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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Sources
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Edmunds, 2025 Subaru Forester
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CoPilot for Car Shopping, “Which Years of the Subaru Forester are Most Reliable?“
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Kelley Blue Book (KBB), 2021 Subaru Forester
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Edmunds, 2021 Honda CR-V Review
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KBB 2021 Honda CR-V
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Car and Driver, 2021 Honda CR-V Review
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Car and Driver, “2026 Toyota RAV4 is a Hybrid Family SUV Worth Waiting For“
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Kelley Blue Book, 2020 Toyota Rav4
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Best Used Compact SUVs Under $25,000 To Track Down in 2025
