There are a lot of factors behind finding a good used SUV. It needs to be a balancing act of something that’s not too old enough to be considered a relic now, all the while being just used enough to give you the satisfaction of saving a considerable amount.

A sweet spot, as it turns out, is a five-year-old SUV. They definitely can’t be considered new anymore, but at the same time come with relatively modern conveniences and features intact. And since the Japanese manage reliability fairly well, it makes a lot of sense to consider a five-year-old Japanese SUV today.

Our list of ten used Japanese SUVs from the likes of Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Honda should help narrow down the options. We’ve ranked them on the basis of their average prices, and even detailed all the relevant specs and pros and cons, too.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, and Edmunds. Please note that we have ranked the following models in descending order of their average prices.

10 2019 Toyota 4Runner

Average Used Price: $34,583

Kicking things off on this list is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner. As far as indestructible off-roaders go, the 4Runner is right up there with the best. Granted, this model year was a touch long in the tooth, but its abilities aren’t in question.

Performance Specifications

It came powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that made a healthy amount of power, with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet on offer. One of its highlights was its 5,000 pounds towing capacity, which is impressive, especially in the present company. All in, with an average price of just under $35,000, it’s still well worth considering today.

Pros

• Great off-road capability
• Multiple configurations to choose
• Flexible cargo area

Cons

• Ride quality can be better
• Limited driver safety aids
• V6 isn’t fuel efficient

9 2019 Lexus RX

Average Used Price: $31,906

The 2019 Lexus RX was a bold statement by the carmaker. Its styling was its focal point: you either loved how daring it was, or you didn’t. Either way, the 2019 RX was, and still is, a great option to consider.

Performance Specifications

It came loaded with tech, had great ride quality, a capable 3.5-liter V6, and impressive fuel economy. With an average price of a touch more than $30,000, it’s hard to ignore the little SUV.

Pros

• Great cabin quality
• Brilliant ride quality
• Advanced safety features

Cons

• Lack of wireless connectivity
• Optional tech interface is distracting

8 2019 Toyota Highlander

Average Used Price: $27,465

In contrast to the current version, the 2019 Toyota Highlander wasn’t exactly what you’d call a slam dunk. It had its share of issues, especially the poor driving dynamics and the sub-par third-row space, but it still makes for a worthy used purchase in 2024.

Performance Specifications

It’s got great reliability, a capable set of powerplants, low maintenance costs, and a good number of safety features as standard. For an average price of $27,465, the 2019 Highlander needs to be on your list.

Pros

• Plenty of safety features as standard
• Strong V6 with good fuel economy
• Compliant ride

Cons

• Third row is cramped
• Limited wireless connectivity

7 2019 Lexus NX

Average Used Price: $26,375

For a five-year-old SUV, one thing that’s not in doubt is that the 2019 Lexus NX still somehow manages to look plenty fresh. It’s a compact, well-equipped, good-looking SUV that’s got a lot going for it.

Performance Specifications

It may only come with a 2.0-liter inline-four, but it drove well enough, as long as you weren’t in a hurry. The backseat was also quite comfortable, and maintenance costs are pretty low, too.

Pros

• Generous backseat space
• Available power-folding rear seat
• Low NVH levels

Cons

• Limited cargo space
• No Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Remote Touch interface can be distracting

6 2019 Mazda CX-5

Average Used Price: $20,594

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is one of the most capable used SUVs you can get from that time. It’s well-equipped, feels luxurious, and its styling has aged pretty well so far.

Performance Specifications

Despite being low on power, the CX-5 is an enjoyable car to drive thanks to its chassis. What gets in its way from being an all-rounder is the fact that the ride is on the firmer side and the rear legroom could have been better. Still, for just about $20,000, the 2019 CX-5 is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

• Fun to drive
• Great handling
• Premium cabin

Cons

• Firm ride
• Cramped rear legroom

5 2019 Nissan Murano

Average Used Price: $19,952

If all you’re looking for is a family-friendly SUV that’s efficient, sturdy, reliable, and fuss-free, then the 2019 Nissan Murano might be a good bet. An average price of just under $20,000 further sweetens the pot.

Performance Specifications

The downsides include limited cargo space, and a lack of modern features. Aside from that, though, the materials used in the cabin are high quality, and there’s enough room and comfort for a family of five.

Pros

• High-quality materials in the cabin
• Plenty of rear seat space
• Comfortable front seats

Cons

• Limited cargo space
• Low towing capacity

4 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Average Used Price: $19,890

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is an ideal contender for those on the lookout for an SUV that can deal with the rough stuff with as much ease as the on-road bits. It’s not the best-looking SUV out there, but it’s plenty capable.

Performance Specifications

There’s the standard all-wheel drive to look forward to, a responsive 2.0-liter flat-four engine, and a host of off-road tech, as you’d expect from Subaru. It’s also fairly reliable, and the build quality will see you through plenty of miles without any worry.

Pros

• Spacious interior
• High ground clearance
• Comfortable ride

Cons

• Weak performance
• Wayward handling

3 2019 Honda HR-V

Average Used Price: $19,041

The 2019 HR-V wasn’t the all-around success that Honda would have liked it to be. The styling was a bit of a hit-and-miss, and the powertrain wasn’t anything to write home about, either. Still, though, what’s commendable is that it’s held its value well over the years.

Performance Specifications

Average prices for the 2019 Honda HR-V stand at around $19,000, and for the money, you’d be getting a spacious cabin, a good amount of cargo space, commendable fuel efficiency, and impressive reliability.

Pros

• Good amount of cabin space
• Versatile cargo solutions
• Good fuel economy

Cons

• Weak power output
• High engine noise and vibration
• Quality of the cabin materials could be better

2 2019 Mazda CX-3

Average Used Price: $17,793

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 wasn’t exactly known for its exceptional SUV traits, but it was a hoot to drive and somehow managed to return some impressive fuel economy figures at the same time.

Performance Specifications

Over the years, its values have dropped a fair amount, which is great news if you’re in the market for a reliable, fun-to-drive, comfortable, and efficient Japanese SUV.

Pros

• Comfortable interior
• Engaging driving experience
• Good fuel economy

Cons

• Limited cargo space
• Cramped rear seat space
• Firm ride

1 2019 Nissan Rogue

Average Used Price: $16,952

Nissan’s 2019 Rogue made quite a mark, thanks to its bold styling, comfortable and spacious cabin, and good ride quality. It wasn’t the complete package by any metric, but it did quite a few things right to be a serious contender.

Performance Specifications

The 2019 Rogue wasn’t something you bought if performance was high up on your list, but as mentioned earlier, it had its positive attributes which made up for any weaknesses. Most importantly, its average price of $16,952 means it’s the most affordable on this list.

Pros

• Comfortable seats
• Good ride quality
• Plenty of safety aids as standard

Cons

• Weak performance
• Sub-par interior material quality