12 Best Used SUVs for Under £10,000: Check Out These Great Deals!

Whether you’re into off-roading, have a large family, or just want the highest ride height you can get, an SUV is a great all-rounder. And with a huge market of used cars out there right now, you don’t need a big budget to drive an SUV.

If you’re looking for a lot of space and a lot of seats on a tight budget, there are so many fantastic models available. But let’s narrow down your options first.

Also, good news! You don’t have to drive from dealership to dealership in search of the perfect car for you and your family. We have the best options for used SUVs or cars with any other specifications. Use Carplus to find and secure car finance deals on favourable terms.

Without further ado, these are the best used cars in the SUV segment.

1. Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage is an all-around family SUV with a solid build quality that the automaker is known for. While looking a bit chunky, it’s considered a more polished alternative to rivals in the class.

There are several Mazda-sourced engine options in the Sportage:

• A 150-hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine
• An entry-level 1.6-litre diesel with 115 hp
• The 136-hp version of the 1.6-litre diesel
• A mild-hybrid 1.6 T-GDi petrol with a useful 148 hp
• A plug-in hybrid powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor (226 hp)

The space inside feels quite airy front and back, and the boot will have no trouble fitting luggage for the whole family.

Sportages are technically small SUVs, so they have adequate running costs. The petrol returns up to 42 mpg, the diesel model - an average of 53 mpg, and a hybrid manages 48-49 mpg. To maximise value, you should stick to lower-end models over the sportier GT-Line.

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2. Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is a powerful option for a large family that features some of the greatest hit design elements. For a mid-sized car, it brings in an exceptional interior room and a very reasonably-sized boot.

Tucson cars can be equipped with:

• A 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream petrol engine with 150 hp
• A 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 187 hp
• A 178-hp T-GDi MHEV version
• A 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor producing a combined 227 hp

The generous proportions on the outside translate to a broad, tall interior. The batteries on the hybrid eat away the boot space, though.

The car manages a respectable 41 mpg and approaches an average of almost 50 mpg, depending on the trim and engine. Normally, the relatively high asking price could turn you away, but examples available on the used car market change the tune completely.

3. Skoda Yeti

The Skoda Yeti may not look like a rampant four-wheel drive, but it definitely acts in a strong, no-nonsense character. It’s no longer on sale, so you can only get your hands on used examples.

• Petrol: 1.2-litre I4 TSI (110 hp), 1.4-litre I4 TSI (150 hp), 1.8-litre I4 TSI (160 hp)
• Diesel: 1.6-litre I4 TDI (105 hp), 2.0-litre I4 TDI (140 hp)
• Hybrid: A 1.4-litre petrol engine plus an electric motor with a combined 204 hp

The boxy design offers the much-needed height and width for the passengers. A generous luggage capacity is another plus.

Compared to newer rivals, the Yeti has a poorer fuel economy, but it ultimately depends on the engine. The claimed consumption ranges from 36 mpg (1.8-litre TSI) to 61 mpg (1.6-litre TDI). Overall, the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, but everyone will enjoy the practical and reliable motoring.

4. Suzuki Vitara

The Suzuki Vitara is a utilitarian, agile, Range Rover Evoque-inspired vehicle.

The range of engines extends farther than most rivals:

• Seven types of petrols: 1.3-litre G13BA(117 hp), 1.6-litre G16A(115 hp), 1.6-litre G16B (140 hp), 1.8-litre J18 (120 hp), 2.0-litre J20 (132 hp), 2.0-litre H20A (134 hp), 2.5-litre H25A (144 hp)
• Three diesels: 1.9-litre XUD9, 2.0-litre RF, 2.0-litre DW10 HDi (110-139 hp)
• There is also a 1.4-litre petrol engine that uses mild hybrid assistance and generates 127 hp.

The design is shorter than rivals, which forces rear passengers to sit snugglier. Other than that, the interior features a decent amount of space and versatility.

Luckily for owners, the Suzuki Vitara is fairly cost-effective to run. The petrol engines are characterised by 36-52 mpg, and the hybrid petrol engines return 48-53 mpg. While it doesn’t have the upmarket looks, the car is genuinely great value for money.

5. Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s exceptional reliability record comes into play with the CX-5. It’s practical everyday transport that is both punchy and efficient.

The Mazda CX-5, with a very light facelift, is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive powered by:

• A 2.0-litre petrol Skyactiv-G PE-VPS with 165 hp
• A 2.5-litre petrol Skyactiv-G PY-VPS with 185 hp
• A 2.2-litre diesel Skyactiv-D SH-VPTS I4 with 175 hp

Inside, the model has ample space for a growing family and substantial 1,620 litres of space in the boot.

The turbocharged AWD configuration has relatively low fuel efficiency metrics: 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg for motorway driving. The 2.2-litre diesel with a manual gearbox proves to be the most economical engine in the range, returning up to 50 mpg.

6. Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is classy, incredibly built, and reasonably affordable. While it doesn’t quite match up to premium ambitions, it has established a name with its strong, efficient engines.

The engine options are almost too brisk for town driving and will make you hit the motorway:

• The 2.0-litre electric/petrol B4 motor produces 197 hp
• The 2.0-litre AWD B4 diesel also goes up t 197hp
• The diesel B5 AWD engine offers 235 hp
• The petrol B5 generates 250 hp

The XC60 scores high for front and rear space. The spacious and versatile interior is slightly taken back by a rather shallow boot.

Petrol engines return 28-38 mpg, and a notably decent fuel economy comes in diesels (35-47 mpg). But these figures are outshined by plug-in hybrid petrol engines, boasting 83-282 mpg. In short, XC60 is a fine choice, price-wise and running costs-wise.

7. Land Rover Discovery

At first, Land Rover Discovery surprises buyers with its size and heft. But then it feels both luxurious, offering a relaxing ride to the Savoy and “off-roady” with robust capabilities down a river or up a mountain.

The engine line-up features:

• Petrols: 2.0-litre T-Series (296 hp), 3.0-litre unit (355 hp)
• Diesels: 2.5-litre 200Tdi I4-T and 2.5-litre 300Tdi I4-T (limited to models released in 1989-1998), 3.0-litre D300 (296 hp)
• A Sport hybrid with P300e PHEV AWD and 304 hp

The fuel economy in petrol engines is 23-26 mpg, in diesel engines - 28-33; and the hybrid’s official fuel-only consumption is 52 mpg, with an EV driving range of 36 miles.

Normally, you wouldn’t get revving engines, outstanding off-road capacity, and spacious interiors of Discovery models for less than £10,000. But thanks to the used market, you can get the Swiss Army knife of the car world on a budget.

8. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 will look and feel different depending on the generation. The earlier models are solid but somewhat outdated; the newer modes feature styling tweaks and performance improvements.

This family-friendly SUV is equipped with a tame range of engines:

• The petrol engine packs 2.5 litres and a power of 180 hp.
• The plug-in pairs the same engine with a more powerful electric motor to produce a compound output of 302 hp.
• The 2.0-litre diesel engine on earlier models develops 114 hp.

While the RAV4 started as a compact SUV, it grew in size, fitting seven seats in some configurations. The first thing that catches your attention in the driver’s seat is the wide view of the road ahead; visibility in most directions is just as good.

The fuel economy starts at around 46 mpg for diesels and achieved particularly good results with hybrids (91 mpg in the urban section).

9. Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a premium SUV normally sold at an upper price limit. Audi’s used SUVs, on the other hand, present an equally refined driving experience, especially those with low mileage. The model itself balances out sportiness and everyday practicality.

You can find Q5s with the following set of engines:

• Petrols: 45 TFSI Quattro S Tronic (370 hp), Sport 45 TFSI Quattro S Tronic (370 hp)
• Diesels: 35 TDI S Tronic (370 hp), 40 TDI Quattro S Tronic (400 hp), Sport 40 TDI Quattro S tronic (400 hp)
• PHEV: A 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine and a battery pack that delivers 370 hp

Even the smallest SUV offerings in the line-up can fit four adults and a generous amount of cargo. It scores more points for width than for height, though.

Petrol and diesel engines offer decent fuel economy at 30-44 mpg, while the plug-in hybrid offers as much as 156-188 mpg.

10. Honda C-RV

The Honda C-RV is a brilliant family car with a muscular appearance and a reliable build. It’s a great catch on the used market, and you’ll definitely find a pristine example due to its wide popularity.

Under the bonnet, the car is equipped with one of the following:

• A 1.5-litre petrol engine with 173 hp
• A standard 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol
• A 2.0-litre petrol engine (184 hp)
• A 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel engine (150 hp)
• A 204-hp hybrid unit, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and two electric motors

There are some complaints about the space in the front, while the rear space is exceedingly vast. Overall, the cabin offers an adaptable amount of space.

The fuel economy is average, with an EPA-estimated 28 city and 34 motorway mpg; the hybrid returns a combined 38 mpg.

11. Volkswagen Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is a simple SUV with a widely desirable high-up driving position. At the same time, it looks and feels like a smaller car, which may be more desirable for urban drivers.

Engine-wise, the Tiguan uses (the name corresponds to the horsepower):

• Petrol engines: 1.4-litre TSI 120, 1.4-litre TSI 150, 1.8-litre TSI 160, 2.0-litre TSI 170, 2.0-litre TSI 200
• Diesel engines: 2.0-litre TDI 110, 2.0-litre TDI 140, 2.0-litre TDI 180
• A hybrid unit comprised of a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and an electric motor (242 hp)

Inside, the space is decent; but the third adult in the back will feel slightly pinched. With the rear seats folded and thanks to the height-adjustable floor, the boot capacity becomes taller and wider and offers added convenience.

Depending on the engine and trim, the Tiguan returns 23 mpg (base model) and up to 50-53 mpg (2.0-litre diesel). A claimed maximum fuel economy of 157-177 mpg is achieved by the hybrid.

12. Ford Kuga

The Kuga comes with a decent package of enough room for the family, onboard tech, and sharp looks. The Standard trim is aimed at practicality, the ST-Line Edition - at sportiness, and Vignale - at luxury.

The automaker presents a wide range of engines:

• Petrols: 1.5-litre EcoBoost (120 hp), 1.5-litre EcoBoost (150 hp), 1.5-litre EcoBoost (180 hp)
• Diesels: 1.5-litre TDCi (120 hp), 2.0-litre TDCi (150 hp), 2.0-litre TDCi (180 hp)
• Hybrids: 2.0-litre plug-in (225 hp), 2.5-litre full hybrid FWD (190 hp)

The diminutive dimensions don’t take away from the practical interior. The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, even for the third central occupant.

On the lower end, this funky little SUV returns 40-42 mpg (petrol engines); diesel and hybrid petrol engines sit at the mid-point of 50-60 mpg; and things get really exciting with plug-in hybrid petrol engines - 201-282 mpg.

Final Words: Best Used SUV for Under £10k

The world’s best automotive manufacturers have long entered the SUV market. Many examples have already moved into the used car market, so there is no better time to get one at a good value. Now, the big-car life is well within your reach.

Take your next steps with Carplus! Whether you need a small, medium, or large SUV, or a completely different body style, you’ve got you. Reputable dealers, instant car finance quotes, and unbelievable convenience.