Used SUVs are supposed to be affordable, but some models quietly make ownership far less expensive than buyers expect. While flashy luxury badges and larger family SUVs often raise concerns about high repair bills, a handful of overlooked models have built reputations for delivering surprisingly low maintenance costs, strong reliability, and impressive long-term value.
In some cases, these SUVs cost hundreds less per year to maintain than rivals that buyers assume are “safer” choices. From luxury crossovers that behave more like mainstream models to three-row family SUVs with shockingly manageable upkeep, these are the used SUVs that prove affordable ownership can come from unexpected places.
This list is ranked by average annual ownership costs, factoring in average maintenance and repairs, depreciation, reliability, and parts/service affordability, using data from RepairPal, CarEdge, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and manufacturers’ websites. Models are listed in descending order based on average annual ownership costs, from the most to the least.
10
Volvo XC60
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $746
The only premium European SUV to make this list is the Volvo XC60. It’s a surprising entry, but it deserves its position as affordable, thanks to heavy depreciation that makes it more affordable on the used market. The XC60 delivers upscale Scandinavian interior styling, is backed by a strong reputation for top-notch safety packaging, and isn’t overly expensive to maintain and repair, especially when compared with other European SUVs.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2019-2022
These are the best model years to choose a used Volvo XC60 because you’ll have Volvo’s modern safety systems, an upscale interior package, and improved reliability scores compared to previous versions. The heavy depreciation, which is almost immediate, makes these model years of the XC60 more affordable than you might expect.
9
Ford Edge
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $611
The Ford Edge is a unique vehicle in its class. While other models include three rows of seats, the Edge stubbornly only has two, which means more comfort and cargo space for owners. This also leads to heavy depreciation, which can benefit you in the used SUV market. Toss in the affordable parts availability and repair costs, and the Edge is a surprisingly affordable SUV to drive and maintain, while also being one of the most comfortable models on this list.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2019-2021
These later Edge models benefit from updated interiors, improved transmissions, and strong depreciation advantages. This results in excellent used pricing, making the Ford Edge affordable from start to finish. The comfortable highway driving, refined cabin, and widely available and inexpensive parts make the Edge a smart choice for many shoppers.
8
Subaru Outback
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $607
Some argue the Outback is not technically an SUV, mostly because of its wagon roots, but it has matured to fit into the compact SUV class. The Subaru Outback comes with standard Symmetrical AWD, but that doesn’t cause ownership costs to skyrocket, making it an affordable choice. The Outback is practical, trustworthy, and capable, making it a “do everything and go everywhere” vehicle.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2021-2022
These model years are best for the Subaru Outback because you benefit from meaningful depreciation while enjoying the sixth-generation design, updated safety tech, and modern infotainment. These Outback models are among the most reliable and have the fewest issues. Some AWD SUVs can become expensive over time, but the Outback keeps costs down, making it a surprisingly affordable choice.
7
Nissan Murano
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $600
The Nissan Murano is an often-forgotten SUV in its class. It happens to be one of the smallest midsize SUVs, and it only comes with two rows of seats. Still, this Nissan SUV is extremely attractive, has near-luxury comfort, and offers quiet, comfortable highway rides. You’ll find tons of great features to enjoy, and heavy depreciation makes it one of the most surprisingly affordable SUVs to own and drive.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2019-2023
The Murano depreciates heavily and almost immediately, making more recent versions affordable on the used market. The quiet, comfortable interior, incredible list of standard features, and reasonable reliability scores make the Murano a good option. This generation is also one of the most attractive, offering a stylish SUV that looks great wherever it goes.
6
Acura MDX
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $571
If you want a rule-breaking SUV, the Acura MDX is for you. The rule that three-row SUVs cost more to maintain, insure, and repair is completely shattered with the MDX. It benefits from Honda-based reliability, has proven longevity, and is much more affordable to drive and maintain than European models. When you want three rows and a premium build with low ownership costs, the Acura MDX makes a lot of sense.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2017-2020
The 2017-2020 Acura MDX models deliver luxury SUV comfort and strong reliability scores without the ownership costs of new models. The MDX is powered by a strong, proven V6 engine, and these model years feature updated safety and tech features that make them feel more modern than expected. Several experts point to these models as the right balance of price, reliability, and features.
5
Lexus RX 350
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $550
Luxury vehicles should cost more to own, right? When you choose the Lexus RX 350, that answer is completely false. The RX benefits from strong parts support, impressive reliability, and shared commonality with the Toyota Highlander. These factors make it affordable to maintain and repair, ensuring you can drive a luxury SUV without the high costs associated with European badges. Add the extremely durable V6 powertrain in used versions, and you’ve got a winning formula.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2013-2015 And 2018-2021
These model years had ironed out any issues associated with the first or second model years of each generation, making them more reliable. The proven 3.5-liter V6 engine is the main reason these model years are some of the best for the Lexus RX 350. The 2013–2015 models have already taken most of their depreciation, and the 2018–2021 models offer modern safety and infotainment tech without causing massive ownership costs.
10 Midsize SUVs With The Lowest Maintenance Costs In 2025
Here are a mix of midsize SUVs that tend to be pretty affordable to maintain, which can really change the way you feel about your car longterm.
4
Mazda CX-9
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $539
Three-row SUVs often come with high maintenance and repair costs due to their size and power requirements, but the Mazda CX-9 takes a different approach. It has a strong reputation for reliability and a powertrain that’s much more affordable to maintain than that found in full-size three-row SUVs. You get a stylish three-row midsize SUV with a near-luxury interior without the headaches of most other three-row vehicles.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2019-2021
Mazda refined the second-generation CX-9, making the 2019-2021 models the sweet spot. Depreciation should keep this SUV’s price lower than many rivals’, making it a virtual bargain when you find the right one. The CX-9 comes with a refined turbocharged engine, excellent interior quality and styling, and these model years have had fewer complaints than earlier models.
3
Chevrolet Equinox
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $537
The Chevrolet Equinox might be the most boring SUV on this list, but that could be its secret sauce, making it the right choice for many buyers. The Equinox is one of the most affordable vehicles on the market; parts and labor are comparatively cheap, and you’ll find used versions on nearly every lot you visit. The Equinox does its job very well, but it doesn’t have the cache of the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, making it a surprisingly affordable choice.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2020-2023
The 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox model years avoid the issues of older generations and come far enough after the 2018 redesign to avoid early generational issues as well. The Equinox is one of the most affordable and practical SUVs on the market, and it’s even more affordable when you find a used model that continually delivers a quality ride without the fuss of much more expensive vehicles.
2
Hyundai Tucson
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $500
Hyundai
The Hyundai Tucson is an interesting entry, offering modern, tech-rich interiors, impressive standard warranty coverage, and lower purchase prices than class leaders from Honda and Toyota. The surprisingly affordable aspect of the Tucson is its depreciation. Without the resale cache of Japanese rivals, the Tucson depreciates faster than class leaders, making it more affordable from start to finish for shoppers looking for a used SUV.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2020-2022
If you want modern styling and tech while enjoying the pricing advantages associated with depreciation, these are the model years to look for in the Hyundai Tucson. These models also have improved reliability scores compared to earlier models, efficient engines, and lower insurance costs, making the Tucson affordable from every angle.
10 Mid-Size SUVs That Depreciate The Most After 5 Years Of Ownership
These models could prove to be a bad long-term investment, though some praise the incredible bargain they pose when used.
1
Buick Encore GX
Average Annual Ownership Costs: $466
The Buick Encore GX isn’t the most popular choice in its class, which is part of what makes it affordable. It’s more affordable to purchase, maintain, and insure than most premium-level vehicles. You’ll have a premium-looking cabin, impressive fuel-economy figures, and shared parts and labor support with Chevrolet, making it more affordable to maintain the Encore GX than expected.
Best Model Years To Buy Used: 2022-2024
2024 Buick Encore GX front cabin
The Buick Encore GX is the newest vehicle on this list, replacing the smaller, often criticized Encore. This means long-term data isn’t available, but the 2022–2024 models are the most sensible years because they avoid the early launch-year issues that often occur with a new vehicle. This premium SUV can be bought for mainstream money and won’t drown you in maintenance and repair costs, making it one of the most surprisingly affordable SUVs to own.
Sources: OEMs, RepairPal, CarEdge, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, iSeeCars, AutoTrader