For many folks, an affordable used 2-row SUV is the perfect fit — plenty of room for passengers and cargo without the bulky exterior or relatively poor gas mileage of a 3-row or full-size SUV. Although all of these SUVs have two rows and seating for five, there’s a lot of variation in style, capability, and features, so there should be something for most buyers on this list.
Here are 10 of the best used 2-row SUVs you’ll find under $20,000.
1. 2016 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 needs no introduction in the 2-row SUV world, having sat at or near the top of it for decades now. The 2016 Toyota
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RAV4 introduced the first-ever RAV4 Hybrid, which should fit within our $20,000 budget, even in the well-equipped XLE or Limited trims. The 2016 RAV4 came with standard AWD and scored a combined EPA rating of 32 mpg.
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2. 2016 Honda CR-V
Equally famous for its excellence in the 2-row SUV category is the Honda CR-V. The 2016 Honda
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CR-V is a great example of the breed and the winner of the 2016 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award in its class. Excellent all around; the 2016 CR-V wasn’t available as a hybrid but can be found in leather-upholstered EX-L trim on our budget.
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3. 2017 Mazda CX-5
If you’re after a fun-to-drive SUV, the 2017 Mazda
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CX-5 is likely the best overall option on this list. Though it’s not as powerful as some, the CX-5’s suspension and chassis tune give it sport sedan-like handling. It’s also full of standard safety features, comes with a premium cabin, and is available in top-spec Grand Touring trim on our budget.
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4. 2015 Subaru Forester
The 2015 Subaru
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Forester offers decent off-road ability in a small, unassuming package. That’s not to say it lacks in passenger space or cargo room, however, as its boxy shape and tall roof make for an open, airy cabin. Look for the 2.5i Touring model on our budget for the best gas mileage or the 2.0XT for a 250-horsepower turbocharged boost of fun.
5. 2017 Nissan Murano
Stylish in a way few vehicles are at this price point, the 2017 Nissan
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Murano is much more than basic transportation. It certainly ticks the practicality box, too, with lots of available features, a spacious cabin with plenty of room for cargo, and 456 miles of range. We suggest looking for a Murano SV equipped with the optional driver assistance safety features, navigation, and Apple
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CarPlay. If you can find a 2018 model in this price range, all those features come standard.
6. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox isn’t as dramatically styled as some of our other options, but what it lacks in visual impact, it makes up in spacious practicality. For those seeking the most outright efficiency, there’s a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine option that nets 32 mpg combined and 39 mpg on the highway (38 mpg highway with AWD). That’s as good as a hybrid without the complexity, making it perfect for those with long commutes.
7. 2018 Nissan Rogue
The 2018 Nissan Rogue is another long-time favorite in the 2-row compact SUV class, and it’s an especially nice choice in hybrid form. Rated for 34 mpg combined (33 mpg combined with AWD), the 2018 Rogue Hybrid is easily one of the most efficient options you’ll find on our budget, matching brand-new hybrid models for combined fuel efficiency.
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8. 2019 Kia Sportage
Design-forward looks and lots of value for money help the 2019 Kia
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Sportage stand out among this ultra-competitive crowd. The 2019 Sportage has plenty of comfortable seating for five, solid cargo space, and in the EX trim at the sweet spot of our budget, an abundance of advanced safety tech as well as smartphone integration and leather upholstery.
9. 2019 Hyundai Tucson
Perhaps the most balanced choice here, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is stylish, practical, and efficient, with lots of standard tech and safety equipment. While it lacks the off-road ability of the Forester, the Tucson is an even more civilized choice around town. For our money, look for the high-spec Limited or SEL trims.
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10. 2018 Ford Edge
The 2018 Ford
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Edge is roomy and boasts plenty of power. A 315-horsepower Sport variant employs a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and standard AWD. Even the base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder good for 245 horsepower.
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This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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