Top-Performing New Midsize SUVs Under $25,000: Your Smart Buying Guide

Looking for a quality midsize SUV under $25,000 without sacrificing reliability or comfort? The used SUV market offers exceptional opportunities for savvy shoppers willing to explore vehicles from recent years. Pre-owned midsize SUVs present an attractive sweet spot between compact efficiency and full-size capability, making them ideal for families and individuals seeking optimal value. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve identified ten standout options that deliver genuine worth and dependable performance in this price range.

Why Smart Buyers Are Choosing Recent Model Year SUVs

The pre-owned SUV market has shifted dramatically, with well-maintained 2016-2019 models now offering tremendous value. Rather than stretching budgets for newer vehicles, purchasing a quality midsize SUV under $25,000 allows buyers to allocate savings toward maintenance and upgrades. These vehicles come with established reliability records, and many still qualify for extended warranty options through certified pre-owned programs.

Expert mechanics note that specific models have earned their reputation through consistent performance. As Robert Walden, founder of Vehicle Freak, explains: “Buyers increasingly appreciate how older but well-maintained SUVs deliver the same core functionality as newer models, while maintaining substantially lower price points. The engineering in these vehicles has proven itself.”

Compact SUVs: Efficiency Meets Practicality

Subaru XV 2.0i-L (2017)

Subaru’s compact offering combines car-like handling with genuine SUV capability. The XV delivers a smooth, responsive driving experience alongside impressive fuel efficiency. The signature all-wheel-drive system provides confidence on various road conditions, while advanced safety features—including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control—reflect the brand’s safety commitment. Interior design prioritizes comfort and accommodation for families of various sizes.

Honda CR-V (2016)

Honda’s compact crossover has maintained its status as a benchmark for practical, affordable SUVs. The CR-V emphasizes reliability, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly design. Clever storage solutions and a spacious cabin make it particularly appealing for families managing multiple schedules. The responsive handling and smooth ride quality demonstrate that affordability doesn’t require compromising on driving enjoyment.

Midsize SUVs: The Sweet Spot for Value

Mazda CX-9 (2018)

Mazda distinguishes itself by infusing driving dynamics into mainstream models. The CX-9 combines stylish exterior design with an upscale interior, delivering what Todd Bialaszewski, certified master mechanic and founder of Sell My Car Online, describes as “a balance between powerful performance and luxurious comfort.” Third-row seating adds versatility, while reasonable fuel consumption keeps operational costs manageable. This new midsize SUV under $25,000 offers surprising sophistication without luxury pricing.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2019)

The Santa Fe demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to comprehensive vehicle design. A spacious cabin, user-friendly technology interface, and smooth ride quality create a comfortable ownership experience. The 2019 model incorporates numerous advanced safety features, earning recognition for top-tier crash protection. According to Bialaszewski, “The safety ratings demonstrate Hyundai’s emphasis on equipping current safety technology, while fuel economy translates into meaningful long-term savings.”

Toyota Highlander (2017)

Toyota’s midsize offering prioritizes reliability and longevity—qualities that justify its consistent appearance on value-focused recommendations. The well-crafted interior, smooth ride, and strong safety track record appeal to families prioritizing durability over flashy features. The V6 engine provides adequate power for both urban navigation and highway cruising. This platform earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition, validating its engineering approach.

Ford Escape (2018)

Ford’s compact SUV balances practical utility with driving engagement. The stylish exterior and comfortable interior accommodate daily family use, while available technology features enhance convenience. A turbocharged engine delivers responsive acceleration for drivers seeking more dynamic performance than typical compact offerings provide, making it an appealing bridge between economy and driving excitement.

Three-Row Family-Focused Options

Honda Pilot (2018)

The Pilot represents Honda’s answer to growing family transportation needs. With seating for eight passengers and a comfortable, spacious interior, this three-row SUV accommodates larger households without premium pricing. The Honda Sensing safety suite provides comprehensive driver assistance, while under-floor storage demonstrates thoughtful design for real-world family scenarios. Stylish exterior proportions belie its practical orientation.

Buick Enclave (2018)

Similar in concept to the Pilot, the Enclave prioritizes quietness and refined operation. The three-row configuration provides seating flexibility, while the sophisticated interior design elevates the overall ownership experience. The smooth, easygoing driving character particularly appeals to families prioritizing comfort during longer journeys.

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2017)

For buyers venturing beyond suburban environments, the Grand Cherokee offers genuine off-road capability within a midsize footprint. Towing capacity reaches 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine or 7,400 pounds with the available V8, enabling those with recreational equipment or trailers. All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive options provide flexibility for various terrain conditions and weather scenarios.

The Efficiency Leader

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2018)

Standing alone as the only hybrid option in this review, the RAV4 Hybrid addresses fuel-conscious buyers specifically. Delivering 34 miles per gallon in city driving and 30 mpg on highways, the hybrid powertrain meaningfully reduces long-term fuel expenditures. While a standard gasoline RAV4 also remains available under $25,000, the hybrid’s superior efficiency and comparable feature set make it particularly compelling for those prioritizing operational economy.

Making Your Selection: Essential Considerations

Choosing from this range of quality options requires assessing personal priorities. Compact SUVs like the Subaru XV and Honda CR-V maximize fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Midsize options such as the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander provide enhanced capability and comfort without excessive size penalties. Families requiring maximum seating should evaluate the three-row configurations from Honda, Buick, and Jeep.

Budget allocation matters significantly when shopping for used vehicles in this category. Allocating resources toward recent model years with complete service records typically yields better reliability outcomes than pursuing older inventory. A new midsize SUV under $25,000 with documented maintenance history often provides superior long-term value compared to an undocumented, older model.

Final Recommendations

The used SUV market currently presents compelling opportunities for disciplined buyers. Each vehicle highlighted represents genuine value within the $25,000 ceiling, combining affordability with dependable performance. Whether prioritizing family space, fuel efficiency, safety technology, or driving engagement, quality options exist in this segment. The key involves matching your specific requirements—family size, climate conditions, driving patterns, annual mileage—with the vehicle best suited to your lifestyle, ensuring your investment delivers years of reliable service.