The Best Used SUVs Under $40,000 Right Now

The used SUV market is one of the best places to find genuine value right now. Depreciation hits luxury and near-luxury SUVs hard in the first three years, which means you can often get a vehicle loaded with premium features for a fraction of its original price. Here are the models we recommend most frequently to our clients.

Cadillac Escalade (2018–2020) — $35,000–$42,000

The Escalade is the gold standard of American luxury SUVs, and a 2018–2020 model in good condition represents exceptional value. You get a commanding presence, a powerful 6.2L V8, and a genuinely premium interior. Look for the Premium Luxury or Sport trim for the best feature sets. Mileage under 60,000 is ideal. Known issues include magnetic ride control sensors and infotainment glitches — both manageable.

BMW X5 (2019–2021) — $32,000–$40,000

The fourth-generation X5 (G05) is a significant step forward from its predecessor — sharper to drive, more luxurious inside, and more technologically advanced. The xDrive40i (turbocharged inline-6) hits a sweet spot of performance and reliability. Avoid examples with the M Sport package that were clearly driven hard. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important on European vehicles in this price range.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (2018–2019) — $38,000–$45,000

For buyers who want performance alongside utility, the Trackhawk is in a class of its own. A 707-horsepower supercharged V8 in a family SUV is absurd in the best possible way. These have depreciated significantly from their $90,000+ original price. Maintenance costs are higher than average, and fuel economy is predictably poor — but for the right buyer, nothing else comes close.

Audi Q7 (2017–2019) — $28,000–$36,000

The Q7 offers three-row seating, a refined interior, and Audi's excellent Quattro AWD system at a price point that would have been unthinkable new. The 2.0T four-cylinder is adequate; the 3.0T supercharged V6 is the one to have. Budget for higher-than-average maintenance costs, as is typical with German luxury vehicles.

Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon (2019–2021) — $34,000–$42,000

If you need genuine three-row capacity and towing ability, the full-size GM twins are hard to beat. The 2019–2021 generation offers a strong 5.3L V8, a comfortable ride, and exceptional reliability compared to European competitors. The RST and Denali trims offer near-luxury appointments at a fraction of the cost of an Escalade.

How We Can Help

Finding the right used SUV at the right price requires knowing what to look for — and what to avoid. At RPM, we source vehicles from our network, verify their history, arrange independent inspections, and negotiate on your behalf. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll find it.