Consumer Reports Found These 5 Used SUVs Are The Most Reliable You Can Get Under $15K – Jalopnik

As we lined on the finish of June, common used automobile costs topped $30,000 for the primary time in virtually three years. And actually a part of the issue is that the typical value of 3-year-old automobiles has elevated by $9,000 since 2019. That does not imply discovering a dependable, cheap used automobile is inconceivable, although — particularly with a bit assist from Consumer Reports’ checklist of most dependable used SUVs below $15,000. Using this information as a place to begin, we have give you 5 decisions that meet each CR’s requirements and ours: the 2016 Toyota RAV4 (together with hybrid fashions), 2018 Nissan Murano, 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, and 2020 Buick Envision.

Now, as you may inform by their mannequin years, these aren’t the latest used automobiles on {the marketplace}. But that helps hold their costs down. Meanwhile, the CR reliability data might help elevate your confidence in these machines. The information comes from CR’s member surveys, which ask of us to name out any points they’ve had with their autos — throughout as much as 20 potential bother spots — throughout the previous yr. CR provides extra weight to main drawback areas in its remaining calculations, and the result’s a rating used to match a given automobile’s reliability to the typical of all different autos from the identical yr.

All this does include an attention-grabbing caveat: CR says it does not publish scores for contemporary driver-assistance applied sciences “because problem rates in these areas are low.” Oh, and one thing else to remember is that remembers will not be factored into CR reliability scores since they do not essentially symbolize an precise drawback skilled by an proprietor.

First off, CR thought-about the 2016 Toyota RAV4 and the RAV4 Hybrid to be two separate autos, so that they have their very own particular person reliability histories — not that it mattered a lot. Both had nearly similar total reliability scores, with the hybrid mannequin ending first amongst 2016 SUVs, simply forward of the normal RAV4. The fuel model was really the third-most dependable SUV of the yr, nevertheless, because the Honda CR-V was wedged between the 2 Toyotas. The RAV4 and its hybrid sibling even matched up for bother spot efficiency, with each receiving common scores in two segments however then operating above common for all of the others. The two common spots had been brakes and paint/trim for the previous and brakes and noises/leaks for the hybrid.

Perhaps the most important distinction between the 2 is the apparent one. The gas-only version includes a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine making 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and the hybrid provides an electrical increase to convey output to 194 horses. The normal RAV4, with front-wheel drive, has EPA rankings of 23 mpg metropolis/30 mpg freeway/26 mpg mixed. The hybrid, with electrically enhanced all-wheel drive, checks in at 34/30/32.

Also, as a result of the age of autos on American roads retains rising, the typical mild truck was 11.9 years outdated in 2025. This means a 10-year-old RAV4 can be on the brand new aspect of the spectrum in comparison with the typical. Note that the Bureau of Transportation Statistics solely breaks its numbers into “light trucks” and “passenger cars” — and the typical age of the latter was 14.5 years. That stated, of us in search of new RAV4s ought to keep in mind the 2026 editions are designed to dominate with solely hybrid and plug-in powertrains.

Sure, Nissan might need tousled with the redesigned 2025 Murano. As we talked about, its smooth and easy look is a bit out of line with the beefed-up exteriors of its rivals. Yet, for those who embrace — or just do not thoughts — that form of exterior, the 2018 Nissan Murano may be value a peek within the pre-owned market.

For one factor, it was the top-ranked member of its class by way of reliability, besting opponents that included the Ford Edge, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Murano’s outcomes weren’t good, after all. For instance, it bought the bottom attainable bother spot scores for construct high quality and physique {hardware}. Nor had been drivers at all times pleased with its CVT transmission, a infamous weak spot for Nissan autos. The excellent news is that the 2018 Murano does not have the older, belt-driven unit, with Nissan having upgraded the automobile to a heavier-duty, chain-driven CVT for 2015.

The Murano additionally stands out as the one midsized SUV on the checklist, including to its total premium vibe with an upscale inside. The cabin comes comparatively nicely outfitted, too, full with normal Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A normal 3.5-liter V6 is one other unique amongst our 5 decisions right here and serves up a assured driving expertise, courtesy of 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. To wrap issues up, loads of superior security methods can be found for the 2018 mannequin yr. Leading the way in which are adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, and a surround-view setup.

Although Subaru is not Consumer Reports’ most dependable model, you may’t blame its subcompact SUV. That automobile, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, was CR’s high subcompact SUV of the yr. Additionally, for those who return to the 2019 mannequin yr, the Crosstrek makes the lower for the publication’s most-reliable SUVs below $15,000, too. Shoppers must be conscious that, like with the Toyota RAV4, CR considers the gas-only Crosstrek and the plug-in hybrid mannequin as separate autos, with separate reliability scores. The distinction is that the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV wasn’t totally examined by CR and is not lined by the Crosstrek’s most-reliable label.

Still, we do should admit that the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek wasn’t primary for reliability in its class. The 2019 Honda HR-V makes that declare with a considerably increased total reliability rating. So, why did we choose the Subaru? Well, its benefit within the buyer satisfaction class is even bigger than Honda’s lead for reliability. Then there’s the truth that the Crosstrek provides normal full-time all-wheel drive — versus the on-demand setup normal for the AWD Toyota RAV4 Hybrid that solely comes into play as wanted. The result’s a modicum of off-road credibility, additional enhanced by Subaru’s normal X-Mode with hill-descent management. The Crosstrek additionally has a particular deal with for drivers. At a time when Jalopniks are clamoring for crossovers with handbook transmissions, Subaru offers a six-speed stick as normal gear. A CVT is non-obligatory.

Moreover, it is not just like the Crosstrek has dangerous reliability outcomes. Drivers gave the small Subaru above-average scores for all bother spots besides suspension/steering and in-car electronics. Speaking of which, all 2019 Crosstreks do include Apple/Android connectivity.

There’s not getting round the truth that the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is one other third-place finisher within the CR reliability ranks. The factor is, the highest-rated compact SUV of 2019, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, is priced above the $15,000 ceiling. The second-most dependable alternative, the Nissan Rogue, was problematic sufficient in different CR evaluations to lose out on its CR-Recommended standing. Plus, the 2019 Equinox had no trouble-spot rankings decrease than common.

The Equinox did noticeably nicely within the powertrain division, with the very best grades for avoiding main and minor engine points, in addition to for its drive system, engine cooling, and engine electrical system. The RAV4 Hybrid, compared, was dinged with a sub-par trouble-spot rating for its hybrid battery. On the subject of powertrains, the Equinox makes its mark as the one different on the checklist with an obtainable diesel engine. The turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 can pump out 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA line of 28 mpg metropolis/39 mpg freeway/32 mpg mixed in its FWD format.

Also, though GM ruffled feathers by saying in 2025 that it could ditch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its autos by 2028, that was nicely after the 2019 Equinox hit the streets. It comes normal with each of these applied sciences, together with a 7-inch touchscreen. On the opposite hand, what it does not have is the rugged exterior design of the current-gen mannequin. The 2025 Equinox does its finest to face out with a bolder, offroad-focused styling that the 2019 model cannot match.

Chinese automobiles earn blended opinions from Jalopnik readers, however the verdict from Consumer Reports — not less than in some circumstances — generally is a lot extra optimistic. Take the 2020 Buick Envision, as an example. Despite being inbuilt China as a part of the Shanghai-based SAIC-GM three way partnership, the Envision was ranked first for reliability amongst 2020 SUVs, in response to CR. It beat out some large names alongside the way in which, clocking a greater total reliability rating than the identical yr’s Toyota RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V, and Chevrolet Equinox. Turning to the Envision’s bother spots tells the story. The compact Buick earned good scores in all however 4 classes, highlighted by high marks the place it counts, resembling engine reliability. For what it is value, Buick’s next-gen 2028 compact SUV is coming again to America — it will likely be inbuilt Kansas City to assist cope with the tariff scenario.

Even so, we do should acknowledge that 2020 seems like an outlier within the Envision’s latest reliability historical past. Buick’s compact SUV launched within the U.S. for the 2016 mannequin yr and was refreshed in 2019, and 2020 was the one time it ranked increased than seventh for CR reliability since then. The Envision’s reliability was ranked twenty first out of 24 SUVs in 2025.

You will get some severe bang on your buck with the 2020 Envision. Buick, keep in mind, has a semi-premium positioning right here that interprets into normal goodies resembling heated entrance seats, a hands-free rear liftgate, and, sure, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. You can even get pleasure from a comparatively muscular normal engine, because the Envision’s base motor is a 2.5-liter inline-4 able to 197 horsepower.