This segment and price-point are among Canadians' most-sought-after—and these are your best bets for an affordable used SUV
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If you’re shopping for a vehicle and find yourself looking to spend $25,000 or less on a second-hand crossover SUV, then you’re pretty much a perfectly normal Canadian. Point your nearest web browser towards your favourite online used-car marketplace, and you’ll find plenty of selection, too.
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Buying a used vehicle comes with uncertainties. To help you eliminate some of those from your used SUV buying experience, I’m steering you towards some of my most often-recommended sub-$25,000 used SUV choices, below. I’ll also provide some tips, pointers and additional context along the way to help make sure you find a good one.
But first, can we interest you in a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, or Chevy Trax? Each of these small crossover SUVs can be had brand-new for the same $25,000 (or less) if you’d prefer something with full warranty coverage (and, we should note, that you get to peel the plastic off of). No? Read on for my top second-hand picks.
We’ve chosen a $25,000-or-less price-point for this story for a few reasons, and I’ve obtained a snapshot of the current used-SUV marketplace in Canada based on some data from Kijiji Autos. “The most-searched price-point for a used SUV on Kijiji is between $20,000 and $25,000, and the average price-point on Kijiji for a used SUV is $27,000,” explains one expert.
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“The most commonly-searched crossovers and SUVs around $25,000 on Kijiji are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, and SUVs have seen a 12-per-cent increase in views per listing in Q1 of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.”
According to Kijiji Autos data, some province-to-province differences are notable, too. “Alberta is the only province where crossovers and SUVs are the last in terms of engagement, which includes searches, views, and leads. The top car model in the ranking of engagement from highest to lowest is pickup trucks, sedans, and then SUVs. In Atlantic Canada, while crossovers and SUVs are still the top searched, it is the only segment to decrease in engagement year over year,” reads info from the classifieds site.
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“The year-over-year engagement for compact cars has decreased in all regions except Ontario, meaning fewer Canadians outside Ontario are researching compact cars in 2022 than 2023. Interestingly, in Ontario, both compact and SUV engagement increased. Year over year, there has been an increase in SUV engagement across Canada, with the exception of Atlantic Canada. As such, the data suggests that in Alberta, the Prairies, and Quebec, users are moving away from compact cars in favour of the SUV. At the same time, in Ontario, both compact cars and SUVs are being searched more frequently.”
With that in mind, I’ve chosen the models on this page based on information from past used-car reporting, industry authority rankings, the position of the vehicles within their life cycles, research within both owner and repair professional communities, and more. If you’re looking for my best picks on a solid buy that offers strong value for your dollar and the highest likelihood of a trouble-free, cost-effective ownership experience, here’s where I’d suggest you start.
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Small SUV under $25,000: Buick Encore
Buick’s first small crossover arrived in 2013 as an ideal setup for the city-dwelling driver after something maneuverable, compact, and easy on fuel, but also capable of quiet and comfortable highway cruising with good fuel economy. In 2020, Buick said the Encore was its best-selling vehicle in North America. It’s highly rated by J.D. Power and Associates, with the highest marks for the dealership experience, quality, and reliability. The Buick brand has performed well in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) in recent years, which has recognized Buick as among the industry’s top-performing brands.
I’d recommend looking for a 2017 or newer unit for your dollar to avoid engine issues revolving around the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system on earlier units. In 2016, a new 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with updated power, response, and efficiency found its way under the hood of the Encore Sport Touring. Later, this engine rolled out elsewhere in the model range.
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Many models of vehicle tend to become more reliable the longer they’ve been in production, and used Buick Encore shoppers can use this to their advantage. With a price cap of $25,000, you’ll find decent selection on 2019- and 2020-model-year units built some seven or eight years into the Encore’s life cycle. Many of these units have remaining warranty coverage, and must-haves like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AWD, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and plenty more.
The Encore runs a turbocharged engine designed to run on regular-grade gasoline—not the pricier premium stuff. To keep this engine healthy and happy for the long haul, be sure to refuel using only quality gasoline from a reputable retailer, and to closely follow oil change and spark plug change intervals as set out in the owner’s manual.
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Honorable mention: Honda HR-V
At this price-point, the Honda HR-V is another small crossover worthy of consideration, especially for dog owners. Though not as responsive or upscale as the Buick Encore, its flexible interior and easy rear-seat cargo-floor access combine with great all-around manners to make another popular and highly-regarded used SUV under $25,000.
Medium SUV under $25,000: Mazda CX-5
I’ve written hundreds (maybe thousands) of weekly used-car buyer’s guides. While researching these in recent years, I’ve come to notice a few trends. One of these? The recent Mazda SkyActiv powertrain lineup looks like a safe bet when it comes to buying second-hand. Like all used cars, of course, some owners have experienced trouble. Thing is, most have not.
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Most of the chatter in owner forums on maintenance and problems relates to noisy suspension parts, weak batteries, and engine mounts — not the electronic gremlins, programming errors, component failures, and oil consumption popular in some competitor models.
Maxing out your $25,000 spend, you’ll find 2019- or 2020-model-year units that seem to go one of two ways: a higher trim-grade with higher mileage; or a lower trim with lower mileage. For instance, $25,000 can get you into a front-drive CX-5 GS with 22,000 kilometres; or a nicely-loaded CX-5 GT AWD with 135,000 kilometres on the dial.
The CX-5 should prove a solid-driving machine with a solid powertrain, not to mention one of the segment’s most award-winning models. Still, there’s no guarantee the model you’re considering is healthy until you’ve had it treated to a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a trained technician in a dealer setting. This inspection can reveal a multitude of possible problems and issues, including oil leaks, vibrations, battery trouble, and noisy suspension parts. Some owners have reported issues like these as their CX-5 ages, but most have not.
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Owners tend to enjoy an upscale cabin and responsive drive, but some wish for a higher-performing touch-screen interface and voice-command system.
From 2020 to 2023, the Mazda brand ranked above the industry average for dependability, according to the annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). This study uses data from vehicle owners who are three years into their ownership experience. Put another way, this data indicates that model-year-2017 to -2020 Mazda CX-5s came from a time when Mazda was building vehicles expected to deliver above-average dependability, according to owner survey data.
For 2019, J.D. Power gave the CX-5 an average rating for resale value, but above-average ratings for the dealership experience, driving experience, and quality and reliability. Used CX-5 shoppers can therefore expect to pay average money for an above-average experience.
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Medium SUV under $25,000: Subaru Outback
If you’re not afraid of a little mileage and a below-average brand ranking in recent J.D. Power VDS releases, a Subaru Outback is worthy of your consideration at this price-point. It’s a Canadian favourite, and shopping is easy since all models come with standard AWD and a solid selection of advanced safety equipment relative to the year you’re shopping for.
The flat-four boxer engine is familiar and proven; ditto the unflappable AWD system, which makes the Outback a confident performer in slippery weather, with an uncanny ability to leave the driver feeling well-backed-up in inclement weather.
Longer and lower than a comparably-sized SUV, this wagon-like crossover can be had with reasonable miles from model years 2018 or 2019 around the $25,000 mark if you shop patiently. This generation Outback went into production in 2014, meaning the $25,000 Outback you’re considering was probably built five or six years into the model’s production life cycle—typically to the benefit of long-term reliability.
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From model year 2017 and onwards, the Outback was also updated with more feature content, a larger battery, and more widespread availability of the off-road X-Mode. From model year 2018 onwards, a strengthened chassis, improved interior, and upgraded ride quality added further value.
Like the CX-5, J.D. Power has given Outbacks of this vintage average marks for resale value, but above-average marks for reliability, dealership experience, and driving experience. Look for a proven 2.5-litre flat-four on most models, though some units offer a 3.6-litre flat-six in the 3.6R configuration as the up-level engine. Carefully check the used model you’re considering for signs of windshield damage, wheel-bearing trouble, glitchy infotainment systems, and weak batteries before you buy.
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Consider This: Volkswagen Tiguan
The special thing about the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is that it was the very last model year for this generation of the brand’s small crossover before the second-generation Tiguan debuted for model year 2018. The 2017 Tiguans were built by people in a factory that had been building Tiguans for the prior nine years. Major powertrain components had been updated and were highly proven from this and other applications. Volkswagen was building cars and SUVs that helped it earn a well-above-average brand ranking in the 2020 VDS study, three years later.
With improvements and bug-fixes during its long production life, the 2017 Tiguan saw high marks for durability, dependability, and reliability from both experts and the owner community. The experts at J.D. Power give the machine above-average marks for quality and reliability, as well as the driving experience—but average marks for resale value.
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You’ll likely find a solid deal on a solidly-reliable machine here, but note that the Tiguan is a sporty choice, not a roomy one. Check carefully for wet carpeting, which can indicate a sunroof leak; and have the engine checked for stored trouble codes, coolant leaks, and oil leaks, just to be safe.
If you’re primarily looking to save a few bucks on a reliable and sporty crossover that’s fun to drive, a healthy 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a great way to do it.
Luxury SUV under $25,000: Acura MDX
Built with plenty of proven components and structures found elsewhere in the Honda and Acura lineup, the 2013 Acura MDX came out during the final year of this generation’s production run—after some seven years of production at the automaker’s Alliston, Ontario assembly plant. By this point, earlier engine and transmission troubles seem to have been remedied, and the 3.7-litre V6, automatic transmission, and AWD system used in the MDX had become some of Acura’s most proven.
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The 2013 MDX helped Acura position itself firmly within top-ten territory in the 2016 J.D. Power VDS. The 2013 MDX earns high marks for quality and reliability, as well as resale value—but earns the lowest marks for its driving experience, largely thanks to a cabin, drive, and infotainment system that were starting to feel dated.
Towards the upper end of the $25,000 price limit, you’ll find some of the lowest-mileage copies of the 2013 MDX on the market, most with just over 100,000 kilometres. Note that this generation of MDX runs an engine with a timing belt, a wearable part that needs replacement on a regular basis. Check the owner’s manual for service-interval recommendations, and be sure the timing belt in the MDX you’re considering is healthy, not overdue for a change. If the timing belt fails before replacement, your engine could be damaged.
Given the age of this model, opting for a model that’s been regularly undercoated or oil-sprayed is a great idea, especially if you’ll use the vehicle frequently in salty northern climates. Though earlier MDX’s from this generation weren’t without potential trouble spots, by 2013, most owners were reporting little more than wind noise, air leaks, cracked weather seals, and the odd sunroof leak. Have an Acura-trained technician assess the used MDX you’re considering before you buy for best results.
Justin Pritchard
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May 13, 2023 at 12:33AM
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Best in Class: 5 Top used SUVs for $25,000 or less - Driving
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