The 2010 Honda Pilot is the best used SUV under $10,000: NHTSA lists 111 complaints, the fewest on this list, and 10 recall campaigns, KBB owners rate its generation 4.7 out of 5 for reliability, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $5,600 to $7,350. The 2009 Lexus RX 350 follows at $9,075, and the 2012 Kia Sorento is the cheapest from $3,775.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,750 for the GLS (originally $23,600), $7,275 for the GL (originally $21,070) up to $8,725 for the Limited (originally $26,450)
Buyers who want a late-model small SUV with 3 recall campaigns from $6,750
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,850 for the S (originally $23,640) up to $6,600 for the Titanium (originally $33,015)
Buyers who want a low price from $4,850 and good fuel economy
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2010 Honda Pilot (YF3)
Best luxury
2009 Lexus RX 350 (XU30)
Best for families
2009 Toyota Highlander (XU40)
Best fuel economy
2013 Mazda CX-5 (KE)
Cheapest
2012 Kia Sorento (XM)
The ranking
1
2010 Honda Pilot (YF3)
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe fewest complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $5,600 for the LX (originally $30,275) up to $7,350 for the Touring (originally $39,425)NHTSA recalls: 10 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2010 Honda PilotNHTSA complaints: 111 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Honda PilotOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the Pilot 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 250 hp (KBB); 18 combined mpg; seats 8; 87 cubic feet of cargo
The 2010 Pilot seats eight, has a 250 hp engine and 87 cubic feet of cargo, and returns 18 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 111 complaints and 10 recall campaigns, KBB owners rate its generation 4.7 out of 5 for reliability, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $5,600 for the LX to $7,350 for the Touring.
Go ifFamilies that want eight seats and the fewest NHTSA complaints here, from $5,600
Skip ifYou want better than 18 combined mpg
Why #1 over #2: It lists 111 complaints versus 131 for the RX 350 and costs from $5,600 versus $9,075.
2
2009 Lexus RX 350 (XU30)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA Lexus for $9,075.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $9,075 for the RX 350 (originally $44,125)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2009 Lexus RX 350, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: 131 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Lexus RX 350Owner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the RX 350 4.8 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 270 hp (KBB); 19 combined mpg; 84.7 cubic feet of cargo
The 2009 RX 350 is the luxury pick, with 270 hp, 19 combined mpg and 84.7 cubic feet of cargo. NHTSA lists 131 complaints. Recalls could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2009 RX 350, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Owners rate its generation 4.8 out of 5, and KBB lists a Fair Purchase Price of $9,075 against an original $44,125.
Go ifBuyers who want a Lexus with a 4.8 owner reliability score for under $10,000
Skip ifYou want a confirmed NHTSA recall count or a price under $9,000
Why #2 over #3: It lists 131 complaints versus 134 for the Highlander and a 4.8 owner rating, though its recalls could not be confirmed.
3
2009 Toyota Highlander (XU40)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe family reliability pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $7,650 for the base Highlander (originally $30,070) up to $9,275 for the Limited (originally $41,441)NHTSA recalls: 9 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota HighlanderNHTSA complaints: 134 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota HighlanderOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the Highlander 4.8 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 270 hp (KBB); 19-26 combined mpg; seats 7
The 2009 Highlander seats seven with 270 hp and 19-26 combined mpg, the range covering the hybrid. NHTSA lists 134 complaints and 9 recall campaigns, owners rate its generation 4.8 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $7,650 to $9,275 for the Limited.
Go ifFamilies that want a 4.8 owner reliability score and a hybrid option under $10,000
Skip ifYou want fewer than 9 recall campaigns
Why #3 over #4: It lists 134 complaints versus 147 for the Forester and 9 recalls versus 16.
4
2011 Subaru Forester (SH)
Answrs VerdictCheap, with a long recall list.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,675 for the 2.5X (originally $23,152) up to $8,400 for the 2.5XT Touring (originally $32,320)NHTSA recalls: 16 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru ForesterNHTSA complaints: 147 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru ForesterOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the Forester 4.4 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 170-224 hp (KBB); 21-23 combined mpg
The 2011 Forester offers 170-224 hp, the turbo being the 2.5XT, and 21-23 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 147 complaints and 16 recall campaigns, owners rate its generation 4.4 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $6,675 to $8,400.
Go ifBuyers who want a turbo option from $6,675
Skip ifYou want fewer than 16 recall campaigns
Why #4 over #5: It lists 147 complaints versus 194 for the CX-5 and starts at $6,675 versus $9,075.
5
2013 Mazda CX-5 (KE)
Answrs VerdictThe mpg and recall pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $9,075 for the Sport (originally $23,715) up to $10,000 for the Grand Touring (originally $29,390)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 Mazda CX-5NHTSA complaints: 194 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Mazda CX-5Owner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the CX-5 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 155 hp (KBB); 29 combined mpg
The 2013 CX-5 returns 29 combined mpg from a 155 hp engine, the best fuel economy here. NHTSA lists 194 complaints and just 1 recall campaign, owners rate its generation 4.7 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $9,075 for the Sport to $10,000 for the Grand Touring.
Go ifCommuters who want the best fuel economy here and only 1 recall campaign
Skip ifYou want more than 155 hp or a price under $9,000
Why #5 over #6: It lists 194 complaints versus 266 for the Tucson and 1 recall versus 3.
6
2013 Hyundai Tucson (LM)
Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictFew recalls, mid complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,750 for the GLS (originally $23,600), $7,275 for the GL (originally $21,070) up to $8,725 for the Limited (originally $26,450)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai TucsonNHTSA complaints: 266 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai TucsonOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the Tucson 4.4 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 165-176 hp (KBB); 25 combined mpg
The 2013 Tucson has 165-176 hp and 25 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 266 complaints and 3 recall campaigns, owners rate its generation 4.4 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $6,750 for the GLS to $8,725 for the Limited.
Go ifBuyers who want a late-model small SUV with 3 recall campaigns from $6,750
Skip ifYou want fewer than 266 NHTSA complaints
Why #6 over #7: It lists 266 complaints versus 287 for the RAV4 and 3 recalls versus 11.
7
2011 Toyota RAV4 (XA30)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe V6 pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $8,725 for the base RAV4 (originally $24,884) up to $10,400 for the Limited (originally $30,334)NHTSA recalls: 11 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota RAV4NHTSA complaints: 287 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota RAV4Owner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the RAV4 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 179-269 hp (KBB); 21-24 combined mpg; 73 cubic feet of cargo
The 2011 RAV4 has 179-269 hp, the top figure from the V6, and 21-24 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 287 complaints and 11 recall campaigns, owners rate its generation 4.7 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $8,725 for the base model to $10,400 for the Limited, so the top trim is over $10,000.
Go ifBuyers who want a V6 option and a 4.7 owner reliability score
Skip ifYou want the top trim under $10,000
Why #7 over #8: It lists 287 complaints versus 554 for the CR-V and 11 recalls versus 13.
8
2011 Honda CR-V (RE)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictPopular, with more complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $8,125 for the LX (originally $23,955) up to $10,000 for the EX (originally $26,255)NHTSA recalls: 13 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2011 Honda CR-VNHTSA complaints: 554 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Honda CR-VOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the CR-V 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 180 hp (KBB); 23 combined mpg; 72.9 cubic feet of cargo
The 2011 CR-V has a 180 hp engine, 23 combined mpg and 72.9 cubic feet of cargo. NHTSA lists 554 complaints and 13 recall campaigns, owners rate its generation 4.7 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $8,125 for the LX to $10,000 for the EX.
Go ifBuyers who want a popular compact SUV with a 4.7 owner reliability score
Skip ifYou want fewer than 554 NHTSA complaints
Why #8 over #9: It lists 554 complaints versus 880 for the Sorento and a 4.7 owner rating versus 4.4.
9
2012 Kia Sorento (XM)
Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest SUV here.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $3,775 for the base Sorento (originally $22,050) up to $6,275 for the SX (originally $35,650)NHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2012 Kia SorentoNHTSA complaints: 880 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia SorentoOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the Sorento 4.4 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 175-276 hp (KBB); 20-24 combined mpg; seats 5-7
The 2012 Sorento is the cheapest SUV here, with KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $3,775 for the base model to $6,275 for the SX. It has 175-276 hp, 20-24 combined mpg and seats 5-7. NHTSA lists 880 complaints and 5 recall campaigns, and owners rate its generation 4.4 out of 5.
Go ifBuyers who want the lowest price here, from $3,775, with an optional third row
Skip ifYou want fewer than 880 NHTSA complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 880 complaints versus 2,755 for the Escape and costs from $3,775 versus $4,850.
10
2013 Ford Escape (C520)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheap, with the most complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,850 for the S (originally $23,640) up to $6,600 for the Titanium (originally $33,015)NHTSA recalls: 18 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 Ford EscapeNHTSA complaints: 2755 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford EscapeOwner reliability: KBB owners rate this generation of the Escape 4.4 out of 5 for reliability (the score covers the whole generation, not one model year)Power and economy: 168-231 hp (KBB); 24-26 combined mpg; 68.1 cubic feet of cargo
The 2013 Escape has 168-231 hp, 24-26 combined mpg and 68.1 cubic feet of cargo, with KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $4,850 for the S to $6,600 for the Titanium. NHTSA lists 2,755 complaints, the most on the list, and 18 recall campaigns; owners rate its generation 4.4 out of 5.
Go ifBuyers who want a low price from $4,850 and good fuel economy
Skip ifYou want a low NHTSA complaint count
How we ranked these
We ranked used SUV model years sold in the US whose Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price starts under $10,000 for the base trim: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns where NHTSA's recall lookup returned a count, then KBB owner reliability ratings. KBB's owner rating applies to a whole generation, so it is shared across model years. NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2009 RX 350, so it gets no credit for recalls and is ranked on complaints only. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. Complaint counts rise with the number of vehicles sold, so they favor low-volume models. Model years differ (2009 to 2013), and mileage matters as much as year. For larger and pricier used SUVs see our Top 10 Used Full-Size SUVs Under $50,000 at /cars/best-used-full-size-suvs-under-50-000-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best used SUV under $10,000?
By NHTSA and owner data, the 2010 Honda Pilot: 111 NHTSA complaints, 10 recall campaigns, a 4.7 out of 5 KBB owner reliability rating for its generation and KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $5,600 to $7,350.
What is the cheapest used SUV here?
The 2012 Kia Sorento, with a KBB Fair Purchase Price from $3,775; the 2013 Ford Escape starts at $4,850.
Which has the best fuel economy?
KBB lists 29 combined mpg for the 2013 Mazda CX-5, against 25 for the 2013 Tucson and 18 for the 2010 Pilot.
Which has the fewest recalls?
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 lists 1 NHTSA recall campaign, then the 2013 Tucson with 3. Recalls could not be confirmed for the 2009 Lexus RX 350: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for it, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD) at a glance
2012 Kia Sorento (XM)$3,775
2013 Ford Escape (C520)$4,850
2010 Honda Pilot (YF3)$5,600
2011 Subaru Forester (SH)$6,675
2013 Hyundai Tucson (LM)$6,750
2009 Toyota Highlander (XU40)$7,650
2011 Honda CR-V (RE)$8,125
2011 Toyota RAV4 (XA30)$8,725
2009 Lexus RX 350 (XU30)$9,075
2013 Mazda CX-5 (KE)$9,075
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
