range-topping Platinum trim even offered a motion-activated power liftgate, making it a natural fit for ride-sharing duties or road trips with four adults. Toyota's legendary reliability also makes this one of the most dependable used SUV choices available.
The 2017 RAV4 came standard with a 176-hp four-cylinder engine that struck a solid balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This was also the first year Toyota included standard Safety Sense—a comprehensive driver-assistance package bundling forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beam headlights, among other features. If modern safety technology is a priority, any 2017-or-newer RAV4 is worth considering.
Other small SUVs in this price range worth a look include the Jeep Cherokee, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson, but it's advisable to steer clear of Chevrolet SUVs from this era due to quality concerns—specifically the Chevy Equinox and the first-generation Chevy Trax.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Best for: Those who want a practical small SUV with a touch of European character
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan brought several things to the table that set it apart from the crowd. For starters, it offered European crossover sensibility, with a tastefully restrained interior and a timeless exterior design that should age as gracefully in the years ahead as it did when new in 2019. It also came with a capable turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available 4Motion AWD, and a comfortable, composed ride.
What truly made the 2019 Tiguan stand out, however, was its available third row of seats—a feature that was virtually unheard of in the compact SUV segment. For most shoppers, getting a third row typically meant stepping up to a midsize SUV or a minivan, making the Tiguan a uniquely practical option in its class.
The Best Used Small SUVs in 2026 FAQs
What is the best used small SUV to buy?
There's no single right answer, but the 2017 Toyota RAV4 and 2020 Mazda CX-5 stand out as especially well-rounded picks. The RAV4 offers Toyota's legendary reliability, generous cargo space, and standard safety technology, while the CX-5 delivers an upscale interior and confident driving dynamics at a mainstream price. The best choice ultimately depends on your priorities — whether that's practicality, driving enjoyment, or long-term dependability.
What model year should I look for when buying a used small SUV?
The article recommends casting your net back to at least the 2017 model year, as that's when many small SUVs matured significantly in terms of features and refinement. Many 2017 and newer models came standard with driver-assistance technology and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. Some low-mileage examples from this era may even still be within their original factory warranty periods.
Which used small SUVs are best for families who need extra seating?
If you need more than five seats but don't want to move up to a midsize SUV, the 2018 Nissan Rogue and the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan are your best bets — both offered an optional third row of seats, a rare feature in the compact segment. The Rogue also delivered up to 70 cubic feet of cargo space in its two-row configuration, making it one of the most versatile options in the class. The Tiguan added European styling and a turbocharged engine to the mix, giving it a distinct character alongside its practical credentials.
Which used small SUV is the best choice for off-roading?
The 2019 Jeep Renegade is the standout pick if you plan to venture off the pavement, particularly in Trailhawk trim. That version came equipped with skid plates, an upgraded four-wheel-drive system, and additional ride height compared to standard models. The 2017 Subaru Forester is also worth considering, as it came standard with all-wheel drive and a capable 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
