The 2021 Mazda CX-5 (KF) is the best used SUV under $25,000: KBB owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 for reliability, IIHS gives the 2021 model a Top Safety Pick+, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $16,850 to $21,900. The 2021 Subaru Forester (SK) is #2 and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 (TC) is #3. The extra money over our cheaper used SUV page buys a newer model year and three-row options such as the CX-9, Telluride, Palisade and Highlander.
At a glance
#
Pick
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026)
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,550 for the Telluride LX (originally $33,415) up to $25,400 for the SX (originally $45,615); the EX is $23,500
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,900 for the Palisade SE (originally $33,665) up to $25,400 for the Calligraphy (originally $48,890); the SEL is $21,000 and the Limited is $25,000
Seating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ from $19,900
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,400 for the Highlander L (originally $37,860) up to $32,000 for the Platinum (originally $50,715); the LE is $24,700
Seating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ on the Toyota badge
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2021 Mazda CX-5 (KF)
Best three-row
2021 Mazda CX-9 (TC)
Best for a big family
2021 Kia Telluride (ON)
Lowest price
2021 Kia Seltos (SP2)
Fewest recalls
2021 Subaru Forester (SK)
The ranking
1
2021 Mazda CX-5 (KF)
Answrs VerdictThe all-rounder.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $16,850 for the CX-5 Sport (originally $26,545) up to $21,900 for the Signature (originally $38,680)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.6 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 0 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2021 CX-5 has a 4.6 out of 5 KBB owner reliability score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with a 5-star NHTSA overall rating and 0 recalls listed. KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $16,850 for the Sport to $21,900 for the Signature.
Go ifA 4.6 owner reliability score and a Top Safety Pick+ from $16,850
Skip ifYou need a third row
Why #1 over #2: Its $16,850 starting price edges the Forester’s $17,450 at the same 4.6 score and award.
2
2021 Subaru Forester (SK)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe no-recall pick.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $17,450 for the Forester (originally $25,845) up to $22,100 for the Touring (originally $35,945)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.6 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 0 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2021 Forester earns the same 4.6 owner reliability score and Top Safety Pick+ as the CX-5, with a 5-star NHTSA rating and 0 recalls listed. KBB prices it from $17,450 to $22,100 for the Touring.
Go ifA 4.6 owner score, a Top Safety Pick+ and no NHTSA recalls listed
Skip ifYou want the lowest starting price of the 4.6 pair
Why #2 over #3: Its 4.6 owner reliability score beats the CX-9’s 4.5.
3
2021 Mazda CX-9 (TC)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe three-row Mazda.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $17,200 for the CX-9 Sport (originally $35,060) up to $23,500 for the Signature (originally $47,705)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.5 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 1 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 6 - 7
The 2021 CX-9 is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.5 owner reliability score and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with 1 recall listed. KBB lists seating of 6 - 7 and prices it from $17,200 for the Sport to $23,500 for the Signature.
Go ifSeating for 6 - 7 with a Top Safety Pick+ and every trim under $24,000
Skip ifYou want the 4.6 reliability score
Why #3 over #4: Its Top Safety Pick+ beats the Santa Fe’s headlight-only Top Safety Pick at the same 4.5 score.
4
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (TM)
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe five-star value pick.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $16,350 for the Santa Fe SE (originally $28,025) up to $21,900 for the Calligraphy (originally $43,275)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.5 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick (applies only to vehicles with specific headlights)NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 7 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2021 Santa Fe has a 4.5 owner reliability score and a 5-star NHTSA rating, but 7 recalls are listed. Its Top Safety Pick applies only to vehicles with specific headlights, and KBB prices it from $16,350 for the SE to $21,900 for the Calligraphy.
Go ifA 4.5 owner score from $16,350 with a 5-star NHTSA rating
Skip ifYou want the fewest recalls listed
Why #4 over #5: Its 4.5 owner reliability score beats the HR-V’s 4.4.
5
2021 Honda HR-V (RU)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe small crossover.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $17,300 for the HR-V LX (originally $22,445) up to $22,300 for the Touring (originally $30,565)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.4 out of 5IIHS (2021): No Top Safety Pick award listedNHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 4 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2021 HR-V has a 4.4 owner reliability score and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with 4 recalls listed; IIHS lists no Top Safety Pick award for it. KBB prices it from $17,300 for the LX to $22,300 for the Touring.
Go ifA 4.4 owner score with a 5-star NHTSA rating from $17,300
Skip ifYou want an IIHS award
Why #5 over #6: Its 4.4 owner reliability score beats the CX-30’s 4.3.
6
2021 Mazda CX-30 (DM)
Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe stylish small pick.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $16,800 for the CX-30 (originally $23,000) up to $20,600 for the Turbo Premium Plus (originally $35,225)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.3 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick+ (applies only to vehicles built after September 2020)NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 2 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2021 CX-30 is a Top Safety Pick+ that applies only to vehicles built after September 2020, with a 4.3 owner reliability score and a 5-star NHTSA rating. KBB prices it from $16,800 to $20,600 for the Turbo Premium Plus.
Go ifA Top Safety Pick+ with every trim under $21,000
Skip ifYou want a reliability score above 4.3
Why #6 over #7: Its Top Safety Pick+ beats the Seltos’s Top Safety Pick at the same 4.3 score.
7
2021 Kia Seltos (SP2)
Photo: Benespit / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest pick.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $13,700 for the Seltos LX (originally $23,165) up to $16,600 for the SX (originally $29,165)Owner reliability (KBB): 4.3 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick (applies only to vehicles with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights built after August 2020)NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 4 stars overall; 2 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 5
The 2021 Seltos has a 4.3 owner reliability score and a Top Safety Pick that applies only to vehicles with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights built after August 2020. NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall, and KBB prices it from $13,700 for the LX to $16,600 for the SX.
Go ifThe lowest starting price here at $13,700
Skip ifYou want a 5-star NHTSA overall rating
Why #7 over #8: Its $13,700 starting price sits below the Telluride’s $19,550 at the same 4.3 score and award.
8
2021 Kia Telluride (ON)
Photo: Jason Lawrence / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe big-family pick.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,550 for the Telluride LX (originally $33,415) up to $25,400 for the SX (originally $45,615); the EX is $23,500Owner reliability (KBB): 4.3 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick (applies only to vehicles with specific headlights)NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 5 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 7 - 8
The 2021 Telluride has a 4.3 owner reliability score and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with seating of 7 - 8 and 5 recalls listed. Its Top Safety Pick applies only to vehicles with specific headlights; KBB prices it from $19,550 for the LX to $25,400 for the SX, with the EX at $23,500.
Go ifSeating for 7 - 8 with a 5-star NHTSA rating
Skip ifYou want the SX trim under $25,000
Why #8 over #9: Its 4.3 owner reliability score beats the Palisade’s 4.1.
9
2021 Hyundai Palisade (LX2)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe three-row value.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,900 for the Palisade SE (originally $33,665) up to $25,400 for the Calligraphy (originally $48,890); the SEL is $21,000 and the Limited is $25,000Owner reliability (KBB): 4.1 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 6 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 7 - 8
The 2021 Palisade is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.1 owner reliability score, a 5-star NHTSA rating, 6 recalls listed and seating of 7 - 8. KBB prices it from $19,900 for the SE to $25,400 for the Calligraphy; the SEL is $21,000 and the Limited is $25,000.
Go ifSeating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ from $19,900
Skip ifYou want the Limited or Calligraphy under $25,000
Why #9 over #10: Its $19,900 starting price sits below the Highlander’s $22,400 at the same 4.1 score and award.
10
2021 Toyota Highlander (XU70)
Answrs VerdictThe Toyota three-row.
Used price (KBB, 2021 model year, read in October 2026): Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,400 for the Highlander L (originally $37,860) up to $32,000 for the Platinum (originally $50,715); the LE is $24,700Owner reliability (KBB): 4.1 out of 5IIHS (2021): Top Safety Pick+NHTSA overall rating and recalls (2021, read in October 2026): 5 stars overall; 4 recalls listedSeating (KBB): 7 - 8
The 2021 Highlander is a Top Safety Pick+ with a 4.1 owner reliability score, a 5-star NHTSA rating, 4 recalls listed and seating of 7 - 8. KBB prices it from $22,400 for the L to $32,000 for the Platinum, with the LE at $24,700.
Go ifSeating for 7 - 8 with a Top Safety Pick+ on the Toyota badge
Skip ifYou want the lowest starting price here
How we ranked these
We ranked 2021 model-year SUVs from generations not picked on our other used SUV pages, each with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price that starts under $25,000, as read in October 2026. The order is the KBB owner reliability rating first, then the IIHS 2021 award, then the lowest starting used price. NHTSA overall ratings and recall counts are shown for each model but do not change the order, and they do not always agree with owner scores: the Santa Fe has a 4.5 owner score and 7 recalls listed. KBB prices are national averages that vary with mileage, condition and location, and the top trims of the Telluride, Palisade and Highlander cost more than $25,000 as marked. 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 $25,000?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5: KBB owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 for reliability, IIHS gives the 2021 model a Top Safety Pick+, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $16,850 to $21,900.
Which used SUV here is cheapest?
The 2021 Kia Seltos starts lowest at $13,700 on KBB, followed by the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe at $16,350 and the 2021 Mazda CX-30 at $16,800.
Which of these seat more than five?
KBB lists seating of 6 - 7 for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 and 7 - 8 for the 2021 Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander.
Which of these has no IIHS award?
IIHS lists no Top Safety Pick award for the 2021 Honda HR-V.
Starting Kelley Blue Book used price, 2021 model year (USD) at a glance
2021 Kia Seltos (SP2)$13,700
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (TM)$16,350
2021 Mazda CX-30 (DM)$16,800
2021 Mazda CX-5 (KF)$16,850
2021 Mazda CX-9 (TC)$17,200
2021 Honda HR-V (RU)$17,300
2021 Subaru Forester (SK)$17,450
2021 Kia Telluride (ON)$19,550
2021 Hyundai Palisade (LX2)$19,900
2021 Toyota Highlander (XU70)$22,400
Starting Kelley Blue Book used price, 2021 model year (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
