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3 Best Used Compact SUVs Under $25,000 To Track Down in 2025

June 9, 2025

3 min Read

Written by Andrew Lisa

Edited by Cory Dudak

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It’s not hard to understand why the compact SUV segment is so crowded. Crossovers are better on gas and more city-friendly than mid-size or large sport utility vehicles, and more roomy, versatile and capable than cars — and even the good ones can be affordable.

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That’s especially true on the used market, where a trio of recent models stand out as exceptionally good deals for buyers whose budgets max out at $25,000.

2019-2024 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester entered its sixth generation in 2025 as a bigger, more tech-heavy and pricier version of its pre-makeover self. Publications like Edmunds are giving it lukewarm reviews so far, but if you’re looking for a used compact SUV known for reliability, fuel economy, comfort and safety, look no further than one generation back to the Generation 5 Forester.

In 2024 — the last model year for Gen 5 — CoPilot for Car Shopping chronicled the Forester’s best years since its 1998 debut, and determined that anything from the 2019-24 Gen 5 run is a winner.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) cite the fair market value of the typical 2021 Forester — which both its experts and customers alike gave a stellar 4.4-star rating — as $19,971 at the entry level, but even the highest trim package keeps you under $25,000.

2021 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has been a mainstay on America’s highways since the mid-1990s. The car/minivan blend has been a perennial family favorite for most of that time, but whether you trust Edmunds, KBB or Car and Driver, 2021 was a banner year, even by CR-V standards — all three and many others agreed it was one of the best SUVs for the money.

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They call it spacious, reliable, roomy, fun to drive and packed with tech that punches above its price point — and then, of course, there’s that famous Honda reliability and low ownership costs.

According to KBB, a $25,000 budget can get you behind the wheel of a 2021 Honda CR-V in any of the first three trim packages, leaving only the EX-L Sport Utility 4D and fully loaded Touring Sport Utility 4D out of reach, but only by $773 and $1,776, respectively.

2020 Toyota RAV4

According to Car and Driver, the RAV4 is Toyota’s best-selling model and America’s best-selling vehicle that isn’t a pickup truck — and the 2020 model sheds light on why.

KBB gave that model year a near-perfect 4.8 stars, citing its fuel economy, comfort, reliability and even its light off-road chops.

The entry-level package has a KBB fair market value of $22,250, and even the next trim up can be had for $24,064. If your heart is set on the next-best package, the XLE Premium Sport Utility 4D, don’t scratch it off your shortlist just yet — the average is just $555 over-budget, so sub-$25,000 options are out there for those willing to turn over enough stones.

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