Best Used SUVs Under $20,000 for Off-Road Use

For maintained gravel roads, consider a 2019 Subaru Forester Premium. For steep, rutted trails that call for low range, start with a 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD or a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with Quadra-Trac II.

Check the exact configuration. A two-wheel-drive 4Runner lacks the 4WD equipment discussed here, and a Grand Cherokee with a 4x4 badge may have a different transfer case from another one on the lot.

Condition matters especially at this budget. “Under $20,000” refers to the advertised vehicle price before fees and taxes. The 4Runner may be harder to find within that limit: the national listing page showed an average asking price above $20,000 when checked, although some listings were below it. Check cheaper examples closely for mileage, corrosion and signs of hard use.

What the off-road stars mean

These are Autorrive equipment scores for stock vehicles, not results from a trail test. Use the highest level whose requirements the exact vehicle meets:

• ★☆☆☆☆ 1/5: two-wheel drive; primarily a road vehicle for this comparison.
• ★★☆☆☆ 2/5: AWD or 4WD without the verified equipment needed for a higher level.
• ★★★☆☆ 3/5: AWD, at least eight inches of published clearance, plus a dedicated low-speed traction mode and hill-descent control; no low-range transfer case required.
• ★★★★☆ 4/5: a low-range transfer case, with functioning traction-management equipment verified on the vehicle.
• ★★★★★ 5/5: low range, a locking rear differential and factory underbody protection, all verified for the configuration.

Tires, damage, modifications, load and driver judgment can change what a vehicle can safely handle. A five-star equipment score is not permission to attempt a particular obstacle or water crossing.

2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD: the low-range starting point

Off-road equipment: ★★★★☆ (4/5). The SR5 4WD has selectable four-wheel drive with low range. Toyota's brochure lists 9.6 inches of clearance for the 4WD model and EPA estimates of 17 city/21 highway mpg. The Trail version adds a locking rear differential; do not assume an SR5 has that equipment.

Why consider it: Low range is the main reason to choose this configuration over a crossover that relies on AWD and electronic traction aids.

What you give up: Fuel economy, plus a wider choice of vehicles within the budget. Staying below $20,000 may mean looking at older or higher-mileage examples. Check service records and the underside carefully, regardless of the model's reputation.

Ask the inspector to examine the frame and mounting points, look for impact damage and verify transfer-case operation using the manufacturer's procedure. Large tires and a lift are not automatically improvements; identify the parts, installation quality and any effects on steering or clearance.

2017 Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Trac II: verify the hardware

Off-road equipment: ★★★★☆ (4/5), when Quadra-Trac II is fitted and working properly. Jeep's brochure distinguishes this two-speed, low-range system from Quadra-Trac I. For the 3.6-liter V6 4WD configuration, the EPA lists 18 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg.

Why consider it: It offers another route to low-range capability when the 4Runner examples in your price range are too worn or too expensive.

What you give up: A simple comparison by trim name. Identify the engine, transfer case and suspension before comparing prices. If the vehicle has air suspension, have every height setting checked and any warnings investigated. Include any repairs in your budget.

A build sheet and an inspection are more useful here than a seller's broad “off-road package” description. Exclude any example whose actual equipment cannot be established.

2019 Forester Premium: for access roads and lighter use

Off-road equipment: ★★★☆☆ (3/5). Subaru specifies standard AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-MODE with hill-descent control on the Premium. The EPA rating is 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg.

Why consider it: Its ground clearance and traction aids suit campground access, uneven gravel and similar routes. It also has the best EPA fuel-economy figures in this three-vehicle comparison.

What you give up: The low-range transfer case available in the other two configurations. Deep ruts, abrupt ledges or routes that require sustained crawling call for a closer look at whether the Forester can safely handle the trip.

Decide with a route, not a badge

Describe the hardest route you realistically plan to use, including access restrictions and current conditions. Then inspect two candidates equipped for that job. Price the tires, overdue servicing and necessary repairs before committing the entire budget to the purchase.

If your driving is mainly paved, the main SUV guide and reliability comparison may produce a more useful shortlist. The midsize comparison puts the larger choices alongside family-oriented alternatives.