Best used large SUVs for less than £20,000

This just-replaced, first-generation Lexus NX has a few key points going for it. For starters, it should be very reliable; Lexus was named the number one brand in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey. Plus it can be had as a hybrid (badged 300h) within budget. It would rank higher on this list if it weren't for its fiddly infotainment and so-so, real-world fuel economy. 

We found: 2016 Lexus NX 300h 2.5 S, 46,000 miles, £19,995

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Here's another large SUV available as a hybrid for less than £20,000. The previous-generation Toyota RAV4 is a spacious, comfortable, reliable car and one that's easy to find on the used market. Prices are reasonable, even for hybrid variants, and it's a great all-rounder. Though some rivals may be more entertaining to drive and refined, this is a really decent choice. Also, Toyota finished in second place in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey.

We found: 2018 Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid Business Edition Plus, 45,000 miles, £18,995

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The previous-gen Hyundai Santa Fe is an immensely practical large SUV. It's roomy, with seven seats, and has a spacious boot. Its diesel engine may be somewhat gruff, but it's reasonably punchy and endows it with acceptable running costs. It's fantastic at towing as well, with manual models having a maximum capacity of 2.5 tonnes. 

We found: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Premium SE, 40,000 miles, £18,985

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The Kia Sorento is mechanically very similar to the 2013 to 2018 Santa Fe, and that's no bad thing; it shares a lot of that car's plus points. The model's diesel engine is rather good. It really shines when it comes to practicality though; it's hugely spacious, with seven seats on offer and a large boot. It ranks slightly higher than the Santa Fe because it's that bit more refined and has a nicer interior.

We found: 2018 Kia Sorento 2.2 KX-2, 64,000 miles, £19,700

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The Citroen C5 Aircross is one funky large SUV; however, it's not all form and no function. It's impressively comfortable, quiet and efficient on the road. Plus, there are plenty of two-year-old examples with low mileage going for under £20,000 on the used market. It doesn't have seven seats, but if you don't mind that, there's little to leave you wanting. 

We found: 2021 Citroen C5 Aircross 1.2 Puretech 130 Flair, 25,000 miles, £19,495

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There's no doubt the latest third-generation, 2018-onwards version of the premium X3 is a terrific car, but you won't get one for our budget. Don't fear, though, because this older second-gen car is still well worth considering. It performs admirably and is supremely classy, comfortable and good to drive. It's practical, too, and comes with a great infotainment system. It would have finished even higher if it weren't for the fact it's quite a pricey used proposition. 

We found: 2017 BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport, 50,000 miles, £19,000

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Classy, spacious and economical: that's the Skoda Kodiaq. It's extremely well-rounded and very easy to live with. It's available with a great range of petrol and diesel engines, two particular highlights being the smooth and efficient 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit and the punchy, economical 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol. And if you need seven seats, you'll find examples with just that quota. 

We found: 2018 Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI SE, 31,000 miles, £20,000 

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Previous generations of the Ford Kuga had been good-looking and popular cars but not models that particularly set the market on fire or moved the game on in any great way. However, this latest third-generation car has grown in size and gained a new look and adopted some more modern technology including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. It's a likeable, practical and efficient large SUV that's also good value used, although you may still have to shop around to find one below our set budget. 

We found: 2021 Ford Kuga 1.5 Ecoblue Zetec, 38,000 miles, £19,995

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This latest generation Audi Q5 can now be had for our budget, but only if you shop for one of the first models from 2017. It's a fantastic large SUV, with sharp handling, good performance and a classy interior. There's also a variety of punchy, yet economical engines to choose from. If you want a really premium-feeling SUV it's the one to go for, though, thanks to that plush interior and its refinement on the road. Only its high price prevents it from stealing the show here. 

We found: 2017 Audi Q5 2.0 Quattro S Line, 77,000 miles, £20,000

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Our number one recommendation here is the Peugeot 5008. It has the most plus points out of any car on this list; it's extremely practical, spacious and comfortable, and its engines are excellent. It's refined, too, and good to drive. Not to mention it's still really stylish inside and out, with a surprisingly plush interior finish. This seven-seater won't disappoint, and with prices starting at around £18,000 it offers almost unrivalled value for money in the segment. 

We found: 2018 Peugeot 5008 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure, 43,000 miles, £20,000

Find a used one for sale here