5 Reliable Used SUVs That You Can Buy for Under $10,000

As much as some car people (myself included) hate to admit it, SUVs have become the most popular vehicles on the planet, and as sales figures show, it isn't even close.

That's because, compared to similarly-sized hatchbacks, sedans, or wagons, they provide easier access, better road visibility, superior ground clearance (in most cases), and more space.

Their immense popularity makes SUVs widely available on the used car market, but some models are less reliable than others.

If reliability is a priority, but the budget doesn't exceed $10,000, it's often difficult to find an SUV that isn't at least 20 years old. However, if you're well-informed and arm yourself with patience, you can find a reliable SUV built between 2010 and 2013.

2013 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the planet due to its excellent combination of affordability and reliability.

For $10k or less, you should narrow your search to a first-year (2013) fourth-generation (XA40) model.

This compact RAV4 might be ten years old, but it still packs all the amenities that make it easy to live with today. These include power windows and mirrors, cruise control, or a backup camera.

With this budget, finding something better than a LE trim will be challenging, but with a little bit of luck, you can get the mid-range XLE or the top Limited, both of which offer more convenience features.

The 2013 RAV4 was available with either front- or all-wheel-drive and a single powertrain option revered for its reliability: a 176-hp, 2.5-iter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic.

2012 Honda CR-V

Like its main rival (covered above), the Honda CR-V is among the most popular crossover SUVs because it offers excellent built quality and reliability.

As with the RAV4, the $10.000 budget can get you a first-year example of the fourth-generation CR-V.

The base LX model has decent standard features like keyless entry, Bluetooth, a USB port, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a four-speaker audio system, and an auxiliary input jack.

Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offer more, but finding one in good shape for under $10k will be challenging.

The 2012 CR-V was also available in the US with a single powertrain consisting of a 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and five-speed automatic, both very reliable units.

2010-2011 Ford Edge

If you're looking for something a bit larger than the RAV4 or CR-V, the mid-size, first-generation Ford Edge is a great option.

To stay within budget, either a 2010 or a 2011 model is what you should look for, as newer versions tend to go over $11,000.

There are four trims to choose from, with the mid-range SEL or the higher Limited being your best options. Apart from the decent standard features, these trims offer excellent amenities like power front seats, premium audio systems, or leather upholstery (Limited).

For the SEL and Limited, both available in either FWD or AWD configurations, the powertrain you should look for is a 285-hp 3.5-liter Duratec V6 paired with a six-speed automatic.

It might not offer the bombproof reliability of a Toyota or Honda engine, but it's still a very reliable motor with cheaper replacement parts.

Edges built in 2011 also came with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost borrowed from the Fusion. This is also a reliable engine with better fuel consumption, but it also offers less power - 240 hp, to be exact.

2010-2011 Honda Pilot

If you have a large family or simply want a bigger, three-row SUV, the second-generation Honda Pilot is an excellent choice.

Produced in the US between 2009 and 2015, it's a solid-built vehicle that comes with a very reliable engine.

With a $10,000 budget, you can get one that was built for the 2010 or 2011 model year.

Out of the four trims available, $10k can get you one of the first two (EX or EX-L), which are both surprisingly good when it comes to creature comforts.

For example, an EX-L has power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a backup camera.

Like the previous entries on this list, the Pilot can be had with either FWD or AWD. If you want the latter, don't expect more than the base EX trim, but if you're willing to get the FWD drivetrain, you can find an EX-L within the $10K budget.

Under the hood, all second-gen Pilots have a 250-hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic - a highly reliable powertrain.

2010-2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

If you want a larger SUV, but the Pilot isn't large enough, your best choice is the third-generation Chevy Tahoe.

For the $10k budget, you can find either a 2010 or a 2011 version, but since the trustworthy full-size SUV's value remains high, don't expect anything but the base LS trim.

While this trim won't offer any premium features, it still comes with standard equipment like a power-adjustable driver's seat, a USB port, heated side mirrors, a trailer hitch, and a roof rack.

The only powertrain available on the Tahoe LS is a 320-hp 5.3-liter LY5 V8 paired with a six-speed automatic with standard RWD or optional 4WD.

When it comes to reliability, the Tahoe LS' V8 doesn't get the same level of hype as a Toyota or Honda motor, but it's still a very reliable engine that's cheap to fix and maintain.

So, there you go. These are our five choices for reliable SUVs under $10,000. But before ending this article, let me remind you that the value for these models varies from state to state, so examples near you might exceed the budget.

That being said, if you're willing to travel and/or have good negotiating skills, you should be able to get one of these SUVs without going over your budget.

Regardless of the model you choose, remember to perform a pre-purchase inspection at an authorized shop because there are plenty of issues that you might not notice during the first test drive.