For U.S. shoppers in 2026, the 2021 Honda CR-V is the best-supported pick in the available under-$25,000 small-SUV evidence: iSeeCars reports an average used price of $24,788 and ranks it first in its reliability-focused budget list. That does not make it the cheapest 2021 SUV, or prove it is the best deal in every market. The available figures do not support a strict national price ranking of all five-year-old SUVs; they cover compact-SUV price bands, different model years, and distinct valuation methods.
How this price ranking works
“Five-year-old” means approximately model year 2021 for this article, written in 2026. The strongest available comparison is among small and compact SUVs, not every SUV class. iSeeCars’ under-$25,000 list evaluates eligible used small/compact SUVs one to six years old and ranks for reliability within that price range; it is not a low-to-high list of matched 2021 asking prices. Its broader used-car analysis combines reliability, value retention and safety, drawing on more than 12 million new and used vehicles, according to iSeeCars.
Accordingly, the order below identifies useful price-led candidates, while keeping actual price evidence distinct from reliability rankings and other context. An average from a listing dataset is not a guaranteed local asking or transaction price. To determine which SUV is cheapest for you, compare listings with the same model year, mileage, trim, drivetrain, condition and title history in your area.
Best used small SUVs under $25,000, ranked by the available price evidence
1. 2021 Honda CR-V — strongest supported under-$25,000 choice
iSeeCars names the 2021 CR-V its top reliable used small or compact SUV under $25,000. The same source reports a $24,788 average used price and an 8.0/10 reliability score for the model. These figures make the CR-V the clearest evidence-backed option near the top of this budget—not proof that it is the lowest-priced 2021 compact SUV. The ranking is reliability-focused within a budget band, rather than a direct comparison of identical-condition vehicles by price.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.Product dimension: 6.29 * 2.5 * 3 inches, Package weight: 0.48 pounds,Suitable for playing
- 2. High-Quality Materials and Strong Pull Back: Diecast automobile model, zinc alloy, plastic parts, rubber tires, detailed interior and exterior decoration. Install a strong pull-back device，Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward
- 3. Function: Side doors, hood and tailgate can be opened movably; Then press the two wheels of the front vehicle or open the front door to trigger the sound of engine and lamp
- 4. Best Gifts Toys: This 1 / 32 toy car is very suitable for children. The paint is fine and feels good. It's very heavy to carry. It is also very suitable for car model lovers as decoration
- 5. Accessories and collections: This product is very suitable for static accessories and can be used as an accessory next to a computer. For those who are passionate about collecting model car models, this is a great art collection.
Source: iSeeCars’ reliable used small SUVs under $25,000; model-year price and score data: iSeeCars’ best used cars analysis.
2. 2021 Mazda CX-5 — a lower reported average, with a non-matched comparison
iSeeCars reports a $22,176 average used price for the 2021 CX-5. That is below its reported $24,788 average for the 2021 CR-V, but the figures are not established here as a matched comparison controlling for mileage, trim, drivetrain, condition, title history or location. The same iSeeCars reliability list names the 2022 CX-5 next after the CR-V, with a reported $24,204 average used price and an 8.0/10 reliability score. That 2022 figure is for a different model year, so it should not be read as the 2021 CX-5’s price or as a direct 2021 matchup.
Rank #2
- Package size:7.09*3.43*3.55inch,package weight:0.68prounds,outer packing: exquisite color translucent packaging box.
- Premium Quality & Safety:The Die-cast car model pull back Toy Cars is made of alloy materials, rubber tires, which is high quality and performance, which can be used safely by children.
- Function: Engine sound and light. Press the two wheels of the front car to trigger the engine sound and lights, and open the door to trigger the lights of the front and rear lights.
- Ideal gift: Metal car is very suitable as birthday,Christmas gift,party decoration and cake decoration.
- Interesting pull back car: Put the car on the ground, press and hold the car body, then pull back, it will drive forward. Very funny.
Source: iSeeCars’ reliable used small SUVs under $25,000 and iSeeCars’ best used cars analysis.
3. Toyota RAV4 — a budget-list alternative without a verified 2021 average here
The RAV4 ranks fourth in iSeeCars’ under-$25,000 small-SUV reliability list. The available figures do not establish a current national average used price for a 2021 RAV4, so there is not enough evidence to position it against the CR-V or CX-5 by actual price. Treat its placement as a shortlist signal from that source’s scoring framework, then compare local 2021 listings.
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- High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
- Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
- Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
- Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.
For resale context only, an Associated Press report on Edmunds analysis says the RAV4 Hybrid retained 81.4% residual value after three years. That analysis compared average transaction prices for used 2023-model SUVs with their original MSRPs; it does not establish a 2021 used price or an apples-to-apples ranking against these other models. Source: Associated Press coverage of Edmunds’ residual-value analysis.
4. Subaru Forester — another under-$25,000 candidate
iSeeCars places the Forester fifth in its under-$25,000 small-SUV reliability ranking. A current national average used price for the 2021 Forester is not established by the available figures, so its rank here reflects inclusion as a relevant budget candidate, not a measured price position. Use local listings to judge whether a specific Forester is competitively priced.
Rank #4
- 【Realistic Opening Design】 Model car features four openable doors, a liftable engine hood and an openable trunk, restoring the classic appearance of Lexus LX570 SUV and allowing you to appreciate the internal structure details of the vehicle, which is very suitable for car model enthusiasts as decoration
- 【Smooth Driving Experience】 Our Lexus LX570 SUV toy car has a pull back function on the rear wheels. Simply press the body lightly, pull the car back a certain distance, and when released, the toy car will automatically move forward. Equipped with front-wheel steering function, high-quality rubber tires and four-wheel shock absorption system, ensuring stable and smooth movement on various flat surfaces.
- 【Three Versatile Modes】 The diecast alloy toy model car designed with three different usage modes to meet diverse play and display needs(Sound and Light Mode, Silent Steady-On Mode, Pure pull back mode), bringing rich and varied experience for both kids and collectors.
- 【Cool Light and Sound Effect】 Model car in divine light mode, press the front wheels or steering wheel to trigger vivid sound and light; the car logo and front and rear lights can be lit, enhancing the sense of reality and fun.
- 【Perfect Size for Display & Play】 Our die-casting model cars are very sturdy and finely crafted, making them perfect for gifting to car enthusiasts, children, or anyone who likes to use model cars as toys or collectibles;Body size is 21.4 x 8.2 x 8.2 cm (8.43 x 3.23 x 3.23 inches), package size is 25.3 x 12.3 x 10.5 cm (10 x 4.8 x 4.1 inches), compact and suitable for desktop display, collection or hands-on play.
Source: iSeeCars’ reliable used small SUVs under $25,000.
5. Hyundai Tucson — worth checking in lower-budget searches
iSeeCars includes the Tucson among leading vehicles in its under-$20,000 used-car band. That is a useful cue for shoppers searching “best used SUVs for 2026” at a lower budget, but it does not establish a current 2021 Tucson average or make it directly comparable with the under-$25,000 CR-V evidence.
Best Value
- PREMIUM DIE-CAST SET: Includes 5 classic car models (sedan, sports car, SUV, pickup, vintage beetle) in sleek black finish; each features realistic details and scaled to 1:36 for authentic play
- REALISTIC FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Every car has openable doors and pull-back mechanism; simply pull back and release to watch them zoom forward, sparking endless imaginative play for kids
- STURDY & SAFE MATERIALS: Made with durable alloy body and smooth ABS plastic parts; rounded edges and non-toxic paint ensure safe play for children aged 3+ years old
- PERFECT KID-SIZED SCALE: Each car measures 4.72" x 1.97" x 1.38", fitting comfortably in small hands; lightweight and compact for easy carrying to playdates, trips or parties
- VERSATILE GIFT & PLAY: Ideal as birthday, Christmas or party favors for boys and car enthusiasts; great for educational play, collection, or daily fun that sparks creativity and motor skills
Source: iSeeCars’ best used cars analysis.
6. Kia Sportage — a safety-screened used choice, with dated pricing
The joint 2024 IIHS and Consumer Reports used-vehicle recommendations include the 2020-or-newer Sportage and list a $14,400 value. That figure comes from Kelley Blue Book U.S. averages as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, for good-condition, typical-mileage private-party vehicles. It is not a current 2021 Sportage median or a 2026 asking-price estimate. The recommendation’s safety criteria also differ from iSeeCars’ price-band reliability ranking.
IIHS and Consumer Reports say qualifying vehicles met their stated IIHS crash-test conditions, had four or five NHTSA overall stars when rated, and Best Choices had standard automatic emergency braking with advanced or superior performance in the original vehicle-to-vehicle front crash-prevention test. Source: IIHS and Consumer Reports’ 2024 used-vehicle recommendations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the rankings and price figures do—and do not—tell you
iSeeCars describes its broader best-used rankings as weighing reliability, value retention and safety. Its reliability work is based on proprietary longevity research; its value-retention component statistically predicts five-year depreciation from MSRP, adjusted using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data; and its safety component uses recent NHTSA crash-test ratings and IIHS Top Safety Pick information. Those combined considerations are not the same thing as a price-only ranking.
Likewise, the figures above cannot be combined into one clean national price table: they come from different model years, budget bands, dates and measurement methods. The CR-V and CX-5 averages are iSeeCars figures; the Sportage value is a dated KBB private-party estimate; and the RAV4 Hybrid residual value is a separate analysis of three-year depreciation. None should be treated as a live quote for a particular vehicle.
How to compare 2021 SUV listings fairly
- Set a local price range. Search for 2021 vehicles in your area and note whether a listing price includes dealer fees or reflects a private-party sale. Do not substitute a national average for the price of a specific car.
- Match the vehicle details. Compare similar mileage, trim, drivetrain and equipment. A lower price can reflect a different configuration or condition, not a better deal.
- Review the vehicle history and condition. Check title and accident history, maintenance records, visible wear and the results of a pre-purchase inspection. Confirm recall status for the individual vehicle rather than assuming every example has the same history.
- Separate price from ownership fit. Consider passenger and cargo needs, fuel economy, safety equipment, reliability and expected resale value alongside the asking price. A ranking score cannot determine whether a vehicle suits your household.
- Compare the total cost. Include taxes, registration, financing and any immediate repairs or maintenance in your budget. A cheaper listing may cost more after purchase if it needs substantial work.
Which 2021 SUV should you shortlist?
Start with the CR-V if you want the clearest evidence-backed under-$25,000 compact-SUV candidate. Put the 2021 CX-5 on the comparison list if its lower reported average is reflected in comparable local examples. Consider the RAV4 and Forester as additional budget-list alternatives, and look at the Tucson for lower-budget searches; the Sportage recommendation offers separate, dated safety-screened context. The final price decision should come from comparing similar vehicles available near you, not combining unlike rankings into a universal league table.
Quick Recap
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