Among the most important factors when buying a pre-owned SUV are the low price and the safety factor. At $15,000, customers can have their pick from off-road vehicles that have the highest security scores by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The machines can provide a balanced package of performance, ride quality, and safety, which cover both you and your family. In the present document we are going to principally recognize 10 of the greatest used SUVs for 15000 dollars or less which are substantially marked high in the IIHS safety rating, which implies that it indeed is a safe and cost-effective choice.
Why IIHS Safety Ratings Matter?
The IIHS safety ratings information is beneficial to notice to the buyers who want to drive safely and have the necessary survival in case of an accident. IIHS will examine the vehicles in the following aspects of car safety: Crashworthiness: The measurement of how well a vehicle functions to keep safe its passengers in case of an accident. Crash Avoidance & Mitigation: The evaluation of the technology designed to prevent accidents. Headlight Performance: The determination of the night driving visibility of the vehicle. Child Seat Anchors: The assessment of the difficulty of using the LATCH systems. A vehicle that gets a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating is a guarantee of excellence in safety and crash protection which may make it noteworthy among other vehicles of the same category.
10 Best Used SUVs Under $15,000 With Top IIHS Safety Ratings
2015 Honda CR-V
The 2015 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and spacious interior. It comes with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, producing 185 horsepower, and offers a comfortable ride. The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provide extra safety.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 185 hp |
Safety Features | Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Rearview Camera |
Fuel Economy | 27 MPG city / 34 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 39.2 cubic feet |
2016 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a sporty, fun-to-drive compact SUV with excellent fuel economy and sharp handling. It features Smart City Brake Support, which helps prevent low-speed crashes, and Blind Spot Monitoring for added awareness on highways.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 184 hp |
Safety Features | Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Stability Control |
Fuel Economy | 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 34.1 cubic feet |
2015 Subaru Forester
Equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the Subaru Forester is perfect for varying road conditions. Its EyeSight Driver Assist system includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, making it a safe choice for families.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 170 hp |
Safety Features | EyeSight Driver Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, All-Wheel Drive |
Fuel Economy | 24 MPG city / 32 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 34.4 cubic feet |
2014 Toyota RAV4
A reliable and durable SUV, the Toyota RAV4 provides strong resale value and excellent fuel efficiency. It comes with Traction Control, Stability Control, and a Backup Camera, ensuring peace of mind while driving.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 176 hp |
Safety Features | Traction Control, Stability Control, Backup Camera |
Fuel Economy | 24 MPG city / 31 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 38.4 cubic feet |
2015 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue offers a spacious interior with ample cargo space. It is equipped with Forward Emergency Braking and an Around View Monitor, making parking and maneuvering easier and safer.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 170 hp |
Safety Features | Forward Emergency Braking, Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning |
Fuel Economy | 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 39.3 cubic feet |
2016 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson features a sleek design with advanced safety features. Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking help keep drivers aware of their surroundings, making it a great family SUV.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 164 hp |
Safety Features | Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
Fuel Economy | 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 31.0 cubic feet |
2015 Ford Escape
With available turbocharged engine options, the Ford Escape delivers a peppy performance. Curve Control and the Blind Spot Information System enhance safety, making it a solid choice in the compact SUV segment.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 168 hp |
Safety Features | Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System, Electronic Stability Control |
Fuel Economy | 22 MPG city / 30 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 34.3 cubic feet |
2015 Chevrolet Equinox
A midsize SUV with a spacious and comfortable interior, the Chevrolet Equinox offers Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning for improved accident prevention.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 182 hp |
Safety Features | Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning |
Fuel Economy | 22 MPG city / 32 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 31.5 cubic feet |
2014 Volvo XC60
This luxury compact SUV emphasizes safety with features like City Safety Auto Braking and Lane Keeping Aid. Volvo’s legendary reputation for safety makes it a great choice.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 240 hp |
Safety Features | City Safety Auto Braking, Lane Keeping Aid, Pedestrian Detection |
Fuel Economy | 24 MPG city / 31 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 30.8 cubic feet |
2015 Jeep Cherokee
For those who love adventure, the Jeep Cherokee offers off-road capability while maintaining safety with Adaptive Cruise Control and Parallel Park Assist.
Feature | Details |
Engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 180 hp |
Safety Features | Adaptive Cruise Control, Parallel Park Assist, Hill Start Assist |
Fuel Economy | 22 MPG city / 31 MPG highway |
Cargo Space | 24.6 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Finding a safe and affordable used SUV under $15,000 is possible if you focus on models with high IIHS safety ratings. Whether you need a fuel-efficient crossover or an all-weather performer, these top 10 picks should be at the top of your list for 2025!
