Written by Lewis KingstonPublished: 14 March 2023Updated: 2 January 2024
SUVs are incredibly popular among UK drivers. After the launch of the Nissan Qashqai, they swiftly became the fastest-selling segment of the UK car market. As a result, today there’s a long list of great used family SUVs that are available for under £10,000.
There’s no doubt that the popularity of such SUVs was based on factors like their high driving position, which granted a clear view of the road ahead, as well as facets such as a perceived high standard of safety and practicality. But many SUVs are also more adaptable and flexible than smaller cars, allowing owners to simply chuck their gear in the boot and go – and this versatility gives many a sky-high score for convenience.
The market is awash with a broad range of SUV choices these days, allowing you to easily find a car that meets your lifestyle, budget and driving preferences. The sheer number of options in the classifieds can make it difficult to thin down your choices, though, so here are some of the top used SUV choices in today’s used car market if your budget is less than £10,000.
The best used SUVs for under £10,000 2024
SEAT Ateca (2016-)
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If you want a relatively recent and reliable SUV then the SEAT Ateca is a great choice. It benefits from a sharp exterior, a wide range of high-tech equipment and a good engine line-up. Automatic and all-wheel drive models are available and, best of all, it drives like a hatchback rather than a lolloping 4×4.
What’s also good is that the Ateca uses reliable Volkswagen underpinnings and is well supported, so it’s easy to keep maintained and get repaired. Some, admittedly, will however find the interior a bit too drab.
Pros:
• Spacious interior
• Reliable technology
Cons:
• Firm ride on some models
Read our full SEAT Ateca review
Dacia Duster (2013-2018)
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Buying a relatively modern SUV doesn’t entail spending a small fortune, as the Dacia Duster ably demonstrates. A used example of the affordable first-generation Duster can be bought for upwards of £3,000 now and, while basic, they make for good, practical runabouts.
If you want something plusher with a few more toys, aim for a later Duster. These tend to come with more equipment as standard and will often be in a better condition, too. Petrol and diesel models are available, as are all-wheel drive Dusters. Some of the much-improved second-generation models are also now starting to slip into this budget, so keep your eyes peeled.
Pros:
• Great value
• Lots of interior space
Cons:
• Base model doesn’t have aircon
Read our full Dacia Duster review
Suzuki Vitara (2015-)
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The lightweight Suzuki Vitara is a good option if you want an SUV that’s reliable, enjoyable to drive and efficient. You’ll often see the 1.6-litre petrol versions up for grabs in the £10,000 range, and this reliable and uncomplicated petrol engine can return some decent real-world economy figures.
What’s also appealing about the Vitara is that it is short and narrow, making it easy to manoeuvre around town and park. The interior quality isn’t great, though, but it is spacious and you get lots of equipment as standard. Need something even smaller? Well, there’s always the Suzuki Ignis.
Pros:
• Punchy Boosterjet engine
• Good value
Cons:
• Small boot
Read our full Suzuki Vitara review
Kia Sportage (2010-2016)
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While you won’t benefit from a third-generation Kia Sportage’s original market-leading seven-year warranty, due to its age, it’s one that should be on your list: it’s spacious, well equipped and excellent value for money.
Like others here, it’s offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and all-wheel drive in some variants – but bear in mind, as always, that a two-wheel-drive car on appropriate high-quality tyres will run rings around an all-wheel-drive car on lesser tyres in poor conditions.
Pros:
• Spacious
• Lots of kit
Cons:
• High CO2 emissions
Read our full Kia Sportage review
Skoda Yeti (2009-2017)
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If you can get on board with the Skoda Yeti’s unusual exterior styling then you can pick up a bit of a bargain in the used SUV market. Aside from its distinctive looks, the Yeti offers efficient engine choices and all-wheel-drive capability.
In addition to towing and off-roading smarts, the comfortable interior is spacious and benefits from the VW family’s build quality, meaning cheapy plastics are minimised. With used Skoda Yeti prices from around £3,000, it’s definitely one for the shortlist. Just avoid unreliable 1.8-litre TSI petrol models and make sure the car you buy has been properly serviced.
Pros:
• Available with four-wheel drive
• Good rear passenger space
Cons:
• Unusual styling
Read our full Skoda Yeti review
Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017)
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Mazda has a reputation for building cars that drive well, regardless of their price or type – and the large five-seat Mazda CX-5 SUV is no exception to that rule. Its handling and ride quality are impressive, and its controls are intuitive and precise, so even enthusiasts should be satisfied behind the wheel.
Importantly, for a family SUV, it also has a large boot, it’s roomy, safe, and it comes with lots of equipment. Petrol and diesel engines are available and the latter really suit the car, providing good punch and economy. The petrol can be quite economical though, so don’t discount it.
Pros:
• Excellent performance
• Low emission engines
Cons:
• Slow gearbox
Read our full Mazda CX-5 review
Hyundai Tucson (2015-2020)
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Used examples of the mid-sized Hyundai Tucson are just starting to drop into the sub-£10,000 price bracket. Your choices might remain comparatively slim for the time being, as a result, and it could take a while to find an example that fits your bill.
However, if you can track one down, the Tucson is a solid family SUV that serves up sensible running costs, a comfortable cabin and lots of equipment in a smart-looking package. It’s pleasant to drive, too, although not as sharp or as involving as a Mazda CX-5.
Pros:
• Stylish design
• Great ride quality
Cons:
• More practical rivals
Read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Nissan Qashqai (2014-2021)
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The Nissan Qashqai remains the go-to choice for many in the market for a family SUV, thanks to its appealing blend of affordability, practicality, equipment and easy-going nature. What’s also useful is that, because it’s been so popular, there are loads on sale at any given time – so you shouldn’t have to look hard, or travel far, to find a car that suits you.
A good range of engines widens its appeal further and it’s also a safe, surefooted car to drive. If you’re looking for something involving and enjoyable on the road, though, you’ll be disappointed. But, fortunately, there’s always the likes of the Ford Kuga if dynamics are more important to you.
Pros:
• Spacious, comfy, practicalInterior
• All models come well equipped
Cons:
• Boot not as big as in rivals
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Renault Captur (2013-2019)
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If you want a small and stylish family SUV, look at a Renault Captur. It’s based on the Renault Clio, so drives more like a hatchback and is easy to handle, and it’s available with great TCe petrol engines and frugal dCi diesel options.
It’s not that practical, due to its size, but it shouldn’t cost you much to run and you should get lots of equipment for your money. Even a base-grade 2015 Expression+ model, for example, features automatic wipers and lights, air conditioning, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and hill-start assist.
Pros:
• Easy to drive
• Low running costs
Cons:
• Relatively small boot
Read our full Renault Captur review
Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019)
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The fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 offers up a lot of things that will appeal to family SUV buyers. It achieved five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, for example, it has a large boot, lots of practical touches, and plenty of room in the back for adults.
It isn’t as interesting or as good to drive as the competition, but what stands in its favour is its excellent reliability. And, in some cases, you can take advantage of up to 10 years and 100,000 miles of warranty on used examples through the new Toyota Relax scheme. For some, that peace of mind could be essential and make all the difference.
Pros:
• Good reliability record
• Decent resale value
Cons:
• Interior is a little dull
Read our full Renault RAV4 review
SsangYong Rexton (2014-2017)
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Have a requirement for seven seats, or a substantial towing capacity? Then you’ll want to consider a used SsangYong Rexton. The big SUV doesn’t major on design or interior quality, that’s for sure, but it’s vast and has excellent towing capabilities.
It’s also packed with features and good off road, so worth investigating if serious rough-road usage is on the cards. The running costs might smart a bit, mind, but then a Rexton will cost less than similarly capable competitors and probably prove more reliable, too.
Pros:
• Good off-road capabilities
• Impressive resale value
Cons:
• Poor running costs
Read our full SsangYong Rexton review
Used SUVs under £10,000 FAQs
Are used SUVs expensive to insure?
A used SUV will be cheaper to insure than a new model as the car will have depreciated in value over time. An SUV under £10,000 may be relatively inexpensive to insure – at least consistent with a saloon of similar value – but the insurance premium will likely depend on condition and history.
By virtue of their high ground clearance and towing capacity, SUVs make great workhorses. If your SUV served as an off-road vehicle in a former life, its service history could be a litany of small fixes and corrections. This will likely drive your insurance premium up if poorly maintained, so be sure to thoroughly check your used SUV’s service history before buying.
Which is the best SUV for holding its value?
The slowest depreciating SUVs are usually the more premium models. The Range Rover, Land Rover Defender, and Porsche Cayenne are all known to hold their value better than other SUVs.
Most other SUVs will lose a significant chunk of their list price value over time – if a little less than the average passenger car. However, their depreciation means the used market is now littered with SUVs ready to be picked up for a bargain.
Are used SUVs practical for families?
Thanks to their interior space, sturdy trims and commodious boots, SUVs are often favoured as family cars. They’re big enough to carry up to five passengers in comfort but can be less economical than smaller alternatives.
If you’re after a family car with great boot space but don’t intend on doing much off-roading, why not consider a used estate car instead?
What should I look for in a used SUV?
It depends on what you plan to do with your used SUV. If you intend to use your SUV as a daily family car, consider prioritising interior room and trim quality for the comfort of your passengers. You should also review and examine boot space – more passengers, more luggage.
If you plan on using your SUV as a more practical off-roader, it would be worth prioritising a model with great ground clearance, off-road driving capabilities and towing capacity. There are myriad examples of this type out there, just be sure to check the service history.
