You can't turn your head these days without seeing an SUV. The popularity of the sports utility vehicle market is huge. Some of the most popular SUVs ever made come from regular car brands. The SUV segment is so popular that today there are lots of different subcategories. Not only are the main categories split by size, but now there are ones for compact, luxury, sub-compact, and crossovers (a particularly popular subcategory). There are lots of reasons why crossovers are so popular, but that's a topic for another conversation. No doubt there will be more categories added in the future as the market grows.
Updated July 2023: As the market for SUVs continues to grow, we have updated this list to reflect the best affordable models you can get that are resilient and reliable.
The space and versatility that SUVs offer make them a hit with families, so reliability and toughness will always be factors when choosing one, especially if they're going off-road. If you're on a budget, then getting a new one can seem daunting, however, you can still get tough and dependable SUVs on the used market.
Using data collected from J.D. Power, Edmunds, Vehicle History, and Kelley Blue Book, as well as other sources, we have put together a list of some cheap SUVs built like tanks.
10 2020 Chevrolet Blazer
Reliability Score: 86/100
The Chevrolet Blazer has been around for decades and became an icon SUV of the 1970s. It’s known for its performance, reliability and its blend of off-road agility paired with comfort and refinement. The 2020 Blazer features three engines, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or a 3.6-liter V6, which provide the power to tow up to 4,500 lbs.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $22,898—$40,106 | $33,995 |
This 2020 model gets high praise from Edmunds who commend its 'strong optional V6 engine' and 'refined ride quality' as well as its 'agile handling'. And with a combined mileage of 24 mpg, it’s not that expensive to run. As a cheap SUV for sale that's built like a tank, J.D. Power has the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer going for as low as $22,898.
9 2018 Ford Explorer
Reliability Score: 82/100
The Ford Explorer has a checkered past when it comes to build quality, especially in the first and second-generation models. However, by this fifth generation, those issues have managed to get sorted out, and this 2018 model is much better built. There are lots of features to love about the Ford Explorer, from its choice of engines to its comfortable interior.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $18,816—$33,288 | $32,140 |
It's a strong machine that gets a reliability rating of 82 from J.D. Power. Edmunds calls it 'a respectable choice for a three-row mid-size SUV'. According to Vehicle History, the 2018 Explorer is a “reliable SUV with plenty of space and improvements from previous models”. This is one tough car that's capable of tackling anything that you throw at it. As a used car, it's a nice affordable SUV, and according to J.D. Power, people are paying as low as $18,816 for it.
Related: These Are The Best Fifth-Gen Ford Explorer Trims To Buy Used
8 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score: 84/100
Jeep is well known for building sturdy and robust vehicles, and the Cherokee is no exception. It's got great off-road ability as well as being a comfortable daily driver with plenty of space for five people. On top of that, it's also one of the cheapest SUVs to run. For example, the 2018 model has a monthly cost of $161 and good fuel economy with a combined mpg of 25.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $17,945—$29,386 | $25,490 |
It comes with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V6 engine that's more than capable of on and off-road duties. There are those that argue that the Jeep Cherokee is better than any mid-size SUV around. Vehicle History calls the 2018 version a “reliable and comfortable SUV with good off-road capabilities”. Edmunds rates it 8 out of 10, while J.D. Power gives it a 'great' reliability rating of 84. As a cheap SUV on sale, you can get the model for as low as $17,945, according to J.D. Power.
7 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Reliability Score: 81/100
For a family car that’s stacked with lots of luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GLS ticks all the right boxes. It’s a full-size three-row luxury SUV at its best. But there's more to it than just luxury. It's a rugged animal that is as tough as they come. Historically, the G-Class comes from a military background and over the years it's become a more stylish and luxurious SUV, but it's never lost its strong roots.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $28,271—$52,025 | $69,000 |
This 2017 model is a good year to get used, as it gets a reliability rating from J.D. Power of 81. Edmunds gives it 4.3 stars out of 5 with many of its owners giving high marks for reliability. The downside is it's not an SUV with the best gas mileage, but then it is an SUV that's built like a tank. On Edmunds' used SUVs for sale, we found a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS going for $29,000.
6 2013 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 83/100
The Toyota 4Runner needs no introduction. Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability are legendary in the motor industry. Not only is the 4Runner great for first-time SUV owners, but it’s also a favorite among families. Its body-on-frame design and high ground clearance give it great off-road capabilities, while its spacious cabin provides a comfortable environment for passengers. On top of that, 4Runners are well-known to last into the 300,000-mile territory, according to Vehicle History.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $18,620—$25,391 | $31,490 |
As a cheap SUV for sale, the 2013 model year is a good choice. It gets an 83 out of 100 rating for reliability from J.D. Power, as well as 4.8 stars for reliability from owners on Kelley Blue Book. This is one rigid and sturdy SUV that we found on Kelley Blue Book used market for as little as $23,721.
Related: 10 Most Reliable Toyota 4Runner Models To Buy Used
5 2014 Honda Pilot
Reliability Score: 84/100
Honda introduced the Pilot as the first three-row mid-size SUV for the market in 2003, and it's been a hit for Honda ever since. This is mainly due to its car-like unibody construction that makes it rigid and strong. It seats up to eight people, which is ideal for a family vehicle, and is a very capable SUV for the daily grind or going on outdoor adventures. Some might call the Honda Pilot the mid-size SUV for the rugged family.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $12,516—$18,299 | $29,670 |
When you take into consideration Honda's reputation for reliability, the Pilot makes for a very good cheap option, especially with used ones. For instance, the 2014 model gets a reliability rating of 84 from J.D. Power. Additionally, previous owners on Kelley Blue Book give it a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 for reliability. On Edmunds' used market, we found a 2014 Honda Pilot going for $15,998 while it was as low as $12,516 on J.D. Power.
4 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability Score: 82/100
The Nissan Pathfinder is arguably one of the most rugged SUVs out there, but then sharing the same platform as its bigger sibling, the Nissan Titan pickup truck, that's not surprising. Some might even say the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best mid-size utility vehicles to own due to its on and off-road abilities. It's not as refined as some of its competitors, but it can hold its own in any terrain.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $6,752—$11,351 | $29,290 |
For a cheap SUV that is strongly built, the 2012 model is a good choice. It has a J.D. Power rating of 82 for reliability, and owners on Edmunds give it an overall score of 4.4 stars out of 5. Similarly, owners on Kelley Blue Book give it 4.4 stars for reliability.
Related: Here's Why You Should Buy The 2nd-Gen Nissan Pathfinder Today
3 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
Reliability Score: 83/100
The Chevrolet Tahoe first appeared on the SUV market back in the late 1990s and has grown in to a favorite among families that like to go adventuring. It's built to tackle some of the harshest environments, and with its range of powerful engines, it has the grunt to do just that. With seating for up to nine people in three rows, it offers lots of space and comfort for those with a large family.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $8,841—$14,369 | $37,280 |
Some might say it's what makes the Chevrolet Tahoe good for road trips and being a Chevy, it's got reliability stamped all over it. For a cheap SUV that offers lots of space and is robustly built, the 2010 Tahoe is a good option. It gets an overall rating of 84 from J.D. Power, with a reliability score of 83. In their review, Kelley Blue Book says that the “2010 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to be one of the best full-size SUV values on the market” and we found one on their used car market for $13,398.
2 2012 Land Rover Range Rover
Reliability Score: 74/100
The Land Rover Range Rover is the ultimate in luxury utility, as some might put it. It's a premium full-size SUV, but its strengths lie in its skills off-road. This is one vehicle that’s built like a tank and can take on almost any environment it is in. A dense forest or a rocky mountain is no problem for the Range Rover.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $56,879—$147,462 | $79,425 |
Its robust build and high ground clearance make it one of the best off-road vehicles. In truth, though, most people will get this for the prestige and bragging rights over its capabilities. As such, a new one can have a large price tag attached to it, but if you look around on the used market, there are some older models for a much cheaper price. We found a 2012 Land Rover Range Rover on Edmunds' used car market for $14,937.
1 2014 Toyota Venza
Reliability Score: 87/100
The Toyota Venza is a mid-size SUV that's slightly longer than the Toyota RAV4 and seats up to five people. It's not as tall as some of its rivals in the mid-size SUV class, but it does have plenty of room to offer, and its lower height makes its performance more car-like.
Pricing
Trim | Avg. Used Market Range | Original MSRP |
Base | $13,371 – $19,787 | $27,950 |
Its space and versatility make it an attractive option for a family vehicle. It's also built to last a long time. Some might even say that the Toyota Venza is the best budget mid-size SUV on the market. Its price is very appealing and being a Toyota, it comes with a history of reliability. This first-generation 2014 Venza earns a reliability rating of 87 from J.D. Power, while U.S. News gives it an overall score of 8.5 out of 10 and ranks it first place in the category 2014 Affordable Mid-Size SUV. Edmunds gives it an overall score of 4.4 stars out of 5, and on their used car marketplace we found a 2014 Toyota Venza for $17,997.
