What Are the Best Used Cars for $15,000?

With looming tariffs over the auto industry, it’s no secret that used-car prices will also likely be affected. This means you’ll have to work harder to find a good buy on a safe, reliable used car. But affordable pre-owned cars still exist. We poured over Cars.com’s listings to find a selection of solid vehicles for around $15,000. Click the links below to see our picks if you’re on a $10,000 or $20,000 budget.

Related: What Are the Best Used Cars for $10,000?
Related: What Are the Best Used Cars for $20,000?

We included a variety of vehicles that accommodate different needs and tastes, including cars, SUVs, minivans and even a pickup truck. Vehicles older than the 2013 model year are excluded, as such examples are likely to have higher mileage and more mechanical problems. All vehicles on our list meet specific criteria: First, Cars.com editors have judged them to be good vehicles for the years in question. They also all have respectable reliability scores in U.S. Vehicle Dependability studies by analytics company J.D. Power. Finally, none of the vehicles below have raised any red flags in crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cars.com analyzed thousands of used-car listings as of March 2025 to identify vehicles that meet the criteria and have a median price range between $12,500 and $17,000. Median prices indicate that half of all examples are priced above the mark and half below — so you should be able to get one for around $15,000.

Unless noted otherwise, the listings below include all body styles and powertrains offered in those years. If you tap the link to each vehicle’s model years, details and reviews, you’ll see complete data on trim levels and features you might find while shopping.

Here are our safe and reliable used-car choices for around $15,000, listed by type. Of note, our listed EPA mileage comes after revisions the agency issued in early 2016 that may affect stated mileage as far back as 2011. As such, figures on certain older cars below may not align with the original window-sticker mileage.

Best Used Cars for $15,000

Here are our top picks that meet all the criteria and fall within the $15,000 range:

1. 2015 -17 Acura ILX
2. 2016-18 Chevrolet Volt
3. 2015-17 Honda Civic
4. 2016-18 Mazda3
5. 2017-19 Toyota Corolla
6. 2015-16 Toyota Prius
7. 2015-17 Toyota Prius v
8. 2014-16 Acura RDX
9. 2015-16 Honda CR-V
10. 2015-17 Mazda CX-5
11. 2017-19 Nissan Rogue
12. 2015-16 Toyota RAV4
13. 2017-18 Ford Fusion
14. 2014-17 Honda Accord
15. 2015-17 Mazda6
16. 2014-17 Toyota Camry
17. 2017-18 Volkswagen Passat
18. 2013-14 Lexus RX
19. 2015-17 Nissan Murano
20. 2014-15 Toyota Venza
21. 2013-14 Toyota Highlander
22. 2017-18 Buick LaCrosse
23. 2013-16 Toyota Avalon
24. 2014-16 Honda Odyssey
25. 2013-15 Toyota Sienna
26. 2013-14 Honda Ridgeline
27. 2018-19 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Compact Cars

2015-17 Acura ILX

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $13,000-$15,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 25-29 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2016 with optional front crash prevention); Top Safety Pick (2017 with optional front crash prevention)

Acura is Honda’s luxury division, and if you want a premium alternative to the Civic, this is it. Based on the Civic’s bones, the ILX was an all-new entry model for Acura for the 2013 model year. But it’s not just a dressed-up Civic — it’s lower and heavier than its Honda sibling, with upgraded suspension bits and steering, too. The ILX is noticeably quieter than a Civic, and its interior is competitive with entry-level premium sedans of its day. Ride quality is good, and handling is competent.

For 2015, the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has a good balance of power and fuel efficiency; an upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder that came only with a manual transmission was optional. The ILX was refreshed and went to a single drivetrain option for 2016 — a 2.4-liter mated to a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission — and also added a sporty A-Spec Package.

Research Acura ILX model years, details and reviews.

Research Acura ILX Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

2016-18 Chevrolet Volt

• Type: Four-door, five-seat plug-in hybrid hatchback
• Median price: About $13,000-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 106 mpg-equivalent, with 42 mpg as a hybrid after 53 miles of all-electric range on a full battery charge
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2017 with optional front crash prevention); Top Safety Pick (2018); 2016 not rated but many good scores

The main appeal of the Volt PHEV is a useful all-electric range for daily driving and good fuel economy. The second-generation Volt unveiled for 2016 gained a longer electric-only range and dropped the previous generation’s need to use premium fuel. Its gas-electric hybrid drivetrain is powered by an 18.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors good for a combined 149 hp, along with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that acts primarily as a generator. For longer trips free of range anxiety, the Volt gets about 53 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine kicks in to keep the batteries charged until the next charging stop.

The second-gen Volt was also a significant upgrade over the Prius of its day, both in driving manners and interior quality. The Volt gained a more usable interior with dedicated knobs and switches for its most frequently used controls, as well as a standard backup camera. However, while it technically had a fifth seat in the back, we found it to be nearly unusable even for children.

Research Chevrolet Volt model years, details and reviews.

2015-17 Honda Civic

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan or hatchback, or two-door, five-seat coupe
• Median price: About $13,000-$16,500
• EPA combined fuel economy: 25-36 mpg (gas-only); 44 mpg (2015 hybrid); 31 mpg-e (2015 natural gas)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2015, 2017 coupe and sedan); Top Safety Pick+ (2016 coupe and sedan); Top Safety Pick (2017 hatchback)

The 2015 Honda Civic offered buyers plenty of choices, with both coupe and sedan body styles, as well as manual and continuously variable automatic transmissions, and even natural-gas-powered and hybrid versions in addition to the standard gasoline-fueled ones. We wouldn’t recommend the natural-gas variant unless you have easy access to that harder-to-find fuel, however. If you’re looking for a bit more power and fun, we recommend the manual-only Si trim, but even the base trim offered a significant upgrade in ride and handling compared to the Toyota Corolla of its time. These Civics also offered plenty of standard features, including a USB port, backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity. For 2016, the Civic was redesigned and the hybrid and natural-gas models left the lineup. Honda expanded the lineup with a new four-door hatchback body style for the 2017 model year, as well as the sporty Si and high-output Type R versions, the latter of which hadn’t been available in the U.S. previously.

Research Honda Civic model years, details and reviews.

Research Honda Civic hybrid model years, details and reviews.

2016-18 Mazda3

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan or hatchback
• Median price: About $13,000-$15,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 28-33 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2016 with optional automatic emergency braking, 2017 with optional automatic emergency braking and specific headlights); Top Safety Pick (2018)

The Mazda3 was redesigned for 2014 with a sleek new look and upgraded interior, but it retained core values like good handling and driving fun. It offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with the more powerful 2.5-liter getting increased fuel efficiency. But the Mazda3 continued to have a tighter rear seat, firmer ride and less cargo room than a lot of rivals, so compact-car shoppers who value practicality over driving fun should look elsewhere. The 2017 model year brought styling, interior and media updates, but the Mazda3 still didn’t offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which had become widely available by then. A low-speed front collision system with automatic braking was available for these years; it became standard on all trims for 2018.

Research Mazda3 model years, details and reviews.

2017-19 Toyota Corolla

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan or hatchback
• Median price: About $12,500-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 30-34 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2017 sedan); Top Safety Pick (2018 sedan); no award for 2019 sedan but many good scores

The 2017 Corolla got a light update with a big new grille. More importantly, it also got an impressive infusion of standard safety and driver-assistance features, including a backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. The top XLE trim level offered a media system with navigation and 7-inch touchscreen but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. What hadn’t changed was the nameplate’s strong reliability, as well as its roomy but downscale interior, economy-car driving feel and noisy engine. The Corolla also inherited a hatchback stablemate for 2017, dubbed the Corolla iM; it was previously sold as the Scion iM before Toyota retired the brand. For 2019, Toyota launched an all-new Corolla Hatchback that was based on a separate platform from the sedan.

Research Toyota Corolla model years, details and reviews.

Research Toyota Corolla iM model years, details and reviews.

2015-16 Toyota Prius

• Type: Four-door, five-seat hybrid hatchback
• Median price: About $13,500-$16,500
• EPA combined fuel economy: 48-56 mpg
• Safety rating: Top Safety Pick+ (with optional automatic emergency braking)

The 2015 Toyota Prius has many virtues (including exceptional gas mileage and a roomy cabin), but it has its flaws, as well (such as a busy and noisy ride and a dated cabin compared to its rivals). Its optional forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking helped the hatchback earn top IIHS safety scores. Along with updated styling, the Prius grew for 2016, increasing cargo space, and a new platform improved handling and ride quality. Though the retuned engine’s output decreased slightly, fuel-economy estimates increased to 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway thanks to lighter hybrid components; an Eco version was even more efficient. A lithium-ion battery was used on some variations.

Research Toyota Prius model years, details and reviews.

2015-17 Toyota Prius v

• Type: Four-door, five-seat wagon
• Median price: About $14,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 41 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (all years with optional automatic emergency braking, 2017 with optional automatic emergency braking and specific headlights)

With its quirky styling and basic interior, the Prius v is clearly part of the Prius family. The more upright wagon adds the cargo space of a small SUV, but the trade-off is less impressive hybrid gas mileage. Occupant space is about the same, so if you don’t need the extra hauling capability, a regular Prius hatchback would be a better choice. Like the regular Prius, the Prius v has tepid power and can be a little noisy, and there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability offered for these model years. Depending on mileage and location, used examples may have some battery warranty remaining (the original warranty was eight years/100,000 miles or 10 years/150,000 miles for states that followed California emissions standards).

Research Toyota Prius v model years, details and reviews.

Compact SUVs

2014-16 Acura RDX

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $14,000-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 22-23 mpg
• Safety rating: Not rated but still good scores (2014-15); IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2016-17)

A 2013 redesign brought a transformation of the RDX from a sporty but quirky small SUV into a bigger, more comfortable V-6 luxury cruiser. The cabin is quiet and upscale, with very comfortable leather seating as standard equipment and adequate cargo space. The ride is smooth, and handling remains competent (if dulled) from the previous generation’s racetrack-ready capabilities. Bluetooth and a USB port were standard, and an 8-inch touchscreen was optional. The RDX continued with little change through 2015. For 2016, the RDX got lightly updated, with fresh front and rear styling outside and a new optional multimedia system inside; several advanced safety options were also new for this year, such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist and adaptive cruise control.

Research Acura RDX model years, details and reviews.

2015-16 Honda CR-V

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $13,000-$16,500
• EPA combined fuel economy: 27-29 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (with optional automatic emergency braking)

The CR-V earned a reputation as a carpool SUV, but with good reason. The wide door openings and a low step-in height and cargo floor make it handy for juggling kids and car seats. With an interior laden with family-friendly features and a large cargo area, the CR-V is a good choice for a small family. The 2015 model year saw a mid-generation freshening with styling updates, a new four-cylinder with more torque, and a CVT that replaced the former conventional automatic. The combination delivers good gas mileage for an SUV, and the CR-V’s suspension is tuned for comfort, not spirited driving. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seat is a bit stiff, and interior materials are more utilitarian than upscale. All trim levels have Bluetooth and a backup camera, and the top Touring trim level adds adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

Research Honda CR-V model years, details and reviews.

2015-17 Mazda CX-5

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $13,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 26-29 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2015-16 with optional automatic emergency braking; 2017 with specific headlights)

The Mazda CX-5 was an all-new compact SUV for the 2013 model year. The 2014 CX-5 addressed a major criticism that the debut model was woefully underpowered with the option of a bigger 2.5-liter four-cylinder (the CX-5 otherwise had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder); it made a big difference without sacrificing fuel economy. Beyond that, the CX-5 was stylish and a little smaller than some other compact SUVs of its day, with an adequate rear seat and cargo area in its well-appointed interior. As with other Mazdas, the CX-5 distinguishes itself with better handling — and a firmer ride — than most of the competition, not to mention a multimedia system that trails many rivals for overall usability. An update for 2016 included exterior styling tweaks, updated cabin materials, a revised infotainment system, additional connectivity features and a retuned suspension. For 2017, the CX-5 was refreshed with fresh styling and several newly available features, including a heated steering wheel, reclining rear seatbacks and a power liftgate. The previous-generation CX-5’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission were dropped, leaving only a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic.

Research Mazda CX-5 model years, details and reviews.

2017-19 Nissan Rogue

• Type: Four-door, five- or seven-seat SUV
• Median price: About $14,000-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 24-34 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2017 with optional forward collision warning and specific headlights); Top Safety Pick (2018-19 with specific headlights)

There’s a good reason why the Rogue is such a popular choice: It has ample space for both passengers and cargo, a comfortable ride and a nice interior at a reasonable price point. The Rogue added an available third row with its 2014 redesign, but it’s really only usable for small children and was dropped for the 2018 model year. Nissan also added popular options for 2018, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and an available expanded driver-assist suite. For 2019, the Rogue got a standard front crash prevention system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, as well as a standard rear door alert system.

For 2017, a hybrid model was also available, but it sold in small numbers and is relatively rare on the used market. While the Rogue’s ride is generally quiet, the CVT can be noisy at times. (Note that we’re talking about the Rogue here, not the subcompact Rogue Sport or Rogue Select, which was a previous-generation Rogue that was sold at the same time as this generation.)

Research Nissan Rogue model years, details and reviews.

Research Nissan Rogue Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

2015-16 Toyota RAV4

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $16,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 24-26 mpg (gas model); 32 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2015), Top Safety Pick+ (2016)

The RAV4 has consistently been one of the most popular compact SUVs, and it’s no wonder, as its solid reliability, affordable prices, decent features and good safety scores make it a compelling package. The 2015 model used a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a backup camera was standard. For 2016, the RAV4 was refreshed with new styling and safety tech, and a hybrid with standard AWD was added to the lineup.

Research Toyota RAV4 model years, details and reviews.

Mid-Size Cars

2017-18 Ford Fusion

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $13,000-$14,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 20-27 mpg (gas-only); 42 mpg (hybrid); 97 mpg-e with 42 mpg after 22 miles of all-electric range on a full charge (PHEV)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick

This generation of the Fusion, redesigned for 2013, offered a foursome of four-cylinder engines, three of them turbocharged, as well as an improved gas-electric Fusion Hybrid and plug-in Fusion Energi. A new Sport trim, added for the 2017 model year, brought a 325-hp, twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 to the powertrain party. The Fusion came with standard FWD, with AWD offered on top trim levels. Among non-hybrid models, the mileage king was a new-for-2014 turbo 1.5-liter engine. Despite some hard-to-use controls and a lack of trunk space in the Energi, the Fusion was more fun to drive than most of the competition and classier in terms of looks and interior design — as long as you avoid the base S variant, which came with a notably cheaper-looking interior. A refresh for the 2017 Fusion brought a better multimedia system, increased storage in the redesigned center console and updated safety tech. The Fusion carried over largely unchanged for 2018.

Research Ford Fusion model years, details and reviews.

Research Ford Fusion Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

Research Ford Fusion Energi model years, details and reviews.

2014-17 Honda Accord

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan or two-door, five-seat coupe
• Median price: About $13,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 21-30 mpg (gas-only); 47-48 mpg (hybrid); 115 mpg-e with 46 mpg after 13 miles of all-electric range on a full charge (PHEV)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2014 and 2016-17 with optional forward collision warning); Top Safety Pick (2015)

Along with Toyota’s Camry, the Accord is one of the go-to choices in mid-size sedans for a pleasant, smooth and quiet family car. It was redesigned for the 2013 model year, with a sportier coupe sold alongside the sedan, as well as a more refined interior with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port for even the base trim’s media system. The Accord offered four-cylinder, V-6 and hybrid powertrains (as well as a PHEV for 2014). The four-cylinder is a good choice — adequate and efficient without sacrificing trunk space for the hybrid’s batteries. However, the Accord Hybrid at the right price could be a good pick for commuter duty; it skipped model-year 2016 but came back for 2017.

Research Honda Accord model years, details and reviews.

Research Honda Accord Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

Research Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

2015-17 Mazda6

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $13,000-$15,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 28-32 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2015-16 with optional automatic emergency braking, 2017 with optional automatic emergency braking and specific headlights)

Sometimes overlooked among mid-size sedans, the Mazda6 is the fun-to-drive choice for these years — not to mention one of the more stylish ones after its 2014 redesign. The new generation also brought Mazda’s SkyActiv powertrain technology with significantly improved fuel efficiency for the four-cylinder, while the prior generation’s V-6 option was dropped. In higher trim levels, the Mazda6’s interior has a more premium, driver-centric design than most in the class, though noise can intrude. Low-speed automatic emergency braking was available on higher variants and figures into the sedan’s IIHS safety ratings. The 2016 Mazda6 got some mild styling tweaks, a revised dashboard, availability of higher-speed automatic braking and a new media system with center console controller.

Research Mazda6 model years, details and reviews.

2014-17 Toyota Camry

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $13,000-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 24-28 mpg (gas only), 38-40 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2014 built after Toyota made changes in December 2013 to improve crashworthiness); Top Safety Pick+ (2015-16 with optional automatic emergency braking, 2017 with optional automatic emergency braking and specific headlights)

The Camry is a safe, reliable mid-size family sedan that’s good at most things and thrilling at none. The 2014 model’s roots date to a redesign for the 2012 model year, while the 2015 model brought more aggressive exterior styling. But a 2015-17 Camry feels and drives about the same as before; it’s also about the same on the inside — comfortable but a little low-rent — with media tech that’s a step behind others of its era. V-6 and hybrid versions were available, but the standard four-cylinder is the sweet spot for fuel-efficiency and price.

Research Toyota Camry model years, details and reviews.

Research Toyota Camry Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

2017-18 Volkswagen Passat

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $12,500-$14,500
• EPA combined fuel economy: 23-29 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2017)

The Passat is a great but often overlooked choice for a mid-size car with a comfortable, spacious interior full of quality materials, a smooth ride and confident handling. A turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was standard, with a 3.6-liter V-6 available on the highest SEL Premium trim. The 2017 model year carried over many of the improvements from the Passat’s 2016 mid-cycle refresh, including extra safety features, infotainment upgrades and better gas mileage. The 2017 model also added forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking as standard equipment. A backup camera, Bluetooth and a USB port were standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. For 2018, a new 174-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder replaced the turbocharged 1.8-liter, and a sport-oriented Passat GT joined the lineup.

Research Volkswagen Passat model years, details and reviews.

Mid-Size SUVs

2013-14 Lexus RX

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $16,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 20-21 mpg (gas-only); 28-29 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (both years)

The Lexus RX is an SUV for grown-ups: impressively quiet, smooth-riding and unflappable. The cabin offers leather and real wood trim (though you could get cloth seats in base models, too). The powertrains — a gas-only V-6 in the RX 350 and a gas-electric V-6 hybrid in the RX 450h — go about their business without drama, which also describes the RX’s competent but less-than-sporty handling. The seats are comfortable; the sliding backseat is roomy; and Lexus offered a wide range of optional amenities. Lexus’ multimedia system was fine for its time, but some will find the console-mounted joystick controller cumbersome. Shoppers looking for racier styling can hunt down the sportier-looking F Sport version.

Research Lexus RX 350 model years, details and reviews.

Research Lexus RX 450h model years, details and reviews.

2015-17 Nissan Murano

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $13,000-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 24 mpg (gas-only); 27-29 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2015-16 with optional automatic emergency braking); Top Safety Pick (2017 with optional automatic emergency braking)

Love it or hate it, the Murano’s swoopy styling turns heads, and it envelops a comfortable interior with a near-luxury look and feel. The Murano is a quiet, smooth-riding, spacious mid-size SUV for shoppers who don’t need a third row. It’s not exactly exciting to drive, but it’s an excellent cruiser with plenty of power from its standard V-6 — a factor that helped it top four rivals in a 2016 Cars.com comparison test. Controls are nicely arranged, and an 8-inch touchscreen was available on upper trim levels. Rear visibility falls victim to the SUV’s styling, but a backup camera was standard and the upper two trim levels came with a 360-degree camera system. A four-cylinder hybrid version was added for the 2016 model year, but the gas mileage gain wasn’t huge. For 2017, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity became available.

Research Nissan Murano model years, details and reviews.

Research Nissan Murano Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

2014-15 Toyota Venza

• Type: Four-door, five-seat SUV
• Median price: About $14,000-$15,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 21-23 mpg
• Safety rating: Not fully tested but several good scores

Toyota resurrected the Venza nameplate as a hybrid-only SUV for the 2021 model year, but the original Venza — a high-riding revival of the former Camry wagon — was powered by either a 181-hp, 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 (though it gets nearly the same mileage as the base four-cylinder). The 2014-15 Venza is a comfortable, well-behaved SUV with a nicer interior than the Camry of its time (not exactly a high bar). With a more carlike design that deviates from most mid-size SUVs, the Venza may turn off shoppers who want traditional upright SUV styling. The Venza can be a little noisy on the highway, with a ride on the firm side without a lot of payoff in handling. AWD was an option. A backup camera was standard for 2015.

Research Toyota Venza model years, details and reviews.

Full-Size SUVs

2013-14 Toyota Highlander

• Type: Four-door, seven- or eight-seat SUV
• Median price: About $14,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 19-22 mpg (gas-only); 28 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2013); Top Safety Pick+ (2014)

The Highlander’s reputation for reliability and high demand for SUVs has kept used prices up even for older model years. The 2013 Highlander is a smooth-riding SUV with a family-friendly, if cheap-feeling, interior. The second-row bench seat slides to allow passengers to compromise with those in the third row for legroom; it also has a novel, removable middle section that converts the bench to captain’s chairs with a pass-through. A backup camera came on all but the base trim. Four-cylinder and V-6 gasoline engines were offered; a V-6 hybrid version was also available, but it could be harder to find. For 2014, more adventurous styling, improved cargo space and available seating for eight were highlights of the Highlander’s redesign.

Research Toyota Highlander model years, details and reviews.

Research Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

Full-Size Cars

2017-18 Buick LaCrosse

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 23-25 mpg (gas only); 29 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2017); 2018 no awards but had many good scores.

The Buick LaCrosse was redesigned for 2017 and falls somewhere between the mid-size and full-size classes. It offers the kind of comfortable, quiet ride we’ve come to expect from Buick, as well as more trunk space than some of its larger rivals at the time, a standard V-6 engine and AWD. For 2018, a new mild-hybrid drivetrain became standard, and the V-6 was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity also became standard for 2018.

Research Buick LaCrosse model years, details and reviews.

2013-16 Toyota Avalon

• Type: Four-door, five-seat sedan
• Median price: About $15,000-$17,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 24-25 mpg (gas-only); 40 mpg (hybrid)
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2013, 2015); Top Safety Pick+ (2016)

Redesigned for 2013, the Avalon is a bigger (and nicer) alternative to the V-6 Camry that makes a good family road-tripper — though it trades the prior generation’s boatlike softness for somewhat firmer suspension tuning. The backseat has adult-size comfort, and the trunk is huge. Even the base trim has a lot of features, though it would be worth looking for one with the upgraded 7-inch touchscreen with navigation. Those looking for maximum frugality out of a big sedan should look for the Avalon Hybrid, which features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and dual electric motor combo that ekes out 40 mpg combined. A backup camera was added as standard equipment for 2014. A 2016 refresh brought updated exterior styling and interior trim.

Research Toyota Avalon model years, details and reviews.

Research Toyota Avalon Hybrid model years, details and reviews.

Minivans

2014-16 Honda Odyssey

• Type: Four-door, seven- or eight-seat minivan
• Median price: About $12,500-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 22 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2014 with optional front crash protection); Top Safety Pick (2015-16)

You can’t beat the practicality of a minivan when it comes to hauling the whole family, and it’s hard to beat the Honda Odyssey for value. The 2014-16 Odyssey includes eight seats as standard on all but its base LX trim and can fit up to three child-safety seats in the second row. All Odysseys were powered by a 248-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 Odyssey also introduced updated front and rear styling and a handy built-in vacuum system on the top Touring Elite trim; the 2016 Odyssey saw wider availability of the built-in vacuum system.

Research Honda Odyssey model years, details and reviews.

2013-15 Toyota Sienna

• Type: Four-door, seven- or eight-seat minivan
• Median price: About $13,000-$16,500
• EPA combined fuel economy: 19-21 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2013); Top Safety Pick+ (2015 with optional front crash prevention)

The 2013-15 Toyota Sienna is a roomy and comfortable people mover that was, at the time, the only minivan to offer AWD. For 2013, it lost its available four-cylinder engine; the standard engine was a 3.5-liter V-6. A backup camera was standard on all but the base trim level. Notable available creature comforts included lounge-style second-row seats, a 180-degree backup camera and a 16.4-inch dual-screen entertainment system. For 2015, the Sienna got upgraded interior materials, a revised control layout and additional convenience features, such as the Easy Speak voice amplification system; a backup camera also became standard across the lineup.

Research Toyota Sienna model years, details and reviews.

Pickup Truck

2013-14 Honda Ridgeline

• Type: Four-door, five-seat pickup truck
• Median price: About $14,000-$16,000
• EPA combined fuel economy: 17 mpg
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2013); 2014 not fully tested but had many good scores

The 2013-14 Honda Ridgeline offered some pickup truck utility with the ride, handling and fuel economy of a minivan, as well as some clever storage spaces. Power came from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive was standard. A backup camera became standard for 2013.

Research Honda Ridgeline model years, details and reviews.

Electric Car

2018-19 Chevrolet Bolt EV

• Type: Four-door, five-seat all-electric hatchback
• Median price: $13,000-$13,500
• EPA combined fuel economy: 119 mpg-e, 238-mile estimated range
• Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2019 models with optional front crash prevention)

2017 was the debut model year for GM’s Bolt EV, a small hatchback with a colorful interior, quick acceleration, competent handling and brakes, and a substantial range on a full charge. The standard onboard charging capability is fine for home and city use, but you’ll want one with optional fast-charging capability if you plan on taking any road trips. Convenience features like heated seats were also optional, as was an automatic emergency braking system that helped the Bolt EV earn its IIHS top safety ratings. Chevrolet’s standard 10.2-inch touchscreen has excellent graphics, but some Cars.com editors found the front seats to be thin and underpadded.

Used Bolt EVs of this vintage should also come with a new (or barely used, if it’s already been installed) battery thanks to a recent extensive recall; these replacement batteries come with an extended eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. Getting a Bolt EV with a brand-new battery and used-car depreciation becomes an even better deal if you qualify for the used EV tax credit, which could knock as much as $4,000 off of the Bolt’s price.

Research Chevrolet Bolt EV model years, details and reviews.

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