Safe, reliable cars and SUVs that will save you thousands
By Jeff S. Bartlett
For decades, Consumer Reports has presented 10 Top Picks among new cars, spotlighting the cars, SUVs, and trucks that shine brightest in our extensive road tests and exclusive member surveys. We’re now applying similar selection rigor to pre-owned models in releasing our first-ever 10 Used Car Picks.
“With the historically high price of new autos these days, more and more people are naturally looking to pre-owned market in search of a better bargain,” says Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights for Consumer Reports. “But they shouldn’t have to sacrifice safety, reliability, or fuel economy to stay within their budget. That’s why we created these Used Car Top Picks and are expanding our used-car coverage and insights.”
By looking at how cars performed in our tests when new and reviewing detailed reliability data, CR can point car shoppers to models that promise the best overall ownership experience. But it’s important to note that great new cars don’t always make great used cars, especially when factoring depreciation and long-term reliability.
Rather than cherry-pick single model years, we studied cars from a generation perspective to identify smart choices. (Generation refers to the years that a single design was offered.) We then narrowed the field by targeting specific price categories. Within those, our selections are based on the newest model-year that makes the cut, factoring in the median used-car price.
We focused on the newest qualifying version because cars tend to improve over time based on reliability and equipment. Our reliability analyses consistently reveal that cars become more trouble-free over the multiyear span of a generation. The reasons for improvement: Automakers get better at building cars with practice as they make numerous changes to improve the assembly process, and over time, they learn from owner feedback and warranty claims where updates should be made to the vehicle. Because it takes time to identify opportunities and then develop solutions, such gains are typically seen in the last years of a generation’s run. In other words, the last two years of a generation tend to be the best. Plus, automakers add more features over time, often improving convenience and safety, and sometimes comfort and fuel economy, through the years.Each car has standard electronic stability control, a proven safety feature.
The strategy we employed for selecting used cars emphasizes value, and it means that the highlighted models may not have been the highest-scoring models when tested new. Instead, they’re often good cars that depreciated more than others, making them more attractive as used cars than they were when new. This is exemplified by the Buick Envision, Chevrolet Cruze, and Mazda CX-9. All three were solid choices when new, but now they’re relative bargains as used cars. At the same price, rivals are often years older—potentially from a previous generation. In other words, to buy a direct rival at the same model year and mileage, you would have to pay thousands of dollars more.
Making our car recommendations based on the most recent qualifying year within a given price range maximizes the useful life the cars may have because newer cars tend to have fewer miles on the odometer. In addition, the generation perspective allows us to give shoppers a wide target. If you can’t find the exact model year highlighted below, explore the generation. You’ll find much the same goodness (and at a lower price!) by considering older versions of the same car. You might even find a particularly good deal on a newer model.
Click through to the car model pages for deep insights into trouble spots, which can vary from year to year. You’ll also find detailed road tests, owner satisfaction ratings, pricing details, and much more.
Remember: Each used car is unique, with its own history. The best protection is to focus your shopping on CR Recommended used cars, and then have the individual car you want inspected before buying.
Used Car Top Picks
Under $10,000
Chevrolet Cruze
Generation 2016-2019
2017 Chevrolet Cruze
The second-generation Cruze was introduced for the 2016 model year, packaging virtues from the Malibu and Impala into a small, fuel-efficient sedan. In our tests, the Cruze shined for its comfortable ride, relatively roomy interior, and effortless power from a turbocharged four-cylinder. All told, it’s a competitive domestic entry in a class dominated by cars from import brands. Among the available conveniences at this price are Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, heated seats, and keyless start. Our data shows that reliability improved in its second year, making the 2017 model year more attractive than the 2016 model year. The more recent 2018 and 2019s are also appealing, but being newer, they’ll probably cost a bit more, bumping their median price over $10,000.
Under $15,000
Hyundai Elantra
Generation 2017-2020
2019 Hyundai Elantra
With this generation, the Elantra became quite desirable due to its user-friendly controls, roomy interior with a spacious back seat, and impressive fuel efficiency. Plus, it improved over time, gaining features that make the newer versions more attractive. The 2019 was treated to midlife freshening that updated the exterior and cabin. By 2019 all trims, except the base SE, came equipped with forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assist (LKA), blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW)—a large roster of safety features for the class. With a potentially higher price in today’s market, the 2020 benefits from improvements to engine noise, ride comfort, and transmission smoothness.
SUV Under $15,000
Honda HR-V
Generation 2016-2022
2018 Honda HR-V
Available in front- or all-wheel drive, this practical, urban-friendly model is the crossover compliment to the Fit hatchback. That lineage translates to a relatively roomy cabin with a rear seat that can flip and fold like magic and great fuel economy courtesy of a four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Handling is responsive and secure, while the ride is admittedly a touch rough. If you look at the 2016-2018 HR-V, note that the base LX has a simpler and easier-to-use stereo, making it our choice. In 2019 the HR-V gained a midlevel Sport (fitting between the LX and EX) and fancier Touring trim. Plus, a new audio system brought Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, along with more safety features. For these later years, we favor the EX for the added standard safety systems, like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA), and LaneWatch blind-spot cameras.
Hybrid Under $20,000
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Generation 2020-2024
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Corolla sedan has a well-deserved reputation for its combination of frugal pricing, impressive fuel efficiency, solid reliability, and generous standard safety features. The value quotient is heightened with the hybrid; in our tests, it returned a stunning 48 mpg overall. The second year of this generation brought several enhancements that add appeal to the 2021 model year and the more recent ones. Android Auto was added to the existing Apple Carplay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, bringing a welcomed convenience for using a phone for calls, music, and navigation. Plus, it gained rear side airbags, bringing the airbag total to 10. Rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) and blind spot warning (BSW) were standard only on top trims and optional on lower trims.
Small SUV Under $20,000
Kia Sportage
Generation 2017-2022
2021 Kia Sportage
The uniquely styled Sportage is a competitive small SUV with a refined powertrain and handling that skews sporty for the class. Entry is easy, and once seated, you’ll find the cabin to be roomy and comfortable. But the design does limit outward visibility and fuel economy is just fair from the base four-cylinder. The last three years for this generation are the most desirable due to a significant update for 2020 and rising reliability. Beyond many freshened exterior details, those later years are worth targeting for the larger base infotainment screen and expanded roster of safety features that includes AEB and LKA. Even the base LX is a good choice; just look for ones equipped with powered front seats.
Hybrid Under $20,000
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Generation 2016-2018
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Technically, the third-generation RAV4 started with the 2013 model year, but it was only with the midlife update in 2016 that the desirable hybrid was introduced. The entire RAV4 range was updated for 2016, with freshened styling, a quieter cabin, a smoother ride, added safety features, and the new hybrid version. That hybrid powertrain brought almost 20 more horsepower, resulting in punchier low-speed acceleration than the regular four-cylinder engine while delivering 8 more mpg in our tests. The 2017 and 2018 model years saw added features and trim levels, and reliability climbed from above average to well above average based on our member surveys. Any version from this half-generation is a smart choice, but those last two years are the ones to prioritize in your used-car hunting.
3-Row SUV Under $20,000
Mazda CX-9
Generation 2016-2023
2020 Mazda CX-9
The second-generation CX-9 was distinguished among its midsized SUV competitors by favoring the driving experience over a cavernous cabin. The handling, in particular, makes it relatively entertaining to command. There’s an uncommon precision to the steering aided by limited body roll that separates the CX-9’s performance from the family-hauler crowd. On paper, the CX-9 concedes horsepower bragging rights to its rivals, but from behind the wheel, the engine feels responsive on regular fuel. (Premium is recommended but not required.) Another advantage is that this Mazda offers a lot of vehicle for the money when bought used. Minor updates for 2020 brought the availability of second-row captain’s chairs and standard pedestrian detection. The infotainment system was updated for the 2021 model year, but we found its interface more difficult to use, making the 2020 model year our clear choice. Resist the temptation to buy a 2023 because, counter to trends, its reliability is well below average. If the CX-90 you’re considering has no Apple Carplay compatibility, it can be retrofitted by a Mazda dealer.
Luxury SUV Under $20,000
Buick Envision
Generation 2016-2020
2020 Buick Envision
The Envision is like using a cheat code to reveal a hidden luxury gem. This generation, frankly, was disappointing when it launched. But a significant overhaul for 2019 transformed this China-sourced SUV into an attractive alternative to pricier models from other premium brands. Beyond styling tweaks, myriad upgraded elements and added standard equipment made the Envision more livable, with improvements to the transmission, brakes, and seat heater, among many others. Our testers applauded its livability, with easy access, simple controls, and a good infotainment system. Slight concessions in driving dynamics are more than compensated by the value this small model delivers as a used vehicle, especially when you factor in that CR members rank the Buick brand as having some of the lowest maintenance and repair costs. A Teen Driver feature adds unique appeal for parents who would like to monitor their young driver’s activity behind the wheel.
Pickup Truck Under $20,000
Toyota Tacoma
Generation 2005-2015
2015 Toyota Tacoma
The 2015 Tacoma marked the end of the second-generation run. Yes, this iconic truck has some compromises, like clumsy handling and an odd driving position better suited for shorter drivers, but as a used vehicle, its capabilities and dependability shine. It’s especially competent off-road or towing when equipped with the trail-ready four-wheel drive and the punchy V6 engine. There are a few configurations available, including a four-cylinder engine, standard cab, and extended cab. Plus, there are several trims that layer in equipment and elevate skills, such as the TRD Off-Road configuration with its fortified suspension. All benefit from the practical, rustproof composite bed. The Tacoma was freshened in 2012, providing buyers with several similar model years to consider without looking to the more recent and more costly third generation.
Sports Car Under $20,000
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Generation 2016-2024
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The fourth-generation Miata brings a delightful combination of precise steering, sublime back-road handling, impressive reliability, and admirable fuel economy that makes this small sports car uniquely rewarding. Commemorating the roadster’s 30th anniversary, it became even more desirable for 2019 with a significant performance boost, as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was thoroughly updated, increasing output from 155 to 181 horsepower. The manual cloth top is a cinch to raise and lower from within the cabin; a retractable hardtop, known as the RF, is also available. For 2020 the sport suspension was fitted to the Grand Touring with a manual transmission, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay became available. Older models could be retrofitted for Apple CarPlay by a Mazda dealer. Any year among this generation is desirable, but those later years with the power increase are the ones to covet.
What It Takes for a Used Car to Be CR Recommended
To earn our recommendation, used cars must have performed well in CR’s road tests when they were new, have consistently above-average reliability for multiple years, according to our surveys of CR members, and have standard electronic stability control (ESC) for the model year. (ESC became standard on all cars starting with the 2012 model year, but many models had it even earlier.)
Road Tests
Every car we purchase new is put through a comprehensive program that includes tests for acceleration, braking, emergency handling, and fuel economy. We also evaluate usability, fit and finish, noise, ride, and safety systems. For electric vehicles, we consider factors such as charging speed and range. This exhaustive program informs our used-car recommendations and results in a vast archive of comprehensive road tests for car shoppers.
Reliability
Comprehensive reliability ratings based on member surveys reveal how well a car holds up and specifically where problems may arise. Recommended used cars have above-average reliability compared with other cars of the same model year. The Used Car Top Picks have proven to have multiple years of strong reliability scores.
Safety
To be recommended, used cars have electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment. In addition, many recommended models are available with safety features such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), lane departure warning (LDW), and/or lane keeping assistance (LKA).
Safety Term Glossary
AEB: automatic emergency braking. BSW: blind spot warning. LDW: lane departure warning. LKA: lane keeping assistance. RCTW: rear cross traffic warning.
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.
