• Consumer Reports has compiled a list with the 10 best used cars based on value.
  • Recommendations include sedans, SUVs, trucks, and sportscars, all under $20k.
  • Toyota claims three spots with the Corolla Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and Tacoma.

More and more people are turning to the used car market, looking for a reliable and fairly recent model without breaking the bank. Following years of top 10 lists among new cars, Consumer Reports is applying the same principles to pinpoint the best options among used vehicles, with an extra focus on value.

The “Best Used Cars of the Year” list includes vehicles that performed well in road tests when new, have above-average reliability in surveys for multiple years, and currently propose a good value. This means that some of the recommended vehicles might not have been the absolute best in their segment when new, but depreciation made them more attractive than their rivals in the used car market.

More: Consumer Reports Names The Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Used Cars, SUVs And Trucks

According to Consumer Reports, the last two years of a generation are usually the ones buyers should go for. This is due to the fact that automakers tend to improve the vehicles and streamline their production during their lifecycle.

The top 10 list covers different segments (sedans, SUVs, trucks, sportscars) that fall into a target price range. Toyota occupies three spots, followed by Mazda and Hyundai/Kia with two spots each. Below you can find a summary of the recommended used vehicles, including their current price range and strongest virtues.

Under $10k – Chevrolet Cruze (2016-2019)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $7,300 – $9,700
  • Pros: Comfortable ride, relatively roomy interior, effortless power, fuel efficiency
Under $15k – Hyundai Elantra (2017-2020)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $10,750 – $15,175
  • Pros: User-friendly controls, spacious back seat, fuel efficiency
SUV Under $15k – Honda HR-V (2016-2022)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $13,375 – $16,725
  • Pros: Practicality, roomy cabin, flip/fold rear seats, responsive handling, fuel efficiency
Hybrid Under $20k – Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2020-2024)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $17,150 – $22,000
  • Pros: Fuel efficiency, reliability, generous standard safety features
SUV Under $20k – Kia Sportage (2017-2022)
2020-Kia-Sportage-01 10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $16,500 – $22,075
  • Pros: Unique styling, refined powertrain, sporty handling, roomy cabin
Hybrid SUV Under $20k – Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016-2018)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $16,250 – $21,275
  • Pros: Punchy acceleration, quiet cabin, smooth ride, safety features
3-Row SUV Under $20k – Mazda CX-9 (2016-2023)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $17,075 – $23,625
  • Pros: Handling, precise steering, responsive engine, reliability
Luxury SUV Under $20k – Buick Envision (2016-2020)
2019-Buick-Envision-3 10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $16,650 – $21,725
  • Pros: Easy access, simple controls, good infotainment, low maintenance/repair costs
Pickup Truck Under $20k – Toyota Tacoma (2005-2015)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $14,825 – $21,875
  • Pros: Dependability, off-road and towing prowess, trail-ready 4WD, punchy V6
Sports Car Under $20k – Mazda MX-5 Miata (2016-2024)
10 Best Used Cars Of The Year Under $20,000

  • Price Range: $15,275 – $21,250
  • Pros: Precise steering, sublime handling, reliability, fuel economy