15 Best Used SUVs Under $20K, Subaru Forester The People’s Favorite

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Are you looking for a used SUV with a budget of around $20,000? Here are the 15 best choices for used SUV shoppers. I'll explain why the Subaru Forester is a top choice for two types of buyers.

Start your research here. 

The Subaru Forester, with its attractive price tag, should be high on your list.

Used SUVs are popular because they have all-wheel-drive, cargo space, advanced safety features, and good fuel mileage. U.S. News picked fifteen top models, and I'll explain why the 2016 Subaru Forester is now a top choice for shoppers. 

U.S. News says, "But SUVs command a premium compared to a hatchback or sedan. A used SUV is a great way to get all these attributes and fit a budget."

I have listed the U.S. News' best late-model used SUVs for under $20,000 and their ranking. U.S. News says, "These vehicles boast spacious interiors, innovative infotainment systems, and solid fuel economy."

U.S. News 15 Best Used SUVs for Less Than $20,000

  • 2017 Honda HR-V: Min. Avg. Price: $19,300 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
  • 2016 Subaru Forester: Min. Avg. Price: $18,238 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
  • 2018 Nissan Kicks: Min. Avg. Price: $19,963 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
  • 2016 Nissan Rogue: Min. Avg. Price: $15,466 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
  • 2017 Buick Encore: Min. Avg. Price: $18,617 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
  • 2016 Jeep Renegade: Min. Avg. Price: $16,692 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
  • 2016 Mazda CX-5: Min. Avg. Price: $17,283 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
  • 2016 Kia Sorento: Min. Avg. Price: $17,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
  • 2022 Kia Soul: Min. Avg. Price: $19,190 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
  • 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe: Min. Avg. Price: $19,883 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
  • 2016 Hyundai Tucson: Min. Avg. Price: $17,848 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
  • 2017 Ford Escape: Min. Avg. Price: $18,919 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
  • 2016 Ford Edge: Min. Avg. Price: $19,868 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
  • 2016 Honda CR-V: Min. Avg. Price: $19,911 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
  • 2016 Mazda CX-3: Min. Avg. Price: $16,545 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

What does U.S. News say about the 2016 Subaru Forester?

Minimum Average Price: $18,238 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10

"The 2016 Subaru Forester is a practical compact SUV with ample seating and cargo space, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing functionality over style. It features a well-built cabin and comes standard with all-wheel drive."

"The Forester offers two four-cylinder engine options. The Base 2.5-liter engine makes 170 horsepower, and the upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged model produces 250 horsepower. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic."

"Standard features in the Forester include a 6.2-inch touch screen, HD Radio, and a USB port. Higher trims have a 7-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, navigation, and Subaru's EyeSight safety suite. The Forester provides up to 74.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is good for its class."

2016 Forester comes in six trim levels:

  • 2.5i Base
  • 2.5i Premium 
  • 2.5i Limited 
  • 2.5i Touring
  • 2.0XT Premium Turbo
  • 2.0XT Touring Turbo

Do you want sporty?

Note: The two Forester XT trims have a direct-injection turbocharged engine and are unique trim levels. If you want the sportiest trim, this is the model. However, make sure the engine has been properly maintained. I recommend that a certified Subaru technician check all used models.

The 2016 Forester 2.0XT Premium and Touring has a Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters. 

The 2016 Forester was one of the last Subaru SUVs with a 6-speed manual transmission in the 2.5i Base and 2.5i Premium trims. 

What's the Fuel mileage? 

All 2016 Foresters come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel drive. The Forester 2.5i trims, equipped with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), achieve EPA fuel economy estimates of 24/32 mpg city/highway and 27 combined mpg – figures that compare well to competitive models with front-wheel drive.

There's A Lot More 

What's new for 2016?

Subaru's best-selling Forester received new updates in safety and infotainment for 2016. Here's my pricing and model guide.

The 2016 Subaru Forester SUV received several upgrades. New for 2016, Forester models equipped with EyeSight now include Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. This added safety feature uses the pre-aimed fog lights to individually provide enhanced illumination in the direction of a turn. The 2016 Forester also received new safety and infotainment upgrades.

The Forester ranked second in the Consumer Reports list of top small SUV picks by owners. 

Forester is the people's favorite.

At least on the Consumer Reports Facebook page, Subaru ranked number one with the people. Consumer Reports asked Facebook followers to name the best car (available in the U.S.) in 2015. The Subaru brand was the most popular, and they chose the Outback as their number one pick and the 2016 Forester second overall. Find out more in my report here. 

What else is new?

For 2016, Forester Premium, Limited, and Touring trims featured two new Subaru Starlink Safety and Security packages. The package included SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Reports, and Diagnostic Alerts. 

The Starlink Safety Plus and Security Plus Package added stolen vehicle recovery service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights, and Remote Vehicle Locator.

Starlink infotainment

All 2016 Forester trim lines featured Starlink, Subaru's in-vehicle platform that gives drivers entertainment services and hands-free connectivity. Owners can use their smartphones and tap into nearly unlimited entertainment with apps like Pandora, iHeartRadio Aha, and Stitcher. The technology can deliver live traffic alerts and helps reduce driver distraction by displaying texts and allowing the driver to use voice commands for music and navigation (when equipped).

The 2016 Forester 2.5i base model featured Starlink 6.2" Multimedia with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display. Forester Premium, Limited, and Touring trims had the upgraded Starlink 7.0" Multimedia Plus with a high-resolution 7-in. LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls as standard.

Who should check out the Forester?

The upper trim 2026 Forester CVT-equipped models also featured standard Hill Descent Control and X-Mode, which provide extra control in severe weather and all-terrain situations. The Forester is ideal for active customers who want to go off-pavement. 

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru