Best Used Cars of the Year: The 10 Top Picks by Consumer Reports

An important change to Consumer Reports car reviews reveals the top 10 best used car recommendations of 2024 that will save you thousands when shopping for a safe and reliable sedan, SUV, or truck model.

It is a sobering fact and one that sparks a little inner outrage among consumers―new car prices have reached prohibitively high levels that place many car buyers into new car debt that is not necessary.

New car prices have crept up into the $50,000 (on average) range. And if you want a new truck, you can expect to pay anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000.

Related article: Best Labor Day Car Deals 2024 Reveals Consumer Reports

But why is paying inflated prices and going into debt unnecessary? Car shoppers have used-car shopping options that can save them tens of thousands of dollars while still allowing them to own a safe vehicle with modern safety features and a proven track record of reliability.

Consumer Reports Offers a New Selection Category

For decades, Consumer Reports' new car reviews have highlighted exceptional cars, SUVs, and trucks through extensive testing and data gleaned from customer surveys.

However, Consumer Reports just released its first-ever "10 Used Car Picks," and its automotive analysts are now applying similar selection rigor to pre-owned car, SUV, and truck models.

"With the historically high price of new autos these days, more and more people are naturally looking to pre-owned market in search of a better bargain," says Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights for Consumer Reports. "But they shouldn't have to sacrifice safety, reliability, or fuel economy to stay within their budget. That's why we created these Used Car Top Picks and are expanding our used-car coverage and insights."

Here is the breakdown of the Consumer Reports review in an interview with Mr. Knizek during a recent WMUR-TV (New Hampshire) news report.

And, in case you do not have time to watch the video and want to know the main points of this new used-car review, a summary of the CR newsletter below the video provides you with the least you need to know about why these ten models were chosen over other used car models.

Consumer Reports Ranks The Best Used Car Brands And Models For The First Time

 

CR Newsletter Summary

• Consumer Reports found that great new cars don't always make great used cars―especially when factoring in depreciation and long-term reliability.
• To identify smart choices, used cars were selected from a generation perspective ("generation" refers to the years that a single design was offered) rather than a model-year perspective.
• The benefit of a generation perspective is that it consistently reveals the models that became more trouble-free over a generation's multiyear span; the last two years of a generation tend to be the best.
• Safety features in new models found in used models are another qualifying consideration.
• Car value is important, as some models depreciate more than others, making them a bargain as a used vehicle compared to other used car models of the same age.
• Used car shoppers must remember that each car is unique, has its own history, and must be inspected before buying.

THE TOP 10 TOP PICKS BY CONSUMER REPORTS

UNDER $10,000

Model #1: Chevrolet Cruze Generation 2016-2019

Recommended Model: Chevrolet Cruze 2017

Price Range: $7,300 - $9,700

Owner Reported MPG: 33 mpg

CR Notes: "Our data shows that reliability improved in its second year, making the 2017 model year more attractive than the 2016 model year. The more recent 2018 and 2019s are also appealing, but being newer, they'll probably cost a bit more, bumping their median price over $10,000."

Under $15,000

Model #2: Hyundai Elantra Generation 2017-2020

Recommended Model: Hyundai Elantra 2019

Price Range: $10,750 - $15,175

Owner Reported MPG: 34 mpg

CR Notes: "By 2019, all trims, except the base SE, came equipped with forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assist (LKA), blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW)."

SUV Under $15,000

Model #3: Honda HR-V Generation 2016-2022

Recommended Model: Honda HR-V 2018

Price Range: $13,375 - $16,725

Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg

CR Notes: "For these later years (2019-2020), we favor the EX for the added standard safety systems, like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA), and LaneWatch blind-spot cameras."

Hybrid Under $20,000

Model #4: Toyota Corolla Hybrid Generation 2020-2024

Recommended Model: Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2021

Price Range: $17,150 - $22,000

Owner Reported MPG: 53 mpg

CR Notes: "…it gained rear side airbags, bringing the airbag total to 10. Rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW) and blind spot warning (BSW) were standard only on top trims and optional on lower trims."

Small SUV Under $20,000

Model #5: Kia Sportage Generation 2017-2022

Recommended Model: Kia Sportage 2021

Price Range: $16,500 - $22,075

Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg

CR Notes: "The last three years for this generation are the most desirable due to a significant update for 2020 and rising reliability."

Hybrid Under $20,000

Model #6: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Generation 2016-2018

Recommended Model: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2018

Price Range: $16,250 - $21,275

Owner Reported MPG: 33 mpg

CR Notes: "The 2017 and 2018 model years saw added features and trim levels, and reliability climbed from above average to well above average based on our member surveys. Any version from this half-generation is a smart choice, but those last two years are the ones to prioritize in your used-car hunting."

3-Row SUV Under $20,000

Model #7: Mazda CX-9 Generation 2016-2023

Recommended Model: Mazda CX-9 2020

Price Range: $17,075 - $23,625

Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg

CR Notes: "Resist the temptation to buy a 2023 because, counter to trends, its reliability is well below average."

Luxury SUV Under $20,000

Model #8: Buick Envision Generation 2016-2020

Recommended Model: Buick Envision 2020

Price Range: $16,650 - $21,725

Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg

CR Notes: "…CR members rank the Buick brand as having some of the lowest maintenance and repair costs. A Teen Driver feature adds unique appeal for parents who would like to monitor their young driver's activity behind the wheel."

Pickup Truck Under $20,000

Model #9: Toyota Tacoma Generation

Recommended Model: Toyota Tacoma 2015

Price Range: $14,825 - $21,875

Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg

CR Notes: "The Tacoma was freshened in 2012, providing buyers with several similar model years to consider without looking to the more recent and more costly third-generation…the 2015 Tacoma marked the end of the second-generation run."

Sports Car Under $20,000

Model #10: Mazda MX-5 Miata Generation 2016-2024

Recommended Model: Mazda MX-5 Miata 2019

Price Range: $15,275 - $21,250

Owner Reported MPG: 32 mpg

CR Notes: "Any year among this generation is desirable, but those later years with the power increase are the ones to covet."

For additional articles related to used car shopping, here are a few useful ones for your consideration.

• Consumer Reports Best Used Cars for Under $10,000 Update
• Used Compact Cars with the Best Fuel Economy Says Consumer Reports
• Most Important Tool for Used Car Shoppers and DIY Mechanics

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Secret Warranties That Can Get Your Car Fixed for Free

Image source: Deposit Photos