Shopping for a new car can be tough if you’re on a tight budget. The average price of a new car is about $48,000 and “cheap” cars aren’t so cheap anymore. For example, the base-model 2025 Honda Civic costs $24,250, which may be out of range for most buyers. But what if we told you that you could afford a luxury car for less than the price of a new Civic?

No, it’s not going to be the latest and greatest Audi or Lexus, nor is it going to have the most impeccable interior or the best technology, but it will be nicer than a new Civic in other regards. The cars we have listed here are used luxury SUVs from the past decade or so that have suffered so much depreciation that they now cost less than a new Honda Civic. And while some of the current examples that you may find on the used market may not be super nice, they will at least drive well and fit your tight budget.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. The following entries are ranked by their average used prices.

10

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Average Used Price: $12,630

Who needs a Honda Civic when you get 10 times the class and elegance as a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC? The GLC offers all the fancy features you would expect from the German automaker, including a well-appointed leather interior with comfortable seating for five and plenty of safety and technology.

Performance Specifications

Some standout features include a surround-view camera, LED ambient lighting, and an 8.4-inch screen with onboard navigation. However, it’s worth noting that the maps on the navigation system are likely outdated. Regardless, the GLC has all the luxuries you could want, not to mention a powerful engine under the hood, which completely trumps anything a new Civic has to offer.

9

2018 BMW X3

Average Used Price: $15,873

If you like your SUVs a little more on the sportier side, then the 2018 BMW X3 could work for you. This iteration of the X3 comes in two different flavors, the milder xDrive30i and the spicier M40i. But if you want to stay within a tight budget, we recommend looking for the former.

Performance Specifications

Under its hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power for daily commuting and light off-road driving. Its suspension is also fairly comfortable, but stiff enough to handle tight, curvy roads, if that’s the type of spirited driving you like. And inside, the X3 is filled with the luxuries you would want and need, including leather seating surfaces, supportive seats, and plenty of technology. Ultimately, with its blend of style and sportiness, the

BMW X3
is a great choice for those wanting a luxury SUV with a bit of a wild side.

8

2018 Acura MDX

Average Used Price: $17,887

When it comes to used luxury SUVs, the 2018 Acura MDX is a safe choice. The MDX has a proven track record of being reliable and typically costs less to maintain than its German counterparts. Additionally, the MDX satisfies most drivers’ needs when it comes to power and comfort.

Performance Specifications

Under its hood is a powerful V6 engine that provides plenty of towing and passing power, while its suspension offers a comfortable and sporty ride that matches well with its surprisingly responsive steering. Inside, the MDX has an impressive number of tech features, as well as comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, making it an excellent and value-driven option for shoppers on a sub-$20,000 budget.

7

2019 Jaguar F-Pace

Average Used Price: $19,255

Driving enthusiasts will love the 2019 Jaguar F-Pace as it combines the driving enjoyment that you would find in a sports sedan with the impeccable styling that Jaguar is known for. It also has a spacious and well-appointed cabin with room for four adults and space for their luggage.

Performance Specifications

There are also a few different engine choices, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. From a slow, but efficient diesel engine to a supercharged V6, the Jaguar F-Pace can definitely keep pace with nearly anything on the road, in addition to the driver’s active lifestyle. If you want a like-to-drive and an added dose of luxury, the Jaguar F-Pace deserves a spot on your shopping list.

6

2019 Volvo XC60

Average Used Price: $19,618

The 2019 Volvo XC60 is a unique luxury SUV in that it combines genuine Swedish styling with a host of safety features and strong engine choices. The 2019 XC60 has a large roster of features, including blind-spot monitoring with a rear-cross traffic alert, a self-parking feature with parking sensors, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.

Performance Specifications

Safety features aside, the XC60 is also decked out with plenty of luxuries like a soft leather interior, a 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system, and heated seats. The top-level Inscription model even comes with massaging seats, but finding one of those for less than $25,000 could be tough. Regardless, if you’re looking for a different kind of luxury SUV, the Volvo XC60 is worth checking out.

5

2020 Audi Q5

Average Used Price: $20,135

When it comes to German SUVs, the 2020 Audi Q5 splits the difference between what Mercedes and BMW have to offer. While most Mercedes vehicles are on the softer end of the spectrum and BMWs are on the sportier end, Audi is right in the middle. That said, the Q5 offers plenty of luxury and comfort while remaining a good car for driving enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of a good-handling SUV on a winding back road.

Performance Specifications

The Audi Q5 features a responsive and powerful turbocharged engine that’s mated to a quick-shifting automated manual. Together, they provide an engaging driving experience that’s further enhanced by the brand’s Quattro AWD system. Additionally, the Audi Q5 has a well-crafted interior with many luxurious amenities and creature comforts, making it a gem in the used luxury SUV market.

4

2019 Infiniti QX50

Average Used Price: $20,670

Although it’s easy to dismiss the Infiniti QX50 as being just another luxury SUV, it has something unique to offer over its contemporaries. Under its hood is an innovative turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable compression, referred to as VC-Turbo. The engine produces 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which is a good amount of power for the size and weight of the SUV. But it does this by varying the compression ratio to fit the driving conditions, which allows it to be more powerful or fuel-efficient depending on what the situation calls for.

Performance Specifications

However, most drivers may not care about what’s going on in the engine while driving, so we will note that the QX50 also has a well-crafted interior with leather and all kinds of technology. It’s also very fun to drive and provides a supple ride for long trips.

3

2018 Porsche Macan

Average Used Price: $21,008

While the 2018 Porsche Macan can provide a similar amount of capability and utility as the other SUVs on this list, it is by far the best driver’s car among the rest. Its adaptive suspension and sporty tires allow it to hug turns with ease and its turbocharged engine gives it the power that you would expect from the automaker.

Performance Specifications

Inside, the Macan’s cabin is filled with premium materials and advanced technology, which create a refined and driver-focused cabin. Whether you drive the Porsche Macan on a tight canyon road or a long highway cruise, it is certain to deliver an engaging and comfortable driving experience.

2

2019 Acura RDX

Average Used Price: $21,034

The 2019 Acura RDX is a well-rounded luxury SUV with plenty to offer. Inside, you’ll find a well-crafted interior with plenty of amenities and tech features to suit a family and daily commuters. And under the hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides nearly 300 horsepower and is well-matched to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.

Performance Specifications

That power goes out to all four wheels via the brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, but a front-drive configuration is also available. There are also a few different trim levels to choose from, but for the most style, we recommend the A-Spec trim level with its two-toned color scheme and sporty-looking interior design.

1

2019 Lexus NX

Average Used Price: $21,507

Among all the luxury SUVs on this list, the 2019 Lexus NX proves to be a smart choice for its penchants for style and comfort. The NX has a cozy, and somewhat snug cabin with softly cushioned seats and a roster of high-end features. It also has a unique exterior style that’s daring, but not too overbearing.

Performance Specifications

The NX is also fairly powerful with its turbocharged engine that provides a good amount of pep around town and when passing slower cars. There’s also a hybrid version available, but if you want to keep costs low, we recommend finding one of the base models, which are typically priced in the low $20,000 range.