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The 3 Best Used SUVs Under $15K - Subaru Outback Outscores Forester And Hyundai Tucson

Should you buy a used Subaru Outback or Subaru Forester? iSeeCars says the Outback is the better pick for used SUV shoppers. See why here.

What are the best used small and compact SUVs under $15,000 you can buy now? Based on iSeeCar's data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value, and safety, they picked the 2014 Subaru Outback as the number one pick for used SUV shoppers. Forester is just a little behind and ranks number two overall. Check out the three best-ranked SUV scores. 

The best used small to midsize SUVs Under $15,000 ranked by iSeeCars. 

iSeeCars says, "The best small and compact SUV under $15,000 is the 2014 Subaru Outback based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value, and safety. The 2014 Subaru Outback has an average price of $14,510 with an overall iSeeCars score of 8.8." 

2014 Subaru Outback is the best used car pick

"Behind the Outback is the 2014 Subaru Forester, with an average used car price of $14,220 and an iSeeCars score of 8.8. The number 3 best small and compact SUV under $15,000 is the 2015 Hyundai Tucson at $14,202 average price and 8.4 iSeeCars rating." 

For this analysis, iSeeCars looked at small and midsize SUVs under $15,000 that are 1 to 10 years old to determine the latest model year vehicles within the price range of $10,000 to $15,000.

2014 Subaru Forester is the second best used SUV

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

1. 2014 Subaru Outback

iSeeCars says the Outback is #2 of 61 of the best crossover SUVs. The Outback is ranked #2 of the 61 safest crossover SUVs and #2 of the 28 best crossover SUVs for the money. 

iSeeCars gives the Outback a score of 8.8 / 10, the reliability score is 8.4 / 10, value retention is 8.0 / 10, and safety is 10 / 10.

Average Used Car Prices by model year

2013 Subaru Outback: $12,705

2014 Subaru Outback: $14,510

2015 Subaru Outback: $17,573

What's new for the 2014 Outback?

Subaru EyeSight is available for the 2.5i Premium model; it integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick+

• "Superior" rating in IIHS Front Crash Prevention (FHP) when equipped with Subaru EyeSight

• All-Weather Package and Display Audio now standard for 2.5i Premium

• CVT transmission enhanced with adaptive control

• Revised option packages

• Aha smartphone integration included with the optional navigation

Note: Used car shoppers should avoid the 2013 Outback because it's the least reliable Subaru model. In addition, the 2013 Subaru Outback history report reveals 12 safety recalls indicated by the NHTSA. Consumer Reports gives the 2013 Outback a 3/5 for reliability.

2. 2014 Subaru Forester

The 2014 Subaru Forester is the second best used SUV under $15,000 overall, with an average used car price of $14,220 and an iSeeCars score of 8.7 / 10.

iSeeCars says the Forester is #4 of 61 of the best crossover SUVs. The Forester is ranked #4 of the 61 safest crossover SUVs and #4 of the 28 best crossover SUVs for the money. 

iSeeCars gives the Forester a score of 8.7 / 10, the reliability score is 8.1 / 10, value retention is 8.1 / 10, and safety is 10 / 10.

The Average Used Car Prices by Model Year

2013 Subaru Forester: $12,689

2014 Subaru Forester: $14,220

2015 Subaru Forester: $16,094

What's new for the 2014 Forester?

The 2014 Forester had an all-new design with improved performance, economy, comfort, and space.

• Up to 32 mpg estimated highway fuel economy

• New 250-hp direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer engine available

• New 6-speed manual transmission for 2.5i models

• New Lineartronic CVT, with 2.0XT also featuring 6-speed and 8-speed manual shift modes

• Enhanced Active all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control

• Available EyeSight driver assist technology

Shoppers looking for a used car should check out the 2014 Subaru Outback midsize SUV and the 2014 Subaru Forester compact SUV. They are the number one and two best used Subaru models recommended by iSeeCars data. 

You Might Also Like: iSeeCars Says Subaru Outback, Forester Are The Best SUVs Under $30K In 2 Categories

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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