Family cars might sound boring, but in truth, they’re the most exciting cars of all because they’re the cars that take you to graduations, recitals, games, and birthday parties. They’re the cars for when the weather’s rough, when someone’s sick, and for every single morning on the way to school, work, or both. With some smart shopping, safe and reliable family transportation on a $20,000 budget can be found in many forms, including sedans, minivans, and SUVs.
Here are 10 of the best used family cars you’ll find for less than $20,000.
1. 2015 Toyota Sienna
A perennial pick in the family vehicle segment, the Toyota Sienna is, for many, the benchmark of practical, easy-to-access, reliable family transportation. The 2015 Sienna that fits our budget gets a standard V6 engine, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and third-row seats that stow flat. See used 2015 Toyota Sienna models for sale near you
2. 2016 Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey, like the Sienna, is always near the front of the family-vehicle class. Because our budget affords a somewhat newer 2016 Odyssey, features like Honda’s LaneWatch camera system, an available in-vehicle vacuum cleaner, and even a rear-seat entertainment system with Dolby 5.1 surround sound are available. See used 2016 Honda Odyssey models for sale near you
3. 2015 Toyota Highlander
The 2015 Toyota Highlander isn’t a minivan, but it still has three rows of seats, offers full-time AWD when equipped with the V6 engine, and has lots of cargo space. To get the hybrid variant, rated at 28 mpg city/highway, look for a 2014 model. That year should fit within our $20,000 budget. See used 2015 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
4. 2015 Honda Pilot
Larger than the CR-V, the 2015 Honda Pilot can seat up to eight. It also gets great fuel economy for its size, comes with sliding/reclining second-row seating for more flexible use, and has easier access to the roomy third row. See used 2015 Honda Pilot models for sale near you
5. 2018 Subaru Outback
The 2018 Subaru Outback‘s wagon body style belies its high ground clearance and standard AWD, making it one of the most rugged options on this list. It’s also spacious, comfortable, and gets great safety scores. See used 2018 Subaru Outback models for sale near you
6. 2017 Toyota RAV4
Compact crossover SUVs are the wagons of the modern era, and the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a great example of a crossover that’s ready for affordable family duty thanks to its roomy cabin, ample cargo capacity, and efficient engine with available AWD. See used 2017 Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
7. 2016 Honda CR-V
Like the RAV4, the 2016 Honda CR-V is a mainstay of families across the country, with great reliability, safety, and features. It’s also easy to drive, comfortable, and, in Touring form, includes Honda Sensing advanced safety features. See used 2016 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
8. 2017 Kia Sedona
The 2017 Kia Sedona was one of the most affordable minivans when it was new. It carries that value forward, letting our $20,000 budget encompass a newer, more feature-rich vehicle, with even Nappa-leather-upholstered top-line SX Limited models within reach. See used 2017 Kia Sedona models for sale near you
9. 2017 Honda Accord
A Kelley Blue Book Best Family Car award winner when new, the 2017 Honda Accord is comfortable, roomy, efficient, safe, and practical. It also comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on most trims. See used 2017 Honda Accord models for sale near you
10. 2016 Ford Expedition
The 2016 Ford Expedition (in both standard and extended-wheelbase EL form) is a true outlier on this list, offering up to 9,200 pounds of towing capacity, a standard V8 engine, and immense passenger and cargo capacity. If you need a family vehicle that can also tow the boat to the lake, give the Expedition a look. See used 2016 Ford Expedition models for sale near you
10 Best Used Family Cars Under $20,000
- 2015 Toyota Sienna
- 2016 Honda Odyssey
- 2015 Toyota Highlander
- 2015 Honda Pilot
- 2018 Subaru Outback
- 2017 Toyota RAV4
- 2016 Honda CR-V
- 2017 Kia Sedona
- 2017 Honda Accord
- 2016 Ford Expedition
