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Best Used SUVs for Families on a Budget

Blog Mar 05th, 2026

If you’re shopping for a practical and affordable family vehicle, an SUV is often the perfect choice. They offer more space than sedans, higher driving visibility, and flexible cargo room for everything from groceries to hockey bags. The good news is that many newer models offer excellent reliability, safety technology, and fuel efficiency without the price tag of buying new.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best used SUVs from the 2020–2024 model years that are ideal for families on a budget. These vehicles offer a strong balance of comfort, space, reliability, and overall value.

1. Toyota Highlander (2020–2024)

The Toyota Highlander is one of the most dependable family SUVs on the road. It’s a midsize SUV with three rows of seating, making it a great option for larger families or anyone who frequently travels with passengers.

The Highlander is known for reliability, safety features, and strong resale value. It also offers a comfortable ride and a well-designed interior.

Key Specs (2022 model example)

  • Engine: 3.5L V6

  • Horsepower: 295 hp

  • Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers

  • Fuel Economy: ~20 city / 28 highway mpg

  • Drivetrain: FWD or AWD

For families who need maximum space and reliability, the Highlander remains one of the best used SUVs available.

2. Honda CR-V (2020–2024)

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs for families thanks to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. Despite its smaller size compared to a midsize SUV, the CR-V offers excellent cargo capacity and a roomy back seat for car seats or growing kids.

Many families appreciate how easy the CR-V is to drive, especially in busy city environments.

Key Specs (2022 model example)

  • Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder

  • Horsepower: 190 hp

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

  • Fuel Economy: up to ~28 city / 34 highway mpg

  • Drivetrain: FWD or AWD

With strong reliability ratings and low ownership costs, the CR-V is consistently ranked among the best used SUVs for everyday family driving.

3. Mazda CX-5 (2020–2024)

The Mazda CX-5 stands out in the SUV market because it offers a more premium interior and sporty driving feel while still remaining affordable as a used vehicle. It’s an excellent choice for families who want something practical but also enjoyable to drive.

Mazda also includes many safety and technology features as standard.

Key Specs (2022 model example)

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder

  • Horsepower: 187 hp

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

  • Fuel Economy: ~24 city / 30 highway mpg

  • Drivetrain: Standard AWD

The CX-5 delivers a great balance of comfort, style, and practicality, making it one of the best used SUVs for families who want value without sacrificing quality.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe (2020–2024)

The Hyundai Santa Fe is another excellent option for families looking for a spacious and affordable used SUV. It offers a comfortable interior, modern technology, and strong safety ratings.

The Santa Fe sits between compact and midsize SUVs, providing plenty of interior room without feeling too large to drive daily.

Key Specs (2022 model example)

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder

  • Horsepower: 191 hp

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

  • Fuel Economy: ~25 city / 28 highway mpg

  • Drivetrain: FWD or AWD

Families also appreciate Hyundai’s reputation for strong warranty coverage and value for money.

5. Kia Sorento (2020–2024)

The Kia Sorento is a great choice for families who want a third row without stepping up to a larger SUV. It offers flexible seating, modern technology, and solid fuel efficiency for its class.

Compared to many competitors, the Sorento provides excellent value in the used market.

Key Specs (2022 model example)

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder

  • Horsepower: 191 hp

  • Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers

  • Fuel Economy: ~24 city / 29 highway mpg

  • Drivetrain: FWD or AWD

For families who want extra seating without the size of a full three-row SUV, the Sorento is one of the best used SUVs to consider.

What Makes a Great Family SUV?

When shopping for the best used SUVs, families typically prioritize a few key features:

Safety features
Look for advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Interior space
Families often need room for car seats, sports gear, strollers, or road trip luggage.

Fuel efficiency
A fuel-efficient SUV can save thousands of dollars over time, especially for daily commuting or school runs.

Reliability
Choosing a dependable SUV helps avoid costly repairs and provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Find the Best Used SUVs at MyCar

Shopping for the best used SUVs is much easier when you work with a dealership that offers a large selection and transparent pricing. At MyCar, buyers can browse a wide variety of family SUVs, from compact models like the Honda CR-V to larger options like the Toyota Highlander.

With hundreds of vehicles available and locations across Ontario, MyCar helps families find reliable used SUVs that fit both their lifestyle and their budget.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best used SUVs for your family doesn’t mean you need to overspend. Models like the Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento provide excellent value, safety, and practicality.

By focusing on newer used models from 2020 to 2024, families can enjoy modern features, strong reliability, and affordable pricing all in one vehicle.

MyCarBlogBest Used SUVs for Families on a Budget