Best Used SUV Under $20,000 | Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis

best used suv under 20000 / most popular pre-owned suvs under 20000

The prices of pre-owned vehicles have finally decreased in 2025, making it easier to find a more upscale SUV at a lower cost. With a budget of around $20,000, you can explore a variety of high-quality autos equipped with modern safety and convenience features. You also won't have to compromise on driving performance or fuel economy. Continue reading for our top picks of the best used SUVs under $20,000.

Hyundai Tucson - the first position of the best used SUVs

The Hyundai Tucson, a Korean crossover, has proven its reliability on Indiana roads. The SUV can offer a wide range of trim levels, a conventional naturally aspirated gasoline engine from 2 liters to 2.4, combined with a reliable torque converter automatic transmission and high ground clearance to drive on almost any hill. With a budget of up to $ 20,000, you can buy a 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson in good condition.

Kia Sorento is second in the rating of top 10 pre-owned SUVs 2025

The Kia Sorento is another Korean SUV that won the hearts of American drivers. The used Indiana market offers two Sorento variations: two- and four-door versions. The owners note the high cross-country ability of the Sorento SUV in all sorts of off-road. The base Sorento version is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and has a capacity of 240 hp. Even in the basic configuration, there is a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, and two driving modes. The KIA Sorento body has an aggressive look thanks to LED headlights. Buying this Korean SUV for the 2020-2022 years of production will require up to 20 thousand dollars.

Hyundai Santa Fe is among the top 3 of the best SUVs under $20,000

Hyundai Santa Fe among top 3 suvs under 20,000

The Hyundai Santa Fe crossover was created on the Sonata platform. The car got its name in honor of the city in New Mexico. The Santa Fe crossovers can boast a good range of gasoline engines: 2.0 (240 hp; 2.4 (171 hp); 3.3 liters (249 hp), and rare 3.5 liters (249 hp). The used options may have a 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe crossover may be front- and all-wheel drive. If you want to buy a 2018-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe in Indiana, you need just around $20,000.

Nissan Rogue - the best MPG SUV under $20,000

The Nissan Rogue is a Japanese crossover, which can boast ProPilot Assist technology already in the basic configuration. It allows the driver to enter sharp turns, notify about the road condition, and automatically accelerate and brake depending on the distance of the next car. The Nissan Rogue is equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a power of 170 hp, which makes the SUV one of the best in gas/mileage ratio. These cars are produced with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. With 20 thousand US dollars, you can buy a 2019-2020 pre-owned Nissan Rogue, for 2023-2024 models in just-new condition, expect to pay up to $25,000.

Mitsubishi Outlander - the best SUV under $20,000 for off-road

A full-size Mitsubishi Outlander SUV has the highest ground clearance among its competitors, offering confidence and comfort whether off-road or in a big city like Indianapolis. The engine lineup of the Mitsubishi Outlander includes a 2-liter in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of 118 hp, 2.4 liters, and 167 hp, or a mighty 3-liter V-shaped six with 227 hp. The automatic transmission is a variator and torque converter. With a budget of $20,000, you can buy a 2020-2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, and newer models will cost less than $30,000.

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Kia Sorento vs. Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size crossover, a decent competitor in the American market. The third row of seats is convenient even for an average adult passenger. For this SUV, 2 types of engines are offered: a turbo four 2.0 TSI with 241 horsepower and a naturally aspirated VR6 3.6 with 284 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic is installed with both engines. About $20,000 will be enough for a 2018-2019 option if you want to buy a Volkswagen Atlas. If you are looking for newer models up to 2023, you can get the best used SUV within a 30-thousand-dollar budget.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a full-size SUV that will perfectly cope with driving around the city and on the highway. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter engine and has 284 horses under the hood and CVT. You can buy a front-wheel drive car of this model or an all-wheel drive one. The Pathfinder SUV is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The basic trim has three-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, and a modern security system with an emergency braking sensor. This crossover has good cross-country ability on sand, forest paths, and other impassable places. For $20,000, you can buy a Pathfinder from 2017 to 2020 year of manufacture.

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is a popular mid-size American SUV and one of the best-selling Jeeps. This is the first car with a 9-speed gearbox and naturally aspirated 2.4 or 3.2 L engines. The Cherokee is offered in 4 trim levels:

Sport with a 2.4-liter engine, which includes 17-inch wheels, a 5-inch display, and a good sound system with 6 speakers;
Latitude, which includes alloy wheels that are painted in body color with door handles and mirrors of the same color;
Limited with a leather interior;
Trailhawk with painted alloy wheels, an 8.4-inch display, and the Alpine audio system.

If you buy a 2021 Jeep Cherokee, a budget of around 20,000 dollars is enough. 2023 Jeep Cherokee prices start at around $18,000 and can reach $25,000 depending on the trim.

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is an excellent SUV with more extensive dimensions than the average crossover. This is a perfect choice for fans of an active driving style. The line of gasoline engines includes a 7-liter one with 188 hp and a 3.5-liter engine with 273 hp. Paired with a 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmission, the Highlander SUV is very popular among Indiana drivers. For 2021 - 2024 models, expect to pay from the low $20,000s to the high $30,000s, depending on the condition, mileage, and trim level.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 seven-seater luxury crossover reminds a huge station wagon. The car has a 3-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 225 underhood horses and a 3-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 272 hp paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox. You can find pre-owned Audi Q7 crossovers in two trim levels: Premium and Prestige. Having 20 thousand dollars in your pocket, you can buy an Audi Q7 around 2018-2019 year of manufacture, and 2020-2021 models may fit in the $30,000 limit.

Extend your limits: Buy the best used SUVs with advantageous used car financing in Indiana

Visit Indy Auto Man in Indianapolis to test drive the best SUVs available for sale. If you have your eye on a model that is a little out of your budget, the IAM used car loans are at your service. Please contact our finance department, and we will help you choose the best option regardless of your credit history.

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