15 Best Used SUVs Under £15,000 in the UK

SUVs are incredibly popular, dominating the market with their versatility and raised driving positions. Some of the best-selling new cars in the UK are SUVs, so there’s no shortage of options in the used market. Whether you’re seeking something sporty, practical, or capable of off-road adventures, there’s a second-hand SUV under £15k to suit your needs.

While you’re looking, Carplus is here to make buying your SUV hassle-free, with favourable terms to suit your needs.

Without further ado, here are the best used SUV under £15,000.

1. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a versatile family car and arguably the most reliable used SUV. For less than £15,000, generous space in both the front and rear, along with a spacious boot.

Kia offers various engine options, including petrol and diesel, with both automatic and manual transmissions. Additionally, automatic versions feature mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency.

Inside, the Sportage has a stylish and clutter-free interior with fine materials. It comfortably seats five passengers, with plenty of head and legroom. Plus, the luggage space has a low loading lip for easy access.

2. Renault Kadjar

Sleek design, comfortable ride, and modern features

The Renault Kadjar is a standout choice among the best used family SUVs. With a range of strong engines, it offers a smooth and predictable driving experience. For example, you can get a gutsy 1.3-litre petrol and a smooth 1.5-litre diesel with low running costs. All variants are four-wheel drive and come with a six-speed manual gear as default.

Inside, the Kadjar is impressively practical, with ample rear seat space and generous leg and headroom in the front. It’s equipped with plenty of storage cubbies and features one of the largest boots in its class.

3. Ford Kuga

Sharp handling, stylish design, and balanced performance.

The Ford Kuga initially had a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, later replaced by a smaller 1.5-litre option in 2016, with diesel options also available. It surprises with its ride and handling, which feels more like a hatchback than an SUV.

With its big exterior, you’d rightfully expect the Kuga to have a spacious interior, a high driving position, and a large boot. In the used market, you can find the second-generation Ford Kuga sold from 2013 to 2020. It’s more upmarket and competes with larger SUVs. The top Vignale version is still available for less than £15,000 when bought used.

4. Nissan Qashqai

Popular, reliable, and practical crossover

The Nissan Qashqai is immensely popular as second-hand SUVs for their spaciousness and city-friendly nature. Developed as a true UK city car, the Qashqai achieves a nice blend of comfort while driving and responsive handling. Drivers enjoy responsive steering, minimal body lean in corners, and ample grip. The line-up offers two 1.3-litre petrol engine options with mild hybrid assistance, along with an e-Power engine that blurs the lines between petrol and electric cars.

The Qashqai’s boot can offer enough space to fit seven carry-on suitcases under the parcel shelf. It’s slightly below average for its class but still has more space than in many.

5. Škoda Karoq

Versatile interior with Škoda’s quality

The Škoda Karoq, priced at less than £15,000, is one of the most sought-after family SUVs with a primary focus on practicality. The engine options meet different driving needs, with each proving reliable and efficient in its own right. The range includes a basic 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine for city driving and a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine for motorway journeys.

The Karoq offers a pleasant driving experience, but its standout feature is its smartly designed and spacious interior. Higher trim levels like the SE L or Edition offer a flexible rear seat and maximize the huge boot.

6. Audi Q3

Premium interior, build quality, and agile handling

The second-generation model of the Audi Q is quite a steal in the used market. You can snag a Audi Q3, about a year old, for a similar price to a new car from lower-class segments. But here, you get the premium badge and luxurious features.

The Q3 primarily comes with petrol engines, although there are a few diesel options. It offers agile handling, particularly in S-line versions with sports suspension. Additionally, for those seeking a sleeker look, there’s a Sportback variant available. The interior quality is top-notch, as expected from Audi.

7. BMW X1

Luxury and performance in a compact SUV

The BMW X1 has been a favourite among buyers looking for a taste of a premium brand without breaking the bank. The engine line-up includes turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder options, with various tunes of diesel engines. Behind the wheel, the X1 offers precise steering and confidence-inspiring handling. However, the heavier hybrid version lacks some sprightliness. For a comfortable ride, opt for the standard 18-inch wheels with the suspension provided on SE spec cars.

Priced at less than £15,000, this second-hand SUV still impresses with high-quality interior trim and solidly built switches and buttons.

8. Dacia Duster

Versatile and affordable SUV

The Dacia Duster offers a choice between petrol or diesel engines, with the optional four-wheel drive. While none of the engine options are particularly fast or refined, the diesel version provides reasonable fuel economy.

In terms of standard equipment, basic Duster models lack luxury features, but they come equipped with essentials like power steering and remote central locking. There’s plenty of space inside, too.

Overall, buying a Dacia Duster requires some compromises. That said, it offers uniquely great value and a traditional bang-for-buck appeal that’s hard to find elsewhere in the market.

9. Hyundai Tucson

Solid build, generous features, and spacious cabin

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the most reliable used SUV models, with plenty of quality years to choose from on the market.

In terms of engines, the Tucson offers various options, including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. It handles gentle bumps effortlessly, particularly in entry-level SE Connect models with smaller wheels.

Inside, the Tucson features high-quality plastics, stylish design elements, and a spacious cabin capable of comfortably seating four tall adults. Furthermore, the boot space is one of the largest in its class. With its high build quality and enough space for the whole family, the Tucson is worth considering.

10. Suzuki Vitara

Distinctive style, efficient engines, and affordability

The Suzuki Vitara offers good value as a used car, with a range of models to choose from. Its design is upright and square-cornered, which targets the more rugged and versatile segment of small SUVs.

All engines are responsive. However, the petrol options can be thirsty, while the diesel variant, although the most economical, can be a bit gruff during acceleration.

The Vitara’s driving experience is praiseworthy, and it achieves a good mix of comfort and handling. Inside, it offers a good driving position, ample visibility, and decent space for both passengers and cargo in the boot.

11. Volkswagen Tiguan

Premium feel, well-built, and diverse engine options

The Volkswagen Tiguan, priced at less than £15,000 for most models, is solid value as a used car. There are several engine options available, including the efficient 148bhp 2.0 TDI and more powerful variants up to 237bhp.

The interior design isn’t flashy, but it impresses with its solid build quality and soft-touch plastics. Plenty of room in front and back ensures passenger comfort, and versatile seating and a decent boot enhance the practicality.

Moreover, the Tiguan has earned a strong reputation for outstanding reliability, with minimal reported issues.

12. Toyota RAV4

Reliable, resale value, and practical interior

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best family SUVs for practicality and a rewarding driving experience. It comes with different engine choices, such as the lively 178bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine and the efficient eHybrid variant.

The Tiguan excels on the road and navigates bumps while maintaining firmness for confident cornering. Inside, there’s plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, even with three adults across the rear seat.

With a budget of less than £15,000, prospective buyers can explore 2017 and 2018 models with lower mileages. There’ll be a good choice of engines, including diesel options and some with four-wheel drive for different terrains.

13. Mazda CX-5

Engaging dynamics, efficient, and sleek design

The Mazda CX-5 is a great choice for those seeking a roomy yet nimble vehicle. While its engines lack turbochargers for enhanced performance, the 2.5-litre variant brings performance closer to class standards.

Inside, the CX-5 boasts soft-touch materials and user-friendly infotainment controls. In the latest model, the facelift added a new rugged variant called Newground.

As a standout for a small SUV, the car is surprisingly spacious inside, accommodating both passengers and cargo comfortably. The boot can handle a family’s camping gear, while the rear seats offer plenty of space for three passengers.

14. Subaru Forester

All-wheel-drive, practicality, and spacious interior

The Subaru Forester outshines many used SUVs with its exceptional value for money and well-built construction.

Bear in mind that the petrol engines lack torque. The diesel choice provides a livelier drive, though there might be some engine noise with the CVT automatic gearbox. The permanent all-wheel drive ensures reliable performance in all conditions, especially in models with a manual gearbox and low-ratio option.

The Forester’s roomy cabin offers ample room for passengers, and the big boot with a low loading lip makes it easy to load items like a child’s pushchair.

15. Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a spacious car with an attractive design and formidable off-road abilities.

The Compass offers a diverse range of engine options, including petrol and diesel variants with varying power outputs. There’s versatility for different driving conditions, whether you choose front-wheel or four-wheel drive. In terms of trims and equipment levels available, there’s something to suit every preference.

Inside, the cabin offers a commanding driving position with adjustable features. There’s ample space for passengers in the front and rear seats, but the boot entrance is narrow with a sizable lip.

Conclusion

There you have it! Bet you didn’t know you could find such great cars on a relatively small budget. That’s the beauty of the second-hand market and having a good selection to pick from. And before you go, here’s a reminder to choose Carplus to secure the best car finance deals online.