SUVs are known to be among the most reliable vehicles. With sturdy exteriors and comfortable interiors, they make suitable daily commuter cars for longer trips across the country. While buying a brand-new SUV can be tempting, it can often make a huge dent in one’s savings. Therefore, purchasing a pre-owned SUV or leasing it is a better option for those on a budget. Here are a few SUVs under $10,000 to look into:

1. 2015–2018 Chevrolet Trax
This subcompact SUV is famous for offering a smooth driving experience on the highway and city roads. It has decent fuel economy with reasonable safety and reliability scores. Besides, it has plenty of infotainment tech on the dashboard compared to other SUVs in the same segment. These include a large touchscreen that appears in models from 2017 onwards, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility. With a price of around $8000, the pre-owned models are competent commuter vehicles, similar to the newer models.

2. 2015–2018 Kia Soul
When looking for the best-used SUVs under $10,000, the Kia Soul from 2015 to 2018 is a good option. This subcompact SUV sports a spunky exterior, which may appear diminutive compared to other vehicles in the same category. Despite this, the interiors are surprisingly spacious and quite comfortable. In addition, the cargo also has plenty of space to hold everything from groceries to luggage and strollers. Besides, with a turbocharged engine option, the Kia Soul can offer a seamless and smooth driving experience, even in used models. Aside from this, the fuel economy is above average, at 23–26 mpg on city roads and 30-31 mpg on highways. All of this can be purchased for over $6,500.

3. 2015–2016 Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is the right fit for those looking for smaller SUVs. It is equipped with modern styling and offers quite pleasant driving dynamics. It looks like a hatchback and, hence, is easily maneuverable. Besides, it has a roomy cabin with ample cargo space. Moreover, the fuel economy is impressive, at 23–27 mpg for city roads and 30-33 mpg for highways. While a pre-owned Encore from 2015 to 2018 can cost $5,900, the newer models can easily fall into the category of the best SUV to lease under $500 a month. Deals as low as $259 monthly for two years, with $4,939 due at signing, can be found at local dealers. However, these may apply to only certain trims and not all.

4. 2015–2017 Chevrolet Equinox
Among the best SUV deals, the pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox is quite popular in compact SUVs. This is because of the smooth ride experience and the nimble handling offered. Moreover, under the hood, a V-6 engine provides pretty good acceleration. Besides, it has an above-average fuel economy of 16–22 mpg on city roads and 23–31 mpg on highways. All these make the vehicle quite appealing for those looking for an SUV for their daily commute. With the cabin being quite spacious and having enough legroom, the Equinox also makes for a suitable family car. Priced at around $8700, the Equinox is one of the top pre-owned SUVs under $10,000.

5. 2010 Mazda CX-9
Priced at around $8,146, the 2010 Mazda CX-9 is a midsize sporty crossover SUV. Even with pre-owned models, it offers good handling to ensure a seamless driving experience, thanks to the 3.7-liter V6 engine under the hood. Moreover, the interior is well-designed with a standard infotainment system. This includes an audio system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and automatic climate control. Besides, it has a reliable and easy-to-use navigation system. For those looking at the upgraded newer models of Mazda but are restricted by a budget, the 2024 model can be easily considered one of the best SUVs to lease for under $500 a month. Several dealers offer deals starting at $179 per month for 33 months, with $4,499 due at signing.

6. 2010 Subaru Forester
The 2010 Subaru Forester has a tall and boxy exterior. This may look unappealing to some buyers, but the vehicle’s performance makes it worthwhile to consider as the best-used SUV to buy under $10,000. It is powered by a four-cylinder engine, which is the engine. Buyers also have the option of getting a turbocharged variant under the hood. Priced at around $7,113 for a preowned model, the Subaru Forester provides exceptional driver visibility. Aside from this, it has sufficient cabin space for passengers, along with a generous cargo space of 68.3 cubic feet. While the Forester may not seem luxurious or refined like most competitors, it scores pretty high regarding practicality and comfort. Finally, it has fairly good safety scores, making it a car suitable for families, teens, and older adults.

7. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
With a price tag of around $8,886, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is an excellent option to consider when looking for used SUVs under $10,000. It has a lot of cargo space and a spacious interior that promises a comfortable ride. Moreover, the doors have been designed to be wide for easy entry and exit. Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, this midsize SUV ensures a smoother driving experience on city roads and highways. The base models have standard and optional features like tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear-seat entertainment system.