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Best SUV under £20k

In the market for an SUV on a budget? Here’s our list for 10 of the best used SUVs under £20k in the UK

A white Mazda CX-5

By Ben Welham

Last update: 16 July 2025


Searching for the best SUV under £20,000? You've got a lot of options.

SUVs are great for families as there’s plenty of room to fit everyone and their stuff. Many of the models on the market feature impressive tech and quality interiors.

Picking out the right car for you also depends on how much you want to spend. We've compiled this list of options for the best SUV under £20k you can buy.

Our favourite picks:

  • Nissan Qashqai

  • Kia Sportage

  • BMW X3

  • Volkswagen Tiguan

  • Skoda Karoq

  • Dacia Duster

  • Peugeot 3008

  • Hyundai Tucson

  • BMW X1

  • Mazda CX-5

A banner reading: 'quality cars for under £200 a month, see what's in stock'

Best SUVs under £20k

Nissan Qashqai

A red Nissan Qashqai drives on a winding rural road with green hills and trees in the background under a clear sky.

The Nissan Qashqai reimagined what it meant to be an SUV.

Each version has been designed with comfort in mind, making for a car that’s an easy drive with all the bells and whistles inside.

The Qashqai offers style and a smooth drive without sacrificing the space you need for your trips, making it great value for money.

That's especially true if you opt for a used Nissan Qashqai - it's a great way to make savings on one of the best used SUV picks.

Read our Nissan Qashqai review

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

Whether you need a car for the school run or a trip to the golf course, the Kia Sportage has got you covered.

The brand is famed for its reliable vehicles and the Sportage is no different, offering a versatile SUV option.

The Sportage is the brand’s best-selling model in the UK for good reason. Based on Kia’s 'Opposites United' design philosophy, it merges the sleek with the rugged.

You've got several fuel options, so you can choose whether you want full petrol, mild and full hybrid, or plug-in hybrid.

You can also get the Sportage with a manual or automatic gearbox, so you've got plenty of choice.

Read our Kia Sportage review

Best luxury SUV options

BMW X3

BMW X3 front three quarters

The X3 is instantly recognisable as a BMW, featuring the sleek look we've come to expect.

The interior is sleek and luxurious, with touches like a heated steering wheel.

Don’t let the luxury fool you, though – there’s plenty of practicality in the X3. It’s got a 570-litre boot that expands to 1,700 litres with the seats down.

If you fancy a premium SUV under £20k, a used BMW X3 is a great pick.

BMW X3 review banner

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

Coming from the German brand known across the world for its reliable vehicles, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a fantastic entry into the SUV market.

It’s economical and has plenty of space while still being quick and fun to drive.

Craig Hale, our motoring journalist, said: "If you’re looking for a more efficient way to get around, consider one of the 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrids.

"There are 204hp and 272hp variants, but in our experience, the 204hp model has enough poke for most people."

Plus, you can experience VW engineering for less with a used Tiguan model.

Read our Volkswagen Tiguan review

Best spacious SUV options

Škoda Karoq

Škoda Karoq

The Škoda Karoq boasts a strong design, a controlled drive and a quiet and stylish interior.

Whether you’re driving it to the shops or taking a cross-country trip, you won’t be short of space for the weekly big shop or your holiday luggage. There's a 521-litre boot that can expand to 1,630 litres with the seats down.

Finding a used Skoda Karoq means you can still enjoy this reliable SUV at a brilliant price point.

Dacia Duster

Dacia Duster front

While delivering practicality and reliability, the Dacia Duster also offers fantastic fuel economy.

It's been Europe's best-selling SUV, with trim levels that start with analogue dials and end with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen.

Inside, there's plenty of cabin space, while the ample boot space and roof rails give you more than enough storage options for holidays or road trips.

Combine that with the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive options and a smooth driving experience, and that makes one of the best-used SUVs under £20k.

Read our Dacia Duster review

Best mid-size SUV options

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot 3008 front

The Peugeot 3008 has transformed significantly from its initial launch edition.

Designed with comfort in mind, this is the ultimate practical SUV with a sporty finish – a great choice for less than £20,000.

The high-quality interior is stylish and packed with tech, and there's plenty of room for the driver and the passengers alike.

There's also the e-3008 now if you want electric power, but that'll set you back significantly more than the standard model.

Read our Peugeot 3008 review

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson front

For those seeking a mid-size SUV with all the trimmings, the Hyundai Tucson is always a reliable option. Don’t let the rugged looks fool you, it’s still perfect for trips around wherever you live.

The inside and boot have plenty of space to use up, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better ride regardless of the road surface.

Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, said: "It’s been said the Tucson is a car that’s been designed for passengers, rather than drivers.

"This is because the suspension and handling make it comfortable even when the road surface is less than perfect – and there isn’t that typical roll that some SUVs suffer when cornering."

Read our Hyundai Tucson review

Best small SUV options

BMW X1

BMW X1 front

The second model from this brand to make the list, but it’s hard to argue with quality. The BMW X1 has become one of the most popular models since it was launched in 2015.

It offers all the sleek appearances that come with being a BMW, with plenty of boot space at a great price.

It's got a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, so it's ideal for families.

The 540-litre boot is handy as well, extending to 1,550 litres with the seats folded down.

Read our BMW X1 review

Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 side

Few SUVs work as an all-rounder as well as the Mazda CX-5.

The experience you get driving this car has even been likened to driving its famous MX-5 sports car.

The CX-5 offers an alternative to the classic look of an SUV that you’d expect. Sharp and sporty, this model still doesn’t skimp on storage space.

Sam said: "The Mazda CX-5 provides all the benefits of SUV driving with great visibility from a commanding raised driving position and an ability to travel on more difficult surfaces.

"What it avoids are the handicaps of SUVs. It feels more like a car on curvy open roads – few rivals can match its cornering and refinement over bumpy surfaces."

All of this being available in a single package for less than £20,000 feels like an absolute steal.

Read our Mazda CX-5 review

Best SUV under £20k

Shopping for the best SUV under £20,000 doesn't mean you're limited to basic, boring options.

There are plenty of great value SUVs under this budget that are definitely worth buying.

Take a look at our full range of used SUVs under £20,000 to see all your options.

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