7 Most Reliable Used SUVs Under $30K in 2025

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Want a large, sturdy family car for a summer road trip and back-to-school runs in the fall? An SUV is just what you need. Unfortunately, they’re not cheap. If you’re a family on a budget and want a used SUV with long-term reliability, mild maintenance costs and decent depreciation rates, you need to dig deep.

To help, GOBankingRates spoke with Chris Pyle, an auto expert at JustAnswer, to identify the most reliable used SUVs you can find under $30,000 in 2025. His recommendations are focused on vehicles that offer the best combination of dependability, value and low ownership costs.

Here are 7 most reliable used SUVs under $30,000 for sale in 2025.

Ford Escape, Ford Expedition and Ford Explorer

Pyle recommended three Ford SUVs as top choices for reliable used vehicles under $30,000. The Ford Escape, Ford Expedition and Ford Explorer each offer proven track records and excellent value in the used car market.

“Each has been around a long while, so the kinks have been worked out,” Pyle said. “You can for sure find a used Explorer and Escape under the $30k range, likely very new and with low mileage.”

The Ford Escape and Explorer are particularly attractive options for budget-conscious buyers. Both models have been in production for years, allowing Ford to refine their designs and address early reliability issues. This maturity in the product line translates to fewer unexpected problems for used car buyers.

For the larger Ford Expedition, buyers may need to consider older models or higher-mileage vehicles to stay within the $30,000 budget. However, Pyle noted that even older Expeditions can be excellent choices.

“For the Expedition, it would need to have higher mileage and be older,” Pyle said. “These are very popular SUVs, and that is one reason for the prices being good because the market is saturated with many to choose from.”

The popularity of these Ford models works in favor of used car buyers. High supply in the used car market helps keep prices competitive, giving buyers more options and negotiating power.

Maintenance is another key advantage of these Ford SUVs. With proper care, they can deliver impressive longevity.

“If the prior owner has serviced the engine and trans oil very well, these vehicles can easily hit 150,000 miles before parts start wearing out,” Pyle said.

Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe

The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe represent excellent value propositions in the used SUV market, largely due to their rapid depreciation rates. While this depreciation hurts new car buyers, it creates opportunities for savvy used car shoppers.

“Unfortunately, these vehicles lose value fast,” Pyle said. “Bad for a new car buyer, good for a used car buyer. You can get under that $30,000 cost cap in a 2-3 year old vehicle with mileage under 70,000.”

This rapid depreciation means buyers can find relatively new Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe models with low mileage well within their budget. A vehicle that’s only 2 to 3 years old with under 70,000 miles represents an excellent combination of modern features, remaining warranty coverage and proven reliability.

The fuel efficiency of these Korean SUVs stands out as a major advantage, especially with rising gas prices affecting household budgets.

“The major perks of these vehicles is the fuel mileage,” Pyle said. “Also, they are very dependable and repairs are pretty cheap.”

Beyond fuel savings, the low cost of ownership extends to maintenance and repairs. Both Kia and Hyundai have improved their reliability significantly over the past decade, while replacement parts remain affordable compared to luxury brands.

The combination of dependability and low repair costs makes these vehicles particularly attractive for families looking to minimize their transportation expenses over the long term.

Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore

The Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore round out Pyle’s recommendations, offering comfort, safety and reliability in compact packages. These vehicles excel in areas that matter most to daily drivers.

“Both have a nice, stylish interior, good leg and headroom,” Pyle said. “They may not have the strongest engines for this class, but that is sometimes a good thing.”

While some buyers might view smaller engines as a disadvantage, Pyle explains that moderate power can actually benefit long-term reliability and ownership costs.

“This results in better engine and transmission longevity from both not being worked too hard by the driver,” Pyle said.

Less powerful engines typically experience less stress during daily driving, which can translate to fewer mechanical problems and lower maintenance costs over time. For buyers who prioritize reliability over performance, this trade-off makes sense.

Safety is another strong point for both the Equinox and Encore.

“Both score well in the safety charts,” Pyle said.

Strong safety ratings provide peace of mind for families while potentially reducing insurance costs. Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with high safety scores, adding to the overall value proposition.

Share This Article: