Here Are The 7 Most Popular Used Cars Under $20K

^{Author: Philip Uwaoma}

The clearest path to the most popular used cars is to determine what people are buying the most. The most popular can also be the fastest-selling, but that isn't always the case. For example, the fastest-selling used Cars 1 to 5 years old do not include the most popular used models in the top 10. Simply put, the most popular brands enjoyed the most sales at the end of the model year. 

Based on iSeeCars’ research study, the models below are the top 7 most popular used vehicles people are buying in America. Why should you care about this information? We’ll come to that in a minute. In any case, just because everyone is buying them doesn't necessarily mean you should, which is why we recommend the best used car to buy in each vehicle category on this list. 

This list of the most wanted used cars under $20,000 is based on a reputable research study, which you can trust because the survey looked at over 9.8 million 1- to 5-year-old used cars on the road to determine what people are buying the most. 

Related Reading: Here Are 10 Of The Fastest Sports Cars Under $10K 

Why Should You Care About The Most Popular Cars?

Understanding which cars are popular in the used car market helps you gauge their market value. Popular cars tend to hold their value better and have a more stable resale market, making them a safer investment compared to less popular models. 

Secondly, popular used cars are more likely to be available in a wider range of options, including different years, trims, and configurations. This gives you a better chance of finding the specific features and specifications you desire when shopping for a used car. 

If a particular make and model consistently appears among the most popular used cars, it likely has a reputation for reliability and durability. And if you’re selling, owning a popular model can work in your favor. A higher market demand for your model increases its resale value and makes it easier to find a buyer. 

More importantly, popular used cars usually have a large user base, resulting in easier access to spare parts and a wider network of service centers. This can make maintenance and repairs more convenient and potentially more affordable. 

Additionally, popular used cars often undergo extensive testing and receive more attention from experts and reviewers. This means you can find a wealth of information on their safety ratings, performance, fuel efficiency, and other important factors that can help you make an informed decision. 

While the popularity of used cars should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process, it is worth considering as part of your overall research before making the plunge. 

The 7 Most Purchased Used Cars In 2023

Below are brief overviews of the best-selling used cars you can buy for $20,000 or less, arranged by category and from the least to the most popular models. 

7. Toyota Tacoma – Most Popular Midsize Pickup Truck

Toyota introduced the third generation of the Toyota Tacoma for the 2016 model year. This model was a significant overhaul from the second generation, marked by a more rugged and aggressive design, improved interior quality, and advanced safety features. 

The 3^rd-gen Tacoma comes with two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. The base four-cylinder engine partners with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 can marry a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. 

Most shoppers favor the V6 model for its better power and towing capabilities. The Tacoma is well-regarded for its off-road capability, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims, which features a lockable rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. 

Inside, the 3^rd-gen Tacoma includes features like a standard touchscreen infotainment system, with available navigation, JBL premium audio, and advanced driver assistance technologies such as forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. 

The Japanese automaker aimed Tacoma at shoppers looking for a smaller truck for light to moderate towing and hauling tasks, as well as for off-road adventures. 

Compared to full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or Ram 1500, the Toyota Tacoma has a smaller footprint and is more maneuverable, making it suitable for urban driving and tight trails. It’s a great truck for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a capable truck for recreational activities. 

6. Jeep Grand Cherokee – Most Popular Used Midsize SUV

A 1.5% share of the used car market makes Grand Cherokee one of the most popular used cars on the market, tying with Ford Explorer with the same percentage of the used car market share. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a staple of the Jeep brand, known for its blend of off-road capability and on-road refinement, as well as its luxury features. Jeep launched the 4th generation Grand Cherokee (2011-2020) in 2011 – a considerable upgrade from the previous generation, featuring a more refined design, improved interior quality, and advanced technologies. 

It offered various trims, including the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and the performance-oriented SRT. Later in its life cycle, the even more powerful Trackhawk model entered the mix. 

Engine options included a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (available from 2014-2019), as well as a 6.4-liter V8 for the SRT and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 for the Trackhawk. 

The 5th and current generation Grand Cherokee launched for the 2021 model year while building on its predecessor's strengths, with an even more refined design, improved fuel efficiency, and more advanced technologies. 

The 5th generation also introduced a three-row variant for the first time, known as the Grand Cherokee L. The 5^th-gen Grand Cherokee retained the 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines from the previous generation and also introduced a plug-in hybrid model known as the 4xe. 

5. Toyota RAV4 – Most Popular Used Crossover SUV

The iSeeCars' study found that the RAV4 is one of the most bought used cars, with a 1.7% share of the used car market. It is closely followed by the Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape, both commanding 1.7 and 1.5 percent of the market, respectively. 

Based on TrueCar vehicle listing, prices for a used 2019 Toyota RAV4 currently range from $17,590, effectively making the RAV4 one of the best and most popular 1- to 5-year-old used cars to buy for under $20,000. 

Launched for the 2019 model year, the 5th generation Toyota RAV4 featured a significant redesign inspired by Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck, with a more rugged and aggressive look compared to previous iterations. 

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the 5^th-gen RAV4 offers improved handling, stability, and fuel efficiency. The typical powertrain for this generation is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Toyota also offers a hybrid model that combines the 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Standard features for this generation include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and several driver assistance technologies as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. 

Furthermore, the 5th generation RAV4 introduced the RAV4 Prime in 2021, a plug-in hybrid model with significantly increased electric-only range and power. 

Related Reading: 2023 Honda CR-V Versus 2023 Toyota RAV4: The Battle Of The Crossover Titans 

4. Toyota Camry – Most Popular Used Midsize Sedan

Kicking off in 2018, the 8th Generation Toyota Camry, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, features bolder styling, enhanced performance, and improved fuel efficiency. The exterior design is more aggressive than previous iterations, exemplified by a lower center of gravity and a more aerodynamic body. 

This generation of the Camry comes with several engine options, including a 2.5-liter inline-four, a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid system built around the 2.5-liter inline-four for the Camry Hybrid model. The standard transmission for these engines is an eight-speed automatic. 

Inside, the vehicle boasts a more modern and premium interior compared to its predecessors, with advanced technology features like the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a JBL premium audio system. 

It also includes Toyota's suite of advanced safety features, called Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. Toyota Camry has always topped the list of best-selling new and used vehicles around the world. 

3. Honda Civic – Most Popular Used Compact Car

The 10th generation Honda Civic (2016-2021) was introduced for the 2016 model year, featuring a complete redesign with a more aggressive and sporty exterior design compared to its predecessor. The 10th generation Civic offered both sedan and coupe body styles and introduced a new turbocharged engine option, along with naturally aspirated engine choices. 

The interior received upgrades, with improved materials, advanced technology features, and increased cabin space. The 10th generation Civic was known for its engaging driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and a range of available features such as touchscreen infotainment, Honda Sensing safety suite, and smartphone integration. 

The 11th generation debuted for the 2022 model year. It brought another redesign that further refined the Civic's exterior and interior styling. The 11th-generation Civic features a more mature and sophisticated profile. It comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles. 

This generation also introduced a new platform that improved overall ride quality, handling, and safety. The 11^th-gen Civic’s new turbocharged four-cylinder engine prioritizes fuel efficiency and performance. 

Yes, the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry are both classified in the midsize sedan segment. While the Civic has a technical classification as a compact car, it has grown in size over the years and competes in the midsize sedan category due to its interior space and overall dimensions. 

The midsize sedan segment is highly competitive, and the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry are often compared to one another as they are two of the most popular choices in this category. 

2. Chevrolet Equinox – Most Popular Used Compact SUV

Chevrolet introduced the Equinox’s third generation for the 2018 model year, bringing several updates and improvements compared to its predecessor. It offered a more modern, streamlined design, with sharper lines and a sleeker profile. It was slightly smaller and lighter than the previous generation, which resulted in improved fuel efficiency and better maneuverability. 

The interior received a significant upgrade in quality materials, comfort, and available technology. The compact SUV offered seating for five passengers and a versatile cargo area. 

The Equinox incorporated user-friendly technology features, including an infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and available advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 

Engine options for the third-generation Equinox included a range of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, aiming for a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Front-wheel drive was standard, with optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability. 

1. Ford F-150 – Most Popular Pickup Truck

The F-150 isn't just the market's most popular used full-size pickup truck. It's also the best-selling truck across segments. 

Commanding 3.3% of overall used car sales makes it the most popular used vehicle in America and places it immediately ahead of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, with a 2.8% share of the used car market, followed by RAM 1500 with a 2.3% share. Ford introduced the thirteenth generation of the Ford F-150 (2015-2020) for the 2015 model year. 

It marked a significant change for the nameplate as it featured a lightweight aluminum body, which helped improve fuel efficiency and overall performance. Despite the use of aluminum, the truck maintained its durability and towing capabilities. 

It used various V6 and V8 engines as well as a turbocharged V6 for enhanced power and efficiency. It also introduced advanced technology features, such as the SYNC 3 infotainment system, driver-assistance technologies, and improved interior comfort. 

The fourteenth and current generation debuted for the 2021 model year, bringing several updates and enhancements while building upon its predecessor’s success. 

Besides the upgraded high-quality cabin materials, advanced technology, and increased connectivity options, the fourteenth generation also introduced a hybrid powertrain option called the PowerBoost, which combined a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and power. 

It offered a wide range of engine choices, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid options. This generation boasts impressive towing and payload capacities incorporating innovative features like Pro Power Onboard, an integrated power generator system.