The 10 Best Used SUVs Under $20K And Which Subaru Forester Year Is The Top Pick

Which are the best used SUVs under $20,000? Check these top models from KBB before you buy. And the Subaru Forester model year that’s the best.

I always get asked which used Forester model year is the best. A new report from Kelly Blue Book reveals what I have been telling used SUV shoppers. The 2019 Subaru Forester is among the best picks for shoppers looking for a lightly used compact SUV. 

I wrote a recent article from a Consumer Reports (by subscription) study that the 2018 and newer Forester SUVs are a top pick and recommended by CR. Before I cover why the Forester is a top pick, here are the ten top-ranked SUVs from Kelley Blue Book. 

KBB’s 10 Best Used SUVs Under $20,000 

1. 2015 Toyota Highlander
2. 2015 Honda Pilot
3. 2016 Toyota RAV4 
4. 2016 Honda CR-V
5. 2019 Subaru Forester
6. 2017 Mazda CX-5
7. 2018 Nissan Rogue
8. 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
9. 2015 Dodge Durango
10. 2020 Chevrolet Trax

What does Kelley Blue Book say about the 2019 Subaru Forester?

“One of the newest SUVs on this list, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a smart-sized 5-passenger SUV that bridges the gap between city-friendly and wilderness-capable. For this model year, the Forester was all-new, with a roomier interior filled with smart storage spaces. Your best bet for our $20,000 cap is the Forester Premium.”

Why is the Forester Premium a good choice? And my take.

The 2019 Subaru Premium trim is the best value pick for used SUV shoppers. It offers many features customers want and is a capable all-weather vehicle sufficient for anyone encountering mild to severe winter weather. The Premium trim is a good pick if you use the compact SUV for commuting and occasional off-road use. 

The Forester Premium has standard all-wheel-drive for all-weather capability and X-Mode for severe weather challenges. Premium offers active customers comfort and features for commuting during the week and off-pavement weekend use.  

For customers who want to get further off the grid, for about $1,500 more, you can get the Forester Sport trim with dual-function X-Mode, which can be used to get further away from civilization and for more severe winter weather conditions. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to the 2019 Subaru Forester, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Subaru Announces Price Increase On 2019 Forester; More High-Tech Features
• 3 Reasons Why Subaru Forester Repeats As “Best Car To Buy” 2019
• Buy A New Subaru Forester, Outback, Or Ascent, Get A Second Set Of Eyes

Check out Winter Tires vs All-Season Tires: When All-Season Tires On Your Subaru Is The Worst Idea in Winter

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA