If there’s a used car hot commodity right now, it’s the SUV and crossover market. People cannot get enough of these practical, high-riding cars, and these vehicles continue to dominate the streets. There are many reasons why these SUVs have become so popular, but one reason, in particular, could be due to nostalgia from the ‘80s and ‘90s. These types of vehicles were first sprouting up and were unlike anything else on the road back then. It’s also likely that many people who are now of driving age want to own something similar to the old family haulers they grew up in. After all, many people feel nostalgic for wagons these days, so it should be no surprise that SUVs remain popular.

Updated January 2022: Finding an SUV on a budget can be a challenge. Especially with the dwindling capabilities, the go-anywhere SUV is an aging concept. We've updated this list to include all the new and used SUVs that you can purchase on a budget in 2022!

Originally, SUVs were based on truck platforms from a time when pickups needed to be capable vehicles that could to be used everywhere. As a result, older SUVs also benefited from those go-anywhere designs. However, unless you’re buying certain specialty vehicles, most of today’s SUVs have ditched their off-road capabilities. Many of these cars are required to achieve good fuel economy ratings and are designed to be easy to drive. Despite many manufacturers advertising how their crossovers can take owners on new adventures, these vehicles can’t tackle the trails as well as previous models. So, if you’re looking for an affordable, capable off-road vehicle that’ll live up to the past, there are many options on the used market.

Related: This Is Why 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Is The Best Used SUV

20 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

1972 Chevy K5 Blazer Classic SUV
Via: Mecum

The Jeep Wrangler is truly a relic from another time. It’s a convertible SUV that’s available in a two-door body style, something that wasn’t all that uncommon in the ‘70s and the ‘80s. However, other examples from that time were based on full-size pickups, making them considerably larger than the comparable Jeeps. One of the definitive examples of these vehicles was the Chevy K5 Blazer.

This tuck-sized two-door SUV had seating for four and a removable hardtop roof that wasn’t even available on Jeeps at the time. These were available with many different motor options, but the most desirable would be the small-block V8s. These trucks were available even all the way up to the very early ‘90s and can be yours for less than $20,000.

19 Dodge Durango

1999 Dodge Durango
Via Zombdrive.com

The first-generation Dodge Durango replaced another entry on this list. It also is a capable off-road machine based on the Ram trucks of the early 2000s. As such, after 2001, Dodge decided to use V8 engines in every Durango, making for a powerful SUV. Additionally, the Durango could haul more than 4,000-pounds, making moderate toys a breeze to pull.

Dodge also made sure to include a 4x4 system that allows it to crawl over some gnarly terrain. Further, the Durango is a bargin at less than $4,000 average. Fun off-road never looked so affordable.

18 Dodge Ramcharger

Dodge Ramcharger
via consumerguide

If you’re looking for a classic budget off-roader that’s unique and largely unremembered, the Dodge Ramcharger and its rarer Plymouth variant, the Trailduster, are good choices. This truck-like SUV was offered with a removable roof and was similarly capable to the Blazer and the Bronco. Despite its name, this vehicle has nothing to do with the Dodge Ram or the Charger; it predates even Ram pickups, as Dodge didn’t brand their pickups as Rams until the early ‘80s.

One of the more enticing features of the Ramcharger was the option for the legendary 440 big-block V8. While it was never as popular as its Chevy and Ford counterparts, The Dodge Ramcharger is still an unusual choice that is affordable—assuming you can find one.

17 Nissan Xterra

Nissan Xterra
Via Nissan Media

Out of the many different options available to the budget-conscious off-road enthusiast, many choices are limited in some regard. These vehicles often exhibit poor fuel economy, limited practicality, or are blandly styled. The Nissan Xterra was an intriguing example that does offer plenty of practicality decent fuel economy for an SUV, and its styling reflects the vehicle’s true capabilities.

It looks like it’s ready for the trails off the factory floor, with its bright color options, roof rack, and attractive body cladding. While the Nissan brand isn’t as well known for its capable SUVs in the US, the Xterra is a formidable beast on the trails, and it has a decently large aftermarket selection. And you can pick up these capable SUVs for well under $10,000.

16 Ford Excursion

Front 3/4 view of the Ford Excursion
favcars.com

Controversy has followed full-size SUVs since the Hummer H1, and even before. This controversy extended to the Ford Excursion, as well. Upon introduction, the Excursion faced harsh criticism for its gas mileage, and size. Despite the drawbacks, the Ford Excursion is quite capable.

The Ford Excursion is built on the F-250 chassis and is meant for off-road. Additionally, the Excursion could haul up to 11,000lbs, comfortably carry eight passengers, and have plenty of on-road comforts as well. Further, the Excursion sells for less than $20,000, making it a decent budget SUV.

Related: We Wouldn't Touch These Used SUVs With A 10-Foot Pole

15 Jeep Wrangler

1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Via-Wrangler TJ Forum

Of course, one of the most well-known off-roaders globally is on this list. With twin live axles connected to a straightforward ladder chassis, the Wrangler is about as capable as a car can get. No other new vehicles can match its extreme suspension flex, as others have moved to independent suspension for improved drivability. However, newer Jeeps are hardly affordable vehicles, as they hold their value extraordinarily well.

As a result, if you want a cheap Wrangler, you need to look at older models—much older models. Even the two-generation old TJ Wrangler can still have asking prices of over $10,000, depending on the condition. Thankfully, even ancient models are still plenty capable, meaning that the original YJ Wrangler can still take trails like no other. And because of the YJ’s age and unloved square headlights, Wranglers can be picked up cheap.

14 Suzuki Samurai

1985-1995 Suzuki Samurai
Via SMclassiccars

There have been surprisingly few Jeep competitors over the years. With the ridiculous popularity of the Wrangler, it’s frankly surprising that so few manufacturers have been willing to make an alternative to it. However, it seems that no competitor can dethrone the king, and few are willing to gamble against it. Despite this, there was a particular example from the ‘80s and ‘90s: the Suzuki Samurai.

It's a well-known, capable off-roader with many avenues for modification.

To address the elephant in the room, the Samurai has a reputation for rolling over easily. However, it’s worth noting that many older SUVs and trucks from its time were hardly stable vehicles either. Possibly due to its infamous reputation, the Samurai can be picked up for cheap and can make for a fun off-road project.

13 Chevrolet Suburban

2004-Chevrolet-Suburban-2
Via WilsonCountyChevroletBuickGmc

The Chevy Suburban has started to resemble its name, as suburban areas are the most usual place to find these massive beasts, usually hauling entire families around. While the Suburban has been offered with a Z71 off-road package, it’s simply too big and too low to the ground to be a competent off-road vehicle. The Z71 is better than the standard model, but it’s still not enough to make it a genuinely proficient off-road beast. At least, that’s true of the newer models.

The older examples that were available from the ‘70s through the early ‘90s, however, are an excellent base for a modified off-road build.

The Suburban can be made into a capable off-roader with twin live axles and a tall ride height due to its old truck chassis. Best of all, Suburbans can be found for less than $9,000—that’s a lot of car for the money.

12 Jeep CJ

1983 Jeep CJ-7 Classic SUV
Via: Mecum

While the Wrangler is often the first vehicle to come to mind when one thinks of the Jeep brand, it was far from the first Jeep with that design. The model that the Wrangler replaced was the CJ (short for "Civilian Jeep"), which is still a competent and easily modifiable off-road vehicle. With a production run that spanned decades after World War II, there are still many around in various states of repair. Thankfully, these old Jeeps are easy to fix, and many parts are available.

Due to its long lifespan, the CJ was available in many different trims and special editions and had plenty of other engine options, including a couple of V8s.

If you’re willing to take a gamble on your own safety and drive something slow, you can have an affordable Jeep that'll legitimately go anywhere. Finding one should be somewhat easy, even as prices for the CJ have climbed to almost $20,000.

11 Ford Bronco

1979 Ford Bronco--MotorTrend
via: MotorTrend

There was a time when cheap, truck-based, open-top off-roaders were widely available. The definitive example of such vehicles is the Ford Bronco. Given that the original model is such a classic today, it’s hard to picture that these small trucks were used as general workhorses. This designation makes it difficult to find clean original examples of the early cars. Due to the rarity and the high value of the first Broncos, cheap models are likely in need of repair.

Instead, look for the final generation of the Bronco, which has plenty of off-road equipment and offers a choice of stout small-block Ford V8s.

While it was no longer offered, the open-top has forever been linked to a particular infamous police chase, none that stops the final Bronco from being an excellent choice for a cheap beater SUV. In fact, early 1990s Broncos are valued at only $15,000!

10 Nissan Pathfinder

2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Via Youtube: Jeremy Ellis

Before the Xterra, Nissan’s Pathfinder was the brand’s entry into the SUV craze in the mid-‘80s. Available in either two-door or four-door flavors, the Pathfinder was hardly a unique offering at the time. However, it can still handle the tougher trails with its tall ride height, and it has plenty of room for chunky tires.

Unfortunately, it’s not as capable as other older models on this list, as it features independent front suspension, which reduces flex. That said, it’s hardly a lowrider when it comes to off-roading. Even the later models still exhibit plenty of desirable off-roading traits. Making up for the downfalls is the Pathfinder’s low price. Original models can be found for only a couple of grand, making it an affordable starting point for a trail rig.

Related: Everyone Seems To Love These 10 used SUVs... But They Shouldn't

9 Isuzu VehiCROSS

Isuzu VehiCROSS parked outside
Via automobilemag.com

The early 2000s saw a few innovations in the SUV category, as some of the earliest examples of modern crossovers started to pop up. It also saw the rise of gigantic SUVs that pushed the boundaries of taste. However, despite many innovators from the time, such models haven't aged well and are often mocked compared to today’s offerings. One example that has aged well is from a brand that no longer sells vehicles in America.

The Isuzu VehiCROSS was a two-door SUV based on the larger Trooper chassis but was considerably shorter. This crazy-looking SUV has a tall ride height and generous approach and departure angles. For around $10,000, there isn’t a more unique off-roader on the market than the VehiCROSS. Just make sure not to get too much mud on the red leather.

8 Jeep Cherokee

The Original Jeep-Cherokee XJ
via commons.wikimedia.org

If there’s a vehicle that Jeep is well known for besides the Wrangler, it would be the XJ Cherokee. It's blocky styling, seven-slot grille, and small stature undeniably scream "Jeep" to anyone who sees it. Despite lacking an open-top or a body-on-frame chassis, the Cherokee is every bit as capable as a Jeep should be.

With front and rear live axles, bulletproof engine options, and absolutely endless modification choices, the Cherokee is one of the best options for a budget off-roader.

That is, so long as you’re willing to pick up an XJ model with several hundred thousand miles on the odometer. However, the 4.0-liter AMC straight-six is both easy to fix and well known for its longevity. As a result, high mileage on an otherwise clean example shouldn’t phase a potential buyer. Especially at less than $12,000, the XJ Cherokee is a steal!

7 AMC Eagle

1984 AMC Eagle Classic Crossover SUV
Via: Bring a Trailer

The SUVs of today are, for the most part, crossovers. SUVs are traditionally either truck-based or are purpose-built for SUV use. On the other hand, crossovers are based on a car platform or are designed to exhibit car-like driving characteristics over off-road capability, despite appearances that may suggest otherwise. One of the precursors to crossovers was the AMC Eagle. The Eagle was basically the standard AMC Concord that was lifted and given a four-wheel-drive system.

In today’s era of Subaru Outbacks and Audi Quattros, it doesn’t sound too special, but in the 1980s, it was revolutionary. There are many ways these Eagles can be modified to further their off-road capabilities. It was even offered in a sleek coupe body style, a design that has yet to be repeated on the off-road market. Today, the AMC Eagle averages $10,000, making it relatively affordable!

6 Subaru Forester

2001 Subaru Forester
Via: Concept Carz

It may be hard to believe, but Subaru hasn’t always been the famous company that it is now. Today, the company sells a wide range of vehicles that are all offered with all-wheel-drive and are widely advertised for their safety. However, back in the early 2000s, Subaru was starting to gain some traction.

The Subaru Forester was first offered in 1997, and while it's not the brute force SUV that many other options are, it is quite capable off-road. With the standard AWD system, almost 9-inch ride height, and solid reliability, the Forester is a perfect option off-road. Additionally, finding a Forester won't drain the bank, either, at less than $4,000 on average.

5 Jeep Grand Cherokee

1993-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SUV
Via: BringaTrailer

After the Cherokee came out and took over the SUV world in the ‘80s and the ‘90s, its larger and younger brother was released, and it was called the "Grand Cherokee." This new Jeep was more luxury-oriented and was considerably heavier than the smaller XJ Cherokee. Despite this fact, the Grand Cherokee didn’t lose much in the way of off-road capability. It still offered a front live axle until 2004, making it a reasonable option for crawling over chassis-twisting rocks.

When it comes to power, it was offered with the same bulletproof 4.0-liter as the standard Cherokee. However, the Grand Cherokee could be had with a 5.2-liter Mopar V8 for extra power or a 5.9-liter V8, making it one of the fastest SUVs. Given how popular the car was when it was new, the Grand Cherokee can be found for only a couple of grand.

4 Toyota Land Cruiser

1995 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80
via Bring A Trailer

If cars like the Jeep Wrangler, the Land Rover Defender, and the Mercedes G-Wagon are just too flaky and impractical for you, then there’s really only one option left: the Toyota Land Cruiser. Few cars are as widely known for their durability, capability, and reliability as the Land Cruiser. However, the Land Cruiser is a unique and desirable beast, and it's become a classic that holds its value exceptionally well.

The most affordable examples of the Land Cruiser are the ‘90s and early 2000s generations, which are every bit as capable and reliable as one would expect from a Land Cruiser.

Look for cheap, high-mileage options, as these cars can just plow through hundreds of thousands of miles with little complaint. Make sure to check for Lexus LX models as well, as they're virtually the same as the Toyota and are similarly priced.

3 Isuzu Trooper

Isuzu Trooper
Via: Charles, Flickr - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Before Isuzu pulled out of the American market, the brand tried several new models to make buyers return to the brand. While that didn’t work at the time, the Isuzu Trooper managed to be a somewhat popular choice in the ‘90s. While a Trooper may seem basic by today’s standards, it’s about on par with what could be found on ‘90s SUVs while not compromising on off-road capabilities.

Possibly due to the brand’s absence in the US, Troopers can be found for well under $5,000, leaving buyers plenty of money to build a capable machine. Given its size and design, it is an excellent base for those looking for a budget Overlanding vehicle. With the model becoming more forgotten as time goes on, it may be more difficult to find these SUVs in the future.

2 Toyota 4Runner

2002_toyota_4runner_front_angular_view_left
Via: BringATrailer

The Jeep Wrangler is often praised for retaining an uncompromised off-road-oriented design. While it deserves this praise, it’s not the only example that remains available today. The Toyota 4Runner, while not as hardcore as the Wrangler, is still an incredibly capable SUV with legitimate off-road suspension and a body-on-frame chassis.

These days, it’s one of the few SUVs still on the market available with such a setup. However, retailing at over $30,000, new models are a little too expensive to be an off-road beater. Alternatively, the first few generations of the 4Runner can be found for $4000. The earliest examples even have a removable roof, much like older Chevy Blazers and Ford Broncos. Of course, being a capable Toyota, there are a lot of parts available, both for repairs and for improving the 4Runner’s off-road capabilities.

1 Land Rover Defender

1997 Land Rover Defender
Nick Taylor via Flickr

Possibly the most iconic off-roader in the world is the Land Rover Defender. These are extremely capable vehicles that have been offered in many different body styles over their long production. Due to the insane number of Defenders produced, they can be had for very little money throughout the world. However, in the US, the Defender is a forbidden fruit, as it was only commercially available for a couple of years before being pulled from the market.

As a result, American models can command ridiculous prices, given their rarity and region-specific options. However, even in America, imported examples of the two-door ‘90’ Defenders can be had for around $45,000 or less. That may sound like a lot, but the Defender is a worldwide icon that's incredibly capable and rare in the US. At that price, it's worth every penny.

Sources: KBB, FuelEconomy.gov, Expedition Portal, Autotrader, Toyota,