Best Used Compact Crossovers

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What follows is our list of the Best Used Compact Crossovers that can be had for under $20,000. We're talking about like-new vehicles with low mileage and incredible features that are just a few years old that could save you ten grand over the price of a new model.

Top 10 Under $20K

Each year, we consult with Kelley Blue Book to find out which categories of vehicles are the best sellers and then narrow our focus for top selling vehicles in the used segment. For 2024, America's Top 10 favorite compact crossover SUVs are no surprise. 

All are well known for being:
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Safe
  • Infotainment features
  • Driver assist features
Best Buys on Used Crossovers
The following are listed in alphabetical order by automaker.
All-newly redesigned and refined for 2018, the Equinox offered three engine choices, including a fuel-efficient diesel and nine trim levels. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came as standard. This version of the Equinox is 400 pounds lighter than older models and the entry level 1.5-liter engine offers surprising punch. Behind the rear seats you'll find 30 cubic feet of storage space, 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed.
 
Ford's entry-level crossover for 2019 was available with three, four-cylinder engines including two turbocharged powertrains offering 168- or 245-horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The sporty SUV came in four trim levels from standard to Titanium trim. Ford added Sync 3 multimedia for 2019 and remote start. Available in front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and lane-keep assist.
 
The Terrain got a major refresh in 2018 and was smaller and lighter than in years past to better go head-to-head with competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Three drivetrains included a diesel, and this crossover was available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants. There was even a Denali trim with all the luxury goodies imaginable. Driver assist tech the includes automatic braking, front collision alert, lane-keep assist and 360 camera.
 
Winner of the KBB Best Buy in its Class, the popular CR-V was all-new in 2017 introducing the 5th generation, growing in size, style and amenities. A new turbocharged engine got an EPA estimated 34 mpg and Honda Sensing unleashed a suite of driver assist features. With five trim levels to meet your family's needs, you'll see why the CR-V has been a best-selling SUV for over 20 years
 
Many safety and infotainment features come standard in the Tucson. The rear seat is roomy and there's even an adjustable floor in the cargo area. The interior is very quiet, and the suspension offers a composed ride. We found the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provided plenty of power, especially in Sport Mode. Six trim levels include a panoramic sunroof and Infinity premium audio in upper trims. Plus, Hyundai's famous powertrain warranty is good for 10-years or 100,000 miles.
The Sportage is indeed sporty and was available with one of the most powerful turbocharged engines in its class. All-wheel drive was an option. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was good for 181 horsepower while the turbo Sportage SX bumped the power up to 240-horses. We found both the steering and suspension to be improved in this year's model. Inside, the seats are comfortable for long trips and there's 30.7 feet of storage space.
 
The elegant and engaging CX-5 is filled with premium materials and luxurious comfort. This compact crossover handles more like a hot hatchback and excellent fuel economy from the available diesel engine puts the Mazda in a league of its own. For 2018, more features were added to each of the three available trim levels including a Bose sound system, a power liftgate, and a full suite of driver assist safety features including accident-avoidance systems.
 
Always in the top three of compact SUV favorites, the Rogue is both stylish and comfortable with loads of room for cargo and good fuel efficiency. For 2018 Nissan added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to all trim levels and the optional ProPilot Assist technology came close to autonomous travel. It's easy to see why the Rogue continues to be Nissan's most popular and best-selling model. It was offered in three trim levels and also as a fuel-efficient hybrid.
 
Better off-road than many compact crossovers thanks to its superior ground clearance, the Forester came with AWD and plenty of standard safety equipment. For those reasons, the Subaru is an excellent adventure wagon and great in snowy conditions. The sinister Black Edition debuted in 2018 and Touring models included Subaru's full suite of EyeSight Driver Assist features. You'll find 30-cubic feet of cargo room behind the back seat and 70-cubic feet with the seats stowed.
 
When it comes to compact crossovers, the RAV-4 is the gold standard. Its combo of reliability and everyday roadworthiness place it at the top of the heap as the top-selling compact crossover year after year. Five trim levels go from basic to luxurious and there's even an excellent hybrid version that gets an EPA rated 34 mpg in the city. Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assist features are standard on all five trim levels and all-wheel drive is available on all models.
*All mileage is EPA Estimated.

Let Lithia Help!
If you're looking for a good used compact crossover SUV, look no further than your local Lithia Motors dealer. With over 75 years of experience in providing personal transportation solutions for our customers and hundreds of dealerships from coast-to-coast, let us get you into the perfect vehicle for you and your family.