10 Most Reliable Used Japanese Pickups And SUVs Under $20,000

Aug 06, 2023

These highly reliable used SUVs and trucks are available for less than $20,000.

Pickup trucks have made a significant and lasting impact on the nature of work across the world for decades. Their versatility, ruggedness, and utility have made them an essential tool in various industries and sectors. By the turn of the 21st century, SUVs built upon truck platforms started gaining popularity with their neat combination of comfort, improved driving dynamics, and utility. Today, the SUV segment has expanded to include different kinds from affordable compact crossovers to full-size luxury SUVs, and they form the most popular automotive segment.

The COVID pandemic saw vehicle prices skyrocket in the new and used car markets with supply chain issues making it impossible to meet the increased demand. But the market is starting to stabilize, and now might be the right time to go shopping for a used truck or SUV. Japanese cars are some of the most reliable vehicles out there, so it might be worth looking that direction, where you'll find numerous affordable deals for used but dependable trucks and SUVs.

We researched reliable sources including Kelly Blue Book, RepairPal, Car Edge, and J.D. Power and found these reliable trucks and SUVs going for less than $20,000.

The Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling mid-size truck for nearly two decades, which is an unbelievable achievement when pitted against capable rivals like the Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado. Affordability, strong resale value and proven reliability and dependability have been key to this success.

The 2015 model is one of the most reliable Tacoma years to buy used, boasting a J.D. Power rating of 85/100 on reliability, and below-industry-average 10 year maintenance cost of about $6,420 according to Car Edge.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Access Cab

$15,404 - $17,469

$22,765

PreRunner

$18,089 - $20,456

$23,784

TRD Pro

$23,067 - $26,078

$37,964

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Lexus practically brought to life the mid-size luxury crossover SUV segment after introducing the Lexus RX in 1998. It remains the benchmark for reliability, versatility, and resale value in the segment. Used 2014 models go for as little as $14,995 according to KBB data.

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is one of the more reliable model years, with zero recalls. Also, it has a lower than average ownership cost of $550 and a RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

RX 350

$14,995 - $18,186

$48,260

RX 350 F

$14,709 - $17,840

$51,650

The Toyota RAV4 effectively started the compact-crossover-SUV segment, and it has remained a best-selling option thanks to its bullet-proof reliability and exceptionally strong resale value. The 2018 model has retained its value well, but you can still find a used example for as low as $18,124.

J.D. Power awarded the 2018 RAV4 a great score of 88 out of 100 in the quality and reliability category. RepairPal estimates an average annual repair cost of $439 with a severity and frequency of repairs much lower than other vehicles.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

LE

$18,124 - $20,433

$27,464

XLE

$19,313 - $21,774

$28,554

Adventure

$19,038 - $21,463

$30,054

SE

$18,685 - $21,066

$31,485

The Nissan Frontier has been available since 1997 and has remained solidly reliable besides a few years in the mid-2000. It is also one of the most affordable mid-size trucks on the market, with the 2014 model available for as low as $10,726.

RepairPal ranked the 2014 Nissan Frontier first out of seven mid-size trucks, with an excellent reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

King Cab S

$10,726 - $12,405

$21,130

King Cab SV

$11,266 - $12,987

$23,735

Desert Runner

$12,292 - $14,085

$24,780

Pro-4X

$15,558 - $17,563

$32,165

The Toyota 4Runner is undoubtedly one of the most off-road capable midsize SUVs that also serves as a good commuter vehicle, with an impressive towing capacity. You also get to class-leading reliability and great value retention. You have to go back to the 2013 model to find examples listed for less than $20k.

The 2013 4Runner has a Repair reliability rating of 4.0 and an average yearly maintenance cost of about $559.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

SR5

$19,654 - $24,137

$35,155

Trail

$17,933 - $22,024

$39,010

Limited

$20,242 - $24,779

$42,075

Besides the under powered powertrain and outdated tech, the 2019 Nissan Rogue boasts one of the most upscale and spacious cabins in the compact SUV segment. But it is one of the more fuel efficient and affordable options you can buy on the used market for under $20k.

The Nissan Rogue has an excellent annual repair cost of about $467 and an above average RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out 0f 5.0.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

S

$16,408 - $19,411

$27,245

SV

$17,810 - $21,071

$28,665

SV Hybrid

$17,912 - $21,191

$30,045

SL Hybrid

$18,606 - $22,013

$33,985

SL

$19,572 - $23,155

$34,200

Mazda introduced its famous SKYACTIV Technology and the Kodo-Soul of Motion design ethos with the CX-5 in 2012. The CX-5 has since undergone refinement and is currently one of the most appealing choices in the compact SUV segment.

There are only two generations of the CX-5, and it has maintained a high build quality and reliability. RepairPal awards the 2019 model an excellent rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Base

$15,482 - $17,527

$25,325

Touring

$18,555 - $20,838

$27,660

Grand Touring

$18,335 - $20,536

$31,090

Grand Touring Reserve

$23,068 - $25,671

$35,845

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander won KBB's best mid-size SUV 5-year cost to own award for 2019. This SUV isn't the most popular, thanks to its uninspiring looks and a weak base engine. But it is a great option for the budget-conscious buyers, with used 2020 examples fetching as little as $14,256.

RepairPal awards the Mitsubishi Outlander a reliability rating of 4.0, ranking it 8th among 26 compact SUVs.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

ES

$14,256 - $17,997

$26,235

SE

$17,518 - $21,059

$27,625

LE

$19,122 - $22,856

$28,825

SEL

$20,175 - $24,276

$31,025

Few three-row midsize SUVs on the market for under $20k can beat the Toyota Highlander, which comes in a well refined, comfortable, accommodating and well-equipped package.

Reliability is one of the Highlander's strengths, with few models showing severe issues across two decades in regular production. The 2013 model is one of the best to buy used, with a great J.D. Power rating of 81/100.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Base

$11,789 - $14,474

$33,613

Plus

$12,573 - $15,436

$34,709

SE

$13,277 - $16,300

$37,648

Limited

$15,185 - $18,644

$41,038

RELATED: 10 Indestructible Classic SUVs Worth Their Weight In Gold

The Honda CR-V is an efficient and capable SUV that gave rise to the car-based crossover formula alongside the RAV4 in the mid-90s. It is still going strong, and the 2016 model is one of the most reliable units you can buy for less than $20k.

The 2016 Honda CRV posts one of the lowest annual repair costs at $326 and received one of the highest RepairPal reliability ratings with a 4.5 out of 5.0.

Trim

Used Market Range

Original MSRP

LX

$13,106 - $14,989

$26,045

EX

$15,773 - $17,990

$28,295

EX-L

$17,790 - $20,289

$30,745

Touring

$18,294 - $20,865

$34,395

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Bryan is an engineer and seasoned writer, deeply engrossed in the world of tech and the Automotive industry. As a staff writer for HotCars.com, he explores topics ranging from the pioneering Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. By day, he crafts compelling articles; by night, he delves into programming. When not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.