While many people use the terms crossover and SUV interchangeably, both vehicle types have some differences between them. The main difference between crossovers and SUVs lies in their design patterns. Crossovers are much more similar to other regular road cars because of their unibody design. They are also built on a car's platform, unlike SUVs. Traditionally, SUVs are set heavier and built on a truck chassis. Instead of unibody designs, SUVs are built with a body-on-frame design.
These differences make crossovers the better choice in some ways. Since these vehicles are lighter, they have better mileage and are more fuel-efficient, and it is easy to see why crossovers have become so popular. The entire riding experience in crossovers is also enhanced due to their design. Most manufacturers have very expensive crossovers, but if you are on a budget, you can get some cool used models for a lesser price. We take a look at ten used crossovers you can buy for $10,000.
10 2009 Lexus RX350 ($9,998)
The 2009 Lexus RX350 is an entry-level luxury crossover with a solid reliability history. While the Lexus RX350 isn't exactly sporty, it has the ride dynamics of a luxury sedan. The mid-size crossover is based on the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry platform. Lexus has both FWD and AWD systems available for the vehicle. Additionally, drivers who want a sporty ride can opt for the performance package, including air suspension and 18" wheels with performance tires.
The Crossover's interior has standard trimmings of natural wood and leather on the door panels, console, and steering wheel. For power, the RX350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and a torque of 281 lb-ft. The 2009 Lexus RX350 is available for $9,998.
9 2007 Honda Pilot EX-L ($8,491)
With three standard seat rows and eight seats, the Honda Pilot EX-L is an excellent fit for large families. Like the Lexus RX350, the Honda Pilot is available in FWD and AWD. Front-wheel-drive versions of the Crossover are equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology.
On the other hand, the AWD variants are exceptional at off-roading. If fitted with towing hooks, the Honda Pilot can tow up to 3,500lbs. The 2007 Honda Pilot has a solid unibody frame and can match strong competitors like the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe. EX-L models of the Pilot come with standard features like a sunroof, satellite radio, heated seats, and a navigation system. With $8,491, you can acquire a used 2007 Honda Pilot EX-L.
8 2005 Acura MDX Touring ($6,950)
Acura's MDX model has been in production since 2000 and is the first luxury crossover SUV to offer standard third-row seating. While Acura still makes the MDX, the latest model still uses the original 3.5L V6. The 2005 Acura MDX is a seven-seater crossover SUV with a lot of interior cargo.
For the 2005 model year, Touring models received new standard features such as an XM satellite radio and a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface. Under the hood, this crossover SUV is fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. The 2005 Acura MDX has top-rated crash test scores and many standard safety features. Acura's MDX Touring is available for $6,950.
7 2011 Toyota Venza ($9,923)
Although the 2011 Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover than can seat five, it is shorter than most of its rivals, making it look like a wagon. The Venza doesn't have a third seating row, and there's a lot of cargo space for storage.
When Venza's second row is up, the crossover has 34.4 cu-ft of space, and when folded, the vehicle has 70 cu-ft of space. Unlike most crossover SUVs, the Toyota Venza has a four-cylinder base engine. The base engine produces 182hp, and the optional six-cylinder engine delivers 268hp. With $9,923, you can buy a used 2011 Toyota Venza.
6 2010 Mazda CX-9 ($6,995)
Mazda did some mechanical and styling updates before releasing the CX-9 model in 2010. These updates include a refreshed exterior and interior design, upgraded build materials, and updated ventilation controls. They also refreshed the multi-information display system with a rearview camera.
To improve the vehicle's drive quality, Mazda changed the driver's position to a more car-like position. The 2010 Mazda CX-9 has no significant reliability issues and high crash test scores. For power, the crossover uses a 3.7-liter V6 with 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. At just $6,995, a used 2010 Mazda CX-9 is a bargain.
5 2013 Ford Escape ($8,495)
The Ford Escape is a reliable small Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) with various features. Ford based the crossover on a European model– the Ford Kuga. Built on an athletic chassis, the Ford Escape delivers a smooth, sporty ride quality.
Ford fitted the vehicle with a standard 2.5-liter engine that produces 168 horsepower and an available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 horsepower. The 2013 Ford Escape surpasses the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 in engine efficiency, and with $8,495, you can cop a used 2013 Ford Escape. Overall, used Ford models are pretty reliable, but there are certain things you need to know before being a used Ford Escape.
4 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo ($9,950)
Early into its release, the 2004 Porsche Cayenne had issues with its transmission system, but Porsche has fixed the problem. Of course, the Cayenne Turbo looks and drives like a Porsche. The interior is refined and luxurious with quality build materials. If you are looking for a backup vehicle that would save you on snow days, then you should consider the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
With regular and routine maintenance, the 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo will prove reliable. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo uses a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 450 horsepower and an acceleration rate of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds. Initially, this crossover had a starting price of $42,900-$88,900, but you can now buy a used model for $9,950.
3 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R500 4MATIC ($8,900)
Mercedes debuted the R-Class in 2006, and one of its main selling points is the variety of trims and engine choices. For 2007, Mercedes added two new trims– the R320 CDI and R63 AMG. The R320 CDI has a diesel engine for enhanced fuel efficiency, and the R63 AMG is tuned for performance.
Mercedes styled the R-Class to function as a minivan without the minivan look. Instead of sliding doors, Mercedes used doors that open wide for accessibility. The R-Class R500 is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 302hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. You can buy a used model for $8,900.
2 2013 Kia Sorento ($7,850)
The Kia Sorento from 2013 is not the most flattering design from the manufacturer, but it has numerous merits. For starters, most features in the 2013 Kia Sorento are standard. Front-wheel-drive is the standard configuration, but drivers can opt for the available AWD system.
Kia equipped the compact crossover with a standard 2.4-liter that produces 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. That doesn't look like much power, but the Sorento compensates with its sporty handling. Kia's UVO system allows drivers to control different features with voice commands. A used 2013 Kia Sorento is available for $7,850.
1 2007 Honda CR-V ($7,481)
From the features, it is obvious that the 2007 Honda CR-V was designed for families. While this small crossover SUV isn't the most powerful or the fastest in its class, it is a top competitor. The Honda CR-V is a well-balanced and practical CUV with the right features. From the dimensions, the Honda CR-V is longer than the Ford Escape.
All three passenger seats in the CR-V are equipped with LATCH. Also, all the major safety features are standard on all the CR-V trims. The standard 2.4-liter engine has 166 horsepower and 161l lb-ft of torque. A used Honda 2007 CR-V model is listed for $7,481. Before you place the order, these are some things you need to know before buying a used Honda CR-V.