Here’s a breakdown of these reliable SUVs under $20,000, focusing on reliability, price, and key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★☆☆
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $17,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $19,000–$22,000 (may need to stretch the budget)
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $12,000–$17,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★☆☆
Approx. Price: $20,000+ (might be hard to find under budget)
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $17,000–$20,000
Pros:
Cons:
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000

Toyota RAV4 (2019), Honda CR-V (2019), Lexus RX (2015), Toyota Highlander (2017), Subaru Crosstrek (2020)
Best for Luxury: Acura RDX (2016), Lexus RX (2015)
Best for Cargo & Space: Toyota Highlander (2017), Honda CR-V (2019)
🏎 Best for Driving Fun: Mazda CX-5 (2019)
Would you like a recommendation based on your driving needs?
1. 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Standard 3-row seating (rare in this price range)
- Good fuel economy for a non-hybrid SUV
- Decent cargo space
- Sluggish acceleration
- Interior materials feel cheap
Reliability: ★★★☆☆
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
2. 2019 Mazda CX-5
- Sporty handling, fun to drive
- Premium-looking interior
- Strong reliability ratings
- Smaller cargo space than some competitors
- No third-row seating
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $17,000–$20,000
3. 2019 Honda Passport
- Spacious, comfortable cabin
- Strong V6 engine
- Good off-road capability
- Infotainment system can be frustrating
- Slightly lower fuel efficiency
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $19,000–$22,000 (may need to stretch the budget)
4. 2014 Toyota Venza
- Smooth ride
- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- Toyota’s legendary reliability
- Aging tech features
- Not as sporty as newer SUVs
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $12,000–$17,000
5. 2016 Acura RDX
- Reliable V6 engine
- Comfortable ride
- Good resale value
- Dated infotainment
- Cargo space is slightly smaller than rivals
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
6. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
- Standard AWD
- Excellent fuel economy
- High safety ratings
- Weak acceleration
- Infotainment system is a bit slow
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
7. 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Extremely reliable
- Good fuel efficiency
- Spacious cargo area
- Can be noisy at high speeds
- Base engine feels underpowered
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
8. 2019 Honda CR-V
- Best-in-class cargo space
- Strong turbo engine option
- Comfortable ride
- Base engine is a bit weak
- Infotainment screen could be better
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000
9. 2022 Ford Edge
- Strong turbocharged engines
- Spacious cabin
- Comfortable ride
- Not as fuel-efficient as some competitors
- Infotainment system can lag
Reliability: ★★★☆☆
Approx. Price: $20,000+ (might be hard to find under budget)
10. 2015 Lexus RX
- Extremely reliable
- Luxury interior
- Smooth ride
- Older tech features
- Less sporty than newer SUVs
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $17,000–$20,000
11. 2017 Toyota Highlander
- 3-row seating
- Great safety scores
- Fuel-efficient for a midsize SUV
- Base engine lacks power
- Infotainment system is a bit outdated
Reliability: ★★★★★
Approx. Price: $18,000–$20,000

Best Picks for Reliability:
🏎 Best for Driving Fun: Mazda CX-5 (2019)
Would you like a recommendation based on your driving needs?